I am considering about going self employed as a book keeper.
I have been running my own retail business for 6 years, and during this time, I have prepared all the relivant data for my accountant. This last financial year, I started using Sage 50, 2010, and have just completed my first years accounts without any problems.
I have already finished AAT technician, but am not a full member as I do not have enough work experience, and I have almost completed my book keeping course with the ICB.
At what point can I consider myself a qualified book keeper?
I think you can consider yourself a qualified bookkeeper now since you have completed and passed AAT. If however AAT say you need to get some more practical experience then you will either have to do that or drop the AAT after your name which would seem a pity. Have you told AAT that you have worked as a bookkeeper for last 6 years in retail?
There are members on here who can advise you about other governing boards better than I and the potential exemptions you may or may not receive.
Not sure but your accountant may be able to sign off your experience for you, as far as I know you need one years experiences in 3 areas of accounting (purchase and sales ledger is 2) signed off by your employer, so if you drop the AAT a line and explain they may be able to sort it out for you, than you can have MAAT after your name :)