AAT

AAT (Association of Accounting Technicians)

The AAT Accounting Qualification is a vocational qualification and students typical work in accountancy whilst studying at the same time. The real advantage of this is that you are putting into practice what you learn in the classroom. AAT also provides a fast-track, non-graduate route into chartered accountancy. A school leaver could become a chartered accountant more quickly than someone who goes to university because they are granted exemptions from the charted bodies CIPFA, ICAEW, CIMA and ICAS.

AAT courses are designed to be flexible and should fit around your life, work and commitments. You can study full-time, part-time or from home. You don't need previous qualifications to study with us, and the only requirement to train with AAT is that a person must be numerate and can complete written answers in English. However, there may be exemptions for a school leaver with Maths A level, which means they may be able to progress through the qualification faster.

The qualification is made up of three levels, and each level is a qualification in its own right. You can expect to spend about a year on each level.

Students also have the opportunity to study part time and gain paid work experience in a finance role.

From 1st July 2010, the AAT Accounting Qualification replaced the college-based Diploma and work-based NVQ routes with a new qualification structure. The new qualification has three levels:

• Level 2 Certificate
• Level 3 Diploma
• Level 4 Diploma.

Instead of exams, you will take a series of computer-based assessments that reflect practical workplace tasks. You can study for the AAT Accounting Qualification full- or part-time at colleges or training centres, or via distance learning.

Each level counts as a qualification in its own right, and completing all three levels leads to the full AAT Accounting Qualification.

For full membership of the AAT, you must pass all three stages of the qualification, and have at least a year’s approved work experience. Once you are fully AAT qualified, you could study further to become a chartered accountant. Your accounting technician qualifications mean that you can usually bypass the first stage of professional exams.

Useful links:

http://www.aat.org.uk/join
http://www.aat.org.uk/heartheirstories/?page+1&video=2%20
http://www.facebook.com/youraat