Accounting qualifications

Internationally recognised and trusted.

Jobs in accounting are extremely diverse and deliver exciting career opportunities, and studying an AAT accounting qualification will ensure you have the skills and experience that employers need. Some of our accounting qualifications offer a route into becoming an AAT professional member, and are a stepping stone toward university, chartered accountancy or being your own boss.

We offer three accounting qualifications, each of which takes six to 18 months to complete.

Students can start with any qualification depending on their existing skills and experience. If they already have some accounting experience, they should use AAT Skillcheck to find out which qualification is right for them.

Accounting qualifications explained

Get a complete introduction to our popular accounting qualifications.

Our highly established, industry recognised accounting qualifications cover three different levels of skills and knowledge. Typical job roles and salary expectations vary according to the level of qualification – take a look at the qualification that interests you to find out more.

Level 2 Certificate in Accounting

Level 2 Certificate in Accounting

How long it takes on average: 6–12 months, depending on the student and mode of study

Level 2 (Level 6 in Scotland)

Typical job opportunities: accounts administrator, accounts assistant, trainee accounting technician

Read more and register

Level 3 Diploma in Accounting

Level 3 Diploma in Accounting

How long it takes on average: 6–12 months, depending on the student and mode of study

Level 3 (Level 7 in Scotland)

Typical job opportunities: accounts payable clerk, assistant accountant, audit trainee, bookkeeper, credit controller, finance assistant, payroll administrator, tax assistant

This qualification can be used as a route to AAT bookkeeping membership (AATQB).

Read more and register

Level 4 Diploma in Professional Accounting

Level 4 Diploma in Professional Accounting

How long it takes on average: 12–18 months, depending on the student and mode of study

Level 4 (Level 8 in Scotland)

Typical job opportunities: accounts payable and expenses supervisor, assistant financial accountant, commercial analyst, cost accountant, payroll manager, senior bookkeeper, senior finance officer, tax supervisor

This qualification can be used as a route to AAT full membership (MAAT).

Read more and register

What job will you discover?

What job will you discover?

Finance is at the heart of every business, so demand for accounting and finance skills will never go away. With an AAT accounting qualification on your CV, you can build an exciting career in virtually any industry.

See what it’s like to be an accountant

Become a MAAT
Become a MAAT

Once you complete the AAT Level 4 Diploma in Professional Accounting, you can apply to become an AAT full member and use the designatory letters MAAT after your name, telling employers and clients you've proven your expertise.

Progress to become chartered
Progress to become chartered

By studying with AAT, you’ll gain exemptions from all of the UK's chartered accountancy bodies, so you can achieve chartered status more quickly than by following the university path.

Become an AAT licensed member

Become an AAT licensed member

By studying AAT, you can progress to become an AAT licensed member and run your own accounting or bookkeeping practice.

Learn how you can be your own boss