I am a self employed bookkeeper (self taught) and looking to progress towards accountancy. AAT seems to be the best route to go and my local college offers courses up to level 4. I am looking at going in on level 2 and progressing to level 4 over 3 years. I've also looked at doing a home study course but the difference in cost is vast. £250 ish compared to £1600 ish. Does home study have any major advantage over doing a college course? Obviously I appreciate time taken is one of them, how long would it take to complete AAT level 2 if I did home study.
Also I currently have a money laundering licence through HMRC, would taking an AAT course prevent me from offering my present bookkeeping service, as I think you are restricted to what you can offer?
Home study allows flexibility as to when you study so you can fit it around your existing commitments. Personally, I have always found working through the books myself more effective than attending a course. The only thing I would check with a home study course is whether tutor support is available if you get stuck. The other main issue is whether you are self-disciplined enough to stick to your study plan.
Regarding continuing your practice whilst studying, I would check with the AAT directly. My guess is that as long as you don't mention the AAT in connection with your business then this would be fine.
I agree, working through at your own speed is good. If you are already bookkeeping you probably won't have any problems with Level 2 as it's quite basic. Have you thought about buying the books and doing the work at home on your own without paying a provider? You can then pay to sit the exams at a local centre. That's the cheapest option. The books have online tests you can access with answers as well. I did home study for level 2 and found that I didn't use the tutor once so it was a waste of money. There are a few modules in level 3 and 4 that you would need to buy as distance learning as the papers have to be marked. I used BPP books which I bought from Amazon. I saved myself loads. I sat the tests at the local BPP centre who didn't charge an admin fee, just the AAT cost. I did spreadsheets with Kaplan as they were cheaper. I did the project in level 4 as an online classroom with BPP. In terms of time I did all 3 levels in a year. But I took time off to do that. If you are working as well then it will probably take longer. I did level 2 in 2 months and it only took that long because of availability of test times.
I did my AAT through college and last year decided I wanted to take an additional module so I chose a distance learning option-I found it really difficult to find time to do the work on top of my daily routine so in the end I paid again and went to college to do it.
I find it easier having a tutor to discuss issues and work better along side others
That's just me -I know some people prefer distance learning though and it is far cheaper
I'm taking on board Princess's advice as I reckon I could complete level 2 in less than a year (6 months would be ideal) whereas college would be a one year course 1 day a week.
Like Sharon though I think I might struggle to set aside the time so college would be more structured. Will think about it over the next month then decide one way or the other. Thanks everyone for your input.
I agree, working through at your own speed is good. If you are already bookkeeping you probably won't have any problems with Level 2 as it's quite basic. Have you thought about buying the books and doing the work at home on your own without paying a provider? You can then pay to sit the exams at a local centre. That's the cheapest option. The books have online tests you can access with answers as well. I did home study for level 2 and found that I didn't use the tutor once so it was a waste of money. There are a few modules in level 3 and 4 that you would need to buy as distance learning as the papers have to be marked. I used BPP books which I bought from Amazon. I saved myself loads. I sat the tests at the local BPP centre who didn't charge an admin fee, just the AAT cost. I did spreadsheets with Kaplan as they were cheaper. I did the project in level 4 as an online classroom with BPP. In terms of time I did all 3 levels in a year. But I took time off to do that. If you are working as well then it will probably take longer. I did level 2 in 2 months and it only took that long because of availability of test times.
hi
I would like to do the work at home without paying a provider but don't know where to buy books from. Can you tell me guys where I can buy books for AAT for study level 1 and 2?
I browsed internet and it seems it is difficult to get books if you don't enroll for the course. Please, help me in matter described above. I would like to start self learning but need books first.
Regards.Rafal
-- Edited by rafapak on Wednesday 13th of August 2014 02:55:43 PM
-- Edited by Shamus on Wednesday 13th of August 2014 02:59:15 PM
I've bought loads of AAT books from there. (generally from resellers for 1p plus delivery... I like to give a good home to retired study texts)
The publishers to look for are BPP, Kaplan and Osborn.
I would actually say that for AAT Osborn have some of the best material.
Kaplan tends to be cut down ACCA material and for BPP I think that the AAT books are better than some of their ACCA material.
kind regards,
Shaun.
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Shaun
Responses are not meant as a substitute for professional advice. Answers are intended as outline only the advice of a qualified professional with access to all relevant information should be sought before acting on any response given.
1. how do you find resellers on Amazon? How to differentiate between regular sellers and resellers?
2. is it possible to buy up to date books for AAT on Amazon. I would like to get books that are valid for 2014. All I found were books valid for 2010 and 2013. Why is this like that?
go onto Amazon, find the book that you want and there will be three prices.
The Amazon price (free delivery normally available)
The price new but not from Amazon (you will also pay postage)
The Price used (generally not from Amazon although could be Amazon marketplace in which case free delivery is available).
2.
Yes. Amazon have all of the latest versions of books... Sometimes weirdly before they are available to buy directly from the publishers.
If you cannot find the book go to the website of the publisher, find the ISBN of the book that you want then go back to Amazon and search based on ISBN.
Unlike ACCA texts AAT books do not necessarily go out of date every year and remain valid until a new version is released. If there is a newer version Amazon generally tell you in the box below the price.
__________________
Shaun
Responses are not meant as a substitute for professional advice. Answers are intended as outline only the advice of a qualified professional with access to all relevant information should be sought before acting on any response given.
I have last question for today if you don't mind. I chatted with aat assistant before a minute and was told that level 2 includes five modules for example 1. processing bookkeeping transactions 2. control accounts etc. I wonder if osbourne level 2 book that I want to buy covers material for all five modules. How do I know what modules a given book covers? Is this necessary to buy 5 separate books, one for each module?
-- Edited by rafapak on Wednesday 13th of August 2014 04:21:23 PM
Any book that you want, click on it, take the ISBN and pop accross to Amazon to check the best price.
For the five modules of level II you are looking at up to 13 books (although you could probably drop the 4 wise guides bringing it down to 9 books for five modules).
Hope that helps,
Shaun.
__________________
Shaun
Responses are not meant as a substitute for professional advice. Answers are intended as outline only the advice of a qualified professional with access to all relevant information should be sought before acting on any response given.
the 2010 and 2103 refers to the standard that books are for. Whilst, generally, most things havent changed some units have. So if you havent registered with the AAT as a student as yet, you will be a 2013 student. So make sure you buy the 2013 books.
All the best
Nick
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Nick
Nick Craggs FMAAT ACA AAT Distance Learning Manager
