AAT Level 2 Certificate in Accounting
(Certificate in Accounting at SCQF Level 6)
Study this qualification for a grounding in the basics.
AAT Level 3 Diploma in Accounting
(Diploma in Accounting at SCQF Level 7)
Study this qualification to master complex accounting disciplines.
AAT Level 4 Diploma in Professional Accounting
(Diploma in Professional Accounting at SCQF Level 8)
Study this qualification to learn higher accounting tasks and qualify for senior finance roles as well as AAT full member status.
Jobs in accounting are extremely diverse and deliver exciting career opportunities, and studying an AAT accounting qualification will ensure you have the skills and experience that employers need. Some of our accounting qualifications offer a route into becoming an AAT professional member, and are a stepping stone toward university, chartered accountancy or being your own boss.
We offer three accounting qualifications, each of which takes six to 18 months to complete.
Students can start with any qualification depending on their existing skills and experience. If they already have some accounting experience, they should use AAT Skillcheck to find out which qualification is right for them.
Accounting qualifications explained
Get a complete introduction to our popular accounting qualifications.
Our highly established, industry recognised accounting qualifications cover three different levels of skills and knowledge. Typical job roles and salary expectations vary according to the level of qualification – take a look at the qualification that interests you to find out more.
Level 2 Certificate in Accounting
How long it takes on average: 6–12 months, depending on the student and mode of study
Level 2 (Level 6 in Scotland)
Typical job opportunities: accounts administrator, accounts assistant, trainee accounting technician
Level 3 Diploma in Accounting
How long it takes on average: 6–12 months, depending on the student and mode of study
Level 3 (Level 7 in Scotland)
Typical job opportunities: accounts payable clerk, assistant accountant, audit trainee, bookkeeper, credit controller, finance assistant, payroll administrator, tax assistant
This qualification can be used as a route to AAT bookkeeping membership (AATQB).
Level 4 Diploma in Professional Accounting
How long it takes on average: 12–18 months, depending on the student and mode of study
Level 4 (Level 8 in Scotland)
Typical job opportunities: accounts payable and expenses supervisor, assistant financial accountant, commercial analyst, cost accountant, payroll manager, senior bookkeeper, senior finance officer, tax supervisor
This qualification can be used as a route to AAT full membership (MAAT).
What job will you discover?
Finance is at the heart of every business, so demand for accounting and finance skills will never go away. With an AAT accounting qualification on your CV, you can build an exciting career in virtually any industry.
Once you complete the AAT Level 4 Diploma in Professional Accounting, you can apply to become an AAT full member and use the designatory letters MAAT after your name, telling employers and clients you've proven your expertise.
By studying with AAT, you’ll gain exemptions from all of the UK's chartered accountancy bodies, so you can achieve chartered status more quickly than by following the university path.
Become an AAT licensed member
By studying AAT, you can progress to become an AAT licensed member and run your own accounting or bookkeeping practice.
