Overview
Every business, no matter the size or industry, relies on skilled accounting professionals to keep things running smoothly. AAT qualifications give you the practical, real-world skills employers are looking for, opening doors to a wide range of career opportunities.
Whether you’re just starting out, looking to take your next step, or aiming to boost your existing knowledge, there’s an AAT qualification to suit your needs. From accounting and bookkeeping to business skills, these internationally recognised qualifications are highly valued across every sector.
Explore the range of qualifications on offer with AR Connect Education below and find the perfect fit for your experience and career goals.
AAT Level 1 Business Skills Start Your Journey in Finance & Business
Looking to build your confidence in business and finance? The AAT Level 1 Business Skills qualification is the perfect starting point! Designed for beginners, this course will help you develop practical skills to support finance teams with everyday business activities. You’ll gain an understanding of key processes like sales and purchases, helping you feel more at home in a professional setting.
Whether you’re taking your first steps into the world of work, changing careers, or just want to boost your business know-how, this qualification is a great way to get started! This Level 1 qualification covers a range of essential skills and knowledge to help you understand how numbers are used in business and what it’s like to work in a professional environment.
You’ll gain an understanding of:
How different organisations operate.
How to contribute effectively in the workplace.
How businesses process sales and purchases, including the key documents and procedures involved.
You’ll also develop basic numerical skills that are useful in any workplace, including:
Decimals, percentages, and fractions.
Applying proportions and ratios in a business context.
By the end of this course, you’ll feel more confident using numbers and understanding business processes, giving you a great foundation for your future career!
No prior experience is needed, making this a great starting point for anyone looking to build a foundation in business and finance.
If you’re looking to boost your confidence and gain practical skills, this qualification is a great first step. Plus, it opens the door to further study, like Level 2 qualifications, if you choose to progress.
Start your journey today and take the first step towards a successful career in business!
Course Fees and Duration
This course typically takes around three months to complete, but you can finish it faster depending on how much time you can dedicate to studying. We offer flexible study options, which we’ll discuss with you during your initial call.
Here’s a simple breakdown of the costs:
Course Fee: £195.
Registration Fee: £47, paid directly to AAT. This gives you access to study materials and allows you to book assessments for up to five years.
Assessment Fee: £39, for taking your exam.
If you sit your assessments at AR Connect Education’s venue, you’ll only need to pay the assessment fee – there are no additional admin or invigilation fees. If you decide to take your exam at a different venue, the provider may charge extra fees on top of the AAT assessment fee.
Get Started with Bookkeeping
Bookkeeping is the foundation of every successful business, and AAT bookkeeping qualifications are the perfect way to kickstart or grow your career in this essential field. Recognised by employers worldwide, these qualifications not only prepare you for a variety of bookkeeping roles but can also open doors to becoming an AAT bookkeeping member, or even starting your own business!
AR Connect offer three short bookkeeping qualifications, which should take between 2 and 12 months to complete. We offer flexible learning options, so you can choose one that fits your schedule and career goals. Whether you’re completely new to bookkeeping or already have some experience, we are here to help you choose the right course for you.
From maintaining financial records to preparing accounts, the skills you’ll gain are invaluable for many roles in finance. Explore the qualifications below and see how they can set you on the path to success.
Level 1 Award in Bookkeeping A Perfect Starting Point
If you’re new to accounting and bookkeeping, the Level 1 Award in Bookkeeping is the ideal entry point. This beginner-friendly qualification introduces you to the essentials of manual, single-entry bookkeeping and helps you understand the vital role bookkeepers play in keeping businesses on track.
You’ll learn the basics, including how to:
Identify and record key transactions like income, expenses, assets, and liabilities.
Process customer and supplier transactions, as well as receipts and payments.
Understand profit and loss and the importance of keeping accurate financial records.
Explore the benefits and risks of using bookkeeping software.
No prior experience is needed, making this a great starting point for anyone looking to build a foundation in bookkeeping. By the end, you’ll have a solid understanding of bookkeeping basics and a clear path to move on to Level 2 qualifications if you choose to progress.
Take the first step towards a rewarding career in finance with this simple, practical course!
Course Fees and Duration
This course typically takes around three months to complete, but you can finish it faster depending on how much time you can dedicate to studying. We offer flexible study options, which we’ll discuss with you during your initial call.
Here’s a simple breakdown of the costs:
Course Fee: £195.
Registration Fee: £47, paid directly to AAT. This gives you access to study materials and allows you to book assessments for up to five years.
Assessment Fee: £39, for taking your exam.
If you sit your assessments at AR Connect Education’s venue, you’ll only need to pay the assessment fee - there are no additional admin or invigilation fees. If you decide to take your exam at a different venue, the provider may charge extra fees on top of the AAT assessment fee.
Looking to take your skills further? The perfect progression route from this qualification is AAT Level 2 Bookkeeping or the AAT Level 2 Certificate in Accounting, helping you advance towards a career in finance or accounting.
Start your journey today and build a strong foundation for your future!
Level 2 Certificate in Bookkeeping
This Level 2 qualification is perfect for anyone wanting to develop practical bookkeeping skills and gain a solid understanding of both manual and digital systems. It’s designed to give you the confidence to handle everyday bookkeeping tasks and understand how digital tools are transforming the process.
Through this course, you’ll master double-entry bookkeeping, work with essential documents and processes, and gain the skills to accurately record transactions and produce reports. You’ll also learn about control accounts, reconciliations, and VAT.
Course Structure
The course is made up of two key units, each assessed through a computer-based exam:
1. Introduction to Bookkeeping
Learn how bookkeeping systems work, both manual and digital.
Gain hands-on skills to process customer and supplier transactions, receipts, and payments.
Understand how to record transactions in ledger accounts.
2. Principles of Bookkeeping Controls
Build on your bookkeeping knowledge by working with control accounts and journals.
Learn to reconcile bank statements with cash books.
Use the journal to record transactions and correct errors.
Prepare and adjust trial balances for accurate financial records.
Whether you’re starting from scratch or already have some experience, this qualification is suitable for anyone with a good standard of English and maths.
Course Fees and Duration
This course typically takes around 3 – 6 months to complete, but you can finish it faster depending on how much time you can dedicate to studying. We offer flexible study options, which we’ll discuss with you during your initial call.
Here’s a simple breakdown of the costs:
Course Fee: £600, flexible payment options available.
Registration Fee: £70, paid directly to AAT. This gives you access to study materials and allows you to book assessments for up to five years.
Assessment Fee: £65 for each assessment; total cost £130.
If you sit your assessments at AR Connect Education’s venue, you’ll only need to pay the assessment fee - there are no additional admin or invigilation fees. If you decide to take your exam at a different venue, the provider may charge extra fees on top of the AAT assessment fee.
What next?
Complete the AAT Level 3 Certificate in Bookkeeping, and you’ll have the chance to become an AAT Bookkeeping Member, proudly adding the letters AATQB after your name to showcase your expertise. Want to take it even further? With AAT, you can work towards becoming a licensed member and set up your own practice as a bookkeeper or accountant.
Level 3 Certificate in Bookkeeping
This Level 3 qualification is perfect for anyone looking to build advanced bookkeeping expertise and take on more responsibility in a finance role. You’ll develop enhanced skills in bookkeeping activities that are critical for the smooth and efficient running of any finance department.
Designed to give you a deeper understanding of complex transactions, financial statements, and regulatory requirements, this course will boost your confidence in handling higher-level bookkeeping tasks.
You’ll also gain a solid understanding of VAT, learning how to calculate it, apply VAT rules, and check digital VAT returns under Making Tax Digital (MTD). Plus, you’ll explore payroll basics and understand the impact of errors, late payments, and reporting requirements.
By the end of the course, you’ll have the confidence to handle key bookkeeping tasks and support a finance team with more advanced responsibilities!
Course Structure
The course is made up of two key units, each assessed through a computer-based exam:
1. Financial Accounting: Preparing Financial Statements
Adjusting accounts at period-end.
Producing and extending a trial balance.
Preparing financial statements for sole traders and partnerships.
Using profitability ratios to interpret financial statements.
Completing accounts from incomplete records.
2. Tax Processes for Businesses
Apply VAT legislation and calculate VAT correctly.
Review and verify VAT returns to ensure accuracy.
Understand payroll principles and their impact on businesses.
Report key financial information within an organisation.
Course Fees and Duration
This course typically takes around 6 – 12 months to complete, but you can finish it faster depending on how much time you can dedicate to studying. We offer flexible study options, which we’ll discuss with you during your initial call.
Here’s a simple breakdown of the costs:
Course Fee: £600, flexible payment options available.
Registration Fee: £96, paid directly to AAT. This gives you access to study materials and allows you to book assessments for up to five years.
Assessment Fee: £65 for each assessment; total cost £130.
If you sit your assessments at AR Connect Education’s venue, you’ll only need to pay the assessment fee - there are no additional admin or invigilation fees. If you decide to take your exam at a different venue, the provider may charge extra fees on top of the AAT assessment fee.
What next?
Completing the AAT Level 3 Certificate in Bookkeeping opens the door to AAT bookkeeping membership (AATQB), allowing you to use the designatory letters AATQB after your name. This professional status showcases your expertise and commitment to high bookkeeping standards, making you a trusted and credible choice for employers and clients alike.
Start Your Accounting Career with AAT Qualifications
Accounting careers are diverse and offer exciting opportunities, from working in finance departments to running your own business. Studying an AAT accounting qualification will equip you with the skills and experience employers are looking for. Some qualifications even offer a route to becoming an AAT professional member which is a great stepping stone towards university, chartered accountancy, or even self-employment.
AR Connect Education offers three AAT accounting qualifications, each taking between 6 and 18 months to complete. Your past experience and qualifications will help us figure out the best starting point for you.
Click below to read more about each level and find the right one for you!
Still not sure which one is right for you? Simply complete our enquiry form, give us a call, or send us an email, and our friendly team will be happy to help guide you to the right course.
- Level 2 Certificate in Accounting
- Level 3 Diploma in Accounting
- Level 4 Diploma in Professional Accounting
Level 2 Certificate in Accounting
This course is perfect if you’re new to accountancy, changing careers, or have some experience in accounts. You’ll get a solid foundation in finance and core accounting skills, including double-entry bookkeeping, basic costing, and understanding purchase, sales, and general ledgers.
You’ll also learn important business and personal skills related to accountancy and explore key themes like ethics, technology, communication, and sustainability—giving you the tools to thrive in today’s finance world.
Course Structure
The course is made up of four key units, each assessed through a computer-based exam:
1. Introduction to Bookkeeping
Learn how bookkeeping systems work, both manual and digital.
Gain hands-on skills to process customer and supplier transactions, receipts, and payments.
Understand how to record transactions in ledger accounts.
2. Principles of Bookkeeping Controls
Build on your bookkeeping knowledge by working with control accounts and journals.
Learn to reconcile bank statements with cash books.
Use the journal to record transactions and correct errors.
Prepare and adjust trial balances for accurate financial records.
3. Principles of Costing
Understand cost recording systems within an organisation.
Use cost recording techniques effectively.
Provide information on actual and budgeted costs and income.
Apply tools and techniques to support cost calculations.
4. Business Environment Synoptic
Learn the basics of contract law.
Understand the external factors that affect businesses.
Explore key concepts of corporate social responsibility (CSR), ethics, and sustainability.
Understand the effects of setting up different types of business structures.
Gain insight into the finance function within an organisation.
Learn how to present work appropriately and communicate clearly.
Understand the role of information in business operations.
Whether you’re starting from scratch or already have some experience, this qualification is suitable for anyone with a good standard of English and maths.
Course Fees and Duration
This course typically takes around 6 – 12 months to complete, but you can finish it faster depending on how much time you can dedicate to studying. We offer flexible study options, which we’ll discuss with you during your initial call.
Here’s a simple breakdown of the costs:
Course Fee: £1,100, flexible payment options available.
Registration Fee: £186, paid directly to AAT. This gives you access to study materials and allows you to book assessments for up to five years.
Assessment Fee: £65 for three assessments and £70 for the synoptic; total cost £265.
If you sit your assessments at AR Connect Education’s venue, you’ll only need to pay the assessment fee - there are no additional admin or invigilation fees. If you decide to take your exam at a different venue, the provider may charge extra fees on top of the AAT assessment fee.
What next?
Upon achieving the Level 2 Certificate in Accounting, you’ll have the option to either progress to higher level qualifications, such as the Level 3 Certificate in Accounting, or begin your career with the skills needed for entry level accounting roles.
Level 3 Diploma in Accounting
If you’re looking to build your technical accounting skills and take the next step in your career, this course is for you. You’ll develop advanced bookkeeping and financial reporting skills, learn how to maintain cost accounting records, and gain expertise in key accounting processes.
You’ll need the AAT Level 2 Certificate in Accounting, relevant A Levels, or experience in an intermediate accounts role to enrol on this course. Unsure where to start? You can take the Skillcheck on the AAT website or contact our friendly team for guidance!
Course Structure
The course is made up of four key units, each assessed through a computer-based exam:
1. Financial Accounting: Preparing Financial Statements
Adjusting accounts at period-end.
Producing and extending a trial balance.
Preparing financial statements for sole traders and partnerships.
Using profitability ratios to interpret financial statements.
Completing accounts from incomplete records.
2. Tax Processes for Businesses
Apply VAT legislation and calculate VAT correctly.
Review and verify VAT returns to ensure accuracy.
Understand payroll principles and their impact on businesses.
Report key financial information within an organisation.
3. Management Accounting Techniques
Understand the role of management accounting in organisations.
Apply cost management techniques.
Allocate costs based on organisational needs.
Analyse budget variances.
Use spreadsheets to present management accounting data.
Support short-term decision-making with management accounting techniques.
Learn the principles of cash management.
4. Business Awareness
Understand different business types, structures, and governance within the legal framework.
Analyse how internal and external factors affect business performance and decision-making.
Learn how businesses and accounts adhere to professional ethics.
Explore the impact of new technologies in accounting and data security risks.
Develop skills to effectively communicate financial information to stakeholders.
The Level 3 Diploma in Accounting is a great choice for anyone looking to develop advanced financial skills, boost career prospects, and gain professional recognition.
Course Fees and Duration
This course typically takes around 8 – 14 months to complete, but you can finish it faster depending on how much time you can dedicate to studying. We offer flexible study options, which we’ll discuss with you during your initial call.
Here’s a simple breakdown of the costs:
Course Fee: £600, flexible payment options available.
Registration Fee: £243, paid directly to AAT. This gives you access to study materials and allows you to book assessments for up to five years.
Assessment Fee: £65 for each assessment; total cost £260.
If you sit your assessments at AR Connect Education’s venue, you’ll only need to pay the assessment fee - there are no additional admin or invigilation fees. If you decide to take your exam at a different venue, the provider may charge extra fees on top of the AAT assessment fee.
What next?
Completing this course can also qualify you for AAT bookkeeping membership (AATQB), enhancing your professional credibility. Plus, it’s a great stepping stone to Level 4 or even further qualifications, helping you progress towards senior finance roles or chartered accountancy.
Level 4 Diploma in Professional Accounting
Building on the skills from Level 3, this qualification will help you master advanced accounting tasks and prepare for senior finance roles. You’ll learn to produce financial statements for limited companies, apply complex management accounting techniques, and manage internal controls within a business.
You’ll also have the option to specialise in areas like business and personal tax, auditing, cash and financial management, or debt management—giving you the flexibility to shape your career. Completing this course can lead to AAT full membership and even open doors to chartered accountancy.
To enrol onto this course, you must have completed the AAT Level 3 Diploma in Accounting or an equivalent qualification.
Course Structure
The course consists of three mandatory units and five optional units. To achieve the qualification, you must pass all the mandatory assessments and two of the optional unit assessments. You can choose the two optional units that best suit your career goals, but if you’re unsure, feel free to reach out to us—we’re happy to provide guidance and help you select the options that align with your aspirations.
Mandatory Units
1. Applied Management Accounting.
Understand the budgetary process and how it is carried out.
Construct budgets and identify key areas of success and concern.
Report on budgetary outcomes to key stakeholders.
Critically evaluate organisational performance.
Understand and implement the organisational planning process.
Use internal processes to improve operational control.
Apply techniques to support both short-term and long-term decision-making.
Analyse and report on business performance.
2. Drafting and Interpreting Financial Statements
Understand the reporting frameworks that support financial reporting.
Draft statutory financial statements for limited companies.
Prepare consolidated financial statements for groups of companies.
Interpret financial statements using ratio analysis.
3. Internal Accounting Systems and Controls
Understand the role and responsibilities of the accounting function within an organisation.
Evaluate internal control systems.
Assess an organisation’s accounting system and related procedures.
Understand the impact of technology on accounting systems.
Recommend improvements to enhance accounting systems.
Optional Units
1. Business Tax
Prepare tax computations for sole traders and partnerships.
Prepare tax computations for limited companies.
Calculate tax computations for the sale of capital assets by limited companies.
Understand the administrative requirements of the UK’s tax regime.
Learn the tax implications of business disposals.
Identify tax relief and tax planning opportunities.
Understand the responsibilities of agents in reporting taxation to HM Revenue & Customs.
2. Personal Tax
Understand the principles and rules behind taxation systems.
Calculate total income for UK taxpayers.
Calculate Income Tax and National Insurance contributions (NICs) payable by UK taxpayers.
Calculate Capital Gains Tax payable by UK taxpayers.
Understand the principles of Inheritance Tax.
3. Audit and Assurance
Demonstrate an understanding of the audit and assurance framework.
Recognise the importance of professional ethics in auditing.
Evaluate the planning process for audit and assurance.
Review and report audit findings.
4. Cash and Financial Management
Prepare forecasts for cash receipts and payments.
Prepare cash budgets and monitor cash flows.
Understand the importance of managing finance and liquidity.
Learn ways to raise finance and invest funds.
Understand regulations and organisational policies that influence cash and finance management decisions.
5. Credit and Debt Management
Understand the principles and rules behind taxation systems.
Calculate total income for UK taxpayers.
Calculate Income Tax and National Insurance contributions (NICs) payable by UK taxpayers.
Calculate Capital Gains Tax payable by UK taxpayers.
Understand the principles of Inheritance Tax.
The Level 4 Diploma in Professional Accounting is ideal for those looking to master complex accounting tasks, advance their career in finance, and achieve professional recognition with AAT full membership.
Course Fees and Duration
This course typically takes around 12 – 18 months to complete, but you can finish it faster depending on how much time you can dedicate to studying. We offer flexible study options, which we’ll discuss with you during your initial call.
Here’s a simple breakdown of the costs:
Course Fee: £1,950, flexible payment options available.
Registration Fee: £257, paid directly to AAT. This gives you access to study materials and allows you to book assessments for up to five years.
Assessment Fee: £68 for each assessment; total cost £340.
If you sit your assessments at AR Connect Education’s venue, you’ll only need to pay the assessment fee - there are no additional admin or invigilation fees. If you decide to take your exam at a different venue, the provider may charge extra fees on top of the AAT assessment fee.
What next?
After completing the Level 4 Diploma in Professional Accounting, you can apply for AAT full membership (MAAT) to enhance your professional standing. If you’re interested in starting your own practice, you can apply to become an AAT Licensed Accountant or Bookkeeper. Alternatively, you can continue your studies towards chartered accountancy or progress into senior finance roles. Whether you want to continue your studies or focus on your career, the Level 4 qualification provides a strong foundation for your next steps.
All of our courses and course fees include
