I'm feeling a tad confused at the moment and would love some help!
I've worked keeping the books for a friends small business for a couple of years. I decided in the spring to find a relevant qualification to enable me to take on more bookkeeping from home. After a bit of research I decided on the AAT Diploma, Kaplan the training body, suggested it was the right course for bookkeeping. I passed the first exam, and in the mock got 100% so I was very pleased as I found it a struggle . But I am really getting stuck on the second section of the certificate level though and am wondering if I am doing the wrong course. I only want to work as a book-keeper for small businesses and find that there is so much to take in (perhaps irrelevant to me??) with the AAT. I am seriously thinking of just finishing the certificate level then switching to the ICB Diploma.
Does the AAT cover everything the ICB covers - should I just get on with the AAT or switch to the ICB? I don't want to waste any money, but I'm happy to cut my loses with the AAT.
the AAT three levels covers more than the ICB does.
The financial accounting units : 30, 31, 5 and 11 covers from basic bookkeeping and accounts up to limited companies reporting using international accounting standards (this top level is more than you would need to look after small businesses. The AAT also covers management and cost accounting in units 6 and 33 (or 8 & 9 if doing the NVQ route), which includes budgeting and standard costing. As a soon-to-be self employed bookkeeper you might find it useful to do the tax units though On top of this you need to complete a project in the final level of approx 1500 - 2000 words.
personally I completed an A level in accounts and then decded to fast track the ICB sitting all three exams in June this year and I'm planning on now doing the Association of Taxation Technicians exams, including Personal and Business taxation as this meant that I had less exams and assessments to complete than following the AAT route (13 units) where as ICB and then ATT only means 7 exams
I've also found that the ICB offers fab advice and support - including a support pack when first setting up which included sample documents, letters etc
Thanks for your reply. No you haven't confused me, the info is really helpful. I was also hoping to do the Association of Taxation Technicians after the AAT - so that I could keep books and do tax returns too - that was the plan!
I sort of wish that I hadn't started the AAT, because of the cost involved, but I guess the knowledge isn't wasted, it should help me with the ICB if I go ahead. I'm actually going to see a careers advisor on Wed - I'm hoping they can help me!
Did you study the ICB from home? Is it a diploma that you now have from the ICB?
Yes, I now have a diploma certificate, and have just sent off for my membership
I work for a self-employed bookkeeper (who is ICB and ATT qualified) and she helped me - I just bought the book "Business Accounts" from Osborne Books and worked through it as it covers everything in the three levels of the exams
Thanks for your help Gemma. I feel the ICB route could be a better one for me. I'll wait for my careers advisors advise before I spend any more money on courses. Oh last question, who did you study with?
. But I am really getting stuck on the second section of the certificate level though and am wondering if I am doing the wrong course. I only want to work as a book-keeper for small businesses and find that there is so much to take in (perhaps irrelevant to me??) with the AAT. I am seriously thinking of just finishing the certificate level then switching to the ICB Diploma. 
