AAT Level 2, 3 & 4 Accounting

• Course completion times, 12 months for AAT Level 2 Certificate in Accounting and 15 months for AAT Level 3 Diploma in Accounting, 18 months for the AAT level 4 Diploma in Professional Accounting - Factored into these timeframes is plenty of extra time to ensure stress free learning.

• When you enrol you become one of the Gold Edge high achieving students. How do we know, it's simple. You have seen our pass rates. They are achieved by students just like you whose study plans were based on how many hours they personally had available plus they were allowed to learn how they learn best.

• Easy access 24/7 study via our learning portal – Expert tutor support available 7 days a week.

• Over 200 AAT assessment centres across the UK means you can study from any location knowing you are close to your local centre for exams.

• As the complexity rises in each of the qualifications, the materials, online and manual, plus all support raises at the same pace. We make sure as you progress to higher levels, the ease and simplicity of learning remains the same regardless of the method used - recorded classroom that are viewable multiple times - invitations to live classroom – key topic animation & interactive online learning – Printed materials supplied are hardcopy Kaplan books for manual learning and revision.

• Computer based online exams fee and one off AAT memberships fee are additional costs.

• Average completion time based on 6-8 hours of study a week for our online courses are 30 weeks for Level 2 and 34 weeks for accounting Level 3 plus 34 weeks for Level 4 - These are average timeframes that can vary based on the speed with which you learn and prior knowledge.

• Fast response – coaching and tutor support ensures continuity in your learning.

• You can pay in full at enrolment or enrol via a number of interest free instalment plans

• Enrolment 365 days a year on all AAT qualifications.

A TOTUM PRO Student Discount Card

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Gold Edge Training was founded in 2012 with the aim of becoming a college that made a difference in how learners learnt. Gone was the stereo typical 'one type of programme fits all learners' and in came the recognition that all learners were different. From the outset the distance learning AAT courses were renowned for high achieving students nationwide. Our training provider exam pass rate far exceeded the Association of Accounting Technicians national average pass rates from year one to now.

The Gold Edge Training team have taught thousands of AAT students the Gold Edge way since its launch. Many now qualified accountants say they passed their AAT exams because they were able to learn how it made sense to them rather than how it made sense to others.

Our coaching programme was designed and written by our head of faculty. Alongside teaching and pioneering learning style online delivery, she has specialised in developing the learning skills of accountancy students for over 24 years. 

Our teaching team have a collective pedigree of AAT experience spanning nearly 40 years. Over that time we have developed an understanding of AAT students. We act on what we learn from their needs and we deliver our programmes the way you want us to.

Important benefits of bespoke learning style delivery:

Flexible learning AAT courses to meet other commitments

You control when, how and where you learn and set your own pace of study – We support at the pace you set. We design the course around you giving total flexibility within the completion timeframe. You set the pace of study and we support at that same pace.

Kaplan hard copy study textbooks & exam kit books

Optimum learning is balanced learning. With Gold Edge you benefit from learning in different ways to increase the depth of your understanding - We offer a variety of resources to firstly meet all learning style and secondly, to give the widest range of learning methods. You learn differently from each method of learning. For instance, fine detail learning is gained from the study textbook. Whereas a more defined picture is delivered through the recorded lectures. When each method is combined, you achieve a deeper and broader level of understanding.

Recorded & Live online classroom

We offer live classroom sessions in the day and evening for Levels 2 and 3.  Equal benefits are gained from watching the live or recorded tutor led lectures. Which method you choose is down to your learning style. Live lessons best suits auditory. The recorded live sessions meet personal availability and the learning style of visual, kinaesthetic and reflective learners. As your study progresses and with coaching support, you will enhance your learning experience through matching resources and methods to how you learn best.

Online interactive content

All resources will benefit all students to varying degrees. As you learn you will recognise which resources should lead your lesson and which should follow. We offer a full online range of course workbooks, animations, interactive questions and videos in addition to the recorded and live classroom and hardcopy books. Amongst the online resources you will find PowerPoint presentations, additional manual question banks and practice exams.

Four-stage revision programme

We are the only college to incorporate a free 4-stage revision programme. We leave nothing to chance in your exam preparation. Our aim is your success: AAT green light testing to check depth of understanding – completing circa 200 manual exam kit questions - recorded exam preparation session and finally, exam practice papers, all ensure you are at optimum exam level when entering your exam. Follow our programme, and you will join our high achieving student community.

The AAT qualification is designed to deliver a successful career outcome at each level of the qualification. Your study will starts at the very beginning of accountancy. There is no requirement for accountancy experience or previous qualifications when you start at Level 2. Accounting technicians are expected to learn in depth from basic principles of bookkeeping and accounting in a business environment through to the complexities of preparing financial statements and consolidated accounts.

The Association of Accounting Technicians accounting qualifications are designed to deliver a successful accounting career to level you want to achieve.

Financial accounting and management accounting studies begin at Level 2 and continue through the AAT levels. From the outset, you will learn double entry bookkeeping, how to prepare accounts for sole traders, partnerships and limited companies. At Level 4 you will learn about budgeting, taxation, auditing, internal accounting systems, financial projects and accountancy analysis.

The AAT is the industry recognised qualification that delivers the skills necessary for all accounts officer roles including employed and self employed. To increase your employability, we include Sage accounting software at Level 2. Distance learning students completing both manual and computerised accounting studies will offer more skills to an organisation who are looking to fill certain vacancies.

You will learn to process transactions whilst achieving compliance with the legal aspects of financial statements and accounts. You'll cover core accounting skills expected from both the Level 2 course and Level 3 course. At Level 4 you will achieve an advanced level of diverse knowledge. The three-level package ensures that you are conversant with the knowledge required to become an AAT Accountant.

At each level you will learn a broad range of skills from advanced bookkeeping, VAT returns, basic costing through to advanced management accounting skills. You will learn about books of prime entry and final accounts, how to check the accuracy of entries and how correct errors found.

As part of the daily accounts office procedures you will learn many other skills expected of a professional business accounting student. Bank statement reconciliations, understanding the purpose of associated documents in the audit trail. You will learn personal skills and how to communicate effectively. You'll grow your general understanding of the legal system including some contract law. You'll understand the treatment of a business entity and how that varies from an accounting and legal aspect.

Your AAT Assessment Schedule

There are 4 modules to complete in the Level 2 qualification.  At the end of each module you will sit an exam as follows:

• Introduction to Bookkeeping - 1 exam  (90 mins)

• Principles of Bookkeeping Controls - 1 exam (90 mins)

• Principles of Costing - 1 exam (90 mins)

• The Business Environment Synoptic Assessment- 1 exam (120 mins)

  
  There are 4 modules to complete at Level 3.  At the end of each module you will sit an exam as follows:

• Financial Accounting: Preparing Financial Statements - 1 exam

• Management Accounting Techniques - 1 exam

• Tax Processes for Businesses - 1 exam

• Business Awareness - 1 exam

  There are 5 modules to complete at Level 4.  At the end of each module you will sit an exam as follows:

• Mandatory Units:

  Level 4 Professional Diploma in Accounting Q2022

  • Applied Management Accounting - 1 exam

  • Drafting and Interpreting Financial Statements - 1 exam

  • Internal Accounting Systems and Control

  Choose 2 of 5 options listed below:

  • Business Tax - 1 exam

  • Personal Tax - 1 exam

  • Audit and Assurance - 1 exam

  • Cash and Financial Management - 1 exam

  • Credit and Debt Management - 1 exam

When to book your exams for all AAT courses? The ideal time is when you begin revision. It is important to set the benchmark that revision is the final stage of learning before sitting your exam. This applies to any unit within the AAT Accounting qualifications.

There are no set assessment dates, you sit your exams when you are ready.

If you want to begin an accountancy career, the level 2 is the perfect AAT qualification to start.

We enrol students from the age of 14 years upwards. 

There are no entry requirements to study the AAT finance qualifications although it is expected that you have good basic maths skills and a good command of the English language to start at Level 2.

To study AAT distance learning you will require access to a PC or Laptop. The learning platforms are both Windows and Mac compatible.

Employment options

The AAT qualifications offer a job for life anywhere in the world. It is the lead qualification sought after by employers because of its comprehensive approach to deliver work-based practical accountancy skills.

Below are average salaries for level 2 achievers: 

• Accounts and clerical assistant work in finance administration- £23,000 

• Purchase/Sales Ledger Clerk - £23,000 

• Accounts Payable Clerk - £24,000

For Level 3 and 4 achievers

• Accountancy and Finance roles - £27,000

• Team Leader/Supervisor - £28,000

• Middle Manager - £36,000

• Director/Senior Manager - £46,000

* Please note the salaries above are the median mid-point from survey participants only. These salaries will vary with level of experience, position held, company size and geographic location.

Q. Should I study all levels before looking for work?

A. No. It is advisable to try and gain some work experience as you learn by the time you start Level 4. Accountancy is a profession and as such requires an understanding of real life practical application as well as the theory learnt as you pass each exam. Work experience as you study is not compulsory. If it is not possible through childcare or other reasons, it's possible to catch up on work experience when you are able to work.

Q. What jobs can I do when I am an AAT accountant?

A. The opportunities you have once qualified are only limited by your own choices. You achieve what you want your career to be, Finance director, head of accounts, credit controller, finance officer and accounts officers.

Q.  Do I have to study the 3 levels. I have a non-accounting degree, can I start at Level 4

A. Most students regardless of other qualifications will start at Level 2. Accountancy is a picture of knowledge that has to be built at each level. You cannot miss any of the content. Level 3 is underpinned by the knowledge learnt at Level 2. Level 4 is underpinned by the knowledge learnt at Levels 2 and 3. A non-accounting degree cannot get you exemptions from any AAT studies.