How Long Does It Take to Become a Qualified Accountant with AAT?
If you’re considering a career in accounting, one of the biggest questions you’ll have is: how long does it take to qualify?
Truthfully, the answer depends on quite a few key factors.
Do you want to study full-time or part-time?
Do you have any prior knowledge or experience in accounting?
& many more!
Here’s a realistic timeline for completing AAT and how key factors may affect how quickly you get there.
AAT Qualification Timeline
What makes AAT popular, is the flexibility in studying the course!
You can choose to study at a traditional education centre such as college, via self-study or through a distance learning provider such as Training Link. The fluidity of choices, allows you to learn around your lifestyle.
A HUGE benefit!
But this will also factor in how long it will take you to complete your course.
AAT consists of three levels, and the time it takes to complete each one depends on your study commitment:
- AAT Level 2 (Foundation Certificate in Accounting) – Typically 3 to 9 months. Covers basic financial transactions, double-entry bookkeeping, and costing.
Learning Hours: 170-190 - AAT Level 3 (Advanced Diploma in Accounting) – Usually 6 to 12 months. Introduces more complex financial processes, including financial statements and tax.
Learning Hours: 250-300 - AAT Level 4 (Professional Diploma in Accounting) – Can take 9 to 18 months. This is the final stage, covering budgeting, financial performance, and decision-making.
Learning Hours: 420-440
If you’re studying part-time while working or managing other commitments, the full qualification can take 2.5 to 3 years to complete. However, if you study full-time or dedicate more hours each week, it’s possible to complete all three levels in as little as 18 to 24 months.
Note: One of our students; George, completed the whole of AAT Accounting under 12 Months! If you want to read more about this, check out the post here!
Once you finish Level 4, you can apply for full AAT membership (MAAT status), allowing you to work as a qualified accountant. Some students also use AAT as a stepping stone to further qualifications such as ACCA, CIMA, or even chartered accountancy.
Factors That Affect How Quickly You Complete AAT
- 🔹 Study Commitment – The more time you put in, the sooner you’ll qualify! However, remember there’s no rush, and your focus is to truly understand the material, not just finish quickly
- 🔹 Work & Life Balance – We all live busy lives with many responsibilities. Adding studying to our livestyle requires a discipline towards a work-life balance to ensure we don’t get burnt out and can stay dedicated to our studies without any distractions.
- 🔹 Exam Booking & Availability – Planning your exams in advance and avoiding long gaps between assessments can keep you on track.
Final Thoughts
Becoming a qualified accountant with AAT can take anywhere from 18 months to 3 years. This generally depends on your study pace and the support systems you may choose to reply on during your studies.
If you want to move into bookkeeping later, your AAT qualification can also reduce the time needed to complete ICB, helping you advance your career even further.
Training Link offers expert tutor support, flexible study plans, and structured learning resources to help you qualify efficiently and confidently.
👉 Ready to start your accounting career? Explore our AAT courses today!
Stay tuned for more updates, success stories, and insights from our community. Together, let’s continue to strive for excellence and make a difference through hard work and dedication.
Thank you for being a part of our journey and for celebrating this significant milestone with us!
Author
Darryl Green is a marketing professional at Training Link with a creative background, working with the NHS, Jaguar, Land Rover, and more.
For the past three years, he has worked in accounting education, helping simplify complex topics for students. Passionate about effective learning, he focuses on making content engaging and accessible.
