AAT Access Award in Business Skills
What it covers
This is a Level 1 introductory qualification for those who will benefit from learning basic accounting techniques, including single-entry bookkeeping, as well as gaining a broader understanding of the business environment.
On completion, students can progress to the Foundation Certificate in Bookkeeping or Foundation Certificate in Accounting.
Syllabus
Preparing for Work
This unit will help students to prepare to seek employment in a wide range of sectors and to develop the skills they need to contribute effectively in the workplace. Students will explore the key features of different types of organisations and the sectors in which they operate. They will learn the purpose of different organisations and how they operate, and also how organisations are commonly structured.
Learning outcomes
- Understand how organisations operate.
- Develop skills for the workplace.
- Be able to apply for a job.
Using Numbers in Business
Completing this unit will help students develop their confidence and their ability to use numbers in a range of situations, both in work and outside work.
Students will develop the skills to practically apply a range of common numerical methods to everyday business situations, whatever their role and regardless of the type of organisation in which they might work. They will be able to record and sort numbers, to identify differences between figures and to complete simple calculations. Students will be able to work out averages, use time and currency in calculations that support everyday business activities and work with more complex calculations, including those involving common decimals, fractions, percentages and proportions.
Learning outcomes
- Work with numbers.
- Perform simple business calculations.
- Work with common decimals, fractions, percentages, proportions and ratios.
Sales and Purchases in Business
This unit focuses on organisations that aim to make a profit rather than those operating in the not-for-profit or public sector. Studying this unit will help students to understand the importance of sales and purchases, and the procedures that support them, to the success of those businesses.
Students will discover that businesses need to make more sales (income) than purchases (expenses) to operate profitably. Students will become familiar with the relevant terminology and common documents used. They will gain the skills necessary to perform practical finance-related tasks while following business procedures.
Learning outcomes
- Understand how sales and purchases support businesses.
- Understand principles of sales and purchases.
- Apply business procedures to sales and purchases.
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 takes 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
Accounts administrator
Administrative assistant
Receptionist
Retail assistant
Customer service advisor
Despatch clerk/warehouse operative
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
£250
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 £42, and
- an assessment fee of £34.
This gives a total of £76.
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.
You may be eligible for support from your employer or other bodies.
Here's a list of all qualification-related fees in PDF.
Quick facts
- Level:
- Level 1
- GCSE (grades D–G)
- Duration: 2–12 weeks
- Number of assessments: 1 (learn how AAT assessments work)
- Total credits (applies in Scotland): 6
- Guided learning hours: 75
- Total qualification time (hours): 102
Entry requirements
Students can start with any qualification depending on existing skills and experience. For the best chance of success we recommend that students begin their studies with a good standard of English and maths.
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.
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