Exemptions for AAT qualifications

What are exemptions?

If you can provide evidence of gaining a previous, relevant qualification from an external awarding body, you may not have to sit all AAT assessments.

We believe that if you have already studied qualification units featuring the same content, you should not need to duplicate work. This means you can fast track on the most appropriate AAT qualification.

You may be eligible for exemptions if you have:

Previous finance or accounting qualifications
An accounting or finance degree

Previous finance or accounting qualifications

If you have a recognised accounting or finance qualification with an external awarding body, follow the steps below to apply for an exemption with AAT:

Step 1. Check your eligibility

If you have a previous qualification, this may mean you are exempt from sitting some AAT assessments. Use our exemptions navigator below to see if your previous qualification offers you any exemptions.

Use the exemptions navigator

You can also check the exemptions list for AAT qualifications (PDF) which covers all of the accepted qualifications and units.

Read the AAT exemptions policy 2016 (PDF) and the FAQs on exemptions (PDF) for further information.

Step 2. Submit evidence to AAT

If your qualification is on the list - you will need to email a scanned copy of your certificate to customersupport@aat.org.uk. This is used as evidence to gain an exemption.
If your qualification is not on the list - you will need to contact your training provider. They will submit evidence of any previous qualification to us on your behalf - AAT will review the application and make a decision.

Step 3. Pay exemption fee

Our membership support team will provide you with details on how to pay the exemption fee - this can be done online or over the phone.

You will pay a fee for each exemption you apply for:

Each exemption fee is the same as the equivalent assessment fee
The fee covers the administrative costs of applying the exemption

AAT full membership (MAAT)

If you are studying a qualification with, or are a member of, another accounting professional body you may also be eligible to become an AAT full member. This means you can use the letters MAAT after your name. Read about the benefits of AAT full membership and how to apply.

An accounting or finance degree

If you have completed a recognised accounting or finance related degree with one of our partner universities below, you may be eligible to apply for exemptions for the Level 4 AAT Professional Diploma in Accounting.

Universities partnered with AAT

Birmingham City University
University of Chester
Coventry University College
Edge Hill University
University of Glamorgan
University of Hull
Liverpool John Moores University
Northumbria University
Middlesex University
University of Portsmouth
London South Bank University
University of Wolverhampton

If your university is not listed above, ask your course administrator to contact AAT's regional account managers to arrange a meeting.

AAT full membership (MAAT)

If you have an accounting or finance degree you may also be eligible to become an AAT full member and use the letters MAAT after your name. Read about the benefits of AAT full membership and how to apply.

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