Self-studying AAT?

[AdvicePlease09]

I did a similar post yesterday but I thought people may be able to help with more direct questions on this thread.

Has anyone self-studied AAT? I'm looking to maybe get some background on level 2 (without completing the exam) then skip to level 3 and undertake this exam. Perhaps complete level 4 alongside my degree the end of this year/next year.

As someone with no accounting or relevent background experience, does this sound reasonable? I much prefer self-studying out of books/online resources so this aspect of it won't be a problem.

Also, if anyone has done this, am I right in thinking you need an AAT student membership, then I would need to buy the books and book an exam as an external student? How much does this cost? and how do I go about getting the student membership/booking exams?

Also, if anyone has done this themseves (or used a distance learning course), have you found it to be beneficial?

Thanks!

[impostersyndrome]

Hi OP, you may get more answers on the Higher Education forum www.mumsnet.com/Talk/higher_education. This is where people working in universities discuss work-related matters.

[Chasingsquirrels]

I've not done this myself (am ICAEW qualified) but we do have AAT students at work and my understanding is that level 2 is very basic and if you are working at degree level (what subject?) you shouldn't have any difficulty with the technical level.

What are you thinking to do after your degree and how does AAT fit in with that?

[AdvicePlease09]

@impostersyndrome oh great thank you, is there a way I can move it?

@Chasingsquirrels I'm doing a humanities subject so completely unrelated, but I do have strong A-levels and on I'm on track for a first. Perhaps I should go straight to Level 3? I was just slightly worried as I currently have very very limited accounting knowledge.

I'm thinking about going into accounting or bookeeping, but seen as I will be relying on childcare, I am keeping my options open, so perhaps an office job if not. I'd just like it to improve my employability and keep busy during the spare time I currently have.

[Chasingsquirrels]

No harm in working through the level 2 stuff, though I wouldnt bother with the exams.

[impostersyndrome]

@AdvicePlease09 if you report your own first post you can put in a request to Mumsnet directly.

[Holeywalls]

I’d definitely start with Level 2 as it provides such a sound base for double entry which you really really need to have firm in your mind before getting into the more technical stuff later on.

You can just buy the books and work through them for any level. As long as you have AAT student membership you’ll be able to sit the exams. I’ve done Level 2 and am hoping to start Level 3 at some point. I found self study absolutely fine.

[AdvicePlease09]

@Holeywalls yes I was thinking about learning the material then once I've got this under the belt, skipping to level 3.

How long did it take you to complete level 2? and how much was it with the exams/membership? I can't seem to find much information about the costs of doing it when self-studying.

[AdvicePlease09]

@impostersyndrome thanks, I've requested for it to be moved

[Holeywalls]

It’s a good idea and you’ll be able to complete the mock exams and mark yourself to ensure you’ve got the understanding there.

It looks like the membership is £147. You can just buy the books from ebay or amazon and get started. I don’t know how much the exams are because I did mine through work, sorry. I think about £70-80 each though. It took me 6 months to do Level 2 which is fairly quick but I could have definitely done it quicker if I’d wanted to.

There’s loads of helpful stuff on YouTube for double entry as well which I used loads.

[impostersyndrome]

My pleasure, good luck with the studies!

[JoMumsnet]

We're moving this thread over to our Higher Education topic, at the OP's request. Thanks to everyone who's responded so far.