How quickly can I complete AAT?

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AAT is a great qualification, especially as you can start it with no prior knowledge or qualifications, and it’s relatively quick to complete. But just how fast can you realistically get through the levels? Read on to find out more.

First, what is AAT?

AAT, or Association of Accounting Technicians, is the accounting body for accounting professionals. The AAT qualification is one of the most popular accounting qualifications. It is made up of three levels: Level 2, Level 3, and Level 4. There is also a Bookkeeping level which takes certain subjects from Level 2 and Level 3 to create a Bookkeeping qualification.

Level 2 Certificate in Accounting

This is the beginning of your AAT journey – and you can start at this level with little or no experience. The only recommendations are that you have good maths, IT, and English skills.

There are four compulsory units:

  • Introduction to Bookkeeping (ITBK)
  • Principles of Bookkeeping Controls (POBC)
  • Principles of Costing (PCTN)
  • The Business Environment (BESY)

To progress at a healthy pace, the average study hours per week is 6-8. So you can achieve Level 2 Certificate in Accounting in around 31 weeks.

Level 3 Diploma in Accounting

Level 3 builds on what you’ve learnt at Level 2. Ideally you should have passed Level 2 before you start, but there are exemptions if you’re working in a relevant accounting role, or have relevant A Levels. You need to have a good knowledge of double entry bookkeeping as well.

There are four compulsory units:

  • Financial Accounting: Preparing Financial Statements (FAPS)
  • Management Accounting Techniques (MATS
  • Tax Processes for Businesses (TPFB)
  • Business Awareness (BUAW)

To progress at a healthy pace, the average study hours per week is 8. So you can achieve Level 3 Diploma in Accounting in around 50 weeks.

Level 4 Diploma in Professional Accounting

Level 4 is the hardest level and you have to have passed Level 3 to start it. It builds on your prior knowledge and you can choose two optional units in subjects that interest you. It’s the beginning of specialising, if that’s what you want to do.

There are three compulsory units:

  • Drafting and Interpreting of Financial Statements (DAIF)
  • Applied Management Accounting (AMAC)
  • Internal Accounting Systems and Controls (INAC)

And five optional units – you can choose two:

  • Business Tax (BNTA)
  • Personal Tax (PNTA)
  • Audit and Assurance (AUDT)
  • Cash and Financial Management (CSFT)
  • Credit and Debt Management (CRDM)

On average it takes around 12-18 months to complete AAT Level 4.

Study tips for all levels

As with any exams, there’s a lot to consider, and work through, to make sure you pass. So here’s a few pointers to help you, no matter what level you’re at.

1. Avoid cramming. If there’s a lot to learn, you don’t have time to absorb it in a short period of time. Make sure you plan your studies, giving yourself enough time to learn and understand the material.

2. Practice. Get into the habit of practising exam questions in an exam situation – ie. timed, with only the resources you’re allowed, and in a quiet environment.

3. Tackle the tough stuff. It’s easier to study the subjects we like or find easy, it’s the difficult topics we tend to avoid. But you need to know everything to pass your exam so make sure you put the time into the bits you don’t like.

4. Mind maps and mnemonics. Try different ways of remembering information – such as mind maps or clever ways to retain knowledge. A mnemonic is a tool that helps you remember a phrase or information by using a pattern of letters. For example Richard Of York Gave Battle In Vain is a way to remember the colours of the rainbow. Red Orange Yellow Green Blue Indigo Violet. Great for remembering lists!

5. Learn everything. Sounds a bit dramatic, but students with a good broad range of knowledge will do much better than those that focus on one particular area. In the case of AAT it’s better to be good in all subjects than to be an expert in one.

Interested in AAT?

Have a look at our AAT page, and try it free for 7 days, just to make sure it’s the right qualification for you.

Source: aat.org.uk