Getting to AAT level 3 is iether at the discretion of a training provider or by passing the AAT skillscheck (don't do it yet, you only get one go at it).
Its too late now as sure that you have already paid for your course but you may have found ACCA-X a better fit for you as your first step (not least as study for the first few papers is free!).
Depending on how easy you are finding IAB it may be worth having a chat with Nick at First Intuition now as he may accept you into level III without going through getting MIAB. (If you can do the BPP revision guide for AAT units 1 to 4 cover to cover then just move straight to level III now. Wortst thing that can happen is that you get bored with your studies if you are finding them too easy).
Good luck and looking forwards to chatting as you progress through your studies.
kindest regards,
Shaun.
p.s. you can self study but there are certain modules that you need a provider so its better to have one on board throughout your journey even if you don't take every module through them.
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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.
p.s. no need to post in more than one bucket as alll of the regulars pick up posts from the recent posts button in the shortcuts menu above. I've deleted the repeated post as everyone will pick up this one.
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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.
From experience you can begin AAT level 3 with ICB level two.
IAB has qcf status, therefore I see no issue why you can't use your IAB to begin AAT.
AFAIK most training providers won't allow you to begin Level 4, from a level 2/3 bookkeeping qualification as there isn't 'much' in the ways of costing involved in bookkeeping certificates. VAT also is at AAT level 3 also.
Having said the above, your experience may well allow you to jump straight in.
As a side note, I believe to gain exemptions from various ACCA / CIMA / ATT papers, you need AAT level 3/4. I could be wrong.....That's also assuming you'd like to travel that path in any case.
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Johnny - Owner of an overly-active keyboard.
A man who can read, yet doesn't, is in no way wiser than a man who can't.
Welcome to the forum Maria. Sounds like you have the studying organised, yes the start may be basic but its all a good grounding or confirmation of existing knowledge. I would do thats AAT skills check once you have finished the level 2 and then you can decide on which way to go next. You can do a fair few of the modules of the AAT by self study if you organised, otherwise the good training providers, like First Intuition offer a range of courses to suit your learning style and pocket. Worth a look at the website/chat to Nick as Shaun suggests.
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Joanne
Winner of Bookkeeper of the Year 2015, 2016 & 2017
Thoughts are my own/not to be regarded as official advice,which should be sought from a suitably qualified Accountant.
You should check out answers with reference to the legal position
Thank you all for your guidance. I have been looking at AAT level 2 exams and it seems the same as bookkeeping except for costing which I have experience on as 50% of my job involes costing as well as budgeting and forescasting, amongst others. I have already paid for a full bookkeeping course, levels 1-3. Which brings me to: As I want to become self-employed I would have to obtain MIAB status correct? But if after AIAB status (level 2), I decide to transfer to AAT level 3, would I still be allowed to be self-employed or do I have to finish AAT level 4?
I'm just planning ahead.
Thank you kindly.
-- Edited by Maria LR on Monday 1st of February 2016 10:20:36 AM
Sounds as though a training provider sales person has been confusing you with their web of half truths and mirrors.
There is no requirement for you to be MIAB to be a self employed bookkeeper.
If you are IAB then you need to obtain their practice certificate to practice but if you are not IAB then you get MLR cover from HMRC in order to be allowed to practice.
The above said, good training no matter who that is with is priceless even if you do not eventually practice under that body.
Also, being a member of a professional body opens up networking opportunities and (generally) a legal advice line which on occassion may prove useful.
There is (in most cases (#1)) nothing to stop you from being multi body. If you want to be IAB and AAT then you can be. Although, word of warning, if you move up the MAAT then restrictions are placed upon what you are able to do until you move up to MIP status.
As you have already paid for the course no point changing now but once qualified you can practice under HMRC MLR cover whilst only being a student member of the AAT if you so wished.
HTH,
Shaun.
#1 multi body with ACCA can be problematic as you would not be allowed to practice through anyone but ACCA.
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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.
