The ideal entry-level qualification for anyone looking to build practical bookkeeping skills and gain formal recognition in manual bookkeeping. Study online at your own pace with personal tutor support, printed books and access to the MyPTA learning portal.
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This qualification is ideal for anyone wanting to develop practical bookkeeping skills quickly, gain formal recognition of existing skills, or take the first step into a career in finance.
Build practical bookkeeping skills from scratch and gain a nationally recognised qualification that employers across all sectors value.
If you are already working in a finance role, this qualification formally recognises your bookkeeping skills and supports career progression.
Understand the bookkeeping behind your own business. Gain confidence maintaining financial records and working with your accountant.
Everything you need to succeed
We have been helping AAT students succeed for over 28 years. Here is what you get when you study with us.
Study through structured e-learning videos and interactive activities via MyPTA, covering the complete AAT Level 2 Certificate in Bookkeeping syllabus available to you at any time.
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.
A qualified accountancy tutor is available by email, phone or Microsoft Teams throughout your studies - not just when you first enrol.
Receive your textbooks delivered to your home next working day. Full online resources are also available through the MyPTA learning portal at any time.
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.
Distance learning should not mean studying alone. You will receive constructive feedback, clear guidance and genuine support from enrolment through to assessment.
Course content
This qualification comprises two mandatory units (115 guided learning hours in total), covering double-entry bookkeeping and bookkeeping controls.
Understand manual and digital bookkeeping systems, process customer and supplier transactions, handle the cash book and petty cash, and post entries through to the ledger accounts.
Build on ITBK with control accounts, journals and reconciliations. Learn bank reconciliation, VAT control accounts, and how to redraft the trial balance following corrections.
Free - no login required
Try before you enrol
Get a feel for exactly how our AAT Q2022 course materials work before committing. Browse interactive e-learning videos, quizzes, study chapters and a mock assessment - the same structured format you will use throughout your Level 2 Bookkeeping studies.
Start the free demo →There are two computer-based end-of-unit assessments, one for each unit, all sat at an approved AAT assessment centre near you. Exam fees (approximately £100 – 120 each) are not included in your course fee and are paid separately to your assessment centre.
Each unit is assessed individually once you have completed it. These are set and marked by AAT, giving you an objective, nationally recognised result.
Your tutor will work through mock assessments and practice papers with you for each unit, making sure you are fully prepared before you book your exam at a local assessment centre.
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.
Access your learning materials, activities and support resources in one place, with clear guidance on what to study next and progress tracking built in.
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.
When you are ready, we can advise whether the AAT Level 3 Certificate in Bookkeeping or the AAT Level 2 Certificate in Accounting is the best next step for your career goals.
What’s included
When you enrol with Premier Training you get everything you need to study and succeed - no hidden extras.
Many learners start the bookkeeping pathway here with no prior experience. If you already have existing bookkeeping qualifications or relevant work experience, you may be able to claim exemptions and begin at Level 3. Our free skills check helps our tutors advise you on the right starting point.
| Start at Level 2 Bookkeeping if… | Consider Level 3 Bookkeeping if… |
|---|---|
| You have no previous bookkeeping qualifications or experience. | You already hold the AAT Level 2 Certificate in Bookkeeping or equivalent qualifications. |
| You are new to double-entry bookkeeping and want to build a solid practical foundation. | You have practical work experience in bookkeeping, accounts payable or sales ledger roles. |
| You want to build practical bookkeeping skills quickly and gain formal recognition. | You are aiming for a more advanced bookkeeping qualification as quickly as possible and have relevant prior learning. |
Take our free AAT Skills Check
It is vital that you start your AAT course at the right level. If you have work experience or qualifications within manual bookkeeping there may be an option to claim exemption from the AAT Level 2 Certificate in Bookkeeping and start at the AAT Level 3 Certificate in Bookkeeping.
Our free skills check has questions designed to help our tutors assess the most suitable level for you. Once submitted, the quiz is automatically emailed to a Premier Training tutor for prompt marking and one of our course advisors will contact you with your result.
Take the free AAT Skills Check →No. There are no entry requirements for the AAT Level 2 Certificate in Bookkeeping. It is a great starting point if you have no previous bookkeeping or accounting qualifications or experience.
On average 3 – 6 months, but it can be completed more quickly depending on your study hours. Students typically dedicate 6 – 8 hours per week to their studies. You have up to 18 months’ access to the learning resources and tutor support.
There are two computer-based end-of-unit assessments, one for each unit. These are sat at an AAT assessment centre near you and are not included in your course fee. They generally cost around £100 – 120 each.
Yes. You can spread your course fee across up to 12 interest-free monthly instalments. The first instalment gets you started immediately (UK students only).
Most students progress to the AAT Level 3 Certificate in Bookkeeping. You can also move on to the AAT Level 2 Certificate in Accounting, which adds costing and business environment units and opens the pathway to AAT Level 3 and beyond.
The Certificate in Bookkeeping covers two focused units - double-entry bookkeeping and bookkeeping controls. The Certificate in Accounting covers those same two units plus Principles of Costing and The Business Environment, making it a broader qualification and the natural stepping stone to the AAT Level 3 Diploma in Accounting.
Your course fee includes access to the MyPTA online learning platform with e-books, video tutorials, quizzes and your online timetable, hard copy study books and manuals for each unit (with the printed materials option), and unlimited tutor support by phone or email throughout your studies.
Student reviews
Premier Training has helped thousands of learners achieve their AAT qualifications through flexible online study.
“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!””
“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.””
“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
We have specialised in AAT distance learning for over 28 years. Here is what sets us apart from other online providers.
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.
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.
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.
★ Provider of the Year 2024 & 2025
A word from our director
Operations Director - Premier Training
The AAT Level 2 Certificate in Bookkeeping is a practical, employer-valued qualification that opens real doors. Whether you are looking for your first bookkeeping role or want to formalise skills you already use at work, this course gives you the recognised credential to back it up.
At Premier Training we have been supporting bookkeeping students since 1998. Our tutors know the Level 2 Certificate inside out - the bookkeeping controls, bank reconciliations and VAT returns that employers want to see - and they are on hand throughout your studies to make sure you understand every topic before you sit your assessment.
See it for yourself
See what studying with Premier Training looks like from your learning materials and MyPTA portal through to tutor support and assessment preparation.
After completing the AAT Level 2 Certificate in Bookkeeping, most students progress to Level 3 Bookkeeping or move across to the Level 2 Certificate in Accounting to continue on the full AAT pathway.
The natural next step for bookkeeping students. Covers advanced bookkeeping, financial statements for sole traders and partnerships, and VAT returns.
View course → Level 2Extends your bookkeeping skills with costing and the business environment. The stepping stone to the full AAT accounting pathway at Level 3 and beyond.
View course →You can enrol in whichever way suits you best. Our team is available Monday to Friday 9am - 8pm and Saturday 9am - 12pm.
For employer-funded enrolments we can issue an invoice directly to your employer.
Career outcomes
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.
* Salary data sourced from Glassdoor. Figures represent approximate UK averages and will vary by region, employer and experience level.
Enrol online today or speak to our course advisors if you are unsure whether the Certificate in Bookkeeping or Certificate in Accounting is the right starting point for you.
AAT Distance Learning Provider of the Year 2024 & 2025 · Personal tutor support included · Interest-free payment options · Price Match Guaranteed
