Im looking for advice as to what course i should study next. I began my studies with Pitman Training Level 2 Book-Keeping Diploma via distance learning which covered everything for manual book-keeping and im currently studying PayroLl and sage 50 to complete the course. So far i have passed all 3 modules with a distinction which is great, however after i began the course i realised there were many options out there i.e AAT and ACCA. I have been informed that after i finish this course i can sit the IAB exam level 2 and then go onto AAT level 2 with certain exemptions. Not sure if i should just go straight to AAT level 2 rather than paying for IAB and then AAT as well. I have forked out a small fortune already and i need to be careful of what i spend and who with.If i sit IAB exam that will cost for the exam and the test centre. If i then go onto AAT i will have more fees and test centre fees too. Is it worth it!!! not sure. So what im asking is should i just start with Level 2 AAT from scratch or should i sit IAB then AAT?
I guess it depends on what you want to go on to do with your qualifications really. AAT is a well recognised qualification and is one that a lot of employers look for and I would go this route if I wanted to go on and become ACCA qualified. If you want to become a self-employed bookkeeper and have your own business then I would go the ICB or IAB route, although you could also do AAT and become a Member in Practice.
I'm not sure that sitting IAB and then going on to do AAT Level 2 is worth it, might as well just go straight on to do AAT. Not sure if you will get any exemptions from your Pitmans exams. I did a Pitmans course a few years ago, cost me a lot, did Manual and computerised bookkeeping, payroll and Excel and after completing this with mostly distinctions in each module, I phoned the ICB (Institute of Certified Bookkeepers) and enquired about membership and was told that they didn't recognise Pitmans qualifications at all, so I had to sit the ICB exams from Level I.
There are loads of people on here who can give you their opinions as well and I expect they'll be along shortly
actually, I mostly agree with your appraisal of the situation.
One thing to add though is that if they wanted to go onto ACCA why bother with AAT at all. Just join the ACCA and start from the begining (I don't think that you would get any exemptions though based on a Pitman qualification).
Before going down the ACCA path though know exactly what you are getting into and know what you are going to get out of it.
Unless you need that level of qualification I personally would go with Paulines suggestion and look seriously at the AAT route which is a very widely recognised and well regarded qualification or alternativel just continue along the IAB path if your ultimate goal is self employment.
If employment is your ultimate aim then the best advice that you can get is directly from employers. Log onto the Reed website and have a look at what jobs are available and what qualifications that they ask for. Invariably it will be AAT or PQ ACCA / CIMA. Of those AAT will be the quickest by far to achieve.
Good luck and hope that this helps.
Shaun.
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Shaun
Responses are not meant as a substitute for professional advice. Answers are intended as outline only the advice of a qualified professional with access to all relevant information should be sought before acting on any response given.
Thanks for your comments. I think AAT is what i will be studying as i have carried out the skills test on their website and the result was to start at Level 2. I think i will give the IAB exam a miss after i complete the Pitman course and go straight into Level 2 with AAT. I know if i sat IAB i would have some exemptions to the AAT level 2 course but i will also have to pay IAB for the exam along with training provider fees and then carry on with AAT at level 2 and pay exam fees and Training provider fees as well so it seems that i should just go straight to AAT it wont do any harm to go over past studying and will probably help cement what i,ve already learned. It.s just a shame i wasn,t aware of these options before Pitman i could have put the £1660 towards AAT instead. Oh well we live and learn. My next step is to find a training provider and it,s mind boggling to say the least, any suggestions as i live in the Highlands and there are no training providers here so it will have to be distance learning or online. Any help here would be very much appreciated.
One thing to factor in here of course is that with AAT you need to have a training provider but with IAB you don't so there is a major saving to be had there by just studying from books and paying for membership and exams only.
Just thought that I would mention that one before you make your mind up 100%.
all the best,
Shaun.
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Shaun
Responses are not meant as a substitute for professional advice. Answers are intended as outline only the advice of a qualified professional with access to all relevant information should be sought before acting on any response given.
Oh my goodness Shaun, ive just checked out the cost at Premier and Kaplan and your right i could have paid for the entire course with either of them instead of Pitman. And had a reconised qualification with AAT. OOOOppssss... Should have done more research at the beginning. Oh well at least i will have experience for the next course when i start later this year. Im definatley going with AAT just havent decided on the training provider as yet. Thanks for pointing me in the drection of the web site.
