AAT Level 3Diploma in Accounting (SCQF Level 7)

You should have a reasonable standard of English and Maths, an AAT Level 2 related qualification and/or at least six months practical experience in accountancy.

If English is your second language, we recommend you have an IELTS 6.5 or equivalent, but we're happy to review your case on an individual basis.

Students must also have access to Microsoft Word and Excel to complete the course.

If you have a criminal record or have been made bankrupt, AAT might not accept you as a member, making you unable to sit your exams. If this applies to you, please contact AAT directly for advice.

As this course involves in-person exams, you should locate your nearest AAT exam centre using the venue finder tool before enrolling.

Your course is fully online. You'll study 4 units:

• Preparing Financial Statements
• Management Accounting Techniques
• Tax Processes for Businesses
• Business Awareness

For full details of what you’ll learn on each unit, download our AAT course guide.

You’ll sit 4 exams in total, and you can choose to sit 3 of these exams via remote invigilation. However, your Management Accounting Techniques must be sat at an AAT exam centre near you. 

• Preparing Financial Statements (2.5 hours)
• Management Accounting Techniques (2.5 hours) 
• Tax Processes for Businesses (1.5 hours)
• Business Awareness (2.5 hours)

You’ll also complete online mock tests throughout your course to ensure you’re well-prepared for your exams.

Please note that your exam fees and AAT registration fees are not included in your course cost. However, if you'd like to bundle your registration fee into your overall course cost, reach out to one of our course advisors today –they'll be happy to help! 

The Association of Accounting Technicians (AAT) is the UK’s leading professional body offering skills-based accountancy and finance training.

AAT's globally recognised qualifications provide a strong foundation for careers in bookkeeping, finance, and accountancy, making them highly valued by employers across industries.

With over 130,000 members and students worldwide, AAT supports individuals at all stages of their accounting careers. Many AAT graduates go on to become chartered accountants, progressing to further qualifications with bodies such as ACCA, CIMA, or ICAEW.

If you're looking to advance your accounting career, our flexible, online AAT courses allow you to study at your own pace, on your own terms.

Yes! ICS Learn is a fully accredited, award-winning AAT centre, and we've been a trusted provider of AAT qualifications for over 130 years.

When you study an AAT course online with ICS Learn, you're earning a qualification directly through AAT, supported by our expert tutors and flexible learning platform, trusted by thousands across 100+ countries.

If you’re not sure which AAT course to choose, we recommend taking the AAT Skillcheck. It’s a 30-minute online multiple-choice test that will suggest the right level for you based on your accounting knowledge.

The AAT Level 2 Certificate is perfect if you have no accounting experience or if you haven’t mastered key principles and essential skills like double-entry bookkeeping yet. Most students start at Level 2, even if they have some accounting experience.

The AAT Level 3 Diploma is for you if you have significant practical accounting experience and a firm grasp of all the topics covered at Level 2.

The AAT Level 4 Diploma could be ideal if you understand everything covered at Foundation and Advanced level and are fully competent in double-entry bookkeeping. Students rarely enrol directly onto the Level 4 Diploma without completing Level 2/ Level 3 or a similar practical accounting qualification first.

If you plan on completing multiple levels, you can save money and transition smoothly by studying our Level 2 & Level 3 or Level 3 & Level 4 combined courses.

And if you'd like to become a bookkeeper rather than an accountant, one of our AAT Bookkeeping courses could be right for you. 

Before you enrol with us, our expert AAT advisors can talk through your experience and ambitions to make sure you’re choosing the right course! 

You don't need to wait until you've completed your AAT course to start reaping the benefits of studying AAT. Simply putting 'Studying towards AAT' on your CV can help you attract employers and stand out from the crowd.

After completing the AAT Level 2 Certificate, you'll be ready to take on entry-level finance roles such as:

• Accounts Administrator
• Accounts Assistant
• Accounts Payable Clerk
• Purchase/Sales Ledger Clerk
• Trainee Accounting Technician
• Trainee Finance Assistant

Once you've completed the next qualification, the AAT Level 3 Diploma, you can move into roles like:

• Accounts Assistant
• Accounts Payable and Expenses Supervisor
• Accounts Payable Clerk
• Assistant Accountant
• Audit Trainee
• Bookkeeper
• Credit Controller
• Finance Assistant
• Payroll Administrator
• Payroll Supervisor
• Practice Bookkeeper
• Tax Assistant

Once you've achieved the most advanced AAT training, the AAT Level 4 Diploma, you have an even bigger pool of career options. If you'd like the freedom of working for yourself, you could start your own accountancy practice or work as a freelance accountant.

You could also become a Chartered Accountant by joining an AAT fast-track with ACCA, CIMA, or one of the other UK Chartered Accountancy bodies.

You’ll be assessed for your AAT qualification through a series of computer-based assessments designed to test your understanding in practical, real-world scenarios. 

These exams are set and marked by AAT and take place either online via remote invigilation (depending on your course and/or location) or at an AAT exam centre near you.