AAT Certificate in Bookkeeping - Level 3

Overview

This adult-only (19+) part-time course develops your existing bookkeeping knowledge to an advanced level and supports progression into employment or further study.

This qualification is ideal if you:

• Have completed the AAT Certificate in Bookkeeping – Level 2
• Already have bookkeeping knowledge and want formal recognition
• Are working in a bookkeeping role and want to progress
• Wish to focus specifically on becoming a professional bookkeeper

You may choose this course to fast-track into employment in a bookkeeping role, or as a stepping stone before progressing to the AAT Diploma in Accounting - Level 3 to broaden your accountancy knowledge.

Do not worry if you have been out of education for some time. Our tutors have many years of experience supporting adult learners back into the classroom and will guide you every step of the way. You will study in small, supportive classes alongside other like-minded adults, creating a relaxed and encouraging learning environment.

AAT qualifications offer you professional status that reflects the skills you have worked hard to gain. For further information on AAT courses and qualifications, please visit the AAT website.

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What will I study?

The purpose of this course is to ensure that you gain the advanced bookkeeping skills necessary to work in a bookkeeping role or to progress to higher level accountancy. This qualification comprises two mandatory units:

Financial Accounting: Preparing Financial Statements: 

• Understand the accounting principles underlying final accounts preparation
• Understand the principles of advanced double-entry bookkeeping 
• Implement procedures for the acquisition and disposal of non-current assets 
• Prepare and record depreciation calculations 
• Record period end adjustments 
• Produce and extend the trial balance 
• Produce financial statements for sole traders and partnerships 
• Interpret financial statements using profitability ratios 
• Prepare accounting records from incomplete information.

Tax Processes for Businesses:

• Understand legislation requirements relating to VAT 
• Calculate VAT 
• Review and verify VAT returns 
• Understand principles of payroll 
• Report information within the organisation.

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Start date, attendance and fee

• Start dates - April 2026
• Attendance - one day per week
• Fee - £1,265

Don’t let paying for the course hold you back from achieving your goals. You can split the cost of this course over four instalments. If you wish to pay in instalments, you will be required to pay 25% (£316.25) of the total fee on the day of enrolment and a Direct Debit mandate would then to be completed to enable the college to collect further three payments of £316.25 bi-monthly. The payments will be taken on the date you choose on the Direct Debit mandate form.

Please contact the college’s finance department for further details on 0808 100 3626.

You will also need to purchase an AAT student membership at the appropriate level for your course. The membership fee lasts for the whole duration of the qualification. Please visit aat.org.uk for current membership fees and payment information.

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• Adult learning support and guidance

  Starting something new can feel like a big step, but you don’t have to do it alone. From careers guidance to mental health and wellbeing, we’re here to support you before you apply and throughout your time with us.

  Visit our adult support page