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AAT L2 Certificate in Accounting (Online Self Study)
AAT L2 Certificate in Accounting (Online Self Study)

AAT L2 Certificate in Accounting (Online Self Study)

Level 2
Online

Course Overview

Part Time
Certificate

Enhance your understanding of accounting with our AAT Level 2 Certificate in Accounting. This qualification is ideal for:

  • Individuals in junior or entry-level accounting roles
  • Small business owners seeking to upskill
  • Employers looking to provide foundational accounting training for staff

The course offers a comprehensive introduction to finance administration and core accounting principles, including double-entry bookkeeping, basic costing, and the use of purchase, sales, and general ledgers. You’ll also develop essential business and personal skills, with a focus on four key themes embedded throughout the qualification: ethics, technology, communication, and sustainability.

This qualification is delivered entirely online via a dedicated study platform. You’ll be assigned a personal assessor who will review your submitted work and provide feedback, support, and guidance as needed.

Units Covered

  • Introduction to Bookkeeping
    Learn the fundamentals of double-entry bookkeeping and how to process transactions using both manual and digital systems.
  • Principles of Bookkeeping Controls
    Build on your bookkeeping knowledge with control accounts, journals, and reconciliations. Understand how to verify entries and redraft trial balances after adjustments.
  • Principles of Costing
    Gain insight into basic costing principles and how costing systems support management decision-making and cost control.
  • The Business Environment (Synoptic Assessment)
    Explore the evolving business landscape and its impact on organisations of all sizes. Develop the skills needed to work effectively in today’s dynamic, digital-first environment.

You’ll complete computer-based exams and a synoptic assessment that evaluates your understanding across all units. If you live outside Gloucestershire, we’ll help arrange an exam centre closer to your location.

Study Commitment

While the course is flexible and designed to fit around your existing commitments, there are set deadlines to support timely completion. You should plan to dedicate a minimum of 6 hours per week to study, with the expectation of completing the course within approximately 10 months.

Additional Costs

  • AAT Membership Registration Fee: £186 (mandatory for assessments)
  • Exam Re-sit Fees: £65 per on-site re-sit; £120 per external re-sit (outside Gloucestershire)

If you qualify for a tuition fee waiver, you may apply to our Learner Support Fund to help cover these additional costs.

  • This qualification is suitable for individuals aged 19 or over (as of 31st August in the academic year) who are confident working with numbers and possess strong literacy and numeracy skills.

    This course is delivered via distance learning and is ideal for self-motivated learners who are comfortable studying independently with minimal guidance. While you have the flexibility to study at your own pace and around your personal commitments, you must meet assignment submission deadlines to ensure timely completion. The expected duration for achieving this qualification is approximately 10 months.

    Applicants must hold a GCSE grade C/4 or above in both maths and English.

    If you have prior experience in accounting or finance, you may wish to complete the AAT Skillcheck at www.aatskillcheck.org/   to help determine whether to begin at Level 2 or progress directly to Level 3.

    All applicants will be required to complete a short assessment form to confirm the appropriate level of study.

    You may be eligible to study this course free of charge if you receive certain benefits or are on a low income. Please speak to our admissions team for further guidance.

  • On successful completion you may like to consider our online AAT Level 3 Diploma in Accounting.

Shortlist and Apply

If you would like to apply for this course, please add it to your shortlist. You may then add further courses to your shortlist or continue to complete your application.

Shortlist and Apply
AAT L2 Certificate in Accounting (Online Self Study)

What You Will Pay

Please contact Student Services on 0345 155 2020 for pricing information.

Studying for a business qualification gives you transferable skills that are desired by many industries and professions. You can go on to train as an accountant, manager, marketer, events coordinator or business administrator, and even develop the crucial skills needed to run your own business.

You’ll find that our range of business pathways allow you to explore and learn about a variety of business skills, before choosing a specialist area to suit your interests and future career goals. If you’re interested in events management, human resources, management, marketing, retail or social media, we have a business pathway to suit.

Gloucestershire College is connected to a number of businesses and throughout the year you will get the chance to see how real businesses operate. Previous work-related activities have included trips to Amazon and Sky headquarters and business planning with RBS.

View Courses
Ben Leighton

The business course is very versatile so it can help with lots of job options after college. My dream career is something in finance, maybe a Chartered Accountant, so everything I’m learning now on my course about Business will help me to reach that goal. I would encourage everyone who’s thinking of applying to GC to just do it, it’s been the best decision for me and I’m looking forward to what comes next in my education and career.“

Ben Leighton

Level 3 – Business

Forest of Dean Campus
Louis Giles

I’m not sure what sort of career I want after the course yet but the college offers lots of career advice and guidance to help me. I applied for Gloucestershire College because there is better transport links and access for me and my wheelchair. I also thought the new campus looked really cool. I chose to study Business as my sister did the course previously and said it was really good, helping her get a job now. The course is very flexible and not too many hours a week so I can do other things like work experience around it.

Louis Giles

Level 3 – Business

Forest of Dean Campus
Ryan Davis

I would tell someone who is thinking of applying to the College to go for it as it will open doors to lots of great opportunities. When I finish the course I want to go to University – with Oxford as my first choice. I wanted to study at Gloucestershire College because of the new facilities and new Forest of Dean campus, I think it looks really impressive. I am studying Business as I think it will lead me to a lot of other new career opportunities."

Ryan Davis

Level 3 – Business

Forest of Dean Campus

Proud To Be Working With

anderson recruitment
baldwins-company
cheltenham-tax-accountants
cj hole logo
hazelwoods logo
insurance and mortgage services ltd
joedan group
mira showers logo
paish tooth logo
superdry logo
truly tailored recruitment logo
typecraft logo
whitley stimpson logo
worktop express logo

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Next Steps

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