Premier Training — AAT Distance Learning Provider of the Year 2024 & 2025
AAT Level 1 Award in Bookkeeping

Start bookkeeping with confidence, even if you are completely new to accounts.

The introductory AAT bookkeeping course designed for complete beginners. Study online at your own pace, with printed books, interactive resources and a personal tutor to guide you every step of the way.

  • Printed textbooks delivered next working day
  • Personal tutor by email, phone or Microsoft Teams
  • AAT Distance Learning Provider of the Year 2024 & 2025
  • Interest-free monthly payment options available
See course options & prices What’s included?

★ Rated excellent by our students  •  AAT Approved Centre

AAT Distance Learning Provider of the Year AAT DL Provider
of the Year
Online College of the Year 2025 Online College
of the Year 2025
AAT Special Recognition Award AAT Special
Recognition Award
Excellent AAT Pass Rates Excellent AAT
Pass Rates
Pass Promise Guarantee Pass Promise
Guarantee
Study method
Online
Level
1
Awarding body
AAT
Assessment
Computer-based
Next step
AAT Level 2
Duration
2–3 months
Study time
6–8 hrs / week
Provider award
★ DL Provider of the Year 2024 & 2025

Is this course for me?

Who is the AAT Level 1 Award in Bookkeeping for?

This course is ideal if you are new to bookkeeping, returning to study after a break, or unsure whether to begin directly at Level 2. It gives you a gentle introduction to the language and structure of bookkeeping before you move on to more detailed accounting tasks.

📚Complete beginners

You do not need any previous accounting experience. The course starts with the basics and explains bookkeeping in clear, practical steps.

💼Career changers

If you are considering a finance or bookkeeping role, this course can help you decide whether accounting is the right direction for you.

💡Learners lacking confidence

If you are nervous about starting Level 2 straight away, Level 1 can help build confidence and understanding before moving into double entry bookkeeping.

Everything you need to succeed

What makes studying with Premier Training different?

We have been helping AAT students succeed for over 30 years. Here is what you get when you study with us.

🎬Interactive E-Learning Videos

Study through structured e-learning videos and interactive activities via MyPTA, covering the complete AAT Level 1 syllabus — available to you at any time.

🗓️Flexible Study Schedule

Set your own study plan and complete your course at a pace that suits your lifestyle, whether you are working full-time, part-time or fitting study around family.

👩‍🏫Personal Tutor Support

A qualified accountancy tutor is available by email, phone or Microsoft Teams throughout your studies — not just when you first enrol.

📚Printed Study Materials

Receive your textbooks delivered to your home next working day. Full online resources are also available through the MyPTA learning portal at any time.

💳Interest-Free Finance Options

Spread the cost with 0% interest-free monthly payment options. We also offer a Price Match Guarantee so you always get great value for your training.

🤝Supportive Learning Environment

Distance learning should not mean studying alone. You will receive constructive feedback, clear guidance and genuine support from enrolment through to assessment.

Course content

What you will learn on this AAT bookkeeping course

You will build a foundation in bookkeeping by learning how businesses record financial information. The focus is on understanding common terms, identifying transactions and developing the confidence to work with simple accounting records.

📊Bookkeeping basics

You will learn about money coming into and going out of a business, how financial records are used, and why accurate bookkeeping matters.

📄Business documents

You will become familiar with documents such as invoices, credit notes, receipts and statements, and how these support financial records.

📝Simple records

You will look at how transactions are recorded and organised so that financial information can be checked and used by the business.

🎓Progression skills

The course prepares you for further study, especially the AAT Level 2 Certificate in Bookkeeping, where the technical detail and double entry work increases significantly.

Tutor insight: Many learners think bookkeeping is only about numbers, but the first challenge is usually understanding the language. Terms such as sales invoice, purchase invoice, supplier, customer, credit and debit become much easier once they are linked to everyday business examples.

How is the AAT Level 1 Award in Bookkeeping assessed?

The qualification is assessed by AAT through a computer-based assessment, taken at an approved AAT assessment venue. This is a straightforward online test — there are no written exams or coursework submissions.

💻Computer-based assessment

Your assessment is set and marked by AAT, not by Premier Training. This means your result is objective and your qualification is nationally recognised.

🧑‍🏫Preparing with tutor support

Your tutor will help you prepare for your assessment, working through practice questions and ensuring you understand the key concepts before you book your test.

How Premier Training supports you

Distance learning should not mean learning on your own. You will have access to structured online resources and personal tutor support to help you stay on track from enrolment through to assessment.

🖥️MyPTA learning portal

Access your learning materials, activities and support resources in one place, with clear guidance on what to study next and progress tracking built in.

👩‍🏫Personal tutor support

Ask questions when you are unsure. Your tutor helps you understand the course content rather than simply memorise answers — available by email, phone or Teams.

📈Progression guidance

When you are ready, we can advise whether the AAT Level 2 Certificate in Bookkeeping or AAT Level 2 Certificate in Accounting is the best next step for you.

What’s included

Everything included at no extra cost

When you enrol with Premier Training you get everything you need to study and succeed — no hidden extras.

  • Printed study books — next working day delivery if enrolled by 2:30pm
  • MyPTA online learning portal with structured resources
  • E-learning interactive videos and activities
  • Online tutor-marked assignments
  • Practice assessments
  • Free Xero accounting software course
  • Access to free online short courses
  • Premier XP practical work experience programme
AAT Level 1 Award in Bookkeeping price
What you get at no extra cost with Premier Training

Should I start at AAT Level 1 or Level 2?

Some learners can begin directly at Level 2, but Level 1 is the right starting point if you want a more gradual introduction to bookkeeping. The right choice depends on your confidence, previous experience and how familiar you already are with basic business documents.

Choose Level 1 if… Consider Level 2 if…
You are completely new to bookkeeping and want a gentle introduction to the subject. You already understand basic business documents and feel ready for double entry bookkeeping.
You lack confidence with accounting terminology such as debits, credits and ledgers. You have previous finance admin, invoicing or bookkeeping experience in a work setting.
You want to test whether bookkeeping is right for you before committing to a longer course. You are aiming to complete a full AAT qualification pathway as quickly as possible.

Not sure which level is right for you? Contact our course advisors — we are happy to talk through your background and recommend the best starting point.

Common questions about the AAT Level 1 Award in Bookkeeping

Do I need any accounting experience to study this course?

No. The AAT Level 1 Award in Bookkeeping is designed for learners who are completely new to bookkeeping. It introduces the basics before you move on to more technical study at Level 2.

How long does the AAT Level 1 bookkeeping course take?

This depends on your available study time. Many learners complete introductory bookkeeping study faster than larger AAT qualifications, but you should allow time to read, practise and ask questions if needed. Premier Training lets you study at your own pace.

How is the qualification assessed?

The AAT Level 1 Award in Bookkeeping is assessed through a computer-based assessment set and marked by AAT. You will sit your assessment at an approved AAT assessment venue. There are no written exams or submitted coursework.

Can I progress to AAT Level 2 after completing Level 1?

Yes. Level 1 can provide a useful foundation before progressing to the AAT Level 2 Certificate in Bookkeeping or the AAT Level 2 Certificate in Accounting. Your tutor can advise on the best route based on your goals.

Will I have tutor support throughout the course?

Yes. You will have access to a personal tutor for help with the course content and guidance on your next steps. Tutor support is available by email, phone or Microsoft Teams.

Is the AAT Level 1 Award in Bookkeeping enough to get a bookkeeping job?

It can help you understand the basics, but many employers will expect further study or practical experience. Level 1 is best viewed as a starting point rather than the end of your training. Most learners progress to AAT Level 2 or higher before entering the job market.

Student reviews

What our students say

Premier Training has helped thousands of learners achieve their AAT qualifications through flexible online study.

★★★★★
Lucie Foot
Lucie Foot AAT Advanced Diploma in Accounting
“I have come back to studying 20 years after leaving school and the flexibility of distance learning is really working in with family life, especially the school holidays!”
”
★★★★★
Alex Grimwood
Alex Grimwood AAT Advanced Diploma in Accounting
“I’m very happy with the support on offer via Premier Training. With the resources provided and the feedback and guidance received I was able to earn my desired mark.”
”
★★★★★
Matthew Bould
Matthew Bould AAT Foundation Certificate in Bookkeeping
“I particularly like the fact I can sit exams at the Premier Training offices and meet some of the staff at the same time. I am now well on the way to being a self-employed qualified bookkeeper!”
”

Why choose us

Why study with Premier Training?

We have specialised in AAT distance learning for over 30 years. Here is what sets us apart from other online providers.

SPECIALIST AAT Provider

We only deliver AAT training and qualifications, making us true experts in both the course content and in guiding students all the way to assessment success.

AWARD-WINNING Tutor Support

Named AAT Distance Learning Provider of the Year 2024 & 2025. Our tutors are qualified accountants with real-world experience — available by email, phone or Teams.

INTEREST-FREE Payment Plans

Pay in full or spread the cost with 0% interest-free monthly instalments. Every course includes our Price Match Guarantee, so you always get outstanding value.

Rose Crockett, Operations Director at Premier Training ★ Provider of the Year 2024 & 2025
Operations Director AAT Specialist Est. 1998

A word from our director

Rose Crockett

Operations Director — Premier Training

We are best known for our personal touch — putting our students’ success first. We are always there to guide, teach and support learners through their journey, because we believe that with the right help, anyone can succeed in AAT.

Premier Training was established in 1998 and has grown into one of the UK’s leading AAT distance learning providers. We have been recognised as AAT Distance Learning Provider of the Year 2024 and 2025, and our team of qualified tutors and course advisors is dedicated to making sure every learner gets the support they need — from their first question through to their final assessment.

1998
Established
25+
Years of AAT training
2×
Provider of the Year
100%
AAT specialist

See it for yourself

Watch how Premier Training works

See what studying with Premier Training looks like — from your learning materials and MyPTA portal through to tutor support and assessment preparation.

Related AAT courses

After completing the AAT Level 1 Award in Bookkeeping, most learners progress to one of the following courses.

Level 2

AAT Level 2 Certificate in Bookkeeping

The natural next step after Level 1. Covers double entry bookkeeping, control accounts, journals and the banking process.

View course → Level 2

AAT Level 2 Certificate in Accounting

A broader accounting qualification at Level 2, covering bookkeeping alongside other key business topics. The first step on the full AAT accounting pathway.

View course →

How to enrol

You can enrol in whichever way suits you best. Our team is available Monday to Friday 9am–8pm and Saturday 9am–12pm.

Phone enrolment

Phone

01469 515444
The quickest way to enrol — pay by card over the phone.

Online enrolment

Online

Enrol and pay securely online using your credit or debit card.

Email enrolment

Email

info@premiertraining.co.uk
Send us an email and we will get back to you promptly.

Invoice enrolment

Invoice

For employer-funded enrolments we can issue an invoice directly to your employer.

Career outcomes

Jobs and salaries with AAT qualifications

AAT qualifications open doors at every level. Here is what you can expect to earn and the roles available to you — starting with Level 1 and progressing all the way to senior finance positions.

↓ You are here AAT Level 1
Salary range
£18,000 – £22,000

Job titles

  • Finance Assistant
  • Accounts Administrator
  • Junior Bookkeeper
  • Accounts Clerk
AAT Level 2
Salary range
£23,000 – £26,000

Job titles

  • Accounts Assistant
  • Accounts Payable Clerk
  • Purchase/Sales Ledger Clerk
AAT Level 3
Salary range
£27,000 – £34,000

Job titles

  • Assistant Accountant
  • Credit Controller
  • Finance Officer
  • Payroll Supervisor
AAT Level 4
Salary range
£39,000 – £56,000

Job titles

  • Indirect Tax Manager
  • Payroll Manager
  • Senior Bookkeeper
  • Tax Supervisor
  • VAT Accountant

* Salary data sourced from Glassdoor. Figures represent approximate UK averages and will vary by region, employer and experience level.

Ready to start bookkeeping?

Enrol online today or speak to our course advisors if you are unsure whether Level 1 or Level 2 is the right starting point for you.

Enrol with tutor — £135 Self-study — £99

AAT Distance Learning Provider of the Year 2024 & 2025 · Personal tutor support included · Interest-free payment options · Price Match Guaranteed