Frequently Asked Questions

At Premier Accountancy Training we pride ourselves on offering the highest standards of individual support to all our home study or distance-learning students.

Here are some typical questions and answers that we receive regularly. Feel free to contact us, though, if you have any questions you would like us to help you with.

Q: Is the AAT Diploma internationally recognised?

A: Yes the AAT Qualification is recognised throughout the world including South Africa.

Q: Does the AAT Diploma have South African accreditation?

A: Yes, FASSET, which is the Training Sector Provider for the Finance and Accounting Sector, has accredited Premier Accountancy Training under reference no. 585/00738/07 as a training provider. This means that your employer can reclaim part of the Skills Training Levy if they are paying for your fees.

Q. Is Premier Accountancy Training registered with the Deparment of Education?

A. All colleges currently offering courses in SA had to register with the Department by 27 September 2007. Premier has submitted its application to the Department already.

Q: Do I have to get the course finished by a set date like in a college?

A: No - we work right through the Summer. There is no 'end of term'.

Q: Can I start the next level of my course after exams or do I have to wait for results?

A: There's no need to wait - make use of the extra time available by starting straight away if you wish.

Q: What if I find I need to resit an exam?

A: No problem. We will help you to revise for the next sitting; if you find this means you've too much to do we can re-plan your timetable and move other items back a little to take the pressure off.

Q: Once I've agreed my timetable can I change it?

A: Yes, of course - with our in-house software we can update your course plan as often as needed in the light of changing circumstances.

Q: If I need to take a break from the course am I allowed to do so?

A: Yes - within reason. When situations such as job changes, illness (even babies!) arise we normally suggest a six month break and then review the situation after this time. The danger is that if you leave it too long you'll struggle to remember what you've already learned and also the syllabuses change every few years so there is a danger the qualification may 'time out' if left too long.

Q: Do the course fees include books etc?

A: Our fees include all necessary books, though there are extra ones available for those students wishing to build up their own library of resources.

Q: What other costs are involved?

A: Most qualifications require you to join the relevant professional body as a student member, for which there is an annual membership fee payable direct to the institution concerned. There are also fees for examinations and, where applicable, assessment material. Full details of all these costs can be found on the 'fees' page for each course.

Q: Is it necessary for me to be working in Accounts to be able to complete a course?

A: No, not at all. Many students find that the way to get into accounts work in the first place is to start studying for a suitable qualification. They find that employers take their applications much more seriously - especially once they've got some exam passes under their belts.

Q: Will studying a course improve my chances of obtaining a job in accountancy?

A: Absolutely yes. Many of our students have found that prospective employers started taking their applications much more seriously once they had started to make progress with their qualifications.