Unfinished AQ2016 Level 4 qualification: resume your studies

The AQ2016 qualifications suite was withdrawn on 30 September 2023.

If you’re looking to continue your studies, you can complete your Level 4 qualification by registering for the equivalent Level 4 Diploma in Professional Accounting (Q2022) qualification, where you may be eligible to transfer some units.

Please note: the deadline to register for the Level 4 Diploma in Professional Accounting is Monday 31 August 2026. Once you’ve registered, you’ll have until 31 July 2028 to complete the qualification.

Registering on the Level 4 Diploma in Professional Accounting (Q2022)

You'll pay a one-off registration fee*, giving you:

• access to study support resources through the AAT Lifelong Learning Portal
• access to our community events
• the ability to sit assessments.

*Please note that individual assessment fees also apply. See the Qualification fees and funding page.

View for further information and how to register on the AAT Level 4 Diploma in Professional Accounting.

Check if your completed assessments will transfer

Some of your AQ2016 achievements may transfer over to Q2022. To view your completed AQ2016 units access your statement of achievement to understand which assessments can be transferred.

Next check the Level 4 Diploma in Professional Accounting (Q2022) Transitional arrangements document (PDF), which will show which assessments transfer over and which ones you will need to complete.

Assessments completed before AQ2016

No AAT achievements prior to AQ2016 (AQ2010, AQ2013 NVQ) can be transferred over to Q2022.

Exemptions and recognition of prior learning

The option of recognition of prior learning (RPL) remains open, capped at 50% of the total assessments as per the exemption rules.

Please note if you are using RPL then you must have achieved a minimum of one assessment on Q2022. An RPL exemption on its own will not count towards meeting the transfer requirements.

See the Exemptions and recognition of prior learning page.

Exemptions for those who've completed units with other awarding organisations will be applied. This means exemptions are capped at 50% of the total number of assessments, and as such, only a minimum pass mark of 70% can be achieved when the result is recorded.

If you've completed units with other bodies use the exemptions checker to see whether you're exempt from sitting any AAT assessments.

The combination of RPL and exemptions must not exceed 50% of the total number of assessments (if there are an odd number of assessments, round up).

If you’ve failed an assessment, RPL or exemption applications will not be available for a period of two years from the date of the failed assessment.