IAB Level 2 - Certificate 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 IAB qualification. No prior accounting knowledge is required to study this qualification. It provides a solid foundation for learners wanting an introduction to the process of keeping double entry records, preparing reconciliations and a trial balance. 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.

This qualification equips learners with the essential knowledge and skills required to perform various day-to-day bookkeeping tasks using a double-entry bookkeeping system up to the trial balance stage.

The qualification consists of:

• 2 Online Knowledge Tests
• 2 Online Assignments
• 1 Online Examination

Key Information:

• 50 Guided Learning Hours (GLH)
• 120 Total Qualification Time (TQT) hours

What it covers?

• This qualification is made up of the following units:

Principles of bookkeeping and VAT – T/508/5860

• Understand the basics of bookkeeping and bookkeeping systems
• Understand terms used by bookkeepers
• Recognise source documents and understand their purpose
• Understand the use of a sub-divided bookkeeping system
• Understand the basics of the VAT system
• Understand HMRC VAT rules
• Understand the purpose of the VAT control account and the VAT return

Financial services and payment methods – A/508/5861

• Understand the role of banks and building societies
• Understand how businesses use financial services
• Recognise appropriate methods of payment and understand their features
• Understand the need for security measures and procedures for the safe-keeping of cash

Prepare and check business documents – F/508/5862

• Prepare documents to be issued to customers
• Check documents received from suppliers
• Prepare documents to be issued to suppliers
• Prepare a petty cash voucher

Record transactions in a sub-divided bookkeeping system – J/508/5863

• Use day books
• Use an analysed cash book
• Use a petty cash book
• Use a journal

Prepare a trial balance and reconciliations – L/508/5864

• Prepare a trial balance
• Prepare control accounts and reconcile control account balances
• Reconcile the bank current account balance

Who is it suitable for?

The Level 2 Certificate in Bookkeeping is designed for learners who want to advance their bookkeeping studies and earn a Level 2 qualification within the regulated qualification framework. This course is suitable for those with some prior knowledge of bookkeeping or those who have already completed the IAB Level 1 Award in Bookkeeping.

This qualification is ideal for learners who already possess practical bookkeeping skills and seek an accredited certification. It is particularly valuable for individuals considering a career as self-employed bookkeeping practitioners, as well as for business owners who want to manage their financial records actively. The course provides comprehensive coverage of the manual bookkeeping systems commonly used by businesses.

Potential Career Opportunities

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

• Trainee bookkeeper
• Finance assistant
• Accounts administrator
• Clerical assistant

How long it takes?

The qualification typically takes between 6 to 12 months to complete, depending on the chosen study method and course timetable. However, if you opt for the "Fast Track" study mode, the teaching, learning, and assessment can be customised to fit your individual time constraints.

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. The Level 2 Bookkeeping book covers the entirety of this qualification, and can be buy the book from us. Please send your purchase order to our email.

How it is assessed?

This qualification consists of:

• 2 - Online Knowledge Tests:

These tests feature a series of independent questions, including multiple choice, gap fill, and true/false types. They are open book and assessed via IAB Online. Tests can be taken either in class or at home.

• 2 - Online Assignments:

These assignments, also assessed via IAB Online and open book, involve short case study questions with multiple tasks for each case. They can be completed in class or at home.

• 1 - Online Examination:

The examination is conducted under formal exam conditions and is also assessed via IAB Online. It consists of independent questions, meaning learners do not need to refer to data from previous questions. Although each question is separate, some may have multiple parts. Examinations can be scheduled any month and any day, subject to availability at the examination centre.

Note: Examinations require a minimum of 5 weeks' notice in the UK and 8 weeks' notice for international candidates before the exam date. This flexibility allows for quicker progression through the levels.

What to expect from us?

We offer flexible study options through block-teaching sessions, available both online and in-person, to suit your lifestyle and schedule. To provide personalized support and cost-effective delivery, we organize small cohorts, ensuring each learner receives comprehensive attention. Understanding the challenges of balancing full-time employment with personal commitments, we schedule sessions to fit your availability, including daytime, evenings, and weekends. Throughout your studies, you’ll benefit from continuous support and guidance from your personal IAB tutor, who will assist you every step of the way.

Our team of fully qualified, highly experienced tutors and course advisors is available seven days a week, selected for their extensive industry knowledge. Our goal is to equip you with the tools and support needed to progress confidently through your IAB course and achieve your qualification efficiently and cost-effectively.

Upon successful completion of Level 2, you can progress to the Level 3 Certificate in Bookkeeping and Accounting (601/9058/9). After completing Level 3, you will be eligible to apply for professional membership at the Associate grade.

What is the cost?

The total cost for the course is £600 plus the registration, assessment, admin and certification fees. The total cost can be determined at the point of enrolment.

• A course fee of £600, which covers tuition (if attending in-person classes) and is paid directly to us.

• Registration onto the qualification
• All IAB assessment fees (excluding re-sits)
• Certification upon successful completion of all assessments.

The registration fee, paid directly to IAB, grants access to study support resources. 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.

Contact us about studying an IAB Qualification

• Whatsapp: +44(0)7841144988    
• Email: admin@aprcb.com

We will respond to your enquiry as soon as possible.

Office Hours:

Monday to Friday, 09:00 to 17:00 UK time