IAB or AAT? - The Book-keepers Forum (UK)

Martin S · Veteran Member

IAB or AAT?

Shamus · Forum Moderator & Expert

Hi Dave,

sorry, not really a lot of time to answer at the moment but when I first read your question it reminded me of a very similar one earlier this week.

Have a glance at this thread : http://forum.bookkeepers.network/t63923338/which-one-now/

Sure that it's not a complete answer specific to your situation but I think that what you read there will help.

kindest regards,

Shaun.

Martin S · Veteran Member

Hi Shaun,

Thanks for your reply, I have read that thread already & it is very similar, I'll have another look to see if I can come to a better conclusion for myself, I guess I'm after the reassurance from all you experienced bookkeepers to say, the best way to go is X Y Z

I think I've read and been thinking that much about it all lately I'm beginning to confuse myself.

Cheshire · Master Book-keeper

Hi Martin
Are you still full time chefing? If so, I don't know when you find the time to study!!

My vote, as you will have seen on here often, is AAT.

I'm sure the skills test wasn't a fluke if you have level 2 IAB under your belt, especially after learning the other day that it covers the basics of all of it, ie double entry.

I've said before if you go with a good training company then they will cover off, at level three, some of the basics covered at level 2 before you start and you can always ask on here if you are stuck.

I made some suggestions on courses on another thread only a day or two back. If you're an avid reader of this site then you may have seen it, if not I can add a link. Worth checking out those other trainers myself and Doug mentioned (not HLC!) on a price basis, as they'll come recommended.

Don't buy a course that limits you to a time! (Except the tax exams when they are restricted to a specific finance year!)

Hth

Martin S · Veteran Member

Thanks Joanne,

Yes Im full-time in the kitchen still, it's not easy, it's quite physically & mentally draining now I'm late 40's, it's a busy kitchen hence why this is taking me so long to complete learning this new craft,

A couple of reasons I'm leaning towards Kaplan is that they seem to have a decent reputation on here and there is a centre only 15 mins away from where I live & after doing distance learning with HLC (although other providers will be better I know now) I think a classroom environment might suit me better, or there's the on-demand course as halfway between classroom & distance learning at Kaplan, I did the free trial on that last night & quite liked the format.

-- Edited by Martin S on Thursday 14th of September 2017 11:12:22 PM

Cheshire · Master Book-keeper

Hi Martin
If your shift patterns and hours allow, then college attendance might be a good option. I just recall my sons experiences as a Chef (worked for Aiden Byrne at Manchester House as Demi) only having spare time enough for sleep and only then a maximum 6 hours if he was lucky, usually a lot less!!

A specialist college, rather than a local college who offer AAaT as part of. A wide range of courses, is a better option in my mind and it being so close is a bonus. Their on demand I've not tested (supposed to be looking at one of their level 4 subjects for them, but they have pushed the date back again). Either way check if you have access to full books/study notes from the start, plus exactly what backup they supply when you are struggling and how many attempts they allow you at exams before they try to throw you off the course and how many are included in the price. (Hopefully you won't need more than one!! But I've heard some weird stories from other colleges)

You will have to join the AAT at student level as well, but there is extra study material on there website.

Good luck with whatever you decide.

Martin S · Veteran Member

Hi Joanne,

I know how your son felt as a chef, this is the first chance I've had to reply! I too end up with around 5 hours sleep maximum most of the time, but luckily this seems to work for me although I do tend to have a slump around 3pm and usually need a 15 minute power nap, it doesn't always work out though.

I have taken your advice and asked Kaplan those questions amongst others, I'm currently waiting for the answers from them,

Hopefully soon I can get back on my journey to getting more qualified & get some more confidence along the way too.

Thanks to you all for your help & advice.

Mrs_Jamo · Member

Hi Martin,

I am also a Home Learning College victim. They stitched us up like kippers didn't they! I've just passed IAB level 3 manual and ready to take level 3 computerised, so it is all very fresh for me. I am happy to help you if you need assistance getting through the exams before the December deadline. You've already paid to take those exams, so why not give it a try? If you want my help, let me know and I will post my email so we can chat.

Martin S · Veteran Member

Hi Lisa,

I have found out today from HLC or avocado or what ever they call themselves this week that it's only the tutor marked stuff that has to be in before December, exams can be booked in 2018 if so wished, so I think I'm going to do that as December itself is a bit crazy for me in my day job.

After doing my IAB level 2 exams I went on to level 3 computerised, and now with no support, not that I got much anyway, I decided I was going to struggle with the manual at level 3 so I'm currently doing just the IAB Level 3 computerised now, and want to move to AAT to do level 3 after that as it seems its mainly all manual anyway with AAT & seems to be more recognised than the IAB too, your offer of any help needed is very kind too so feel free to PM me or post your email and I'll drop you a return email.

Cheshire · Master Book-keeper

Hi Lisa
I wouldn't put your email on here for all to see as you might end up with tons of spam. You can set your profile to accept Private messages. Once you have exchanged your first message you will have each other's email, but it's just then not shared with the world.

I think it's great that you are to support each other, always good to have a study buddy, but don't forget students can also get help on here. Always best when asking a question to mention what level question you are looking at (because for most courses they strip back the info and if you don't mention it the answer can be furry advanced than you are covering. Great for overall knowledge but can sometimes cause more confusion when your course is looking for the stripped back answer!) We always say post the full question by way of an attachment as well and have a go. Even if you are wildly wrong it will not matter, we don't bite (except business owners looking for freebies, spammers and folk who don't say thanks).

Good luck both of you

Martin S · Veteran Member

Thanks Joanne

This is why I like this forum, the help and advice we can all just ask for is simply priceless, the level of knowledge sometimes astounds me too, I just hope someday, I can get near that level, I suppose like anything else experience and CPD is what its all about.

Karen GTS · Member

Hi Martin,

A very interesting thread and even more interesting to hear that the IAB are now allowing students to take their exams in 2018 for the presumably current QCF qualifications as this is what was offered by HLC?

The main difference in my opinion is the IAB are for people who want to become bookkeepers and the AAT are for those wishing to go into accountancy. I have taught both over the years, however now, only teach AAT and Skills First/Sage Computerised Accounting for Business.

Based on what you have said Martin, I think you have completed the Level 2 Award in Manual Bookkeeping and the Level 2 Award in Computerised Bookkeeping. If so, and you plan to do bookkeeping work then I would move to the IAB Level 3. If you want to go down the accounting route and have a good double entry knowledge, I would probably recommend purchasing the Kaplan Elements of Costing study text for AAT Level 2, work through this as you will need the basics and you wont have covered this with the IAB units, and then go straight in at Level 3 AAT.

Good luck

Karen

Cheshire · Master Book-keeper

Karen GTS wrote:
Hi Martin,

A very interesting thread and even more interesting to hear that the IAB are now allowing students to take their exams in 2018 for the presumably current QCF qualifications as this is what was offered by HLC?

The main difference in my opinion is the IAB are for people who want to become bookkeepers and the AAT are for those wishing to go into accountancy. I have taught both over the years, however now, only teach AAT and Skills First/Sage Computerised Accounting for Business.

Based on what you have said Martin, I think you have completed the Level 2 Award in Manual Bookkeeping and the Level 2 Award in Computerised Bookkeeping. If so, and you plan to do bookkeeping work then I would move to the IAB Level 3. If you want to go down the accounting route and have a good double entry knowledge, I would probably recommend purchasing the Kaplan Elements of Costing study text for AAT Level 2, work through this as you will need the basics and you wont have covered this with the IAB units, and then go straight in at Level 3 AAT.

Good luck

Karen

Hi Karen

Sorry but I have to disagree with the highlighted line. IAB offer beyond TB and are seemingly going out of their way to encourage folk to work with sole traders, most of whom are looking for a one stop shop, so the accounts prep and tax return is well into Accountants territory. For over 10 years AAT have offered a standalone bookkeeing course, albeit now when I mention AAT I am referring to the Accounting Technician qualification, which you do have the option of moving up to once level 4 is complete, or stopping at the end of level 3 and using their bookkeeping qualification. The rest of the argument has been done a million times on here in the last 12months alone and so Im not going to regurgitate it just now.

Good shout to Martin on the elements of costing book, although some of the training providers do go over the basics again in the level 3 books, albeit briefly.

Mrs_Jamo · Member

I think I have changed my profile to accept private messages (thanks Joanne) So do feel free to message me if you have any questions Martin.

Martin S · Veteran Member

Hi Lisa, I don't think you have your private messages active? I've been wanting to contact you.

Mrs_Jamo · Member

I'm not entirely sure if I have or have not been able to make my messages active, but I have sent you an email through your profile. If you haven't received it, do let me know. I look forward to talking with you.

Cheshire · Master Book-keeper

Hi Lisa
Your email does not allow PMs. Go to settings then email visible and opt for 'no, accept email anon' and then folk can PM you. See pic.

Lisa/Martin
Its been said on here many times, its great to keep Qs on here so you can then help other people as well, some of whom are too scared to ask for help (#). Also given you are still both students (no disrepect intended) if you are giving wrong answers someone else can hopefully then set you right.

There was someone who posted on the 22 October, a new student looking for advice - perhaps you can assist? Its all good practice.

(#) by that I do not mean the tight fisted business owners who cannot be arsed paying a professional for assistance and would rather be freeloaders!

Martin S · Veteran Member

Hi Joanne,

Thanks for the info on switching on messaging, I agree with posting questions and queries on here, the advice we are able to get is priceless, in this case it was just about something in particular to our text books I was wanting to know so I didn't think it would be worth bothering with on the forum.

just as an update, I'm in the process of applying to do AAT level 3 Advanced Bookkeeping, hopefully I'll start in January.

Cheshire · Master Book-keeper

Good to see Lisa has updated her profile to accept emails now as well, so good luck both of you with the next round of exams.

Good luck with that for January Martin and before then with getting through the Christmas madness at work. Hope you dont have to work Christmas Day, or one of my sons Christmas nightmares - an 8 days straight double shifted day covering both Christmas and New Year (with his Mother having to be chaffeur given the public transport in the wee small hours is so naff!).

Martin S · Veteran Member

Oh yes, I'll be working Christmas day, saying that, thats the easy one, everyone pre-orders so you know exactly how many are coming and what they're having and its usually over and done with by about 5.30pm, boxing day however......... is usually a killer.

Mrs_Jamo · Member

Thanks Joanne... I followed your instructions, and I am available Martin, if you still have that query about the textbooks.

I took my final exam today, it was all going so well until Sage One crashed! Fortunately I had finished all the exercises, but I was unable to print out some of my reports. I'm assuming I won't be penalised for it.

Cheshire · Master Book-keeper

Hi Lisa
I suspect that it was the exam centre's internet that crashed rather than sage one, or their servers not coping - Ive seen it a few times! If you havent provided your reports then there may well be not much the examiners can do to pass you as generally speaking they do not have access to the sage one itself, just the reports and the images you upload on to their system. Although the IAB may do that differently to the AAT. But what I would do as a matter of urgency, although you may have done this already, is to call the IAB and put them on notice and ask if there is anything that can be done and also to ring the exam centre and tell them of your issue and see if they have a backup of the day's work (they generally take one) and can they keep it/send it to IAB examiners. at the very least, if required, the exam centre should give you a free re-sit. Really hope you dont need to go down that road.

Good luck and let us know how you get on.

Mrs_Jamo · Member

Hi Joanne,

Thank you for your feedback, and I do apologise that I haven't been on the site sooner to see your post. With the IAB computerised Sage One exam, I am given a username and password for the exam. I assumed this is so that the examiner can use those details to log in and see in detail exactly what I have done. There's only a few reports that needed doing, so I think that particular portion of the exam is just to prove that you know how to print out reports and collate them. I did consider phoning the IAB to explain, but the exam invigilator took a screenshot of the broken link and wrote a report of what I wanted to print but could not, so I didn't want to pester them (I am far to placid for my own good). The invigilator did stress that if the IAB have a problem with it, then I would get an exam re-sit free of charge.

My Sister-in-Law a few months previous, took her AAT level 3 computerised, and had technical issues... She did have to re-sit, so perhaps there is a difference in the way it's all done.

I'm really missing learning at the moment, and I loved all the train journeys to Newcastle to take my exams - the buzz of feeling like I've passed another level. So if I do have to re-sit, then i'll be fine, but I'd rather be cracking on, I want to do Payroll next.

lots to learn · Senior Member

Hi Martin

I studied the IAB many years ago and I agree it is possibly most suited to those wishing to be self employed bookkeepers.

I have spent the last 10 years self employed and cover full accounts for small businesses. More recently, in addition, I now freelance for a large accountants and while I have managed with my IAB qualifications and experience I am considering studying the AAT Level 4 simply so I am in line with the accounting staff and could perhaps then take further accounting qualifications.

So while I believe the IAB is a good qualification which will give you a good self employed career if you want options and a well recognised qualification, I would take the AAT.

Good luck

Valerie

Darcy24 · Member

If I were to suggest/recommend any of the two, it would be AAT. There is room to up-scale your skills through the levels, it's more recognized and would get you exemptions from any of the senior accounting qualifications.

Cheshire · Master Book-keeper

veis

Look at the history/profile.

Darcy
Why are you responding to such old posts??????????????????