AAT Level 2 Certificate in Bookkeeping (Fast Track to Level 3)

Our Certificate in Bookkeeping Fast Track to Level 3 course offers a streamlined path to achieving the AAT’s Level 2 qualification and the essential costing knowledge needed for further advancement. In just two terms, you can progress to our comprehensive AAT Level 3 Accounting qualification.

Manual bookkeeping underpins all accountancy and finance roles. Studying the AAT Level 2 Certificate in Bookkeeping helps students to develop a strong foundation of bookkeeping knowledge and skills needed to work in accountancy and finance or to go on to study higher-level bookkeeping or accountancy. Students completing this qualification will be able to confidently carry out typical bookkeeping transactions and tasks. This qualification is suitable for those already working in finance, those returning to work after a break or those wishing to change career. The qualification is open to those who are working and those who are not currently in employment.

What topics will I study?

The purpose of the AAT Level 2 Certificate in Bookkeeping is to ensure that students have the solid bookkeeping skills necessary for most finance roles. Students will gain the knowledge and skills needed to carry out typical bookkeeping transactions and tasks in two mandatory units, as well as an introduction to management accounts (costing) unit:

• Introduction to Bookkeeping (AAT exam)
• Principles of Bookkeeping Controls (AAT exam)
• Basic Costing (Internally assessed)

A student completing this qualification will develop practical accountancy skills in the double-entry bookkeeping system and in using associated documents and processes. Students will be able to check transactions for accuracy, make entries in appropriate books and ledgers, and calculate sales invoices and credit notes. They will also cover more complex Foundation Level bookkeeping procedures, including dealing with VAT, reconciliation and trial balances, and will develop their understanding of the relationship between the various accounting records. The internal costing unit gives students an introduction to the principles of basic costing and builds a solid foundation in the knowledge and skills required for more complex costing and management accounting.

Next steps: 

The skills developed by studying this qualification will enable a student to seek employment with confidence and/or to progress to the next level of learning. A student completing this qualification will develop the underpinning skills required in all accountancy and finance roles. You will use bookkeeping skills to confidently perform accounting transactions and understand how to process financial information in accordance with set procedures and schedules. The Level 2 Fast Track/AAT Level 2 Certificate in Bookkeeping can lead to further AAT study with us or to employment as:

• a Clerical Assistant
• a Trainee Bookkeeper
• an Accounts Clerk
• a Finance Assistant
• an Accounts Administrator

AAT membership for the above Level 2 course costs approximately £50 (Level 2 Bookkeeping membership only required).

You don’t need any prior accounting qualifications, skills, knowledge, or experience to get started (although good basic numeracy and literacy skills are needed). Your Maths and English will be assessed prior to you being offered a place on the course.

You will study at our Future Skills Centre, which opened in 2021 near Exeter Airport. The centre has free on site parking as well as an on site cafe and a designated study room for adult learners.

AAT membership for the above Level 2 course costs approximately £68* (Level 2 Bookkeeping membership only required).

AAT coursebooks and question banks (currently around £130 for all required books*)

*You may be eligible for a bursary to help with these costs. Please see our Financial Support page.