The AAT Accounting Qualification gives you the skills to work in a wide range of accounting and finance positions. The course is extremely flexible and open to all, regardless of your age, experience or qualifications.

View the detailed guide to the AAT Accounting Qualification.

There are two routes to the qualification: the NVQ/SVQ pathway and the Diploma pathway. Both routes lead to the same AAT Accounting Qualification. However they are assessed slightly differently.

NVQ/SVQ
If you already work in a financial role because you’ll be asked to provide real life work examples for your course assessments. If you don't work in finance, simulations of work-based situations will be provided as part of your course.

Diploma
Course assessments on the Diploma pathway are simulations based on the workplace, which is useful whether or not you work in finance.

Once you've chosen a training provider, ask them which pathway they offer and which would be best for your circumstances.

Each pathway is split into 3 levels. Each level consists of several units. The levels are qualifications in their own right, and completing all three levels leads to the full AAT Accounting Qualification.

This is an outline of the structure and skills you can expect to develop:

1. Foundation (NVQ Level 2) / AAT Level 2 Certificate for Accounting Technicians (QCF) - equivalent to GCSE’s grade A-C
   Skills learned:
   Administrative processes. Double entry bookkeeping. Accounting systems. Purchase, sales and general ledgers.  


2. Intermediate (NVQ Level 3) / AAT Level 3 Diploma for Accounting Technicians (QCF) - equivalent to  A levels
   Skills learned:
   Administrative and management processes. Preparing final accounts for small businesses. Cost accounting recording. Preparing reports and returns. 


3. Technician (NVQ/SVQ Level 4) / AAT Level 4 Diploma for Accounting Technicians (QCF) - equivalent to 2nd year of a degree
   Skills learned:
   Complex management accounting tasks and general management skills. Drafting financial statements. Specialisation in specific subject areas. 

Exemptions
If you already have relevant experience or qualifications you can join the AAT Accounting Qualification at a higher level. Download and complete our Skillscheck questionnaire and take it to your chosen college for more advice:

Skillcheck questionnaire