Ive read that you can get the books, and then book the exam and register separately with AAT. Alot cheaper than a course provider as such. im considering level 2, might jump to 3 as I have already done IAB level 2 but reason I may do 2 is because its more recognised anyways and then do 3.
However, how did you find doing this? Are there things that you need that you cannot do? Like practice assignments etc?
I have seen the basics at first institution which I am definitely considering as they also give you access to online version of sage or some form of software I think if I have read this correctly which would be around the £350 mark or almost £800-900 if you do the online provider.
Hi again Dave
Did you try the skills check on the AAT site? If that suggests level 2 then start there, but otherwise, I reckon you will be bored on level two given you have covered the bulk of it already ie double entry and computerised. The rest, with a good training provider is covered off and anything you dont understand you can ask on here (we have other students who do!), plus do the ACCA-X without the exams and save yourself a whole pile of time and cash!
But self study is perfectly viable and has been done by a few of on here, including a certain person at full ACCA level, so AAT is perfectly do-able.
First Intuition and Kaplan are particularly good in that they teach by doing - loads of examples to try usually, whereas the likes of BPP tend to be a bit drier theory stuff.
Also - you can actually get a range of study materials from them, from just the books - where you then pay for your exams on top, plus extra for manually makred (although actually that might not apply now since AAT took the marking back in house, if I understand it correctly!)
Next step up is books plus pre-recorded lectures (doesnt add that much to my mind, except good for listening to whilst say in the car (if you have internet access via a tablet or some such).
Next step up from that is live lectures. You have to be around at a set time although most then give you access for x period of time, some less than others, which I see as an issue! Kaplan are just launching their 'on demand' product - Ive got an option to test it out from them but the release date was pushed back to this month and Im just waiting for the thing to hit my email box.
With both First and Kaplan (and probably the rest) you will get a full pack of practice questions as you go, then exam style and usually a couple of mocks too. If you log in to Kaplan online you usually get an additional mock or two, plus there are the greenlight tests and and or two mocks on the AAT as well.
HTH
__________________
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
I done AAT Levels 3&4 using self study but started with Level 2 by using a training provider so can not really advise you on how you could take the Computerised Accounting unit but I am sure there must be a way.
With levels 3&4 I used to use Osborne study material and buy the Tutorial and Workbook for each unit for about £20 for the 2 and then when I thought I was ready I would book my exam as an external student and sit it with Kaplan for about £65, you will also need to become a student with AAT to enable you to sit the exams but you also get access (well you used to) to all the study resources that they provide which include e-learning modules, green light tests and access to practice assessments which I found to be invaluable.
This was a few years ago now and I know the syllabus has changed since then but I would of thought that you can still go down this route.
Good luck with whichever way you choose to study
__________________
Doug
These are only my opinions of how I see things and therefore should not be taken as advice
With the AAT level 2, they have one at Bookkeeping and another named accounts? I am going to presume its Accounts I want. Or is it?
I think I will go self study very shortly to be honest as its no money and when I did IAB i never used any tutors - all by myself (clever me :P ). Not that it was that hard as I did not think it was.
I done AAT Levels 3&4 using self study but started with Level 2 by using a training provider so can not really advise you on how you could take the Computerised Accounting unit but I am sure there must be a way.
With levels 3&4 I used to use Osborne study material and buy the Tutorial and Workbook for each unit for about £20 for the 2 and then when I thought I was ready I would book my exam as an external student and sit it with Kaplan for about £65, you will also need to become a student with AAT to enable you to sit the exams but you also get access (well you used to) to all the study resources that they provide which include e-learning modules, green light tests and access to practice assessments which I found to be invaluable.
This was a few years ago now and I know the syllabus has changed since then but I would of thought that you can still go down this route.
Good luck with whichever way you choose to study
Doug, thank you. first intuition I think give you access to online software for £38 quid. I presume from there you can send in the data that is required for the computerised bit but I will ask to make sure it is possible
Doug, thank you. first intuition I think give you access to online software for £38 quid. I presume from there you can send in the data that is required for the computerised bit but I will ask to make sure it is possible
Think that might just be for the 6months sage one access. Check with your nearest exam centre which sage they use before doing this. Some exams centres only use sage one, some only sage 50 - mahooooosive differences between them.
Think you pay extra for the book, but I might be wrong.
Speak to Nick Craggs over at First Intuition - tell him youve been on BKN!
__________________
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
Doug, thank you. first intuition I think give you access to online software for £38 quid. I presume from there you can send in the data that is required for the computerised bit but I will ask to make sure it is possible
Think that might just be for the 6months sage one access. Check with your nearest exam centre which sage they use before doing this. Some exams centres only use sage one, some only sage 50 - mahooooosive differences between them.
Think you pay extra for the book, but I might be wrong.
Speak to Nick Craggs over at First Intuition - tell him youve been on BKN!
Thanks Joanne,
Great Tip - well pleased I asked a few silly questions now as I would not have given this a thought
