5 Facts About How Long It Takes to Complete AAT Qualifications

Have you ever wondered how long it would take to complete your AAT study?

AAT remains the leading choice for professional qualifications if you want to secure a job in finance. Their promising bookkeeping and accounting qualifications train practical skills that hone you to be an accounting specialist.

However, one of the biggest questions when considering AAT qualification is the time it takes to finish the courses. You want to ensure that the programme duration matches your study commitment level for the qualification.

So, in this article, we'll share 5 facts about how long it takes to study AAT.

AAT Qualifications Train Accounting and Bookkeeping Skills

The AAT qualification is a reputable credential from its professional body, the Association of Accounting Technicians (AAT). AAT has three accounting qualifications that equip you with essential accounting and finance skills, making you job-ready in finance.

Aside from accounting qualifications, AAT also offers three bookkeeping qualifications. These bookkeeping qualifications prepare you to be adept in performing bookkeeping tasks.

You Can Study AAT Qualifications Either Part-Time or Full-Time

You can choose to study AAT either part-time or full-time, depending on how much time you want to allocate to your studies. AAT qualifications are flexible, allowing you to tailor your studies to your lifestyle and existing commitments.

You can study AAT full-time if you can fully commit to your courses. Full-time study means you'll dedicate more time and focus on your studies.

On the other hand, you can opt to study AAT part-time if you have other commitments. So, even if you have a full time job or family responsibilities, you can study AAT at your preferred pace.

Each AAT Bookkeeping Level Has Varying Completion Time

AAT bookkeeping qualifications are short as you only have to finish 1 or 2 units in each bookkeeping level. Let's learn how long it takes to complete each AAT bookkeeping qualification.

Estimated Time Completion for AAT Bookkeeping Level 1

The AAT Level 1 Award in Bookkeeping is a beginner-friendly short AAT course if you have zero knowledge of bookkeeping skills and roles. This bookkeeping qualification level only has the Bookkeeping Fundamentals as its course unit.

AAT Level 1 Bookkeeping takes 1 to 2 months to complete if you spend an average of 8 to 10 hours weekly.

Estimated Time Completion for AAT Bookkeeping Level 2

The AAT Level 2 Certificate in Bookkeeping is an introductory AAT qualification that equips you with the basic principles of bookkeeping. Level 2 has two units that teach you double entry bookkeeping and control accounts. These units are:

• Introduction to Bookkeeping
• Principles of Bookkeeping Controls

AAT Level 2 Bookkeeping takes 3 to 4 months to complete if you commit 8 to 10 weekly study hours.

Estimated Time Completion for AAT Bookkeeping Level 3

The AAT Level 3 Certificate in Bookkeeping is an advanced course expanding your core bookkeeping skills. Level 3 has two units that teach you to prepare financial statements and tax processes. These units are:

You can finish AAT Level 3 Bookkeeping in 4 to 6 months if you commit 8 to 10 weekly study hours. After getting a certificate for this level, you can apply for a professional membership and have the AATQB (AAT Qualified Bookkeeper) designation.

Each AAT Accounting Level Has Varying Completion Time

Studying AAT accountancy qualifications takes longer because the courses cover more topics than bookkeeping qualifications. Let's learn how long it takes to complete each AAT accounting qualification.

How Long Does AAT Level 2 Take

The AAT Level 2 Certificate in Accounting is the introductory AAT qualification establishing your core understanding of accountancy principles. Level 2 has four units that teach you double entry journalising, basic costing, and control accounts. These units are:

• Introduction to Bookkeeping
• Principles of Bookkeeping Controls
• Principles of Costing
• The Business Environment

You can finish AAT Level 2 Accounting in 6 to 9 months if you study 8 to 10 hours weekly.

How Long Does AAT Level 3 Take

The AAT Level 3 Diploma in Accounting is an intermediate AAT course that delves deeper into advanced accountancy concepts. Level 3 has four units that teach you to prepare financial reports, management accounting, and tax processes. These units are:

• Business Awareness
• Financial Accounting: Preparing Financial Statements
• Management Accounting Techniques
• Tax Processes for Business

Most students who study 8 to 10 hours weekly often complete the course within 9 to 12 months. After getting an AAT diploma for this level, you can apply for a professional membership and have the AATQB (AAT Qualified Bookkeeper) designation.

How Long Does AAT Level 4 Take

The AAT Level 4 Diploma in Professional Accounting is the advanced level that comprehensively builds on its previous qualifications. Level 4 has three mandatory units that focus on drafting financial statements, interpreting financial performance, and applying management accounting techniques. These units are:

• Applied Management Accounting
• Drafting and interpreting Financial Statements
• Internal Accounting Systems and Controls

Additionally, Level 4 includes two optional units that you'll choose from five selections. These five elective units are:

• Business Tax
• Personal Tax
• Audit and Assurance
• Cash and Financial Management
• Credit and Debt Management

You can complete AAT Level 4 Accounting in 12 to 15 months if you dedicate 8 to 10 weekly study hours. After getting a diploma in accounting for this level, you can apply for a membership and have the professional MAAT status (Full AAT Membership).

Factors that Affect Your AAT Completion Time

AAT students will have varying learning paces on their AAT qualifications and there are four factors that influence their pacing. These four factors are your study commitment, prior knowledge, learning style, and the course difficulty.

Study Commitment

Course Difficulty

Prior Knowledge

Learning Style

Conclusion

Every aspiring AAT student like you will have a different learning pace and completion time for the qualification. But ultimately, you should prioritise understanding the concepts more than optimising your own pace. Find a pace that you're comfortable with and commit to it until you finish studying the qualifications.

Study AAT at your preferred pace with e-Careers! We deliver flexible AAT-accredited courses crafted by award-winning instructors. Contact us at +44(0) 20 3198 7700 or visit our Accounting and Bookkeeping page for more information about our AAT-related courses.