The AAT qualification is about proving you are competent to
carry out an accounting technician role. This is why you will be
assessed using exams and practical assessments, which will show you
that you can remember calculations and also apply them to real-life
situations.
Accountancy & Payroll courses
You will be assessed by:
Exams
These paper-based exams are set by the AAT and take place twice a
year, in June and December. The exams are designed to test
your knowledge and understanding in the context of case studies and
last for approximately three hours, with an initial 15 minutes'
reading time. Results are available in August and February
respectively. The results are sent to all students and are
available on the AAT website.
Special Considerations and Reasonable Adjustments
We will liaise with the AAT on your behalf if you have any
special requirements. This can include extra time, enlarged type, a
scriber or reader, or anything else according to your needs.
Computer Based Exams (CBE)
The AAT has introduced computer based exams (CBE’s) at both
Diploma and NVQ pathways for some of the units.
The CBEs are a more flexible assessment system. They give you
the choice and control to take your CBE at any time when you feel
ready and confident to do so, without waiting for the traditional
June and December exam sittings.
CBEs are available for:
- Unit 30 IAC
- Unit 3 PLB
- Unit 5 FRA
- Unit 6 ECR
All our BPP training centres have a dedicated CBE room, which
means you are likely to sit your CBE at a date and time that’s
convenient to you. Helping you progress quicker through your
qualification and on to the next stage.
Skills Tests
Skills tests are where you prove competence by either submitting
work-based evidence or sitting a simulation. Students on the NVQ
pathway will build a portfolio of evidence as the basis of this
assessment. Portfolios can include real life examples from the
workplace and from voluntary activities. Students on the Diploma
pathway will sit skills tests (simulations) in a simulated
environment.
The aim of the tests is to assess your ability to carry out
specific tasks and to operate effectively in the workplace to the
required standards. Skills tests may take place at any time,
mutually agreed between you and your training centre.
Dates for simulations are timetabled into classroom courses.
However, you must sit them when you are fully prepared. Classroom
students must sit them at their chosen BPP training centre.
Distance learning students can sit them at either their chosen
place of work (under invigilation of a supervisor, registered with
us), or at a local BPP training centre (charges may apply).
Projects
Project based units will require you to undertake a report based on
your workplace. You will need to select a problem area, analyse it,
highlight the weaknesses and give your recommendation. The
approximate word length is 3,000 to 4,000 words.
Mock Skills Test/Exams
Depending on the unit you will either have a mock skills test or
mock exam. These mocks will prepare you for the actual skills tests
and exams and give you valuable practise for the real one. You will
receive the markers’ assessment forms with feedback and suggested
solutions.
AAT Award in Bookkeeping
You will be assessed by:
Computer Based Assessment (CBA)
This is an online assessment taken at any of our AAT recognised
Approved Assessment Centres (AAC). It consists of 50 questions
which need to be completed within two hours.