AAT Level 2 Certificate in Accounting
The AAT (Association of Accounting Technicians) qualification is one of the best steps into the finance and accounting industry. The Association of Accounting Technicians provides some of the world’s most highly regarded accounting technician qualifications, including qualifications for bookkeepers and accountants.
The AAT Level 2 Certificate is the first step towards a full AAT qualification and gives learners the strong foundational knowledge and backing you need to make their first steps into the industry.
Kaplan helps our learners study flexibly and remotely, to make those first steps in a way that is right for them and fits around their existing lifestyle and commitments.
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The AAT Level 2 Certificate in Accounting with Kaplan
Entry requirements
AAT Level 2 is the first step on your journey to a full AAT qualification, so no prior knowledge of finance, accounts, bookkeeping or the finance industry is needed.
There are no formal educational requirements for the AAT Level 2 certificate, but all AAT courses require good skills in maths, English, and IT.
Course syllabus
Over the course of your qualification, you’ll learn basic principles of accountancy and bookkeeping. This is done over four modules.
We recommend that you complete the modules in order, starting with Introduction to Bookkeeping, and finishing all other units before attempting the Business Environment Synoptic Assessment.
Subjects (4)
Compare study methods ›Introduction to Bookkeeping (ITBK)
EssentialYou’ll learn the basic principles of double-entry bookkeeping systems and ledger accounts. You will also be able to process day-to-day financial transactions for suppliers and customers and bank transactions.
Live Online
From US $ 384.00
OnDemand
From US $ 85/month
Principles of Bookkeeping Controls (POBC)
EssentialThis builds on the knowledge and skills from Introduction to Bookkeeping. You’ll learn about control accounts, bank reconciliation, payroll, dealing with errors, and the purpose of using the journal.
Live Online
From US $ 343.00
OnDemand
From US $ 85/month
Principles of Costing (PCTN)
EssentialYou’ll learn about cost recording systems within an organisation, use cost recording techniques, provide information on actual and budgeted costs and income, and basic spreadsheet skills to support cost calculations.
Live Online
From US $ 314.00
OnDemand
From US $ 85/month
The Business Environment Synoptic Assesment (BESY)
EssentialThis unit will prepare you for the internal and external business environment. You’ll learn about the legal system, principles of contract law, corporate social responsibility, ethics, and sustainability.
Live Online
From US $ 343.00
OnDemand
From US $ 85/month
Exams and results
Most learners will complete their AAT Level 2 Certificate in around 6 to 12 months. Kaplan’s flexible learning format means there is no time limit on the course, and that you can complete your qualification in a timescale that suits you.
All assessments for AAT Level 2 are computer-based assessments and can be sat at any point in the year. All exams are booked through AAT.
Your AAT Level 2 qualification is awarded based on an overall grade, encompassing all the individual modules you complete. The marks from all your module assessments are combined to determine your final AAT Level 2 grade.
- Pass - Demonstrating a solid understanding of the core AAT Level 2 concepts.
- Merit - Exceeding the pass criteria, showcasing a strong grasp of the material.
- Distinction - Achieving exceptional results, indicating in-depth knowledge of the subject matter.
Once you've passed AAT Level 2, you can move on to AAT Level 3 and AAT Level 4 diplomas.
Studying with Kaplan in India
Kaplan are specialists in flexible and online learning, and we help thousands of learners pass their AAT qualifications every year. We provide access to award-winning learning technologies, exemplified by our recent win of the 2023 Learning Technologies Award for Excellence in the Design of Learning Content.
Our flexible study options make high-quality learning accessible to many people and help you take the next step in your career, without compromising on any of your existing commitments. We offer extensive support to keep you engaged and motivated with the course material, all designed specifically for remote learners.
Whatever your study method, you’ll have access to our dedicated team of expert tutors in the Academic Support team. Support for learners is available via email (maximum 4h response time), LiveChat (instant feedback), and our online community (maximum 4h response time).
Kaplan's course materials
A range of study materials are included with your Kaplan course. Live Online learners in India receive both printed and online versions of our study materials. Delivery of your printed materials costs a small fee and takes 3-5 days, subject to availability.
OnDemand learners will receive their course materials in a digital format, accessible via the MyKaplan platform.
The materials included in every course are:
- Learning and assessment plan/study programme: Get a clear picture of your learning journey with a high-level overview of the course.
- Study Text: Dive deep into the syllabus with a dedicated textbook featuring worked examples and engaging activities.
- Integrated Workbook: The integrated workbook guides you through the material and offers space for your individual notes.
- Exam Kit: Test your knowledge and hone your exam skills with practice questions and answers designed to mirror the actual exam format.
- Online syllabus coverage: Access key course topics and important information anytime with the comprehensive online syllabus.
- Pocket Notes (Live Online learners only): Simplify your revision with concise notes highlighting the essential concepts and topics.
- MyKaplan: Access a wealth of practical resources to support your exam preparation journey on Kaplan's exclusive online learning portal.
Mock exams and ongoing assessments
We carry out ongoing assessments throughout your course to help our learners feel confident in the subject matter ahead of their AAT Level 2 final assessments. This is the same for both Live Online and OnDemand learners.
The AAT Level 2 Certificate course has the following assessments as part of the curriculum:
- Knowledge checks: Confirm your understanding of each topic on the curriculum with regular knowledge checks before starting on new topics.
- Consolidation test: These tests help you solidify your learning midway through each module and give you confidence in your understanding of the key concepts before moving on.
- Progress test: Hone your exam technique and get valuable assessment experience with mock exams that mirror the format of the actual exam.
- Mock exams: Get your exam technique down with testing in the same format as the final exam. These exams are marked by humans who can give you personalised feedback on your performance.
Flexible study methods for AAT Level 2 learners in India
At Kaplan, we offer two remote learning methods for our learners in India. We want to make learning accessible, and easy to fit around your commitments and lifestyle.
Live Online
Live Online learning gives you many of the benefits of in-person learning while also giving you the ability to learn entirely remotely.
Live Online lets you join a dynamic learning community with live classes and lectures delivered on a set schedule. This collaborative environment allows you to connect with classmates, ask questions, and benefit from shared learning experiences.
You can get a taste of AAT Live Online with a 5-day free trial, and see the timetable for weekday, weekend, and evening learners.
Try AAT Live Online for FREE
OnDemand
OnDemand is our entirely flexible educational model. Classes and materials can be accessed whenever suits you and your schedule, whether that’s full-time learning, part-time, or somewhere in between!
The OnDemand learning model has been designed with a range of tools and support to keep you on track and motivated for the entire duration of your certification.
You can find out whether this study method is right for you with a 5-day AAT OnDemand free trial.
Try AAT OnDemand for FREECourse 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.
picture_as_pdf Live Online timetable
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.
Exams and sittings
New AAT remote online exams
Take your AAT exams from home, at a time that works for you, by purchasing an AAT remote invigilation exam from Kaplan. Your results will be released 15 days after your exam date.
Important information about remote online exams
You will be recorded for the whole duration of your exam, which will then be reviewed by the AAT for any irregularities. To sit these exams remotely, you need to ensure you meet the minimum supporting requirements and have read the AAT Remote Invigilation user guide so you know what you need to do before, and during, the exam.
When you proceed to book an exam with Kaplan, you will be redirected to our Kaplan UK website. Please note that all exam fees are quoted and processed in British Pounds (GBP). Additionally, the exam times are presented in Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) or British Summer Time (BST), depending on the time of year. You need to adjust for the time difference according to your local timezone. For your exam location, please ensure you choose 'AAT Remote Invigilation' from the available options.
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. All assessments on this level are computer-based exams (CBE) and must be bought separately from the course.
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 Level 2 exams, you can complete your exams all year round.
Study materials and delivery costs
Live Online students will receive printed and online study materials. OnDemand students will receive 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 (Live Online students only)
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 books for each subject on this level.
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 - RM60
Rest of Asia/America - $47
All other countries - €40
Please note that due to varying interpretations of the post-Brexit EU/UK trading agreement, some EU countries are imposing import duty on the value of the goods received from the UK. It is payable by the end consumer via the delivery company and your delivery may be withheld until paid. This may vary from country to country and be up to a value of 20% of the value of the study material.
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 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)
Academic Support opening times (UK times)
Monday - Thursday: 8am - 8pm
Friday: 8am - 5:30pm
Saturday: 9am - 5pm
Sunday: 9am - 1pm
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.
Consolidation test
This is a test based on the topics you have studied so far in your course (excludes PCTN).
Progress test
This is a test based on key topics to get you ready for the revision phase of your studies.
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.
Additional video learning resources
If you’re studying Live Online or OnDemand subscription, you’ll get access to the full OnDemand learning modules, found on MyKaplan.
MyKaplan: online learning environment
play_circle_filled Watch our video explaining MyKaplan (1:26)
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 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.
Live Online
Six months from the last course date, with a three month extension policy if required.
OnDemand Subscription
You will continue to have access to the course as long as you keep paying your chosen subscription.
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