FAQs

In 2022, the AAT will be launching their new bookkeeping and accounting qualification, Q2022.

Periodically the AAT updates their qualification as it needs to reflect the current and future business environment, and also the needs of employers and the industry.

This ensures that our students are prepared for these changes and the impact it has on accountancy.

The AAT has spent a considerable amount of time devising Q2022 so that it meets the needs of their students. They have also ensured that it is future proof for the evolving environment we work and live in, but more importantly, it prepares Accounting Technicians for the skills that are required within the workplace.

The AAT has introduced four key themes: Technology, Ethics, Sustainability and Communication which feature throughout the Level 2, Level 3 and Level 4 qualification.

*There are now only four units under the Level 2 Qualification:

• Using Accounting Software unit is no longer examined under Q2022.
• Students will still need to complete a Level 2 synoptic Business Environment, which replaces Working Effectively in Finance.

* Guided Learning Hours have increased from 240 (AQ16) to 255 (Q2022).

*There are now only four units under the Level 3 Qualification:

• Advanced Bookkeeping (AVBK) and Final Accounts Preparation (FAPR) are now being examined as one unit.
• Financial Accounting under Q2022.
• A new unit Business Awareness has been introduced which includes ethics.
• Management Accounting Techniques will start to examine spreadsheets within this unit.
• No synoptic exam sits within the Level 3 Qualification.

* Guided Learning Hours have increased from 390 (AQ16) to 400 (Q2022).

COMPULSORY UNITS
*There are now only three compulsory units under the Level 4 Qualification:

• Management Accounting: Budgeting (MABU) and Management Accounting: Decision &
  Controls (MDCL) are now being examined as one unit Applied Management Accounting
  under Q2022.
• No synoptic exam sits within the Level 4 Qualification.
• Accounting Systems & Controls which formed part of the PDSY exam under AQ16 will still be
  examined as a standalone unit, Internal Accounting Systems & Controls.
• No synoptic exam sits within the Level 4 Qualification.

* Guided Learning Hours have reduced from 300 (AQ16) to 270 (Q2022).

OPTIONAL UNITS
*There are no significant changes with the five optional units.

ACA EXEMPTIONS
*We are awaiting confirmation from the AAT that students who sit Business Tax, Personal Tax and Audit & Assurance will still receive exemptions from the ACA.

The key message from Eagle is that, for now, you should continue and complete your current level on the AQ16 version.

If you are midway through your AQ16 level studies when Q2022 is launched, you can transfer over to the new qualification.

However, due to content changes with the qualification, there is no direct transfer between AQ16 and A2022. We recommend that you refer to transition rules to fully understand the implications involved if you do decide to transfer midway through your qualification level.

Whilst it’s not ours, nor the AAT’s, recommended course of action, students are able to transfer over to Q2022 whilst they are part way through their AQ16 qualification level. However, it’s important that you are aware of the following:

• Not all units are transferable, so despite successfully completing them you will simply lose them once you have transferred over e.g. UACS and FSYA do not have equivalents in the new Q2022.
• Of those units that are transferable to Q2022, the maximum mark you will be awarded is 70%. For individuals aiming for a distinction under Q2022, this is not ideal as you would need to sit the equivalent unit to gain the higher mark.
• The AAT student annual membership will no longer exist under Q2022 as you will need to pay a one-off up-front fee for each Level. There is no dispensation for students who transfer over from AQ16 whilst mid-way through their annual membership.

We are here to support you, regardless of the decision you make. We’re more than happy to discuss your options and the best decision for you.

If your annual membership is due whilst studying your AQ16 qualification, you will need to renew it in the normal way. Otherwise, you risk your membership lapsing and you won’t be able to sit your exams.

When you start a new level on the 2022 qualification, you will find annual membership no longer exists. Instead, there will be an upfront fee for each specific level which gives you membership for the duration whilst studying for that level. The AAT are still to confirm what the fees will be for each level. Assessment fees will still apply for each exam.