Level 2 AAT Certificate in Accounting

Tuition and exams fees are shown above for current year.  (Please note costs increase each year).

Other fees to pay:

AAT Student Membership fees: £186.00

Book costs: £67.00

The Level 2 Certificate in Accounting is ideal for anyone wishing to study accountancy and finance alongside a range of complementary business and personal skills. The purpose of the Level 2 Certificate in Accounting is to offer the fundamental knowledge and relevant transferable skills needed to progress to employment or further study in accountancy and finance.

There are no formal entry requirements but strong numeracy and literacy skills are essential. 

Students should choose the Level 2 Certificate in Accounting if they're interested in developing transferable business and personal skills alongside their core accountancy skills. This qualification may also be valuable for those entering the workplace for the first time or for those changing careers who would like additional support in upskilling to enter, or re-enter, a business environment. AAT qualifications benefit from being globally recognised and they're valued by leading employers, from small high street businesses to large accountancy firms.

The Level 2 Certificate in Accounting covers a broad range of core accounting skills, alongside relevant business and personal skills. Key themes have also been introduced throughout the suite of accounting qualifications, including technology, ethics, sustainability and communication.

Units Studied

• Introduction to Bookkeeping (end of unit assessment)
• Principles of Bookkeeping Controls (end of unit assessment)
• Principles of Costing (end of unit assessment)
• The Business Environment (end of unit assessment in synoptic assessment)

Working in accountancy requires good communication skills, information technology (IT) skills and an understanding of the business environment, as well as an understanding of daily finance/accounting functions. The purpose of this qualification is to ensure that students are well-rounded and well prepared to progress into a career in business, finance, professional accountancy, or into further education.

This qualification will develop accountancy skills and knowledge of double-entry bookkeeping, basic costing, as well as purchase, sales, and general ledgers. Students will learn more about accounting software, and effective, professional conduct in the workplace. In addition, students are introduced to elements of commercial law that might have an impact on them when working in accountancy, such as contract law, employment law and company law. This is also an opportunity for personal professional development through lifelong learning.

All assessments in the qualification will be computer based assessments (CBAs). CBAs are an up-to-date method of assessment that directly reflect the practical tasks that you currently perform or will be performing in the workplace. 

You will be graded as an overall Pass, Merit or Distinction at the end of your qualification.  The pass mark for each exam is 70%.

To ensure success in your course, you will be expected to commit to significant home study as well as attendance at college. We generally recommend a minimum of 4 hours per week.

Previous convictions: Please note - When registering with AAT, you will need to declare whether you have committed any criminal convictions or had civil convictions against you. All declarations will be followed up by AAT. Serious convictions may result in you being barred from becoming an AAT registered student.

The course begins w/c 9^th September. There will be 2 groups (please indicate your preference when you enrol):

Group A (PLR2ACT001-2425A)  Monday 15^th September 2025  9:15 - 14:30

Group B (PLR2ACT001-2425B)  Thursday 18^th September 2025  9:15 - 14:30

Tutor Contact Details - Donna Lester - donnale@shrewsbury.ac.uk

The accountancy and business skills developed by studying this qualification will enable a student to seek employment with confidence and/or to progress to the next level of learning. A student completing this qualification will develop skills in double-entry bookkeeping and will understand how to use journals, control accounts and a trial balance. Students will also gain an understanding of accounting software packages, how to process financial information in accordance with company procedures and schedules, and how to provide information to colleagues, suppliers and/or customers as required. Skills developed through this qualification could lead to employment as:

• an Accounts Administrator or an Accounts Assistant
• an Accounts Payable Clerk or a Purchase/Sales Ledger Clerk
• a Trainee Accounting Technician or a Trainee Finance Assistant

To enrol please call the Part-Time Admissions Team on (01743) 653333. All learners will be interviewed prior to enrolment to give an opportunity to ask questions and to ensure suitability.