AAT — Association of Accounting Technicians
The practical starting point — no prior qualifications needed.
Comparing options? Read ACCA vs CPA vs CMA vs CFA →Quick answer
- Best for
- The practical starting point — no prior qualifications needed.
- Not ideal for
- If you already have a degree and want to start a chartered route directly.
- Main roles
- Bookkeeper, accounts assistant, finance officer — and a bridge to chartered study.
- CPD
- AAT members complete CPD relevant to their role each year.
Last reviewed: June 2026
Who it's for
Beginners and career-changers entering bookkeeping and accounting.
Structure
Three levels: Level 2 Certificate, Level 3 Diploma and Level 4 Professional Diploma.
Time & cost
1–2 years; a common stepping stone to ACCA/CIMA (with exemptions).
Careers
Bookkeeper, accounts assistant, finance officer — and a bridge to chartered study.
The skills you'll build
Many of these serve more than one path.
Best free resources for this path
Curated and vetted, with how to start.
Free QuickBooks Online training and ProAdvisor certification for accountants and bookkeepers.
How to start: Open a free ProAdvisor account and enter the training portal.
Free Xero training, webinars and advisor certification through Xero Central and Xero U.
How to start: Create a free Xero account; advisor certification needs a partner account.
Free Sage guides, templates and articles on bookkeeping, payroll, cash flow, tax and Making Tax Digital.
How to start: Open the free guides/templates and blog; no payment needed.
Free, self-paced Excel and Power BI training — essential analyst skills for any finance path.
How to start: Free with a Microsoft account; the optional PL-300 exam is paid.
Fully free courses — Alison/Saylor give free certificates; Khan Academy for fundamentals.
How to start: Free accounts; learn at your own pace.
Continuing professional development (CPD)
AAT members complete CPD relevant to their role each year.
Get these hours for free →AI for Accountants
The free resources give you the theory; our course turns it into a paid, practical skill.
View the courseDisclaimer
Links to third-party resources are provided for convenience and learning only. Fileminder does not control third-party content, prices, certificates, CPD/CPE eligibility, availability or accuracy. Always check the provider's own page before relying on a course, certificate, CPD unit or learning outcome. Last reviewed: June 2026.