AAT Foundation Certificate in Accounting (Level 2)

Is the AAT Foundation Certificate in Accounting suitable for me?

It is recommended to have some prior knowledge of accountancy through previous studies or work experience. However, there are no previous course requirements to enrol, therefore any individual can apply for the AAT Accounting Level 2.

All students must meet the following standards:

• 16 years old or over, unless a parent or guardian can consent.
• Students’ grasp on English must be above average.
• Understand the fundamentals of mathematics.
• Have access to a PC or Laptop (This course is both Mac and Windows compatible, however the Sage software is not compatible with Apple Mac’s, unless Boot Camp is installed).

 Textbooks are provided to enhance your studying throughout this online course.

How will the AAT Foundation Certificate in Accounting benefit me?

•  Suitable for all adults - If you are looking to retrain (at any age) then being AAT qualified is a great way to start. AAT helps provide all the necessary information when looking to start a career in the ever-growing finance industry.  
•  Increase salary expectations - Once certified with AAT, you can see your potential earnings increase and senior roles will become within reach.
•  Availability of different roles - Whether you are looking to start your own business, become a Chartered Accountant or start your career, the AAT qualification will help you begin your journey.
•  Highly sought over skills - financial management is a crucial aspect of every firm. Therefore, there is always demand for finance professionals in  all industries. With AAT providing industry-focused qualifications, your skills will be put where they are optimised.
•  Recognised professional - AAT is an internationally recognised finance body. It will equip you with the fundamentals of accountancy along with a  variety of workplace practical accounting skills. Once certified, you will be a renowned finance professional known for endurance and quality.   

Additional AAT Membership benefits include:

• Accurate practice tests designed to show the progression.
• Extra study support resources.
• Career advice from the community, networking opportunities, industries changes, and newsletters.
• AAT Membership is available, and required before you can take exams. 

What jobs can I apply for after my AAT Foundation Certificate in Accounting

Being AAT qualified and displaying it when applying for finance positions will provide a competitive advantage. This will also increase your confidence when applying because of the practical skills and theory learnt from the AAT Accounting Level 2 course.

Large accountancy firms such as KPMG provide their staff with AAT courses to enhance efficiency in finance.

Potential career roles and average salaries include:

•  Purchase/Sales Ledger Clerk, £23k
•  Payroll Administrator, £23k
•  Accounts Administrator, £23k
•  Accounts Payable Clerk, £24k

(Source: Payscale)

Salaries are subject to change depending on the industry; however, they can range from £20k to £24k. 

AAT Salaries

Salaries for AAT certified professionals in the UK has risen this year. The average salary by job level has been outlined below: 

•    Administrator - £20,000
•    Accounts/Finance Assistant - £21,000
•    Accounts/Finance Officer - £27,000
•    Team Leader/Supervisor - £28,000
•    Junior Manager - £31,000
•    Middle Manager - £36,000
•    Director/Senior Manager - £46,000

Once qualified at level 2, you have other study options available for you. AAT Advanced Diploma in Accounting Level 3 is the next stage which can offer the following benefits:

•  Senior accounting jobs become attainable
•  Receive AATQB status
•  Become a qualified Bookkeeper, allowing you to run your own business

If you are keen on studying level 3 after completing the level 2 qualification, we offer a  special offer study package. Visit the AAT Level 2 Certificate & Level 3 Advanced Diploma in Accounting package here.

Why choose to study AAT Foundation Certificate in Accounting with e-Careers?

We have developed an expert team over the last 10 years since our inception. In that time, we have trained over 605,000 delegates globally, which has helped offer the highest quality training. By refining our processes, partner relationships, and course materials, we can offer high-quality training solutions for our delegates.

At e-Careers we take pride in offering cost-effective prices on all courses to ensure students are receiving the most value for their money. You will be accredited with help of an award-winning company, that is Sage certified allowing for the use of courseware and software. Once you have finished, with the knowledge and skills acquired from our course you will be ready for the official AAT exams. Following this, you will be given a Sage certification.

Additional Benefits

•  Includes Tutor Support.
•  Financial payment plans available that are interest-free.
•  Receive two qualifications in Sage & AAT Level 2.
•  Free access to Sage 50 Accounts Professional software for 180 days.
•  Typically, we have a pass rate higher than the national average.
•  Textbooks and top-grade training material.
•  Price is unmatched.
•  AAT Membership available. 

As the largest producer of Sage Certified Training in the UK, we focus on using the software due to its widespread usage throughout the business world. With the additional Sage 50 certification added to your CV, you will rise above other candidates when applying for roles. 

 TrustPilot scores us 5 stars. Contact us today and help make your goals a reality.

AAT Foundation Certificate in Accounting Syllabus

AAT Level 2 will provide you with a basic knowledge of accounting principles and skills. At this level, your knowledge in accounting will start to develop and finance administration is your focus.   The five units you'll cover through this course, are:

•  Unit 1 - Bookkeeping Transactions
•  Unit 2 - Bookkeeping Controls
•  Unit 3 - Elements of Costing
•  Unit 4 - Using Accounting Software
•  Unit 5 – The Synoptic Assessment 

Average course completion time: 6-9 months

These qualifications will teach you how to process payments and receipts, prepare invoices, complete bank reconciliations, use accounting software and have the skills required to work effectively in the finance industry. 

AAT Foundation Certificate in Accounting Exams

AAT Exam – Level 2 Foundation Certificate in Accounting

There are five exams in total - 4 computer-based exams and 1 Synoptic Assessment:

• Bookkeeping Transactions (1 Hour 30 minutes)
• Bookkeeping Controls (1 Hour 30 minutes)
• Elements of Costing (1 Hour 30 minutes)
• Using Accounting Software (2 Hours)
• Foundation Certificate in Accounting Synoptic Test Assessment (2 Hours)

When you are ready to take your assessments, you have two options:

Online Assessments directly with e-Careers - To take your assessment from the comfort of your home, please contact e-Careers Customer Service to book and pay for your assessment. 

Test Centre Assessments - You can still choose to sit your exam at a suitable AAT approved assessment venue. We can help find the closest one to you. Exam fees vary from centre to centre.

Exam fees are not included in the course.

Synoptic Assessments are designed to test your understanding of a range of subjects across your AAT qualification. You can take this test for most weeks of the year. 

We’re proud to have achieved some of the highest pass marks in the UK, across each level. We’re able to achieve such high pass rates because of the package we offer, including eLearning, textbooks, mock exams and more!  

AAT Exam Centre Venue Search

AAT Exams Update - COVID-19

Pearson VUE-owned test centres will be following the recommendations from the CDC and World Health Organization for preventing the spread of COVID-19 and protecting testing candidates and their staff. Candidates are asked to comply with the health and safety guidelines outlined below to keep fellow candidates safe. (Face masks are now required while testing at Pearson VUE-owned test centres).

What you need to know

You will not be admitted to the test centre and should reschedule your exam if:

You have tested positive for COVID-19 (unless you have been symptom-free and fever-free for at least 72 hours without the use of fever reducing medicine and at least 14 days have passed since your last exposure, or you have received two negative COVID-19 test results in a row, 24 hours apart)

You are currently experiencing or have experienced one or more associated symptoms within the last fourteen (14) days (unless You have been symptom-free and fever-free for at least 72 hours without the use of fever reducing medicine):

• Shortness of breath
• Cough
• Fever
• Chills
• Sore throat
• Loss of smell

You live with or have had close contact with someone who has confirmed or suspected COVID-19 (unless at least 14 days have passed since your last exposure).

Have been or are under home quarantine or centralized observation by government or healthcare authorities (unless at least 14 days have passed since your quarantine or centralized observation has been lifted by the government or healthcare authorities).

Synoptic windows revised

Synoptic window dates have now been confirmed for the remainder of the year and include additional dates to help with planning and potential capacity issues due to social distancing restrictions. Full details can be found here.

Level 2 synoptic assessments

In agreement with Ofqual, the UK qualifications regulator, the AAT has announced the intention to issue calculated results for eligible students studying the Foundation Certificate in Accounting - Level 2 (Level 5 in Scotland) and Foundation Diploma in Accounting and Business (Level 2).

Full details on the revised synoptic windows can be found here.

AAT Exam Centre Venue Search