Accounting and bookkeeping qualifications for your staff
A qualification to fit everyone
What skills does your finance team need?
We award 80% of all vocational accounting and finance qualifications in the UK. More than 80,000 people a year across all industries worldwide train for AAT qualifications.
Train your staff with us
Professional growth is vital for your employees. You can help by providing opportunities for staff to develop the knowledge, skills and resources to be successful in their role and career. Quality employer support increases employee engagement, motivation and job satisfaction and plays a key role in talent retention.
We'll help you support your finance staff, enabling them to be the best they can be for themselves, for the growth of your business and to raise accountancy standards.
AAT Accounting Qualifications
Our internationally recognised accounting qualifications are based on real-world accounting knowledge that your staff can use from day one. Each takes six to 18 months to complete.
Foundation Certificate in Accounting
A foundation in finance, covering areas like double-entry bookkeeping, basic costing principles and accounting software.
How long it takes: 6–12 months
Level 2 (Level 5 in Scotland)
Foundation Diploma in Accounting and Business
For 16–19-year-olds only, teaching double-entry bookkeeping, basic costing principles, business communications and personal skills.
How long it takes: 6–12 months
Level 2 (Level 5 in Scotland)
Advanced Diploma in Accounting
For mastering complex accounting disciplines including financial processes, advanced bookkeeping, final accounts and ethics.
How long it takes: 6–12 months
Level 3 (Level 6 in Scotland)
Professional Diploma in Accounting
Higher accounting tasks, qualifying for a range of senior finance roles as well as AAT full membership (MAAT).
How long it takes: 9–18 months
Level 4 (Level 8 in Scotland)
Advanced Award in GCC Value Added Tax
Available only in UAE and Bahrain, teaching skills and knowledge needed to comply with the VAT requirements in those countries.
How long it takes: 9–18 months
Level 3
Students can start with any qualification depending on their existing skills and experience. If they already have some accounting experience, they should take the AAT Skillcheck test to find out the best qualification to start with.
AAT Bookkeeping Qualifications
These short qualifications will train your staff in both manual and computerised bookkeeping. Each qualification takes just six to 12 weeks to complete.
Access Award in Bookkeeping
For those with no prior accounting knowledge: a basic entry-level bookkeeping qualification for a solid grounding in single-entry bookkeeping.
How long it takes: 6–12 weeks
Level 1
Access Award in Accounting Software
Entry-level qualification for a perfect starting point in basic finance and administrative duties using accounting software packages.
How long it takes: 6 weeks
Level 1
Foundation Certificate in Bookkeeping
Skills and essential knowledge like manual double-entry bookkeeping, up to Trial Balance standard.
How long it takes: 12 weeks
Level 2
Foundation Award in Accounting Software
Building on existing knowledge of accounting software packages, plus entering accounting transactions and producing reports.
How long it takes: 6 weeks
Level 2
Advanced Certificate in Bookkeeping
For experienced bookkeepers: double-entry bookkeeping, financial statements, intermediate spreadsheets and software use.
How long it takes: 6 months
Level 3
AAT business skills qualification
Access Award in Business Skills
Basic accounting techniques and principles, an understanding of the business environment and how to prepare for the world of work.
How long it takes: 12 weeks
Level 1
Why choose AAT qualifications for your staff?
Internationally recognised qualifications
AAT qualifications are internationally recognised and based on practical accounting knowledge your staff can use from day one.
Our AAT Accounting Qualifications are a professional, highly respected sign of commitment and excellence. Our bookkeeping and small business qualifications work for employees and employers alike, delivering key business skills.
A sound investment
AAT training is superb value for money: our qualifications are designed to the highest industry standards and deliver practical accounting and finance skills to meet today's challenges. When budgets are tight, businesses should always invest in their accounting staff. An efficient, lean and motivated finance team will make a real difference to the bottom line.
Flexible learning
AAT courses are designed to fit around your needs and minimise disruption to your team. With full-time or part-time courses, day release and evening study, and online distance learning, our flexible study options mean your staff can study when it's most convenient.
Practical finance skills
We consult with major employers throughout the qualifications development process. This ensures that our qualifications deliver practical, relevant accounting skills specifically designed to meet the needs of business. AAT students gain industry-ready skills from day one, so they'll add value to your finance team straight away, even before they're qualified.
Excellent progression opportunities
Our AAT accounting qualifications offer progression from entry-level accounting basics up to specialist financial knowledge for managerial roles. Our qualifications are accessible to everyone: each qualification builds on knowledge and skills gained in the previous one, giving thorough coverage of the subject area. When students complete the AAT Professional Diploma in Accounting they can progress to chartered accountancy.
Pass rates and study support
Our AAT Approved training providers work hard to deliver excellent pass rates for AAT students, offering a range of tutor support, materials and online resources. We also provide students with extensive e-learning and study support, including sample assessments to test their knowledge and skills. Our online resources can be accessed via a student's MyAAT account.
Supporting your staff through full-time study
Full-time AAT courses are a big commitment, but students often qualify sooner than part-time students or distance learners.
Employers have a key role in helping staff with their on-the-job learning.
Provide time and space to study: many organisations find that giving their staff paid study leave to attend classes, revise or sit assessments boosts their study success.
Work experience and mentoring: shadowing colleagues, and placements or job swaps in different departments gives students the chance to master the skills they've learned during AAT training. Appointing a mentor for AAT students can also help their confidence and understanding as they train.
Allow time to attend AAT branch events and other specialist events: students can take part in a wide range of courses and events at our regional branches. Many of these focus on specific topics and relevant issues, such as tax changes after the Budget or new financial legislation.
Contact us about
AAT training for your staff
Speak to one of our helpful advisors on
+44 (0)20 3735 2434. You can also email us or request a call back.
Our lines are open Monday to Friday 09.00–17.00 UK time.