I'm reconsidering what training to do next and I'd really appreciate some thoughts and opinions.
To cut a long story short, my background is in banking, it was when I was doing my exams for the associateship of the Chartered Institute of Bankers that I was first introduced to accounting. I left work to have a family and have now set up a business that I aim to develop so that we can be a full accounting practise for small businesses (and the focus is very much on the small, I want to work with the people who find that chartered accountants are too expnsive or not that much help to them, but I want to offer them a wide range of services). I have got the full range of ICB exams but really want to be working on getting qualified to complete CT returns and provide more in terms of analysing financial performance etc (which is what I really enjoyed most in my banking days). I also enjoy training other and would like to do more of that.
I had decided I'd do the IFA exams, then the ICB announced their level 4 so I decided to do that instead, or at least first. However since level 4 is not up and running yet and I really want to move forward with the services I can offer I've been reviewing my options. And now I'm thinking about AAT, training with Premier.
The big downside is the cost, but as I undertsand it the assessments are much more on demand than they used to be, so I'm thinking I could probably complete level 3 and 4 fairly quickly and get to the point where I can offer what I want to be offering. It obviously has the benefit of being a very well respected qualification and one which I could potentially then train other people for in the future. It will take longer to complete, I think, than ICB level 4 would but I could get going with it straight away, whereas I can't get any idea about when ICB level 4 will be available.
So, I suppose what I'm asking is whether anyone who is AAT qualified/training has any comments to make about AAT or for any other thoughts that might help me make my decision.
Hi Ruth, I'm currently studying for my AAT technicians (level 4) part time at my local college. This year, the AAT have moved away from the traditional paper based exams and introduced CBA (computer based assements). In short, it's been a complete disaster. Textbooks have been printed in a rush because the AAT have (and it's not just my opinion) rushed through the changes without much planning. Exams taken in November/December had multiple problems with computers crashing because the server was not suitable. That said, I have actually enjoyed studying the topics that are covered in level 4, but I believe that on balance, the ICB are much more organised (I've studied some of their qualifications as well). Maybe do the AAT, but wait until the next academic year has started, and they have solved all their problems! Have you thought about ATT? Good luck with whatever you decide. Regards, B. x
Exactly the same position as you. Decided for the moment to stick with ICB, 1st of the text books (I think 4) will be out middle of next month, have a look on the ICB forum Ami posted on Friday pm
Hi Ruth, I'm currently studying for my AAT technicians (level 4) part time at my local college. This year, the AAT have moved away from the traditional paper based exams and introduced CBA (computer based assements). In short, it's been a complete disaster. Textbooks have been printed in a rush because the AAT have (and it's not just my opinion) rushed through the changes without much planning. Exams taken in November/December had multiple problems with computers crashing because the server was not suitable. That said, I have actually enjoyed studying the topics that are covered in level 4, but I believe that on balance, the ICB are much more organised (I've studied some of their qualifications as well). Maybe do the AAT, but wait until the next academic year has started, and they have solved all their problems! Have you thought about ATT? Good luck with whatever you decide. Regards, B. x
I'm doing level 3 AAT and this is exactly why I've held off taking even my first exam, I've let the dust settle a bit, let the first wave be used as guinea pigs and will be doing my exam this week hopefully trouble free. Oh and I'm having to usse their old texts as the publisher has only just finished printing the new ones.
I hadn't realised that the new system wasn't running smoothly yet, it's helpful to know that. I was a guinea pig for a new exam once and I'd rather wait a while than go through something similar again!
