The Association of Accounting Technicians’ (AAT) is the UK’s leading qualification and membership body for accounting staff. The AAT awards around 90% of all nationally accredited vocational qualifications in accounting in the UK, offering a recognised – and popular – non-graduate entry route in to the accountancy profession.

AAT qualifications include the AAT Accounting Qualification, NVQ/SVQ in Payroll Administration and AAT Bookkeeping Certificate (ABC). They are designed to be work-relevant and practical. The application of skills, knowledge and understanding are assessed through a combination of examinations and skills tests.

The Accounting Qualification is widely respected and often preferred by employers, such as Rolls-Royce, the NHS and Pricewaterhousecoopers, because AAT qualified staff have hands-on experience of doing the job.

Sponsored and supported by four of the UK’s leading chartered accountancy bodies – CIPFA , ICAEW , CIMA and ICAS – the AAT qualification offers a fast-track progression to all the UK’s chartered and certified accountancy qualifications with successful AAT students eligible for exemptions with each body. Those who choose this route qualify faster than if they had gone to university, with one in 12 UK chartered accountants now qualifying via this route.

It is almost 30 years since the AAT were set up and they've gone from strength to strength. Currently, the AAT have more than 120,000 students and members in 90 countries worldwide. AAT work with their members to support them throughout their accountancy journey – from being students and throughout their careers, whether employed or running their own business.

There have been success stories along the way too. Several AAT members have gone on to become leading figures in the UK Civil Service and managing directors of well-known companies and high-street retailers.

You can apply to take an AAT qualification, irrespective of your age, experience or previous qualifications, and you can choose to study using any of our flexible courses on offer - at a training centre or at home. So, whether you’re thinking about a career in accountancy or already work in accountancy and want greater recognition, an AAT qualification can really boost your career.