Full membership (MAAT)
Earn, learn and achieve more
Discover what’s possible with MAAT status.
AAT full membership (MAAT) is an internationally recognised professional status in accounting and finance. It demonstrates a high standard of education and experience to employers and clients, along with a commitment to development and keeping your skills up to date.
MAAT is the quality mark that can be the deciding factor for any organisation when recruiting accounting and finance staff. When you become a full member you'll get the following.
Benefits
Use your MAAT designatory letters giving you formal recognition for your skills and expertise.
Access a wide range of CPD resources, including a bespoke CPD pathway in your first year, study resources in the AAT Lifelong Learning Portal, free and discounted face-to-face events, and weekly newsletters.
Connect with AAT members online and in your area via our regional branches and our thriving online community including Facebook, Twitter, forums, and our blog AAT Comment.
Progress to be your own boss and run your own accountancy practice as an AAT Licensed Accountant or AAT Licensed Bookkeeper. We'll provide the support and guidance you need to run a successful firm.
Get technical and ethical advice and support through free support helplines covering tax, payroll, insolvency and more.
Save money with AAT Rewards, the exclusive rewards site for our members, giving you great offers on everything from cinema tickets to holiday insurance and helping you save on everyday items.
Eligibility
You can apply for AAT full membership if one or more of the below applies.
- You've completed:
- the AAT Level 4 Diploma in Professional Accounting (Q2022 standards), or
- the AAT Professional Diploma in Accounting (AQ2016 standards), or
- the AAT Level 4 Diploma in Accounting (2013 standards), or
- the AAT Level 4 Diploma in Accounting (2010 standards).
If you've completed an AAT qualification prior to our 2010 standards, to be eligible for full membership, you will need to either study and gain the AAT Level 4 Diploma in Professional Accounting or become a professional member without AAT qualifications.
- You've gained a full or part qualification with ACCA, CIMA, CIPFA, ICAEW or ICAS.
- You've gained a full qualification with AIA, CAI, IFA, NIAT, ATSA (formerly AATSA) or NZICA.
- You've gained a professional membership with any of the above professional bodies or SCAAK.
- You've gained a degree from one of our partner universities.
You can apply if you've completed the AAT Level 4 Diploma in Professional Accounting.
Check if you're eligible to apply through another qualification or membership you hold.
Fees
- Admission fee (one-off payment): £57
- Reinstatement fee (one-off payment): £57
- Annual membership fee: £187
- Reduced annual membership fee: £116 if on low income or retired; £136 if studying (subject to eligibility: if you're an existing member, check if you're eligible)
The reduced membership fee for full members is available on renewal, subject to eligibility, and you must apply for it each year you remain eligible. (Retired members can apply on a one-off basis.) Life members are not eligible to apply.
You'll pay your fees when you apply.
There's a full list of fees for all AAT memberships on the Membership fees page.
How to apply
Step 1. Complete the "fit and proper" declaration
You'll need to answer questions to show you meet our fit and proper requirements so we can assess your suitability for membership, and upload supporting documents where needed.
You'll also need to agree to the terms and conditions of membership as set out in the declaration.
Step 2. Pay your fee
You'll need to pay a one-off admission fee of £57 and, depending on your status, pay your annual membership fee of £187 up front.
You'll need to pay your membership subscription annually to maintain your MAAT status. We'll send you an official renewal notice each year, which you can also view online.
Application routes to AAT full membership (MAAT)
There are two ways to become a full member.
- Route one: requires demonstrating your competence through work experience
- Route two: if you can't demonstrate this competency, you will be required to complete the MAAT CPD pathway as soon as possible once you are approved as a MAAT to maintain this status.
Ongoing CPD is not just a requirement, but an essential part of maintaining your MAAT status, demonstrating your commitment to professional development.
The Application Routes to AAT Full Membership (MAAT) page provides detailed guidance on the two routes.
You'll also have the opportunity to apply to become to licensed member.
Providing accountancy services to the public
If you're already providing self-employed services to the public as either a sole practitioner, or partner, director or principal in an accountancy firm, and you hold at least 5% of the shares, you’ll need to apply for your AAT licence and be provisionally approved before we can approve your full membership application.
All professional members offering these services must be licensed with us unless they’re able to demonstrate they meet one of the exemption criteria.
Reinstate your membership
If you've previously been an AAT full member, join us again by applying online.
What's next after MAAT?
Have you been an AAT full member (MAAT) for five or more consecutive years? If so, you may be eligible to apply for AAT fellow membership (FMAAT), the highest designation you can achieve with AAT.