1. Achieve professional status
  2. Become an AAT bookkeeping member (AATQB)

Become an AAT bookkeeping member (AATQB)

If your goal is to become a bookkeeper, then applying for AAT bookkeeping membership after you qualify is an important step in your career. Becoming an AAT bookkeeping member (AATQB) marks your first step into the world of finance and will help you stand out to clients or employers.

As an AAT bookkeeping member, you can:

  • use your designatory AATQB letters after your name
  • join a nationwide community of peers to expand your professional network
  • build your technical knowledge with access to a wide range of resources designed to support your professional development
  • gain access to career tools that can help you to secure your next big role or promotion
  • apply to run your own business as an AAT Licensed Bookkeeper.

Find out more about the benefits of AAT bookkeeping membership

Start your application
 

How to become an AAT bookkeeping member

There are three ways to become an AAT bookkeeping member.

1. Study AAT bookkeeping qualifications

You can become an AATQB by studying our bookkeeping qualifications. We offer five qualifications - these are split between manual bookkeeping and computerised accounting software.

If you are starting with an introductory qualification, it could take as little as 10 to 12 months to complete all three levels. However, most students start their studies with a Foundation qualification, so could take even less time.

If you already have some bookkeeping experience, depending on your knowledge and skills you might be able to start your studies with the Advanced qualification.

  • Access Award in Bookkeeping (Level 1)

  • Access Award in Accounting Software (Level 1)
  • Foundation Certificate in Bookkeeping (Level 2)
  • Foundation Certificate in Accounting Software (Level 2)

  • Advanced Certificate in Bookkeeping and Ethics (Level 3)

How to apply

When you successfully complete the Advanced Certificate in Bookkeeping and Ethics (Level 3) you can apply for AAT bookkeeping membership and achieve professional AATQB status. This includes a "Fit and proper" assessment to ensure you meet our membership requirements.

If you started the AAT Advanced Certificate in Bookkeeping and Ethics before September 2016, you will need to sit the additional Indirect Tax unit to be eligible. 

Please contact us for further details on +44(0)20 3735 2468 or customersupport@aat.org.uk

Apply now

2. Study AAT Accounting Qualifications

You can achieve AATQB status by studying AAT Accounting Qualifications. The training can take as little as 1–2 years to complete. We offer four AAT Accounting Qualifications:

  • Level 2 Certificate in Accounting (Foundation)
  • Level 2 Diploma in Accounting and Business (Foundation) – for 16–19-year-olds
  • Level 3 Diploma in Accounting (Advanced)
  • Level 4 Diploma in Accounting (Professional)

How to apply

Students who have successfully completed the following Accounting Qualifications will be eligible to apply for AAT associate bookkeeping membership and achieve professional AATQB status:

  • Level 3 Diploma in Accounting (Advanced)
  • Level 4 Diploma in Accounting (Professional)

This includes a "Fit and proper" assessment to ensure you meet our membership requirements.

Once you are an AATQB you can continue your accounting studies or complete your work experience to achieve full AAT membership (MAAT). 

Apply now

 

3. As a member of another recognised body

You can become an AATQB if you hold a recognised bookkeeping qualification or professional ICB or IAB membership. Other qualifications will be assessed on a discretionary basis. Your application will include a "Fit and proper" assessment to ensure you meet our membership requirements.

Find out more about joining from another body

Next steps

Contact us

If you'd like advice on studying an AAT qualification or on AAT professional membership, speak to one of our helpful advisors on +44(0)20 3735 2434. Our lines are open Monday to Friday 09.00–17.00 UK time.

You can email us at customersupport@aat.org.uk or request a call back.