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  2. AAT Accounting Courses (The AAT Accounting Qualification)
  3. Foundation Diploma in Accounting and Business – Level 2

Foundation Diploma in Accounting and Business – Level 2

How long will the qualification take?

This qualification will usually take around one year to complete, but this will depend on study method and course timetable. It may be possible to complete this qualification in as little as six months.

What you'll learn

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.

You will learn finance, accountancy, business and communications skills. For full details of what you’ll learn read the qualification specification.

Most students will start at Foundation level. Find out if you should start here by taking the AAT Skillcheck test.

Syllabus

  • Bookkeeping Transactions
  • Bookkeeping Controls
  • Elements of Costing
  • Using Accounting Software
  • Work Effectively in Finance
  • Business Communications and Personal Skills
  • Developing Lifelong Learning Skills 
  • Introduction to Business and Company Law 
  • Introduction to Payroll

For a closer look at the syllabus read the AAT course prospectus.

What jobs can you do with this qualification?

AAT Qualifications are recognised by employers as practical and technical qualifications that prepare students for the world of work and for working specifically in accountancy and finance roles. Find out more about where AAT can take you in your career.

The Foundation Certificate in Accounting and Business can lead to employment as:

  • Accounts Administrator
  • Accounts Assistant
  • Accounts Payable Clerk
  • Bookkeeper
  • Payroll Administrator
  • Payroll Officer
  • Purchase/Sales Ledger Clerk
  • Tax Assistant/Trainee
  • Trainee Accounts Technician

Cost

Training provider fees

£600–£2,000

This fee covers your tuition (if attending a course of study) and is paid directly to your training provider.

Standard qualification fee

The standard qualification fee comprises:

  • a registration fee of £149
  • seven assessment fees of £47 each
  • one synoptic assessment fee of £50.

This gives a total of £528.

Your registration fee is paid directly to AAT and will give you access to:

  • the qualification and the assessment for 12 months
  • study support resources for the duration of your registration.

You will be required to pay the assessment fee to your training provider or assessment venue.

Note: training providers and assessment venues may charge an additional administrative fee for the assessment. The administrative fee, if charged, can vary from one organisation to another. 

Download a list of all fees in PDF.

Funding

Check the funding options available.

Details

Level Level 2 (Level 5 Scotland)
GCSE (grades A*–C)
Key Stage 5 Technical Certificate
Total credits 34
Guided learning hours 240

What next?

The accountancy skills developed by studying this qualification will enable you to seek employment with confidence, and/or to progress to the next level of learning.

 

Order your free AAT course prospectus

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