AAT Combined Level 3 and 4Diplomas in Accounting (SCQF Level 7 & 8)

You must have a reasonable standard of English and Maths (eg. GCSE Level 4 or equivalent) and a Level 2 related qualification, along with/or at least 6 months experience in the profession. 

You'll also need access to Microsoft Word and Excel throughout your studies – essential tools for building your accounting expertise.

If English isn’t your first language, we suggest an IELTS score of 6.5 or equivalent to help you feel confident with the course materials. However, we're happy to assess your case on an individual basis. 

Please note that if you’ve been declared bankrupt or have a criminal record, AAT may not accept you as a member, which could prevent you from sitting your exams. It’s best to check with AAT directly for guidance on this.

Your AAT course is fully online. 

You'll study 4 units for the AAT Level 3 Diploma first:

• Preparing Financial Statements
• Management Accounting Techniques
• Tax Processes for Businesses
• Business Awareness

You'll then study 5 units from the AAT Level 4 Diploma, made up of 3 core units and your choice of 2 optional units:

Core units

• Drafting and Interpreting Financial Statements
• Applied Management Accounting
• Internal Accounting Systems and Controls

Optional units

• Business Tax
• Personal Tax
• Audit and Assurance
• Credit and Debt Management
• Cash and Financial Management

For full details of what you’ll learn in each unit, download your free AAT course guide today!

You'll sit 9 computer-based exams: 4 for the AAT Level 3 course and 5 for the AAT Level 4 course (3 unit exams, 2 elective unit exams).

You can choose to sit your exams via remote invigilation; however, the Management Accounting Techniques exam must be sat at an AAT exam centre near you. 

Level 3 assessments:

• Preparing Financial Statements
• Management Accounting Techniques
• Tax Processes for Businesses
• Business Awareness

Level 4 assessments:

• Drafting and Interpreting Financial Statements
• Applied Management Accounting
• Internal Accounting Systems and Controls

Elective (choose two) 

• Audit and Assurance
• Business Tax
• Personal Tax
• Cash and Financial Management
• Credit and Debt Management

You’ll also complete online mock tests throughout your course to ensure you’re well-prepared for your exams.

Please note that your exam fees and AAT registration fees are not included in your course cost. However, if you'd like to bundle your registration fee into your overall course cost, reach out to one of our course advisors today – they'll be happy to help! 

The Association of Accounting Technicians (AAT) is the UK’s leading professional body offering skills-based accountancy and finance training.

AAT's globally recognised qualifications provide a strong foundation for careers in bookkeeping, finance, and accountancy, making them highly valued by employers across industries.

With over 130,000 members and students worldwide, AAT supports individuals at all stages of their accounting careers. Many AAT graduates go on to become chartered accountants, progressing to further qualifications with bodies such as ACCA, CIMA, or ICAEW.

If you're looking to advance your accounting career, our flexible, online AAT courses allow you to study at your own pace, on your own terms.

If you’re not sure which AAT course to choose, we recommend taking the AAT Skillcheck. It’s a 30-minute online multiple-choice test that will suggest the right level for you based on your accounting knowledge.

The AAT Level 2 Certificate is perfect if you have no accounting experience or if you haven’t mastered key principles and essential skills like double-entry bookkeeping yet. Most students start at Level 2, even if they have some accounting experience.

The AAT Level 3 Diploma is for you if you have significant practical accounting experience and a firm grasp of all the topics covered at Level 2.

The AAT Level 4 Diploma could be ideal if you understand everything covered at Foundation and Advanced level and are fully competent in double-entry bookkeeping. Students rarely enrol directly onto the Level 4 Diploma without completing Level 2/ Level 3 or a similar practical accounting qualification first.

If you plan on completing multiple levels, you can save money and transition smoothly by studying our Level 2 & Level 3 or Level 3 & Level 4 combined courses.

And if you'd like to become a bookkeeper rather than an accountant, one of our AAT Bookkeeping courses could be right for you. 

Before you enrol with us, our expert AAT advisors can talk through your experience and ambitions to make sure you’re choosing the right course! 

An accountancy career has the potential to to take you anywhere you want to go. Whether you want to work in TV, sport, fashion, or for a charity, every organisation in every sector needs qualified accountants. 

Finance professionals are in consistently high demand the world over, so when you choose to study an AAT accounting qualification, you'll be opening the door to hugely rewarding and respected career opportunities.

Want to start your own accounting practice or go freelance? Once you complete your AAT Level 4 Diploma, you can. 

Is becoming a Chartered Accountant your goal? Your AAT training can be a stepping stone to ACCA, CIMA, and other Chartered Accountancy qualifications, and will even allow you to skip certain modules, potentially getting you to Chartered status faster than the university route.

And if you've got your eyes set on the boardroom, it's worth noting that more than half of FTSE 100 CEOs began their career in finance! 

You don't need to wait until you've completed your AAT course to start reaping the benefits of studying AAT. Simply putting 'Studying towards AAT' on your CV can help you attract employers and stand out from the crowd.

After completing the AAT Level 2 Certificate, you'll be ready to take on entry-level finance roles such as:

• Accounts Administrator
• Accounts Assistant
• Accounts Payable Clerk
• Purchase/Sales Ledger Clerk
• Trainee Accounting Technician
• Trainee Finance Assistant

Once you've completed the next qualification, the AAT Level 3 Diploma, you can move into roles like:

• Accounts Assistant
• Accounts Payable and Expenses Supervisor
• Accounts Payable Clerk
• Assistant Accountant
• Audit Trainee
• Bookkeeper
• Credit Controller
• Finance Assistant
• Payroll Administrator
• Payroll Supervisor
• Practice Bookkeeper
• Tax Assistant

Once you've achieved the most advanced AAT training, the AAT Level 4 Diploma, you have an even bigger pool of career options. If you'd like the freedom of working for yourself, you could start your own accountancy practice or work as a freelance accountant.

You could also become a Chartered Accountant by joining an AAT fast-track with ACCA, CIMA, or one of the other UK Chartered Accountancy bodies.

As an AAT-qualified Accounting Technician, your salary will depend on your level of qualification, experience, and job role, but AAT qualifications are known to significantly boost earning potential.

According to AAT’s latest salary survey (2023), the average salaries per level are as follows:

• AAT Level 2 (Foundation): £24,500
• AAT Level 3 (Advanced): £25,000
• AAT Level 4 (Professional): £26,000 
• Fully qualified AAT Accounting Technicians: Between £30,000 to £40,000+ 

With experience, many AAT members go on to become senior finance professionals, team leaders, or continue on to Chartered Accountant status, further increasing their earning potential.

Plus, if you join the AAT fast-track with a Chartered Accountancy body like ACCA or CIMA, you could earn even more as a Chartered Accountant. 

You’ll be assessed for your AAT qualification through a series of computer-based assessments designed to test your understanding in practical, real-world scenarios. 

These exams are set and marked by AAT and take place either online via remote invigilation (depending on your course and/or location) or at an AAT exam centre near you.

We specialise in flexible, 100% online learning designed to fit around your life. Whether you're working full-time, caring for family, or just need more control over your studies, we give you the freedom to learn at your own pace, from anywhere in the world.

Here’s why thousands of students choose ICS Learn every year:

• 24/7 course access so you can study anytime, on any device
• Personalised tutor support from subject experts
• Flexible payment plans to spread the cost
• Trusted by students in over 100+ countries 
• Career-ready qualifications recognised by employers and universities

With ICS Learn, you’re in control of your education – and your future.

Enrol online or get in touch with our Course Advisors today! 

They’ll talk through your experience, education and ambitions to make sure you’re choosing the right course, then get you enrolled with a flexible payment plan.

You can also verify that your course is budget-friendly when you use our handy affordability calculator. 

If you have any disabilities which you think might affect your studies or assessments, please tell your Course Advisor before you enrol so we can advise you on whether reasonable adjustments can be made to accommodate your needs.