AAT Certificate in Bookkeeping - Level 3
Overview
The Level 3 Certificate in Bookkeeping develops existing skills and knowledge to an advanced level for anyone wishing to pursue a career in bookkeeping. This qualification offers progression for those who already have bookkeeping knowledge, either to gain employment in a bookkeeping role or to progress to further study. This qualification is suitable for those who have completed the AAT Certificate in Bookkeeping - Level 2 and may help those already working in a bookkeeping role to progress by offering them formal recognition of their skills.
Those may wish to choose the AAT Certificate in Bookkeeping - Level 3 to focus solely on developing their bookkeeping skills in order to progress quickly to employment or to focus on becoming a bookkeeper. You may also wish to start with this qualification before progressing to complete the AAT Diploma in Accounting - Level 3 in order to gain a wider knowledge of accountancy.
For further information on the AAT courses and qualifications, click here.
Start dates and fees
Costs:
£1,265
The course fee can either be paid in full or in four instalments.
If you wish to pay in instalments, you will be required to pay 25% (£316.25) of the total fee on the day of enrolment and a Direct Debit mandate would then need to be completed to enable the college to collect a further three payments of £316.25 bi-monthly. The payments will be taken on the date you choose on the Direct Debit mandate form.
Please contact the college’s finance department for further details on 0808 100 3626.
The course fee includes tuition, resources and the first atempt at the exam. You will need to pay for your AAT membership directly to AAT - this currently costs £94.
| Start Date | Code | Annual Fee (Age) | Actions |
| over 19 |
| 31/07/2025 | 1329A901 | FREE* to £1265.00 | Apply |
* If you are aged 19-23 and studying your first Level 3 course then that course may be free. Please contact us for more details. If you are aged 19 or over and either studying a second Level 3 course or qualifying Level 4, 5 or 6 course you may be able to apply for an Advanced Learner Loan to cover the costs.
What will I study?
The purpose of the Certificate in Bookkeeping - Level 3 is to ensure that you gain the advanced bookkeeping skills necessary to work in a bookkeeping role or to progress to higher level accountancy. This qualification comprises two mandatory units:
Financial Accounting: Preparing Financial Statements:
- Understand the accounting principles underlying final accounts preparation
- Understand the principles of advanced double-entry bookkeeping
- Implement procedures for the acquisition and disposal of non-current assets
- Prepare and record depreciation calculations
- Record period end adjustments
- Produce and extend the trial balance
- Produce financial statements for sole traders and partnerships
- Interpret financial statements using profitability ratios
- Prepare accounting records from incomplete information.
Tax Processes for Businesses:
- Understand legislation requirements relating to VAT
- Calculate VAT
- Review and verify VAT returns
- Understand principles of payroll
- Report information within the organisation.
Entry requirements
- Level 2 in English Language and Maths (such as GCSE or functional skills)
- Certificate in Accounting - Level 2 or Certificate in Bookkeeping - Level 2 - if you do not have one of these, you will be required to sit an initital assessment to ensure that you are working at a level to enable successful achievement of the course.
This course is for learners aged 19+ only. If you are aged 16-18 and wishing to pursue a career in accounting, please consider the Accounting and Business - Level 2/3 or an apprenticeship.
How long is the course?
The length of the course depends on whether you join the daytime group or the evening group.
- Day group – December 2024 – 1 day per week for 25 weeks
- Evening group – February 2025 – 1-2 evenings per week for 16 weeks.
How will I be assessed?
Two external online assessments.
What does the course lead to?
AAT qualifications are recognised by employers as practical and technical qualifications that prepare students for the world of work and for working specifically in accountancy and finance roles.
What can I progress onto?
Career opportunities
There isn't currently career information listed for this course.