Could someone please summarise for me the difference between these two qualifications and most importantly which would be most suitable for me if ultimately I want to be self-employed and able to offer a wide range of services?
CAT is the junior level qualification of the ACCA and is a good one to take if you intend to go on to become a full chartered certified accountant. However, if you are looking to become self-employed then being a CAT would only allow you to produce records up to trial balance stage, so you would not be able to prepare tax returns and year end accounts.
The AAT is a full qualification in its own right and there are no restrictions on what services you can offer, subject to holding a practicing certificate with them.
Both CAT and AAT are well respected qualifications in their own right, with CAT good for employees and AAT well suited for the self-employed.
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Thank you so much for that. It definitely sounds like it is AAT that I need to be looking at. I was trying to see what route gives me the most options and your answer has really helped. If anybody else has any more information I will be pleased to hear from them.
Meanwhile thanks Dustin was beginning to think nobody was going to reply.
