AAT Level 2 Certificate in Bookkeeping (AQ2022)

AAT Level 2 Certificate in Bookkeeping AQ2022
The AAT Level 2 Certificate in Bookkeeping is the ideal next steps for someone looking to develop essential finance and bookkeeping skills. You could be progressing from the AAT Level 1 Award in Bookkeeping or starting a new career in accounting and finance.
This nationally recognised qualification is ideal for beginners or those looking to refresh their financial knowledge. Whether you’re pursuing a career in bookkeeping, starting your own business, or progressing to further AAT qualifications, this course provides a solid foundation in the core principles of accounting.
The Level 2 Certificate will help you to gain valuable skills in double-entry bookkeeping, key accounting documents, and correcting errors in the bookkeeping system.
This qualification is aimed at school leavers, career changers, or anyone seeking a clear entry route into accountancy. It is well-suited to those already working in a finance role without formal qualifications. Upon successful completion, learners will be well-prepared to progress to the AAT L3 Certificate in Bookkeeping or the AAT Level 3 Diploma in Accounting or to take on more responsibility within their current role.
The syllabus for the AAT L2 Certificate in Bookkeeping can be found using the following link
The AAT Level 2 Certificate in Bookkeeping will allow you to gain a thorough understanding of double-entry bookkeeping and key accounting processes. The qualification consists of two mandatory units:
- Introduction to Bookkeeping (ITBK)
- Principles of Bookkeeping Controls (POBC)
Each unit is assessed via a separate computer-based exam. Both assessments must be passed to achieve the full Level 2 Certificate in Bookkeeping.
We offer three course tiers—Lite, Premium, and Premium Pro—so you can choose the one that best fits your needs, budget, and preferred level of support.
All three tiers include a personalised Individual Learning Plan (ILP), access to our online learning platform, and hard copy course books to support your studies.
Lite is a self-directed option with minimal tutor support. You’ll have access to the platform and resources, but no live tutorials and only limited progress tracking and feedback. It’s a good choice if you’re confident studying independently and want a lower-cost option.
Premium adds more structured support. In addition to everything in Lite, you’ll receive regular tutor interaction, monthly group topic tutorials, and tutor feedback on your progress.
Premium Pro offers our highest level of support. Along with everything in Premium, you’ll get weekly group tutorial sessions, priority tutor responses, personalised feedback, and guidance. This tier also includes your AAT exam fees (at our nearest exam centre) making it the most comprehensive and convenient option.
All three tiers are available via monthly subscription to help you spread the cost.
All of our course tiers include high-quality learning materials designed to support your success. You’ll receive printed course books delivered to your door, full access to our user-friendly online learning platform, and a personalised Individual Learning Plan (ILP) to guide your studies. The platform hosts interactive resources, practice activities, and structured content mapped to the AAT syllabus—ensuring you stay on track and focused at every stage of your qualification.
There are no formal qualifications required to enrol on the AAT Level 2 Certificate in Bookkeeping which makes it an ideal starting point for anyone new to finance or looking to change careers. However, we recommend the following for the best chance of success:
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Basic numeracy skills – the ability to work with simple calculations and percentages.
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Basic digital literacy – confidence using a computer and navigating online learning platforms or accounting software
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A willingness to learn independently – especially if choosing the Lite or Premium package.
If you’re unsure which level is right for you, we encourage you to complete the AAT Skillscheck – a free online assessment designed to evaluate your current knowledge and recommend the most suitable starting point.
👉 Take the AAT Skillscheck here: https://www.aat.org.uk/qualifications-and-courses/skillcheck
This short quiz takes around 30 minutes and is a useful tool to help ensure you start your AAT journey at the appropriate level for your experience and confidence.
Completing the AAT Level 2 Certificate in Bookkeeping opens up a wide range of career opportunities within the finance and accounting sector. This qualification demonstrates your ability to manage more complex bookkeeping tasks and prepares you for both employed and self-employed roles in the industry.
Whether you’re looking to advance in your current role or take on new responsibilities, this course equips you with the practical skills and recognised credentials to progress confidently.
Some of the typical job roles suited to this qualification include:
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Accounts Assistant – supporting finance teams with data entry, invoice processing, and account reconciliations.
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Trainee Bookkeeper – managing day-to-day financial records, preparing basic reports, and supporting senior bookkeepers.
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Finance Administrator – helping with budgeting, purchase orders, and maintaining accurate financial records.
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Clerical Assistant – performing general administrative duties with a focus on finance-related tasks.
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Accounts Clerk – recording financial transactions, managing petty cash, and maintaining ledger accounts.
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Sales or Purchase Ledger Clerk – maintaining accurate customer or supplier records and ensuring prompt payments.
These roles exist across nearly every industry, offering you flexibility and variety in your career path.
After completing Level 2, you can:
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Progress to the AAT Level 3 Certificate in Accounting or the AAT L3 Diploma in Accounting
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Expand into areas such as self-employment or freelance bookkeeping services, especially for those planning to become an AAT Licensed Bookkeeper in the future
Designed to appeal to learners:
- Who wish to further their studies of bookkeeping and gain a qualification at Level 2 of the regulated qualification framework, either from a point of no previous knowledge, or having already achieved a Level 1 Award in Bookkeeping
- Who already have some practical knowledge and skills and wish to gain an accredited qualification in bookkeeping
- Who are considering a career as a self-employed practitioner
- Businesses owners who would like to be actively involved in the keeping of financial records for their business, as it gives in-depth coverage of manual bookkeeping systems used by businesses.
E-Learning Course Options
E-Learning Course & Exam Fee
£535 includes vat and an exam fee at our centre in Hull*
E-Learning Course only
£395 includes vat but excludes exam fee*
*Additional membership fee payable directly to AAT.
Entry Requirements
There are no formal entry requirements for the Level 2 Certificate in Bookkeeping qualification. However, it is recommended that prospective learners have acquired basic skills in both numeracy and literacy prior to starting their studies in this subject area. A prior knowledge of bookkeeping terminology and the skill to perform some basic bookkeeping tasks is also desirable.
Assessment Information
Introduction to bookkeeping
On demand exam
Principles of bookkeeping
On demand exam