AAT Foundation Certificate in Bookkeeping
Study this bookkeeping qualification for skills and essential knowledge like manual double-entry bookkeeping, up to trial balance standard.
This qualification is being withdrawn
You can register on it as a new student until 31 August 2022 at 17.00 (UK time). You'll have until 30 September 2023 to complete your studies and sit all assessments.
You can instead choose to wait until 1 September 2022 and register on its replacement, the AAT Level 2 Certificate in Bookkeeping. You'll be able to study and complete the assessments for the qualification's lifetime (usually around four years).
What it covers
This Level 2 qualification delivers the skills and essential knowledge to manage books effectively. It includes manual double entry bookkeeping, and associated documents and processes, up to trial balance standard.
Syllabus
Bookkeeping Transactions
This unit introduces students to the double-entry bookkeeping system and the associated documents and processes. Students will reach the stage of extracting an initial trial balance, before any adjustments are made.
It provides students with the skills necessary to operate a manual double-entry bookkeeping system and provides a strong foundation for progression to more advanced manual and computerised activities.
Learning outcomes
- Understand financial transactions within a bookkeeping system.
- Process customer transactions.
- Process supplier transactions.
- Process receipts and payments.
- Process transactions through the ledgers to the trial balance.
Bookkeeping Controls
This unit is about control accounts, journals and methods of payment. It takes students through reconciliation processes and the use of the journal to the stage of redrafting the trial balance, following initial adjustments.
It covers more complex Foundation level bookkeeping procedures, which will enable students to develop their understanding of the relationship between the various accounting records and consolidate their knowledge of double-entry bookkeeping. Students will gain the confidence they need to perform well in the workplace and the unit will prepare them for greater responsibility.
Learning outcomes
- Understand payment methods.
- Understand controls in a bookkeeping system.
- Use control accounts.
- Use the journal.
- Reconcile a bank statement with the cash book.
Get started now
Find a local training provider to deliver your course and once you've registered with them, you're ready to register with us.
How long it takes
This qualification will take around 12 weeks to complete.
Find out more about where AAT qualifications can take you.
Download this PDF for a detailed view of the qualification and the individual unit learning objectives.
The jobs it can lead to
Clerical assistant
Trainee bookkeeper
Finance assistant
Accounts administrator
How and where to study
You can study through distance learning online, blended learning, or in the classroom. Do it in the evening, part-time or full-time, whatever suits you. You'll need to find a training provider, even if you're choosing distance learning.
Fees
Training provider fees
£150–£800
This fee covers your tuition (if attending a course of study) and is paid directly to your training provider.
Standard qualification fee (until 31 August 2022)
The standard qualification fee comprises:
- a registration fee of £50, and
- two assessment fees of £49 each.
This gives a total of £148.
Your registration fee is paid directly to AAT and will give you access to study support resources and the assessment for 12 months or until you complete the qualification, whichever comes first.
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.
Standard qualification fee (from 1 September 2022)
The standard qualification fee comprises:
- two assessment fees of £51 each.
This gives a total of £102.
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.
You may be eligible for support from your employer or other bodies.
Here's a list of all qualification-related fees in PDF.
Entry requirements
Most students will start at Foundation level. For the best chance of success we recommend that students begin their studies with a good standard of English and maths.
This qualification can be used as a fast track route to the AAT Advanced Diploma in Accounting.
Students can start with any qualification depending on existing skills and experience. Already got some accounting experience? Test your knowledge with AAT Skillcheck to find out the best qualification to start with.
Exemptions
This is an entry-level qualification: exemptions don't apply.
Contact us about
studying an AAT qualification
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