AAT Foundation Certificate (Level 2)

AAT Foundation Certificate is ideal if you’re new to accountancy and finance, have previously worked in an accounts department, or are looking to change your career into accountancy. You’ll learn the basic principles of accountancy, such as double-entry bookkeeping, costing and preparing financial statements, as well as how to use accountancy software.

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Structure

To pass this level, you'll be examined on five subjects - one includes the synoptic assessment. This tests the knowledge you have gained throughout the level, covering multiple (but not all) subjects. All assessments are computer-based exams (CBE).

Entry requirements

You don’t need any prior experience working in accounts to study AAT Foundation. There are no entry requirements, but you do need good maths, IT and English skills, and a willingness to learn.

If you have a university degree in accountancy, or related, we recommend that you move straight onto ACCA, CIMA, or ACA.

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Take the AAT skillcheck test launch to find out which level you can start at.

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Please be aware, you can only buy up to four subjects in a six month period.

Syllabus

You’ll learn the basic principles of accountancy, such as double-entry bookkeeping, recording day to day transactions and basic costing, as well as how to use accountancy software.

Subjects (5)

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Bookkeeping Transactions (BTRN)

Essential

You’ll learn how to understand and demonstrate basic financial transactions within a bookkeeping system, across supplier, customer and business accounts.

Live Online

Distance Learning

OnDemand

Bookkeeping Controls (BKCL)

Essential

You’ll identify appropriate payment methods and the effect they have on the bank balance. You’ll learn about control accounts, reconciliation and the purpose of using the journal.

Live Online

Distance Learning

OnDemand

Elements of Costing (ELCO)

Essential

This will teach you to understand the cost recording system within an organisation, use cost recording techniques, and provide information on actual and budgeted costs and income.

Live Online

Distance Learning

OnDemand

Using Accounting Software (UACS)

Essential

You’ll process sales and purchase transactions, bank and cash transactions, perform period end routine tasks like processing journals and reconciling bank statements, and produce reports for customers and suppliers.

Live Online

Distance Learning

OnDemand

Foundation Synoptic Assessment (FSYA)

Essential

You’ll understand and develop the personal skills required to work effectively in a business and understand corporate social responsibility (CSR), ethics, and sustainability in the workplace

Live Online

Distance Learning

OnDemand

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Course overview

Timetables and study methods

Study methods available for this level

Live Online

The benefits of a traditional classroom but with the flexibility of an online environment. Live interactive classes at a scheduled time delivered by expert lecturers following the same exam focused material and structure as traditional classroom courses.

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OnDemand

OnDemand gives you the flexibility to study when and where you want, with unique online resources designed to give you structure, keep you motivated, and cement your understanding of the subject.

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Exams and sittings

Timings and working towards a sitting

You can take your exams at any time, apart from the synoptic exam, which is available for three weeks out of four. Understanding when you want to sit and pass your exam will affect the end date of your course and what materials you receive. Please note, you’ll still need to book your exams separately. All assessments on this level are computer-based exams (CBE).

You’ll be awarded a grade (pass, merit, or distinction) based on how you perform across the qualification. Unit and synoptic assessments are not awarded grades individually, but the marks achieved in all assessments contribute to your overall grade for the qualification.

How long does it take to pass?

Most students complete this level within six to 12 months, however this varies depending on the study method you choose. There is no specific sitting time for AAT Foundation exams, you can complete your exams all year round.

Study materials and delivery costs

Live Online and OnDemand students will receive printed and online study materials.

Materials included in every complete course:

Study text

A textbook covering the full subject syllabus with worked examples and activities.

Integrated workbook

The integrated workbook helps you work through the syllabus, with room to write your notes. It helps you keep everything in one place to make it easy to study and revise from.

Exam kit

The exam kit gives you plenty of exam style questions and answers to test your knowledge and practice.

Pocket notes

Our AAT pocket notes are pocket-sized, brief revision notes that highlight and prioritise the essential topics you need to understand to pass your AAT exams.

Online syllabus coverage

Covers key topics online, that can be accessed whenever you want.

Learning and assessment plan / study programme

Outlines the course structure.

To buy the materials separately

You can buy AAT approved books for each subject on this level from Kaplan Publishing.

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Delivery costs

How much it costs to deliver your study materials and how long it takes depends on where in the world you live.

Delivery fees are as follows:

Malaysia - 160RM
Rest of Asia/America - $47
All other countries - 25EUR

Our standard delivery times are:

Malaysia - 3 to 5 working days*
EU – 5 to 7 working days*
Rest of the World – 7 to 10 working days*
*Subject to availability.

Delivery charges apply to all OnDemand and Live Online courses which include printed materials. If delivery charges are applicable for your course, they will be shown during the online checkout process, before you complete your payment details.

Tutor support

We’ll support you every step of the way throughout your learning experience with us. You can contact a tutor and get the help you need quickly and easily.

Provided by our Academic Support team (our dedicated team of expert tutors):

LiveChat (instant feedback)
Email (we'll get back to you within 4 hrs)
Online community (we’ll get back to you within 4 hrs)

Testing and mocks

We have a wealth of materials to help you revise for and pass your exams.

All study methods come with:

Knowledge checks

As you go along, knowledge checks help assess your understanding of a topic before you move onto the next one.

Mock exam

Practice your exam technique with mock exams with the look and the feel of the real exam, so you can continually check your progress.

Progress tests

These are short tests based on key topics to get you ready for sitting the mock exams.

Additional video learning resources

You’ll get access to the full video learning modules, found on MyKaplan.

MyKaplan: online learning environment

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MyKaplan is an online learning portal with practical resources to help you prepare for your exams.

Online features

View your online materials in one place and access your content in a few clicks
Contact a tutor directly using live chat or email
Complete tests and get instant feedback
Take part in forum discussions with students and tutors and find answers to common questions
See instantly when your assessments have been marked
Access on mobile, tablet, computer or through the dedicated mobile app
Access to VideoBank - hundreds of tutor-led videos to help you get the most out of your course.

Access duration

Your chosen study method determines how long you can access your content for. All extensions are for existing content and do not include any updated content.