1. AAT Qualifications
  2. AAT Accounting Qualifications

AAT Accounting Qualifications

We offer four accounting qualifications, which each take between six and 18 months to complete. These qualifications provide training for a huge range of accounting and finance roles and are respected by employers worldwide.

  • Foundation Certificate in Accounting (Level 2)

  • Foundation Diploma in Accounting and Business (Level 2) (16–19-year-olds only)

 
You can start with any qualification depending on your existing skills and experience. If you already have some accounting experience, take the AAT Skillcheck test to find out the best qualification to start with.

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Course descriptions

Foundation Certificate in Accounting
Details

This qualification will prepare you for junior and entry-level accounting roles. It delivers a solid foundation in finance administration, covering areas such as double entry bookkeeping to basic costing principles and using accounting software.

Most students will start with this qualification.
Length 6–12 months
Level

Level 2 (Level 5 Scotland)
GCSE (grades A*–C)
Key Stage 5 Technical Certificate
Cost

Training provider fees: £600–£2000
AAT fees: £147 (£137 for international students)

Find a training provider

View course details

Foundation Diploma in Accounting and Business (16–19-year-olds only)
Details This qualification will prepare 16–19-year-olds for junior and entry-level accounting roles. It delivers a solid foundation in finance administration, covering areas such as double entry bookkeeping and basic costing principles, alongside complementary business communications and personal skills.
Length 6–12 months
Level

Level 2 (Level 5 Scotland)
GCSE (grades A*–C)
Key Stage 5 Technical Certificate
Cost

Training provider fees: £600–£2000
AAT fees: £147 (£137 for international students)

Find a training provider

View course details

Advanced Diploma in Accounting
Details

In this qualification you will master more complex accounting disciplines including financial processes, advanced bookkeeping, final accounts and ethical practices for accountants.

Achieve professional AAT Bookkeeper status
If you successfully complete this qualification, you can apply for AAT associate bookkeeping membership and achieve professional AATQB status.
Length 6–12 months
Level

Level 3 (Level 6 Scotland)
A Level /AS Level (grades A–E)
Key Stage 5 Technical Certificate
Cost

Training provider fees: £900–£2000
AAT fees: £147 (£137 for international students)

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Professional Diploma in Accounting
Details

In this qualification you will cover higher accounting tasks including drafting financial statements, managing budgets and evaluating financial performance, as well as optional specialist units including business tax, personal tax, external auditing, credit management, and cash and treasury management.

Achieve professional AAT Accountant status
If you successfully complete this qualification and fulfil our work experience requirements, you can apply for AAT full membership and achieve professional MAAT status.
Length 9–18 months
Level

Level 4 (Level 8 Scotland)
Foundation degree
Higher apprenticeship (Technical – Scotland)
High education diploma
HND and HNC
NVQ 4/5
Cost

Training provider fees: £1000–£3000
AAT fees: £147 (£137 for international students)

Find a training provider

View course details

Fees information

Training provider fees vary widely depending on the training provider and the amount of study materials and support provided.

Download a bespoke proposal for your employer

Training with AAT equips you and your employer with essential skills. That’s why many businesses are happy to contribute to AAT training costs and support study leave.

To help you demonstrate to your employer why it’s a great idea to fund your training, we’ve put together a proposal that you can present to them.

Boost your career

Achieve AAT Bookkeeper status

If you successfully complete the Advanced Diploma in Accounting, you can apply for AAT associate bookkeeping membership and become a professional AAT Bookkeeper (AATQB). Find out more about achieving professional AATQB status.

Achieve AAT Accountant status

When you successfully complete the Professional Diploma in Accounting and meet our work experience requirement, you can apply for AAT full membership and become a professional AAT Accountant (MAAT). Find out more about achieving professional MAAT status.

Contact us

If you would like advice on studying an AAT qualification speak to one of our helpful advisors on +44(0)20 3735 2434. Our lines are open Monday to Thursday 09.00–20.00 and Friday 09.00–17.00 UK time. You can also request a call back.

You can email us at customersupport@aat.org.uk

Get your free AAT prospectus

 

Why choose AAT?

Exciting career

People think of accountancy as dry, but it is anything but. Accounting roles are exceptionally diverse and deliver quality career opportunities. Read about 10 amazing jobs you can get with an accounting qualification. Financial management is at the heart of every business, so demand for accounting and finance skills is consistently high across all sectors.

 

Great employment prospects

AAT is a name that employers trust. Employers love AAT qualifications as they demonstrate you have the practical real-world skills they need. Our qualifications are developed in consultation with employers and will equip you with the key finance skills businesses are looking for.

 

Real value for money

Studying for any qualification is a commitment in terms of time and funding, so you want to be sure that your qualification offers you value for money. AAT qualifications are a quality investment for your career: they are highly respected and valued by employers, globally recognised, and provide the right type of skills for immediate employment.

 

Combine study with full-time work or a family

With AAT you don't have to put your life on hold while you study. Our flexible qualifications mean it’s easy to fit learning around your work, family, friends and leisure time. You can study full-time or part-time, from home, work or on the move. We work with the best training providers who will guide you through your training and forward into a successful career.

 

Achieve study success

Successful study requires discipline, focus and motivation, so we’re here to help you every step of the way. When you register as a student with AAT we provide you with exclusive access to award-winning revision materials, study resources and support. This includes webinars, Green Light tests, practice assessments, e-learning modules, real-life scenarios, key calculations and much, much more.

We also have a worldwide student community providing support and advice on Twitter @YourAAT, our Facebook page and our discussion forums, to help you get the most out of your studies.