FAQs

Find answers to frequently asked questions below. Didn’t find what you were looking for? No problem, give us a call!

Is the AAT internationally recognised?

The AAT is the world’s leading professional body for Accounting Technicians with over 150,000 members worldwide.

Can anyone start the AAT?

Yes, there are no entry requirements, you just need to ensure you start at the right level for you.

Which level do I start at?

Most students would start with level 2 Bookkeeping or Accounting. If you already have accounting knowledge or experience then take this AAT skillcheck for guidance on the best level for you to start.

What's the difference between Bookkeeping and Accounting?

Bookkeeping has the same 2 subjects as the level 2 accounting qualification and these cover everything that you need to know  to be able to run a bookkeeping system

With the accounting route you study these same 2 subjects , but in addition you also study an extra 2 units  covering  law, ethics and management accounting which you need for level 3 and 4 accounting

Bookkeeping ends at Level 3 whereas Accounting ends at Level 4.

Do I need to study both Bookkeeping and Accounting?

No, you only need to study one or the other.

Can I turn my Bookkeeping qualification into the Accounting qualification?

Yes, you can study the extra 2 units to turn your bookkeeping qualification into the accounting qualification.

If I want to progress through to Level 4 what route do I take?

If you are wanting to progress through to level 4, then you will need to start your studies with the level 2 certificate in accounting rather than bookkeeping.

Can I pay with interest free instalments?

You can enrol online via our website, click ‘Take this course’, choose your interest free payment plan, enter a few details and within 5 minutes you are up and running.

What materials will I receive and how long will they take to arrive?

Yes, for each subject you will receive an Integrated Workbook and a separate Exam Kit. You will receive these on average of 3 working days after enroling, but don’t worry, there are soft online copies in your account which you can view or print out to use until the materials are delivered.

What if I’m based outside of the UK?

We have many students based around the world, please email emma@staging.mcarthuronline.com for worldwide postage rates.

How do I enrol if my employer is paying for the course?

Simply contact emma@staging.mcarthuronline.com with details of your employer, we can invoice them and email you a coupon code so that you can start studying immediately

AAT student membership fees can also be added, an AAT code will be emailed on receipt of payment.

Does the course fee include VAT, AAT student membership and exams?

Our course fees include VAT but not the AAT student membership or exams.

When and how do I register with the AAT?

You will register with the AAT 3 to 4 weeks after registering with us, it’s very straightforward and we explain fully how to do it.

How much is the AAT student membership?

You pay a one-off fee for each level

Level 1 Bookkeeping                                                  £45

Level 2 Certificate in Bookkeeping                        £66

Level 2 Certificate in Accounting                         £175

Level 3 Certificate in Bookkeeping                        £91

Level 3 Diploma in Accounting                            £228

Level 4 Diploma in Professional Accounting      £244

Where do I sit my exams?

You will sit your exams at a registered assessment venue, you choose where you sit and when you sit. https://www.aat.org.uk/assessment-venues/search

How much are the exams?

On average each exam will cost around £100, payable to the exam centre when booking each exam. The total estimated exam fees per course are as follows

Level 2 Cerificate in Bookkeping ( 2 exams @ £100)                               £200

Level 2 Cerificate in Accounting ( 4 exams @ £100)                                £400

Level 3 Cerificate in Bookkeping ( 2 exams @ £100)                                £200

Level 3 Diploma in Accounting  ( 4 exams @ £100)                                  £400

Level 4  Diploma in Professional Accounting ( 5 exams @ £100)          £500

Do I sit all of my exams at once?

No, you study one subect at a time and then take that particular exam, and then move onto the next subject

Are the classes pre-recorded?

Yes, all tuition courses and revision courses are pre-recorded in HD.

How can I watch my courses?

You can watch your classes on your phone, tablet or laptop, plus you can watch each class as many times as you want.

How long will it take?

With 6 hours per week of study, the average course durations are as follows

3 months          Level 2 Cerificate in Bookkeping

5 months          Level 2 Cerificate in Accounting

4 months          Level 3 Cerificate in Bookkeping

8 months          Level 3 Diploma in Accounting

9-12 months     Level 4  Diploma in Professional Accounting

How long do I have to complete the course?

There are no time limits, we won’t charge you any ‘extras’ if you take longer to complete your course, and you will still get full tutor support.

What support will I receive

Your tutor is available until midnight, 7 days a week. This can be by phone, email or zoom.

What about revision

For each unit you get recordings of us working through the 2 official AAT Practice assessments, these explain exam technique and are very similar to the real exams, so you know exactly what to expect.