AAT Level 2 Certificate in Bookkeeping

What will I learn?

This short course, studied over four months, will equip you with the skills and knowledge needed to manage books effectively – including double entry bookkeeping, and associated documents and processes, up to Trial Balance standard.

On successful completion of the course, you will be awarded an AAT Level 2 Certificate in Bookkeeping. This internationally recognised AAT (Association of Accounting Technicians) qualification enables those working in accounting or those looking to pursue accountancy as a career to gain knowledge, practical experience and the all-important certification often sought by employers.

This qualification can be used as a fast track to the AAT Level 3 Diploma in Accounting.

Study method

Online, you will study award-winning video lessons, which are available on demand, and can be viewed from your phone, tablet or computer – meaning you can choose how, when and where you want to study. Lessons last for around 45 minutes and are accompanied by animations and motion graphics to bring concepts to life. Practice questions, downloadable lesson materials and interactive case studies help to enhance the learning experience further and learners should expect to spend around 4-5 hours studying independently online each week. 

On campus, you benefit from regular classes with a college tutor – without having to commit to attending multiple evenings each week. Your tutor will review what you have learnt during your online lessons and will be on hand to provide guidance on progress and assessment. Regular discussion with classmates will help to reinforce key points while also providing the additional support and motivation that comes from being part of a group.

Units of study

• Introduction to Bookkeeping
• Principles of Bookkeeping

How will I be assessed?

This course is assessed through a total of two computer-based exams, one taken at the end of each unit.

Learning outcomes

The Level 2 course covers a range of key areas, including:

• Understand financial transactions within a bookkeeping system
• Process customer transactions
• Process supplier transactions
• Process receipts and payments
• Process transactions through the ledgers to the trial balance
• Understand controls in a bookkeeping system
• Use control accounts
• Use the journal
• Reconcile a bank statement with the cash book

You will also develop business communications and lifelong learning skills, applying what you learn on the course to the wider industry context.

Entry requirements

There are no formal entry requirements for this course. Previous knowledge of accounting or a Level 1 Bookkeeping qualification would be advantageous but not essential.

Progression

On successful completion of this course, you can progress to higher level AAT Accounting Qualifications (Level 3 and then on to Level 4).

Students completing this Level 2 AAT Certificate in Bookkeeping may wish to go on and complete the full Level 2 AAT Certificate in Accounting. If you do choose to continue your studies in this way, then your achievements in the Bookkeeping qualification are carried over to the longer Accounting qualification. 

Under the Free Courses for Jobs initiative, you might be eligible for a fully funded Level 3 course. Alternatively, you can apply for an advanced learner loan to cover the cost of your Level 3 study. Please ask a member of college staff for more information.

Career opportunities

The skills and knowledge you will gain throughout this qualification will qualify you for roles including Clerical Assistant, Trainee Bookkeeper, Accounts Clerk, Finance Assistant and Accounts Administrator.

Additional information

The duration of this course is 15 weeks part-time. On campus attendance is one day per fortnight during term time.

How to apply

Applications can be made via our partner colleges and training providers.