AAT Level 1 - Award in Bookkeeping

This entry-level standalone qualification equips you with the skills to become a bookkeeper and earn an industry-recognised credential. Additionally, you'll have the option to advance to the full AAT qualification. No prior accounting knowledge is required to study this qualification. It provides a solid foundation in single-entry bookkeeping, making it an ideal entry-level course. This qualification is perfect for those with no previous bookkeeping knowledge or experience, and it serves as a strong starting point before progressing to more advanced, foundation-level qualifications.

What it covers?

This Level 1 qualification introduces the fundamentals of bookkeeping, including the role of a bookkeeper and the essential knowledge required to perform basic bookkeeping tasks. You will learn to manage income and expenditure, understand profit and loss, and identify assets and liabilities. Additionally, the course provides an introduction to bookkeeping software, including its benefits and potential risks.

No prior accounting or bookkeeping experience is necessary. This qualification offers a solid foundation for students, preparing them to progress to Level 2 qualifications.

This unit introduces students to the role of a bookkeeper and basic bookkeeping techniques, emphasising the importance of maintaining accurate and up-to-date financial records in business. Students will learn to identify various bookkeeping transactions, including income, expenses, and profit and loss. Additionally, the course covers the benefits and risks of using bookkeeping software and highlights the importance of ethical behaviour in financial practices.

This unit contributes 100% to the overall qualification grade.

Learning outcomes

  • Understand the role of the bookkeeper.
  • Understand financial transactions.
  • Process customer and supplier transactions.
  • Process receipts and payments.
  • Understand the benefits and risks of using accounting software to complete bookkeeping tasks.

Who is it suitable for?

This entry-level bookkeeping qualification is ideal for:

  • Individuals with limited or no prior bookkeeping or accounting knowledge, who want to establish a foundation before progressing to more advanced qualifications (many students begin at Level 2).
  • Non-native English speakers who wish to familiarize themselves with English accounting terminology.
  • Those returning to study after a long break and seeking a gentle reintroduction to exams.
  • Employers aiming to upskill their staff in bookkeeping and accounting.
  • Individuals considering a career change and wanting a quick way to determine if they enjoy accounting.
  • Those looking to earn an accounting qualification quickly.

Potential Career Opportunities

Upon completing this qualification, you will be well-prepared to apply for roles such as:

  • Cashier
  • Clerical Assistant
  • Trainee Bookkeeping Assistant

How long it takes?

The qualification usually takes between 3-6 months to complete, but this will depend on study method and course timetable. Most students can potentially complete this qualification a little quicker within 2–3 months, they aim to fast-track on their study method and course timetable.

How and where to study?

You can choose to study through online distance learning, blended learning, or in the classroom—whatever suits you best. Whether you prefer evening classes, part-time, or full-time study, there’s an option to fit your schedule. Even if you opt for distance learning, you'll need to find a training provider. We’ll assist you every step of the way, including with registration. Once a cohort of students is registered, we’ll schedule sessions at times that work best for the group.

What to expect from us?

We provide flexible study options through block-teaching sessions, available both online and in-person, tailored to fit your lifestyle and schedule. To ensure personalised support and cost-effective delivery, we create small cohorts of learners, allowing us to offer comprehensive attention to each individual.

For those in full-time employment, we recognise the challenges of balancing work and personal commitments. That's why we schedule sessions around your availability, including daytime, evenings, and weekends. Throughout your studies, you’ll receive continuous support and guidance from your personal AAT tutor, who will be with you every step of the way.

You will have seven-day-a-week access to our team of fully qualified, highly experienced tutors and course advisors, selected for their deep industry knowledge. Our mission is to equip you with everything needed to confidently progress through your AAT course and achieve your qualification in the most efficient and cost-effective manner possible.

What is the cost?

The total cost for the course, including all registration and assessment fees, is £582. This includes:

  • A course fee of £500, which covers tuition (if attending in-person classes) and is paid directly to us.
  • A standard qualification fee of £82, payable to AAT from 1 September 2024. This fee comprises a registration fee of £45 and an assessment fee of £37.

The registration fee, paid directly to AAT, grants access to study support resources and covers assessment scheduling for the duration of the qualification, typically four to five years. The assessment fee is paid to your training provider or assessment venue.

Please be aware that training providers and assessment venues may charge an additional administrative fee for the assessment, which can vary between organisations.

Entry requirements

Students can start with any qualification based on their existing skills and experience. For the best chance of success, we recommend that students have a strong foundation in English and maths before beginning their studies.

If you already have some accounting experience, use the AAT Skill check to assess your knowledge and determine the most suitable qualification to start with. We will assist you on this entry requirements. Please contact us for your skills check.

Contact us about studying an AAT Qualification

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