AAT Level 3 and 4Diplomas in Accounting (SCQF Level 7 & 8)

You must have a reasonable standard of English and Maths (eg. GCSE Level 4 or equivalent) and a Level 2 related qualification, along with/or at least 6 months experience in the profession. 

You'll also need access to Microsoft Word and Excel throughout your studies – essential tools for building your accounting expertise.

If English isn’t your first language, we suggest an IELTS score of 6.5 or equivalent to help you feel confident with the course materials. However, we're happy to assess your case on an individual basis. 

Please note that if you’ve been declared bankrupt or have a criminal record, AAT may not accept you as a member, which could prevent you from sitting your exams. It’s best to check with AAT directly for guidance on this.

Your course is fully online. 

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

You'll study 4 units for the Level 3 Diploma first:

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

You'll then study 5 units from the Level 4 Diploma, made up of 3 core units and your choice of 2 optional units.

Core units: 

• Drafting and Interpreting Financial Statements
• Applied Management Accounting
• Internal Accounting Systems and Controls

Optional units: 

• Business Tax
• Personal Tax
• Audit and Assurance
• Credit and Debt Management
• Cash and Financial Management

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

You'll sit 9 computer-based exams: 4 for the AAT Level 3 course and 5 for the AAT Level 4 course (3 unit exams, 2 elective unit exams).

You can choose to sit your exams via remote invigilation; however, the Management Accounting Techniques exam must be sat at an AAT exam centre near you. 

Level 3 assessments:

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

Level 4 assessments:

• Drafting and Interpreting Financial Statements
• Applied Management Accounting
• Internal Accounting Systems and Controls

Elective (choose two) 

• Audit and Assurance
• Business Tax
• Personal Tax
• Cash and Financial Management
• Credit and Debt Management

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.