Hi, I did Level 2, 3 and 4. But I only took distance learning for the modules that had to be marked, I did the rest on my own at home and just took the tests at a local BPP centre. I bought BPP texts from Amazon and they come with a code to do the online tests. I did buy a Kaplan book as well but it wasn't for me, I couldn't understand it as well as the BPP books. I know others on here prefer Kaplan so I suggest going to a bookshop and having a look at both.
If you choose to go down the route of doing it on your own, phone around because Kaplan charged a £15 admin fee for sitting the tests there, BPP only charged the amount AAT charge. There were other centres that charged over £40 admin fee per test. Kaplan had a cheaper Excel module but BPP were cheaper (online classroom) for the ICAS thing at level 4. This was a couple of years ago so things may have changed since then.
Thinking about it I did actually do distance learning for Level 2 with a local college. But as I didn't need the contact the tutor once I decided it was a waste of money which is why I went the solo route.
Your post has encouraged me. I am seriously considering heading on to Amazon and buying the texts (I just need to make sure they cover the new spec).
I know I am able to handle the workload so why not? plus, if I get stuck, the AAT have some sort of masterclasses that I could, attend. So now it's just about finding an exam centre that will accept external candidates in my area or within reasonable travel distance.
