Technical accounting training that builds on Level 2 and prepares you for higher-level roles in finance. 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 those who have completed AAT Level 2 and are ready to advance, as well as professionals already working in finance who want formal recognition of their skills.
The natural next step after completing the AAT Level 2 Certificate in Accounting. Build on your bookkeeping foundation with more advanced financial and management accounting.
If you are already working in accounts or finance and want a nationally recognised qualification, Level 3 validates your skills and opens doors to senior roles.
Suitable for adult learners and career changers looking to gain advanced accounting skills and work towards professional AAT membership.
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 3 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 four mandatory units (400 guided learning hours in total), covering financial statements, management accounting, tax and business awareness.
Prepare statements of profit or loss and financial position for sole traders and partnerships. Cover depreciation, accruals, prepayments, allowances for doubtful receivables, and the correction of errors.
Understand how organisations use management accounting for decision making. Cover overhead apportionment, variance analysis, cost-volume-profit analysis, budgeting and spreadsheet-based reporting.
Develop skills in preparing and submitting VAT returns, understanding VAT schemes and Making Tax Digital. Also covers payroll processes, deductions and HMRC reporting requirements.
Understand the business environment, professional ethics, anti-money laundering, and the impact of emerging technologies including AI, blockchain and cloud accounting on the finance function.
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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 AAT Level 3 assessment - the same structured format you will use throughout your studies.
Start the free demo →There are four computer-based end-of-unit assessments, one for each unit, all sat at an approved AAT assessment centre near you. Exam fees vary between approximately £100 and £120 per exam and are not included in your course fee.
Each of the four units is assessed individually through a computer-based assessment set and marked by AAT. Results are objective and the qualification is globally recognised.
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 2 Certificate in Bookkeeping or AAT Level 2 Certificate in Accounting is the best next step for you.
What’s included
When you enrol with Premier Training you get everything you need to study and succeed - no hidden extras.
Most students begin Level 3 after completing Level 2, but if you have existing bookkeeping qualifications or relevant work experience you may be able to claim exemptions and begin directly at Level 4. The free skills check below helps our tutors advise you on the right starting point.
| Start at Level 3 if… | Consider Level 4 if… |
|---|---|
| You have recently completed the AAT Level 2 Certificate in Accounting or equivalent. | You already hold the AAT Level 3 Diploma in Accounting or equivalent advanced qualification. |
| You are working in accounts and want to move into more technical financial accounting roles. | You have extensive practical experience covering financial statements, VAT and management accounting. |
| You want to gain professional AAT membership (AATQB) and enhance your career prospects. | You are aiming for full AAT membership (MAAT) as quickly as possible and have relevant prior learning. |
Take our free AAT Skills Check
If you have work experience or qualifications within manual bookkeeping there may be an option to claim exemption from the AAT Level 3 Diploma in Accounting and start at the AAT Level 4 Diploma in Professional Accounting.
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 →AAT does not set formal entry requirements, but we recommend that students have completed the AAT Level 2 Certificate in Accounting or have an equivalent understanding of double-entry bookkeeping for the best chance of success.
On average 8 - 12 months, but it can be completed more quickly depending on your study hours. Students typically dedicate 6 - 8 hours per week. You have up to 18 months’ access to learning resources and tutor support.
There are four computer-based end-of-unit assessments, one per unit. These are sat at an AAT assessment centre near you and are not included in your course fee. Exam fees vary between approximately £100 and £120 per exam.
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 4 Diploma in Professional Accounting. Completing Level 3 can also lead to employment as an Assistant Accountant, Credit Controller, Finance Officer or Payroll Supervisor, and allows you to apply for AAT Associate Bookkeeping (AATQB) membership.
AAT Level 3 is generally considered equivalent to A-levels. It is a nationally recognised qualification valued by employers across the UK and beyond.
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, 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 3 Diploma in Accounting is where students really start to develop as accounting professionals. The topics go deeper - management accounting, financial reporting, tax - and that is exactly where having a qualified tutor in your corner makes the biggest difference.
At Premier Training we have been supporting Level 3 students since 1998. Many come to us having completed Level 2 elsewhere and want a provider who will invest in their progress. Our tutors are qualified accountants with real exam experience, and they are here to help you navigate every unit of the diploma with confidence.
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 3 Diploma in Accounting, most students progress to Level 4. You can also explore bundled course options to save on fees.
The natural next step after Level 3. Covers drafting financial statements, management accounting decisions, tax, auditing and professional development.
View course → BundleStudy Level 3 and Level 4 together (or Levels 2, 3 and 4) and save on the total course fee. A popular choice for learners committed to completing the full AAT pathway.
View bundles →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 Level 3 or Level 4 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
