How long it takes to study

Expect to spend around a year at on each level.

• If you’re a school leaver, this would probably mean three years to qualify as you’ll start at Level 2.

• If you have previous accounting experience, you might complete training in two years or less.

• If your situation changes, you might be able to take a study break for up to three years – any longer and you may need to retake parts of the qualification.

• You should plan to spend three hours a week outside of class for each learning and assessment area you’re studying, then increase it in the run-up to assessments when you’re revising.

• Don’t forget, you can also draw on a wealth of further AAT support.

Do I need prior qualifications?

All you need is an aspiration to achieve - AAT only ask that you’re confident with numbers and that you can complete assessments and written projects in English. If you do have any relevant school or college qualifications, a degree or some accounting experience, these will still be a help. You might even be able to start with AAT at a higher level.

What’s the best level at which to start training?

It all depends on your qualifications and accounting experience. If you can show competence in some skills, you might not need to complete every learning and assessment area. Once you’ve found an AAT approved training provider that sounds right for you, contact them to talk about your course options. To prepare for this meeting, complete the online AAT Skillcheck [New Window] questionnaire, which evaluates your current skills and experience, and recommends a starting level.

What you’ll learn

The AAT Accounting Qualification is divided into three levels, each providing you with a new set of skills underpinned by knowledge.

Each qualification level is made up of several learning and assessment areas, and at the final level you’ll have the option to tailor your training. Every level is a qualification in its own right, and completing the final level leads to the full AAT Accounting Qualification.

You don’t need previous qualifications or experience to study with us, but if you have them you could begin at a higher level. AAT Skillcheck [New Window] is a short online test which evaluates your skills and knowledge, and recommends a starting level which you can talk through with your chosen training provider.

What’s the best level at which to start training?

It all depends on your qualifications and accounting experience. If you can show competence in some skills, you might not need to complete every learning and assessment area. Once you’ve found an AAT approved training provider that sounds right for you, contact them to talk about your course options. To prepare for this meeting, complete the online AAT Skillcheck questionnaire, which evaluates your current skills and experience, and recommends a starting level.

To start your training, you’ll need to choose and enroll with an AAT approved training provider, then register with us.

All AAT training providers have to meet the stringent standards for approval, with training quality ensured by regular and frequent checks.

You can choose from a wide variety of locations and types, from further education colleges to private training providers.

• Which training provider is right for me?

• Flexible options for AAT training

Which training provider is right for me?

You can find an AAT approved training provider in your area online and call them to discuss your options. Once you’ve short listed your training providers, consider these questions:

1. What type of training do they offer – full-time, part-time or distance learning?

2. Which levels of the AAT qualification are taught at each training provider?

3. What books, assessments and other items does the course fee cover?

More tips on finding the right AAT approved training provider for you

Flexible options for training

With AAT you can study full-time, part-time, from home or online. You can find an AAT approved training provider in your area online that offers your preferred type of training.

Full-time

Studying full-time at an AAT approved training provider may suit you if you don’t work full-time. Full-time AAT students often qualify sooner than part-time or home based students.

Part-time

If you have a full-time job you may want to train for the qualification part-time. If you work in accountancy or finance, you’ll be able to practice your new skills at work, as soon as you gain them. Your work-life balance is important so AAT will provide you with some tips – as part of your student support - to help you get the most of out of your study time.

Distance learning

Distance learning allows you to train from home, choose where and when to study, and set your own pace. But you won’t be sent your textbooks then left on your own –the AAT approved training providers offer a variety of tools to help you succeed. These include

• online live classrooms where you can ask questions and speak to other students

• online revision seminars

• e-learning.

Most AAT approved training providers will also assign you a tutor for any questions you have. 

Online learning

Online learning offers you the classroom experience direct from your computer. You can study in real time, interacting with your tutor and classmates, or log in at your convenience to watch a recorded class.

To demonstrate the skills you’ve developed during your training, you’ll be assessed using the flexible and practical computer based assessments (CBAs).

Agreed with your training provider, you’ll sit assessments as and when you’re ready. Your understanding of many learning and assessment areas is measured using formal tests, marked automatically and with provisional results available straight away.

Some learning and assessment areas use other computer-administered methods, including projects, reports and workplace evidence. These are marked by your training provider and you’ll normally have the results within six weeks.