How long does it take to qualify with the AAT - The Book-keepers Forum (UK)

KTC · Veteran Member

How long does it take to qualify with the AAT

NewB · Member

I have been looking into starting my training with the AAT (Level 2) and wanted to know how long it is likely to take if I was to opt for home study for all three levels.

Can it be done in under two years? I have looked at courses at a few local colleges and they seem to do one level per year so this would take 3 years, but i'd prefer to do intensive study at home and qualify more quickly.

Does anybody have any experience of studying for the AAT qualification?

Rhianrach · Expert

It can be done in about a year and a half if you crack on with it, realistically.

Shamus · Forum Moderator & Expert

Hi KTC,

whats the change that's happening at AAT?

There are complaints all over this months PQ from tutors complaining about the dumbing down of AAT with Computer based exams at levels 2 and 3 not preparing people for level 4 anymore.

Have a read of the latest edition online here and you'll see what I mean (even on the front cover there's a "somethings gone wrong" article about the new direction of the AAT exams) :

http://opentuition.com/acca/

P.S. Welcome to the forum Newb. Don't forget to sign up for your free monthly copy of PQ magazine by following the above link.

Spamkebab · Expert

Yeah what's the change KTC?

It's going to be a while (According to the 2 posh boys of the blue and yellow colours) before i get chance to earn my years work experience. I hope AAT aren't making it that bit harder.

Actually i need to ring AAT about my work experience as having more or less managed and definitely supervised a small manufacturing business a few years back, i was wondering if this can be used as work experience.

I use Sage for simple things like invoicing, but have been involved in budget preparation, unit costing, wastage, dealing with suppliers , clock cards and overtime and a bit more on top. The trouble is, i was (still am) employed by my Dad, and the business has significantly changed direction over the past 5 or 6 years, hence no workshop anymore. Does anybody know if any of those chores listed above would be allowed by AAT?

First problem is having my Dad as my MD and my second is having had a different Accountant for the last 5 years and no contact with the previous Accountant to see if i could "Buy" his signature.

I knock a wall down, they build another lol

Neil.

NickCraggs · Guru

Hi,

It has been done in 8 months but that is a bit extreme for all three levels. I would say two years, but if you really push on you could do it in 18 months. Gone are the days when i did it, it took me over two and a half years and i skipped level two.

Nick

Rhianrach · Expert

Shamus wrote:

There are complaints all over this months PQ from tutors complaining about the dumbing down of AAT with Computer based exams at levels 2 and 3 not preparing people for level 4 anymore.

I agree with this. I looked at a past paper for costs and revenues, It seemed a lot more in depth than the CBA, and a lot more focused on the interpretation of methods and results, rather than just obtaining the results.

They are welcome to make it much harder, just as soon as I've passed smile

KTC · Veteran Member

http://www.aat.org.uk/news/article/changes-criteria-entry-aat-full-membership

The conclusion of the revised criteria review means that AAT will adopt a more output based approach to this work experience requirement, bringing it in line with AAT's CPD policy, which will ensure more emphasis and recognition is given to the quality of the work experience gained rather than the length of time taken to gain it.

--

There are complaints all over this months PQ from tutors complaining about the dumbing down of AAT with Computer based exams at levels 2 and 3 not preparing people for level 4 anymore.

One of the problem with CBA is that the way it's mark means candidate are effectively hand held through each part of a question. It's not inconceivable for someone who can answer each parts of a question to have no idea what to do if the question was simply "do ***".

NewB · Member

Thanks for the replies everyone.

I've decided i'm going to give myself 2-3 years to get the full AAT qualification.

Now to choose who to use for the home study courses. The prcies seem to vary quite alot - but if anybody could recommend a training provider from experience with the AAT that would be fab.

Rhianrach · Expert

Premier training are cheaps and good. With reference to the changing standards of AAT exams, Premier tend to teach you how to understand the subject thoroughly and not just pass the exam, which is a good thing. You will find the assessments they set are completely different to the CBA's, which can be a little confusing, however it makes the exams themselves a lot simpler as the CBA's have been known to throw a few curve balls that assume you have a certain depth of knowledge.

Shamus · Forum Moderator & Expert

A second vote for Premier.

I've not had training through them myself but I have spoken with them in the past and found them very professional and not at all pushy.

They are always amongst the three recommended providers given on the site (along with Training Link and Ideal Schools).

kind regards,

Shaun.

Spamkebab · Expert

Kaplans mocks and progress tests are also a lot different and more in depth than the AAT mock/real assesments. Kaplan are one of the dearer training providers but the study texts are second to none and tutor support is faultless too (if you should ever need to use it) I have actually had a few questions answered by an ACCA tutor of Kaplans, i'd like to think that was because of the nature and depth of my questions but in reality it was probably because the AAT tutors didn't have a clue what i was rambling on about. I'd set your targets at around 6 months each for levels 2 and 3 and 12 months for level 4, easily achievable in that sort of time and you will probably surprise yourself and shave a couple of months off.

Good luck.

Neil.

Shamus · Forum Moderator & Expert

More evidence that you should be coming accross to the dark side young padawan.

ACCA awaits your application eagerly (go on, you know that you want to get a free black cloak and red light sabre!).

KTC · Veteran Member

Just had a flip through the newest AAT magazine. There's an ad by Premier Training that feature someone it claims completed Level 2, 3 & 4 in only 8 months.

Shamus · Forum Moderator & Expert

Excellent result for Rachael but I suspect that at that speed she wasn't completely fresh to the subject though!

Could be completely wrong but my moneys on an unqualified who decided to get some letters.

Rhianrach · Expert

Ive just sat and passed costs and revenues. I have to say out of all the AAT exams i've sat, this is the only one so far that got me thinking. With that in mind i'm sure if you knuckle down 8 months is achievable as long as you have no kids, life or job and don't mind massive amounts of stress, or as Shaun states, you already know what you're doing.

Shamus · Forum Moderator & Expert

Congrats on costs and revenues Steve.

Seems like it's all good news on the site today. (Thinking Kris's result as well, plus Palawans AAT ABC).

Rhianrach · Expert

Shamus wrote:
Congrats on costs and revenues Steve.

Seems like it's all good news on the site today. (Thinking Kris's result as well, plus Palawans AAT ABC).

Yeah it's a good time to take exams biggrin

NickCraggs · Guru

Hi all,

I happen to know that Rachel had a normal job unrelated to accountancy and was just a motivated student.

To be honest i think the combination of distance learning and on demand exams will see people get through the AAT and ICB in a lot shorter time period than traditionally.

However, i do think that ondemand computerised examining is only good for so far. When it comes to actually understanding the numbers and advising clients full written papers are the way ahead, so you will never hear stories of people going through CCAB bodies at this rate.

Spamkebab · Expert

Brill news Steve............Crack on !!

Rhianrach · Expert

Spamkebab wrote:
Brill news Steve............Crack on !!

Cheers, i've decided to treat myself to a nice easy vat exam next biggrin

When are you over there next? If it's in the next month I could meet you for a brew smile

Spamkebab · Expert

Depends on my Budgeting result which i am still waiting for but i'd say middle of June Steve. A meet and a brew sounds great.

Rhianrach · Expert

Spamkebab wrote:
Depends on my Budgeting result which i am still waiting for but i'd say middle of June Steve. A meet and a brew sounds great.

I shall likely delay my vat, sorry indirect tax exam till then then.

EagleEducation · Senior Member

Hi,

I think the changes that people could be talking about are the 3 year reviews of the AAT syllabus. AAT are currently reviewing the syllabus, and in 2013 (around September) there may be a bit of shuffling about. That's what usually happens! Also there are some changes to two assessments; working effectively (level 2) and credit management (level 4) from September 2012.

If you find a good provider, they'll help you out when this happens. That's our job!

Most students are moving through level 2 and 3 very quickly now (if there's the flexibility). On average students are achieving 2 and 3 within 1 year to 2 years. To achieve 3 levels in 8 months is not realistic for most students. You'd have to sit 2 exams a month.

It's true, when students get to level 4 they are finding it a challenge for a few reasons. They are forced to slow down because there is a lot to learn for one exam, and the exam technique is different, particularly as it brings in writing skills. It shows in achievement rates. But then level 4 is equivalent to a 1st year degree (management level) so it should be challenging. Anything worth having we have to work for :)

I'm Sonya from Eagle Education and Training - we're a distance learning specialist too.

Sonya

Spamkebab · Expert

LMAO Steve. You got me doing it now only i'm using Morethan Freemans voice.

Hi Sonya, welcome to the forum. I am studying level 4 and have been a Kaplan student from level 3 AAT. I do however, know of Eagle Education and have been mentioning them to potential students as a choice for AAT study.

Neil.

-- Edited by Spamkebab on Friday 25th of May 2012 05:47:53 PM

Rhianrach · Expert

I read the last line with Morgan Freemans voice in my head. biggrin

Princess · Senior Member

Hi, I have done level 2, level 3 and half of level 4 in 9 months. I used a localy college distance learning for level 2 but didn't use the tutor so it was a waste of money. For level 3 and now level 4 I didn't use a learning provider, I bought BPP books off Amazon for about £10 each and then just booked the exam at BPP locally for £36 (£38 for level 4) ie no admin fee or anything. The BPP books are well written and you get online access to their question bank if you buy the book which is just like sitting the exam. I haven't needed a tutor so far. I did have to pay a bit more for the ICAS project and spreadsheets paper as they have to be marked manually but you can save a huge amount of money by just doing the rest yourself. If you get stuck on a particular paper, BPP will let you buy distance/online learning just for that paper. I was new to accounting and have not struggled so far (except when I tried using a Kaplan book - couldn't understand a word!). Only 3 more papers to go...

Regarding the work experience...if you set up on your own and are self employed you can fill out their form to become MAAT by getting a customer to sign it instead of a chartered accountant (AAT told me on the phone that this is acceptable) which makes things a bit easier.

Shamus · Forum Moderator & Expert

Hi Princess,

congratulations on your very speedy success so far.

Sorry to hear that you've had a problem with the Kaplan books. For ACCA studies they are definitely the better option but I've got some BPP (and Osbourne and Kaplan) AAT texts and do know what you mean about them being very good study texts.

Pre 2007 they used to be fantastic for ACCA too and then they started dropping showing examples and began emphasising paragraphs which doesn't work at all for myself who needs lots of practice examples and due to the dyslexia emphasising stuff and changing fonts etc. really doesn't work at all for me.

Then again, the BPP AAT books that I have are written completely differently and long may they remain that way.

Goof luck with your last few exams,

kind regards,

Shaun.

Spamkebab · Expert

God, i better pull my finger out. I Haven't picked a study text up since the sun decided to grace us with its presence. My reasoning being, the study will be there tomorrow, the sun may not. It's like that old saying, only 3 things are certain in Manchester, Death, Taxes and Rain.

Shamus · Forum Moderator & Expert

Great news on the pass matey.

Fingers crossed for you going forwards.

Always here anytime you want to know which ACCA papers relate to which AAT papers so that you can find them on Opentuition.

-- Edited by Shamus on Saturday 2nd of June 2012 11:14:50 AM

Spamkebab · Expert

Ok, i got my pass for Budgeting, ready for the Financial Performance exam now. I'm looking at the 21st June for the exam if that date is available. I hope to have Personal Tax done for the end of July and Business Tax done for mid September. That leaves me a bit of September through to December to complete the project and any resits. I think i'm finally winning.

Neil.

Don Tax · Expert

Well impressive Neil. Well done bud.
Tim

Rhianrach · Expert

Crikey Neil you're making me look well lazy. smile

Well done dude

Spamkebab · Expert

Hi Shaun, hope you get to read this sometime soon, Please could you point me to the right paper for absorbtion costing variances? I've got the calculations memorised but reckon watching a vid or two will cement it.

Thanx,

Neil.

Shamus · Forum Moderator & Expert

Hi Neil,

See the lectures for chapter 8 and 22 of the paper F2.

It's also paper F5. Not sure which lecture so have a look at the lecture notes for that one and then relate that back to the available lectures.

HTH,

Shaun.

Spamkebab · Expert

Thank you for the speedy reply, i'm gonna have a day of vid watching tomorrow. I've read my study text, completed all the tasks and the revision kit, but having someone else explain it is always a bonus.

Thanks again Shaun, great help as always.

Neil.

Shamus · Forum Moderator & Expert

no probs matey, glad to be of assistance.

I've not seen those ones so fingers crossed there will be a few gems from the lecturer in there... Gets to the point where sometimes you watch them more out of morbid curiousity about his life than the actual lectur content lol.

Last one I listened to he was about to have a cancerous toe removed which was linked into pervasivness in an audit lecture.

Guys a star.

NickCraggs · Guru

It just depends on how much time and effort you want to put in. With a college you have to fit in with them and take exams when they and the rest of the class are ready. If you do it from home and you fly through the stuff you find easy, and take abit more time on the stuff you find more tricky. You may miss out on the social aspect but at the end of the day that is not what you go to college for.

When i did it you had to sit the exams twice a year and it took 3 years. Now you can do it in 1 to 2 years realisticly at home, but as i say, it varies with each individual student, and their personal circumstances.

Jane Hasler · Veteran Member

Hi

If you want to complete the AAT quickly then there is only one choice - home study! You can study at your own pace and if you pick a provider with a quick marking turnaround, quick response to phone calls and emails and a tutor at hand with easy access then you've cracked it.

There are students that have completed level's 2, 3 & 4 in less than a year but this is not for everyone. How much time you have to spend on your studies, your abilities and experience and a flexible training provider will basically dictate the length of the course so chose your training provider wisely.

Good luck

Jane