OCR level 2 to AAT - The Book-keepers Forum (UK)

Dev86 · Member

OCR level 2 to AAT

Amanda · Expert

HI Andy,

Some years ago when I first wanted to go into Bookkeeping I went from OCR manual leve 2 and computerised level 2 straight into AAT Intermediate which I think is now the LEvel 3.

They have just changed what the AAT LEvels are called. I'm pretty sure the LEvel 3 is the old intermediate level. I'm sure somone will come on here and clarify that for you.

cheers.
A

-- Edited by Amanda on Tuesday 26th of October 2010 01:42:35 PM

Dev86 · Member

Ah okay.

did you find it difficult to break in to the career gonig down the the theory-over-practical route?

Also - How did you study for AAT and did you find it difficult or feel you were missing anything having done OCR over AAT level 2

-- Edited by Dev86 on Tuesday 26th of October 2010 02:39:27 PM

Dev86 · Member

Can anyone else confirm this?

Noola · Senior Member

AAT Intermediate is Level 3 :)

I completed IAB Level 2 Bookkeeping and had the chance to jump to Level 3 AAT but I didn't feel confident enough so started with Level 2 AAT. It helped to recap over eveything more thoroughly but I'm not sure exactly what OCR covers. Looking at the website it looks like the Level 2 covers pretty much what the AAT does. I would look at the syllabus for AAT Level 2 and compare with the OCR to see if they cover all aspects.

sue · Newbie

If you are serious about joining AAT........just a thought Id like to share with you......I did manual bookkeeping for many years (unqualified) and then did a course for sage and was working with sage for some time when I looked into AAT, I found that after meeting with my tutor and going through what I already knew, it was suggested that it would be prefereable to go in at intermediate level....however when I looked at the syllabus I discovered that even with my knowledge I would be better starting from scratch, the problem you may find in going in at a higher level is that you have not given yourself time to get "into" the AAT mind set before taking exams, the aat have a way with words...and you realy need to get a feel for how they do things, I am now glad I started from the begining, and all my previous experience just meant that I sailed through foundation level with ease. and in doing so it flowed much better than if I had stepped in at intermediate. Hope you find this useful. Sue

Shamus · Forum Moderator & Expert

That's pretty good advice Sue.

But, whilst normally I would concur with the belief that just because you can get exemptions doesn't mean that you should! (it's certainly the approach that I adopted with my ACCA studies). The one thing with the AAT that goes against this mindset is that with any other body you can self teach and just pay for exams (and student membership subscriptions of course) but with the AAT you need a training provider so there is considerably more expense involved in starting at earlier levels.

If however money does not come into the equation it is certainly sound advice.

Maybe another alternative would just be to do the revision companion for units 1-4 before going on to intermediate level? Just a suggestion.

all the best,

Shaun.

Dev86 · Member

Thanks for the advice.

Sue - could you explain in a bit more detail what you mean by "way with words" ? - I should be working as an accounts assistant for atleast a year before I begin my AAT - would the OCR level 2 and experience not suffice you think?

Also, I udnerstand there is an NVQ route that is slightly different ? - what are your thoughts on this?

many thanks,

Andy

Shamus · Forum Moderator & Expert

Hi Andy,

I can understand where Sue is coming from in her way with words comment.

Just take past exam papers for similar levels from AAT / ICB / ACCA etc. and although they are all concerned with the same material they are written in completely different ways. you really need to get into the mindset of the examiners for the various bodies to understand what they are looking for in the exams.

Personally from what you are coming to this with (my previous reply was more generic) I don't think that it is at all unreasonable to consider joining AAT at intermediate but it still might be worth doing afew old AAT papers from the lower levels before taking any exams at the intermediate level just to ensure that you have everything that you need moving forwards.

The AAT qualification changed in July last year so the NVQ route is no longer available.

All the best,

Shaun.

Dev86 · Member

Hello!

I am just writing to update on my progress...

I am on an intensive course now, I completed the level 2 in 10 weeks and im starting the level 3(5 weeks in of 20)... So far, so good.

I intend to carry on to level 4 whilst working(day release or evening)

The course has been quite comfortable up until now and the level 3 is a gradual jump, so ive not noticed any increase in difficulty.

I will update again when I am applying for work(in accounting) in April and let you know how i get on.

Cheers

Andy

Spamkebab · Expert

Good Luck Andy.

For anyone else interested in starting AAT, if you have a fairly decent understanding of double entry bookkeeping then you can take 6 of the 7 level 3 exams without a training provider. Kaplan actually sell the study materials seperate, the only exam you need a training provider for is Spreadsheet Software as your trainers mark the
assesment. Spreadsheet software can also be bought from Kaplan as an individual unit with study support. AAT level 4 is a different matter as the second half of the exams are mainly written and you will need a training provider for all of them (6 in total). Nope i'm not on commission from Kaplan lol, it is what it is. As for wordings,
Gee whizz, lets just say i have a "Neil to AAT" translation manual i am currently working on. After finding the math very interesting, clever and fairly straight forward i found myself learning Kaplan speak only to discover AAT use a totally different language. I was at one time under the impression that i was fairly well read and felt very foolish trying to get to grips with some of the question wordings. At one point i was going to give up my dream because there was no way a working class bum like me could put up with an office full of people who spoke like that lol.

Enjoy,

Neil.

Rhianrach · Expert

Spamkebab wrote:

For anyone else interested in starting AAT, if you have a fairly decent understanding of double entry bookkeeping then you can take 6 of the 7 level 3 exams without a training provider. Kaplan actually sell the study materials seperate, the only exam you need a training provider for is Spreadsheet Software as your trainers mark the
assesment. Spreadsheet software can also be bought from Kaplan as an individual unit with study support.

I've got to ask Neil, but is this definite. I have read varying answers to this question, I even rang kaplan and they, after umming and arring, stated that I could sit the exam as an external student and they would mark it all for £40 odd. However I've also seen what you have stated being thrown about on the interweb.

I suppose the question has to be is this first hand information from you recently passing level 3 ?

Dev86 · Member

Update for anyone looking to start AAT!

I qualified and am now a member in practice (freelance business on the uprise) but working fulltime as an accounts assistant within construction.

I'd definately suggest gonig down the AAt route over any other similar level qualfications due to the employer recognition.

Due to my circumstances at the time I decided to study intensively, and living in North Wales, i didnt have this oportunity locally, so i had to travel 120 miles to Telford each week.

Given the oportunity, id definately have preferred to study for longer through day release/evenings whilst working - once obtaining work, i felt a little slow on putting waht i'd learned in to practice in the workplace due to lack of experience and had to really 'overwork' for the first 6 - 12 months to get it all to gel.

If anyone DOES actually go down my route, i'd highly suggest voluntary work if youre not currently working within accounts - I wouldnt have landed the breakthrough jobs I did without it.

To conclude: AAT is a very good progressive course which provides solid employment oportunities, but dont expect it to work just on its own.

Good luck all who are thinking of doing it :)

Cheers

Howtobookkeep · Veteran Member

I would say start with AAT level 2 anyway, it's best to build solid foundations before you move on to level 3 and 4. If you plan properly you can do Level 2 in a matter of months (took me 4)