10 Essential Facts About AAT Exams and Accountancy Qualifications

Ever wonder how AAT qualifications help in your finance career goals?

AAT qualifications make you a work-ready employee by giving you the skills to perform your duties effectively. On top of that, when you gain full professional member status, you become an attractive candidate for job applications and career employment.

But before applying as an AAT professional member, you must sit and pass your assessments first. This makes assessments important aspects of the qualification because they measure your learning.

So, in this article, we'll share 10 essential facts about AAT exams and their related qualifications. At the end of the blog, we'll also talk about what happens after you finish your assessments.

What is an AAT Accounting Qualification?

AAT accounting qualification is a professional credential offered by its awarding body, the Association of Accounting Technicians (AAT). This qualification equips you with the knowledge and skills needed to be competent in your preferred accounting career.

AAT provides accounting courses across their three levels of qualification. Let's discuss each AAT accounting qualification level in detail below.

What are AAT Exams?

Exams are essential aspects of the AAT qualifications. You'll sit through a set number of assessments for every AAT level. The number of exams you'll take still depends on your chosen level, as you'll have different units per level.

Here's a detailed summary of the units for each AAT level and their respective allotted assessment time.

• Exams in Level 2 AAT Syllabus

  AAT Level 2 Certificate in Accounting has 4 mandatory units you must take. These units and their corresponding exam duration are as follows:

  • Introduction to Bookkeeping, 90 minutes
  • Principles of Bookkeeping Controls, 90 minutes,
  • Principles of Costing, 90 minutes
  • The Business Environment, 2 hours

• Exams in Level 4 AAT Syllabus

  AAT Level 3 Diploma in Accounting has 4 mandatory units you must take. These units and their corresponding exam duration are as follows:

  • Preparing Financial Statements, 2.5 hours
  • Management Accounting Techniques, 2.5 hours
  • Tax Processes for Businesses, 1.5 hours
  • Business Awareness, 2.5 hours

• Exams in Level 4 AAT Syllabus

  AAT Level 4 has 3 mandatory units you must take. These units and their corresponding exam duration are as follows:

  • Drafting and Interpreting Financial Statements, 2.5 hours
  • Applied Management Accounting, 3 hours
  • Internal Accounting Systems and Control, 2.5 hours

  Additionally, you also get 2 units that you'll pick out of the 5 optional units. These 5 optional units and their respective exam duration are as follows:

  • Business Tax, 2 hours
  • Personal Tax, 2 hours
  • Audit and Assurance, 2.5 hours
  • Credit and Debt Management, 2 hours
  • Cash and Financial Management, 2 hours

What is the Format for AAT Exams?

If you're studying for AAT accounting qualifications, you will have your computer-based assessments through AAT's online SecureAssess systems. This means you need to sit your examinations via AAT-approved assessment venues.

Formats for unit assessments vary per level. Here's a breakdown of assessment formats for each AAT level.

Level 2 Exam Format

Level 3 Exam Format

Level 4 Exam Format

FAQs

Conclusion:

The AAT accounting qualification offers a robust career progression if you want to thrive in the finance industry. This qualification unlocks endless career possibilities when you pass your assessments.

That's why studying hard and preparing for these AAT exams is important. Finishing these exams will help prove that you're adept at taking on accounting-related roles.

Pass your exams and get your AAT accounting qualification with e-Careers! We provide comprehensive AAT training and support at an affordable price to help you pass the exams with flying colours. Contact us at +44(0) 20 3198 7700 or visit our AAT Accounting page for more information about our AAT-related courses.