Hi, I introduced myself a while ago but have been busy studying for my IAB III since then so doubt anyone remembers!
I am a stay at home mum to 2 girls under 2 so college is not really an option at the moment but would like to have a career to return to when they go to school/nursery.
I have now decided to continue studying with AAT via distance learning as my mum has kindly offered to cover the cost for me !
I completed the NVQ 2 course back in 2000 but didnt progress onto the next level as my employer wouldnt fund it at the time. I have been happy distance learning on the IAB course and have not really used the tutor available so am wondering what the best route would be. Can you just buy the study text and work through alone or will I find it much more indepth than the IAB?
Also will UNIT31 have been covered in my original course I cant seem to tell from my certificate, I can only find the exam result certificate not my NVQ certificate too so may have been clearer on there?
NVQ level 2 should of involved health and safety and achieving personal effectiveness which will exempt you from these modules if you carry on down the nvq route.
There is a new syllabus from july which you would probably be better taking though I do think that it will cost a tad more as there about 7 assessments at around £50-£60 a pop via distance learning.
As for the tutor, with AAT up till now you have needed to have a learning providor if for nothing else than the ability to sit simulations regardless of whether you used the tutor books or any of the rest of the stuff you get from a learning provider. When the new syllabus starts there's a slight possibility you wont need a learning provider but this is as yet unconfirmed as various people have heard differently.
That said if you don't work in an accounting/financial role you may find that intermediate or level 3 diploma as it will be called will be a bit harder then the foundation.
If I can i'm going to attempt intermediate on my own without tutor support, that said I will have friends who will be doing it at college so i will be able to glean information from them.
So in answer to your question, if it's even possible to do it without a provider, you would have to be quite confident in your abilities to do it without any support. As you say you have studied IAB level 3 and I'm assuming you've passed if so then if it can be done without a learning provider go for it.
Thanks for your reply, I am sitting the exam next month and am confident I will pass but only time will tell!
I worked in an accounts office but predominantly credit control for the last 7 years prior to having my girls so have some workplace knowledge but definitely not an all round view.
I think I may wait until July to see what the new syllabus involves but may try Intermediate alone with a plan for support at level 4.
The new syllabus looks to be easier due to the fact it appears initially to be broken down further than the old, so you won't need to know as much for each assessment which makes it easier.
As far as going it alone at level3 everyone is still waiting to see if the AAT will allow it, they're sneaky that way, If they dont it will be like paying nigh on £400 for a set of books.
!
