Accountancy Courses

AAT qualifications are recognised nationally and internationally. They provide a practical route to accountancy and are an ideal starting point for people wanting to gain a recognised accounting qualification.

The qualifications are based on nationally agreed standards of competence – the skills and knowledge necessary to fulfil an accounting role.

The AAT Diploma Pathway

The AAT Accounting Diploma is designed to give you the relevant and practical skills to do a wide range of accounting and finance jobs.

The Diploma pathway has three levels

1. Level 2 Certificate for Accounting Technicians
2. Level 3 Diploma for Accounting Technicians
3. Level 4 Diploma for Accounting Technicians

Completion of the Diploma pathway results in the award of the AAT Diploma in Accounting.

AAT Level 2 Certificate for Accounting Technicians

This is an ideal starting point for a school-leaver, someone returning to the workplace or someone who has not studied for a while. It covers the principles of double entry bookkeeping (purchase and sales ledgers and preparing trial balances) and includes personal effectiveness skills.

The next MOL AAT Level 2 Certificate for Accounting Technicians course start date is 6th August 2009.

AAT Level 3 Diploma for Accounting Technicians

This is more suited to someone with previous accounting or finance experience, relevant qualifications (A-levels) and the confidence to start at a slightly higher level.

The programme covers

• advanced bookkeeping skills (depreciation, prepayments and accruals)
• analysing costs and revenues
• final accounts for sole traders and partnerships

The next MOL AAT Level 3 Diploma for Accounting Technicians (Fast Track) course start date is 2nd September 2009.

AAT Level 4 Diploma for Accounting Technicians

This is a suitable starting level for someone with advanced knowledge and skills (such as an accounting degree), which may enable exemption from the AAT Level 3 Diploma for Accounting Technicians. Eligibility for exemptions would have to be evaluated by MOL prior to commencement on the Level 4 Diploma for Accounting Technicians.

The programme covers skills in cost analysis, resource allocation, forecasting and budgetary planning, limited company accounts managing people and systems within the workplace a selection of specialised options

• personal taxation
• business taxation
• auditing

Assessment methods

Exams are set and marked by the AAT, and test the application of knowledge and understanding.

Paper based exam sittings take place in December and June.

Skills tests evaluate the ability to perform practical activities, eg processing accounting data using a computer. Skills tests take place throughout the year as part of the course.

Online, computer based examinations are available for the Level 2 Certificate for Accounting Technicians and the Level 3 Diploma for Accounting Technicians.

The computer based examinations can be taken throughout the year. Dates for computer based examinations will be provided within the overall Programme Outline.