What does AAT Q2022 mean?
In September 2022, AAT (Association of Accounting Technicians) will be launching new accounting and bookkeeping qualifications (Q2022) as well as withdrawing/updating/transferring some units/courses where possible. Please see the below tables for Subject, Guided Learning Hours (GLH) and Exam duration changes.
- Key dates:
- 31st August 2022: Last day for entry under AQ16
- 1st September 2022: All registrations will be open for Q2022
- 30th September 2023: Last assessment date for AQ16
What are the changes between AQ16 and Q2022?
Level 2:
There are now four units for the AAT Level 2 course.
- Using Accounting Software has been removed as part of Q2022
- Learners will need to pass a Level 2 Synoptic in Business Environment that will take over from Working Effectively in Finance
Level 2
Transitional fees: £50
New AAT Lifetime membership fees: £172
Course lengths: 52 weeks
Q2022
| Subject | GLH | Exam Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Introduction to Bookkeeping | 65 | 90 |
| Principles of Bookkeeping controls | 50 | 90 |
| Principles of Costing | 50 | 90 |
| Business Environment Level 2 Synoptic | 90 | 90 |
| Total: | 255 | 465 |
AQ16
| Subject | GLH | Exam Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Bookkeeping Transactions | 60 | 90 |
| Bookkeeping Controls | 45 | 90 |
| Elements of Costing | 45 | 90 |
| Using Accounting Software | 45 | 135 |
| Working Effectively in Finance | 45 | 90 |
| Total: | 240 | 600 |
Level 3:
There are four units for the AAT Level 3 course.
- Advanced Bookkeeping and Final Accounts Prep will be put into one unit
- Financial Accounting – Q2022
- A unit has been added for Business Awareness that includes Ethics
- Management Accounting Techniques will include spreadsheets in the unit
- No synoptic assessment under the Level 3 course
Level 3
Transitional fees: £75
New AAT Lifetime membership fees: £225
Course lengths: 52 weeks
Q2022
| Subject | GLH | Exam Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Business Awarness | 70 | 150 |
| Financial Accounting: Preparing Financial Statements | 150 | 150 |
| Management Accounting techniques | 120 | 150 |
| Tax Processes for Business | 60 | 90 |
| AVSY (Apprenctices only) | 180 | |
| Total: | 400 | 720 |
AQ16
| Subject | GLH | Exam Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Advanced Bookkeeping | 90 | 120 |
| Final Accounts Preparation | 60 | 120 |
| Management Accounting: Costing | 80 | 150 |
| Indirect Tax | 60 | 90 |
| AVSY: Ethics for Accountants Spreadsheets for Accounting | 100 | 180 |
| Total: | 390 | 660 |
Level 4:
There are three units under AAT Level 4 that are now compulsory.
- Management Accounting: Budgeting & Decision & Controls are now one unit under Applied Management Accounting for Q2022
- No synoptic
- Accounting Systems & Controls (part of PDSY for AQ16) will be a solo unit, Internal Accounting Systems & Controls
- No changes to optional units
Level 4
Transitional fees: £100
New AAT Lifetime membership fees: £240
Course lengths: 78 weeks
Q2022
| Subject | GLH | Exam Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Drafting & Interpretation of Financial Statements | 90 | 150 |
| Applied Management Accounting | 120 | 180 |
| Internal Accounting Systems & Controls | 60 | 150 |
| Total: | 270 | 660 |
Optional
| Subject | GLH | Exam Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Business Tax | 60 | 120 |
| Personal Tax | 60 | 120 |
| Audit & Assurance | 60 | 150 |
| Cash & Financial Management | 60 | 120 |
| Cash & Debt Management | 60 | 120 |
| Total: | 300 | 630 |
AQ16
| Subject | GLH | Exam Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Financial Statements & Limited Companies | 90 | 150 |
| Management Accounting: Budgeting | 60 | 150 |
| Management Accounting: Decision & Control | 90 | 150 |
| PDSY Accounting Systems & Control | 60 | 180 |
| Total: | 300 | 630 |
Optional
| Subject | GLH | Exam Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Business Tax | 60 | 120 |
| Personal Tax | 60 | 150 |
| External Audit | 60 | 120 |
| Cash & treasury Management | 60 | 150 |
| Credit Management | 60 | 150 |
| Total: | 300 | 690 |
Transitioning rules (what are they?)
Whilst we recommend staying on the AQ16 until completion, you can transfer over to Q2022 mid-way through the AQ16 qualification, but please be aware:
Not all units can transfer, so despite successfully completing them you will lose them.
Of the transferable units, the percentage will be directly transferred to the equivelant Q2022 assessment. However, for combined units, only one percentage result can transfer to the Q2022 assessment.
AAT membership will no longer be a part of Q2022 as you will need to pay an up-front fee per level. There is unfortunately no allowance for students who transfer over from AQ16 mid-way through their membership.
What will happen with my AAT membership?
If your membership is up for renewal whilst on the AQ16 qualification, you will need to renew it normally. Otherwise, you risk your membership expiring and you won’t be able to sit the exams.
When you start a new level on the 2022 qualification, you will find annual membership no longer exists. Instead, there will be an upfront fee for each specific level which gives you membership for the duration whilst studying for that level.
What does this mean for students and learners?
As mentioned, we recommend completing your AQ16 qualifications. If you are mid-way through your AQ16 when Q2022 comes in on the 1st September 2022 you can transfer over. (Please see transition rules above for more info.)
