AAT Level 2 Certificate in Accounting

The purpose of the AAT Level 2 Certificate in Accounting is to offer grounding in the core accounting knowledge and skills needed to progress either to employment or to further study.

The Level 2 Certificate is open to those who are working and those who are not currently in employment. This qualification could also help someone who is already working in an entry-level finance role to progress in their career by offering them development and formal recognition of their skills.

What topics will I study?

The AAT Level 2 Certificate in Accounting covers a range of foundation accounting and finance skills in four mandatory units:

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

You will be evaluated through online exams with time limits during the programme, including a final exam that covers everything you have studied.

In addition to the above AAT units, at the end of the programme you will complete a Computerised Accounts unit which covers using Sage and spreadsheets software. This module will add to your employability skills in the workplace and has been created after advice taken from local employers in the sector.

Teaching and learning methods:

Classroom based teaching and practice exercises will be used to develop your accounting skills, IT skills and exam preparation will be carried out in computer suites. Sessions are delivered by highly qualified industry accountants.

Guest lecturers and workshops from professionals working with accountancy practice and a range of finance departments.

Advice and guidance sessions and careers workshops.

Next steps:

Finance is at the heart of every business, so demand for accounting and finance skills will never go away. Jobs in accounting and finance are extremely diverse and deliver exciting career opportunities.

With AAT on your CV, you demonstrate a level of industry excellence and work-readiness sought after by employers across all industries. The qualification can lead to such roles as:

• Accounts administrator
• Accounts assistant
• Accounts payable clerk
• Purchase/sales ledger clerk
• Trainee accounting technician
• Trainee finance assistant

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. 

The Digital and Data Centre is a £10.3million building which opened in July 2021. It has state-of-the-art IT suites and interactive classrooms. There is a café on site as well as a designated study space for adult learners.

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 (currently £180 per year*)

AAT coursebooks and question banks (currently around £170 for all required books*)

A basic calculator (that includes a square root button) and you will also need to bring the following to the first session: pen, paper and a folder to store class handouts.

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