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Amanda


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AAT Level 4 - question for Neil
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HI Neil and everyone,

I remember last year you saying that you were doing AAT level 4 and I think we may have started at a similar time, although I didn't get started straight away as planned.

I'm sure I read a post on here the other day that you only have one exam to do now?  How have you found it?  I have struggled to find the time to do the studying and have put off taken any exams as yet, as certainly won't take any this side of xmas as I always find xmas really busy with the kids and don't want the added presure of exams as well.  So I was going to try and get something booked for the new year some time but was wondering what the exams are like now?  I did level 3 along time ago and the 'skills' test were a pig! Are they still as bad or has the exams changed quite abit due to the new syllabus etc?  I haven't even looked at test papers yet as I am dreading it.  I think as I am getting older the thought of exams just scares me to death!!!

I am lacking confidence at the mo in my ability to study and get focused on study and exams and just wondered how you have done it all? (I know you have a family and job as well).

Many thanks

PS this is also to anyone else who is doing level 4 at the moment as well.



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Amanda
Spamkebab


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Hi Amanda, loads of questions to answer your question lol.

Were your level 3 exams paper based? or are you familiar with the AAT's computer based tests?

What is the level of work you undertake at the moment, can you still remember or do you use any of the

knowledge you gained from level 3?

Anyhow:-

If you can still remember Costs & Revenues, then budgeting is do-able in a month (this is by far the easiest exam)

I took around 2 months per exam for the rest. A total of 9 months but i still have the ICAS project to complete.

My time scales are based on a few hours per week, night study (3 or 4 hrs) and a good half day at weekend.

I have Business Tax on Thursday, then that's the CBTs finished with. I started in Feb of this year so my times

are within the goal i set myself.

There are quite a few practise CBTs now on the AAT site, you could use one to get a feeling of the layout.

My Job, i'm stuck with. My family, i have pushed aside and ignored lol.

But really it has been hard as i have my Daughter and Granddaughter living with me, (they are between purchasing

a house and renting while waiting was draining funds). I would much rather play kitchens and shopping but you

have to push through these urges lol. Basically i grab anytime i can while they are out of an evening.

I would advise (due to costs, waiting times etc.) not to rush any of the modules. Passing first time is worth

an extra 4 weeks of study, and the only way to pass is to practise and practise.

Oh and you get the bonus of a Financial Statements exam for which you need just over half the knowledge i had

to carry to pass the exam lol.

Some say the exams are easier than paper based, never having sat a paper based AAT exam i wouldn't know. I do

know that they are a pain in the bum, i've been screaming inside many times now because i can't show my workings.

To be honest Amanda, i wouldn't be that bothered about rushing through it if i were you. I may have the qualifications

but you have the experience. I bought mine, you earned yours.

Good luck Amanda, but enjoy the little uns while they are young, they grow up too quick.

Neil



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Amanda


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Thanks Neil for the reply. I did the paper based exams with Level 3 in 2008, I have left it along time to do level 4, I did payroll in between and set up my own business. I may have some experience but I am lacking in the confidence sector at the mo, and frantically trying to get more clients and have my finger in another pie as well! (Thats another story won't bore you with it). So time is not on my side and I am doing budgets at the mo and really hate the subject, also I am finding it very similar to the Level 3 (was intermediate when I took it), and I didn't like bugets then. The tax side of things I am looking forward to so I guess I need to press on. How were the computer based exams and how many do I need to take now. I am totally out of the loop now and need to get focused again!

I am going to sound like Bob here lol, but at the mo I only do bookkeeping but really want to do more taxing stuff and offer a greater variety of services other than the ones I do now, I feel that I am narrowing my market somewhat which isn't great!

I feel now is the time to push forward and grab the bull by the horns (hopefully).

I may be on here picking your brains now Neil, now I know you have nearly finished.

Many thanks for replying have a good weekend.

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Amanda
Spamkebab


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There are 5 computer based exams and 1 written project that you do from home, based either upon a case study supplied by your training provider or real life work.

The exams are not too difficult but do require a decent understanding of the subject at hand. You will find that you have learned heaps only to be tested on certain

areas, which can be a tad annoying lol. The tax modules are a basic introduction to business and personal tax, quite entertaining and for someone like yourself

very useful!

I have no hints or tips as this level is a 'get your head down and get stuck in' kind of thing. I have honestly forgotten more than i have learned so far lol, i'm glad

i own the text books because they will be used again.

I understand only too well the trouble with trying to fit study in around your family and working life, something has to give, as hard as it is.

Basically, i studied and booked the first exam just to see what the exam was like. After the first i had a good idea of what to expect.

Oh, and look for the Greenlight tests on MyAAT.



-- Edited by Spamkebab on Monday 12th of November 2012 08:03:40 AM

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