AAT Level 2 Certificate in Bookkeeping – Starts September 2026

Course Summary

Course Overview
This AAT (Association of Accounting Technicians) Foundation course is an entry-level bookkeeping qualification, ideal for anyone who is seeking an introduction to basic bookkeeping principles and skills.
This course is delivered in the classroom.
This Level 2 course is part-funded, so the cost for students is reduced.
On successful completion of this course, you might be eligible for a fully funded Level 3 course. Please see information on progression below.
Please note: classroom attendance is weekly.

What will I learn?
This short course, studied over four months, will equip you with the skills and knowledge needed to manage books effectively – including double entry bookkeeping, and associated documents and processes, up to Trial Balance standard.
On successful completion of the course, you will be awarded an AAT Level 2 Foundation Certificate in Bookkeeping. This internationally recognised AAT (Association of Accounting Technicians) qualification enables those working in accounting or those who looking to pursue accountancy as a career to gain knowledge, practical experience and the all-important certification often sought by employers.
This qualification can be used as a fast track to the AAT Advanced Diploma in Accounting.
Units of Study
Introduction to Bookkeeping
Principles of Bookkeeping Controls

Learning outcomes:
The Level 2 course covers a range of key areas, including:
Understand financial transactions within a bookkeeping system
Process customer transactions
Process supplier transactions
Process receipts and payments
Process transactions through the ledgers to the trial balance
Understand controls in a bookkeeping system
Use control accounts
Use the journal
Reconcile a bank statement with the cash book

You will also develop business communications and lifelong learning skills, applying what you learn on the course to the wider industry context.

Entry Requirements

There are no formal entry requirements for this course, although an initial assessment will be conducted to ensure a suitable level of current numeracy and literacy skills are already in place, to ensure you do well on this course.
Previous knowledge of accounting or a Level 1 Bookkeeping qualification would be advantageous but not essential.

How Is It Assessed

This course is assessed through a total of two computer-based exams, one taken at the end of each unit.

How Is It Taught

Study Method – On Campus On campus, you benefit from regular classes with a college tutor – without having to commit to attending multiple evenings each week. Regular discussion with classmates will help to reinforce key points while also providing the additional support and motivation that comes from being part of a group. Note regarding Coronavirus (COVID-19): Due to the nature of our Online and On Campus courses, with key concepts being taught online through high-quality video lectures, students are able to continue their studies seamlessly with social distancing in place or if the college has to close. Regular ‘On Campus’ lessons are replaced by remote ‘virtual classroom’ sessions led by college tutors. This flexible approach can be easily adapted to suit government guidance and college policies.

What Could I do Next

Progression On successful completion of this course, you can progress to higher levels of the AAT Accounting Qualification (Level 3 and then on to Level 4). Students completing the AAT Advanced Certificate in Bookkeeping may wish to go on and complete the full AAT Foundation Certificate in Accounting. If you do choose to continue your studies in this way, then your achievements in the Bookkeeping qualification are carried over to the longer Accounting qualification. Under the National Skills Fund initiative, you might be eligible for a fully funded Level 3 course. Alternatively, you can apply for an advanced learner loan to cover the cost of your Level 3 study. Please ask a member of college staff for more information. Career opportunities The skills and knowledge you will gain throughout this qualification will qualify you for roles including Clerical Assistant, Trainee Bookkeeper, Accounts Clerk, Finance Assistant and Accounts Administrator.

What Else Do I Need To Know

Weekly college classes will be held. Course duration is 15 weeks part-time