AAT Levels 2 & 3 Certificate in Bookkeeping

Level 2

Unit 1: Introduction to Bookkeeping

In this foundational unit, we provide a comprehensive introduction to bookkeeping principles. You will dive deep into manual and digital systems, gaining essential knowledge and core bookkeeping skills.

This unit accounts for 50% of the overall grade for the qualification.

Learning Outcomes:

• Understand how to set up bookkeeping systems.

• Process customer transactions.

• Process supplier transactions.

• Process receipts and payments.

• Process transactions into the ledger accounts.

Unit 2: Principles of Bookkeeping Controls

Building upon the foundational knowledge gained in Unit 1, this module explores control accounts, journals and reconciliations.

This unit accounts for 50% of the overall grade for the qualification.

Learning Outcomes:

• Use control accounts.

• Reconcile a bank statement with the cash book.

• Use the journal.

• Produce trial balances.

Level 3

Unit 1: Financial Accounting: Preparing Financial Statements

In this unit, you'll learn how to use trial balances to produce profit and loss statements for sole traders and partnerships. You'll learn double-entry bookkeeping skills required to record financial transactions into a business account using a manual bookkeeping system.

This unit accounts for 70% of the overall grade for this AAT qualification.

Learning outcomes

• Understand the accounting principles underlining final accounts preparation.

• Understand the principles of advanced double-entry bookkeeping.

• Implement procedures for the acquisition and disposal of non-current assets.

• Prepare and record depreciation calculations.

• Record period end adjustments.

• Produce and extend the trial balance.

• Produce financial statements for sole traders and partnerships.

• Interpret financial statements using profitability ratios.

• Prepare accounting records from incomplete information.

Unit 2: Tax Processes for Businesses

You'll learn how to submit a VAT (value-added tax) report to HM Revenue & Customs and explore the processes that influence business operations. This unit will teach you all you need to ensure that organisations and individuals comply with VAT and payroll laws.

This unit accounts for 30% of the overall grade for the qualification.

Learning outcomes

• Understand legislation requirements relating to VAT.

• Calculate VAT.

• Review and verify VAT returns.

• Understand the principles of payroll.

• Report information within the organisation.

Format

AAT Level 2 and 3 both have two objective-type assessments you must pass before earning the qualifications. The objective tests are computer-based and assess all component learning outcomes you have covered in the unit.

Duration

Below are the duration for each exam in AAT Level 2:

• Introduction to Bookkeeping (90 min)

• Principles of Bookkeeping Controls (90 min)

Here are the exam durations for AAT assessments in AAT Level 3:

• Financial Accounting: Preparing Financial Statements (150 min)

• Tax Processes for Businesses (90 min)

Availability

All AAT exams from these levels can be taken at AAT testing centres. Make sure to shop around to get the most competitive rates and locations for your exams. We'll provide you with all the support and resources you need to prepare for your exams. (See Additional Benefits tab).

You must become an AAT member to sit your AAT assessments. AAT student membership and exam fees are separate from the course price.

Objective tests are computer-marked, so you'll receive your results within 48 hours via MyAAT.

Course Level

• Level 2 and 3

• SCQF Level 6 to 7 (Scotland)

• GCSE (grades 4–9) to A Level

• GCSE (grades A*–C) to A Level

Is the AAT Level 2 & 3 Certificate in Bookkeeping package suitable for me?

If you're new to Bookkeeping or have minimal knowledge and experience in this sector, this training package will be your best option to gain the fundamental skills and bookkeeping knowledge and learn more advanced Bookkeeping practices, opening the doors to more senior job roles.

This course would benefit the following:

• Considering becoming an independent Bookkeeper.

• Wanting to be a vital part of an accounts or finance team.

• Looking to become an accredited, highly skilled Bookkeeper.

• Who are self-employed and looking to do their own bookkeeping.

• Wrap-around support: Benefit from a learning model crafted to support you with direct tutor communication, induction videos, and knowledge checks designed to nurture you towards success.

• Experience total flexibility: Learn at your own pace through our modern eLearning portal developed in-house. Whatever your location or device, our interactive content is available on demand.

• High-Quality Training: Access high-quality courseware through our state-of-the-art platform and choose a learning method that suits you - all with the support of seasoned AAT tutors.

• Benefit from live online sessions: Join your classmates in live online study classes and exam prep sessions led by one of our expert AAT tutors, as well as access to all past live session recordings.

• Study resources to suit you: Our online portal has every digital resource you could need, including PDF Kaplan pocket notes, workbooks, mock exams, slides, question banks, and recordings of live sessions. Prefer traditional study methods? We also deliver Kaplan textbooks straight to your door.

• Award-winning Training Provider: We are a renowned and highly regarded Training Provider with over 625,000 students trained worldwide and over 13,000 reviews on Trustpilot.

• Exceptional Tutor Support: Receive fantastic guidance and assistance from our dedicated tutors with 20+ years' experience in accounting, ensuring your success.

• Higher than average pass rates: Choose to learn from one of the largest AAT training providers in the country and take advantage of our expertise in driving our students to achieve pass rates well above the national average.

• Lifelong Access: Access AAT's Lifelong Learning Portal to find resources to help you throughout your career.

• Elevate your accounting career and earning potential: Gain recognised AAT bookkeeping qualifications that can unlock job roles and boost your income.

• Stand out with the AAT badge of excellence: AAT recognition holds national and international weight, ensuring that your skills are transferable across businesses.

What is AAT Level 2 & 3 equivalent to?

AAT Level 2 is equivalent to GCSE Grades 4-9 (A*-C) in the UK education system and to Level 2 in the Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF). In Scotland, it is equivalent to SCQF Level 6. AAT Level 2 is not equivalent to a bachelor's degree.

Meanwhile, AAT Level 3 is equivalent to A Levels in the UK education system. In Scotland, it is equivalent to SCQF Level 7. AAT Level 3 is not equivalent to a bachelor's degree.

Can I be a bookkeeper with AAT level 3?

Yes, you can become a bookkeeper with AAT Level 3. When you've completed the AAT Level 3 Bookkeeping qualification, you can perform bookkeeping functions, which range from recording transactions to assisting in preparing financial statements.

What does AATQB mean?

The AATQB means AAT Qualified Bookkeeper and is the professional bookkeeping membership in AAT. It's a designatory letter that gives you professional recognition and credibility to employers and businesses.

To earn the AATQB designation letters, you first must complete the AAT Level 3 Certificate in Bookkeeping before you can apply for the bookkeeping professional membership.

How long does AAT Level 2 and 3 take?

Completing the AAT Levels 2 & 3 in Bookkeeping depends on various factors, such as the preferred learning style, prior knowledge in the industry, and the amount of time you can dedicate to studying each week. You'll gain 12-month access to each bookkeeping course so you can study at your own pace.

On average, our students typically complete their AAT Level 2 within 3 to 4 months, while it takes them 4 to 6 months to complete the AAT Level 3.

What job can I get with Level 2 & 3 bookkeeping?

Our AAT Levels 2 & 3 Bookkeeping training course will take your knowledge of Bookkeeping to the next level and enhance your career opportunities.

Once you have successfully passed all your Level 3 unit assessments, you will be eligible to apply for AAT Qualified Bookkeeper status and use the designatory letters AATQB after your name. You can also become a self-employed Bookkeeper through the AAT licensed bookkeeper membership and offer self-employed services in the UK, including Bookkeeping, Financial Accounts and Accounts Preparation for Sole Traders, VAT, Computerised Accountancy Systems, and Payroll.

You can also expand your salary expectations into the accounting side of the industry through the AAT Level 3 Certificate in Accounting training courses.

The skills developed throughout this course could help you move into the following careers:

• Accounts Administrator - £23,000

• Purchase & Sales Ledger Clerk - £23,000

• Accounts Payable Clerk - £24,000

• Bookkeeper - £27,000

• Accounts Assistant - £27,000

• Tax Assistant - £29,000

• Payable and Expenses Supervisor - £30,000

• Payroll Supervisor - £30,000

(Source: Glassdoor)