Short courses
These 2 entry-level qualifications give you the skills to become a bookkeeper, and you’ll gain an industry-recognised qualification. Plus, you’ll have the option to move onto the full AAT qualification with exemptions when you finish.
You don’t need any previous accounting experience or qualifications to start studying the AAT short qualifications, just a willingness to learn. It’s ideal if you’re a school or university leaver, or thinking of changing career, and want to try AAT without making a commitment to the full qualification.
We offer two different short qualifications. If you take and pass both qualifications, you can become a Professional AAT Bookkeeper (AATQB).
AAT Level 2 Certificate in Bookkeeping gives you the skills and essential knowledge needed for completing the manual bookkeeping activities that underpin all accountancy and finance roles.
AAT Level 3 Certificate in Bookkeeping will give you enhanced skills and expertise in bookkeeping activities, critical for the smooth and efficient running of all finance departments
You may be eligible for an apprenticeship through your employer, depending on your circumstances.
Compulsory
Introduction to Bookkeeping (ITBK)
You’ll learn the basic principles of double-entry bookkeeping systems and ledger accounts. You will also be able to process day-to-day financial transactions for suppliers and customers and bank transactions.
Compulsory
Principles of Bookkeeping Controls (POBC)
This builds on the knowledge and skills from ITBK. You’ll learn about control accounts, bank reconciliation, payroll, dealing with errors, and the purpose of using the journal. We advise that you complete the ITBK unit before studying POBC.
Compulsory
Principles of Costing (PCTN)
You’ll learn about cost recording systems within an organisation, use cost recording techniques, provide information on actual and budgeted costs and income, and basic spreadsheet skills to support cost calculations.
Compulsory
The Business Environment Synoptic Assessment (BESY)
This unit will prepare you for the internal and external business environment. You’ll learn about the legal system, principles of contract law, corporate social responsibility, ethics, and sustainability.
You’ll also learn how the finance function fits within an organisation and how to communicate effectively. This assessment will also draw on your understanding from ITBK, POBC and PCTN, so we advise that you should complete your studies for all units before you attempt BESY.
Level 2 and Level 3 Certificate in Bookkeeping
You can take your exams at any time as they are on demand. It is important you aim to book your exam as soon as you intend to finish your course. We recommend you book early to avoid disappointment as this could disrupt your study plans. Please note, you’ll need to book your exams separately. All assessments on this level are computer-based exams (CBE).
You’ll be awarded a grade (pass, merit, or distinction) based on how you perform across the qualification. Unit and synoptic assessments are not awarded grades individually, but the marks achieved in all assessments contribute to your overall grade for the qualification.
