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.

If you’re a new student or have yet to start your level, start the new Q2022 syllabus.

If you are midway through your AQ16 level studies when Q2022 is launched, you can transfer over to the new qualification. However, there are some transition rules to be aware of, continue to our transitional rules section below to help you decide or contact us if you need some advice.

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. Therefore, if you stand to lose significant exam passes, we recommend you continue on AQ2016 until you have finished your level.
• 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. However, for students transferring from AQ2016 to Q2022 we’re now able to offer a transitional fee, in place of the one-off registration fee, as outlined below:
  • AQ2016 Foundation Certificate/Diploma in Accounting to Q2022 Level 2: £50
  • AQ2016 Advanced Diploma in Accounting to Q2022 Level 3: £75
  • A2016 Professional Diploma in Accounting to Q2022 Level 4: £100

  This new transition fee will be effective from 1 September 2022 until 30 September 2023

• Students must have an active AAT student membership and have successfully achieved at least one assessment on the qualification they wish to transfer.

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 fees for students wishing to transition to Q2022 are detailed above. Assessment fees will still apply for each exam.