AAT Foundation Certificate in Accounting

All units within this qualification are mandatory - four units are assessed individually at the end of unit assessments. This qualification also includes a synoptic assessment, sat towards the end of the course, which draws on and assesses knowledge and understanding from across the field:


Advanced Bookkeeping - end of unit assessment
Final Accounts Preparation - end of unit assessment
Management Accounting: Costing - end of unit assessment
Indirect Tax - end of unit assessment
Ethics for accountants - assessed within the synoptic assessment
Spreadsheets for Accounting - assessed within the synoptic assessment.
Pupils who complete this qualification will develop accountancy skills in double-entry bookkeeping and basic costing, as well as an understanding of purchase, sales and general ledgers. Students will learn to use accounting software and to develop the professional skills and behaviours needed to contribute effectively in the workplace. Working in accountancy requires good communication skills, IT skills and understanding of the business environment, all of which are included in the qualification.


The course is vocational and practical in nature and you will learn essential skills relevant to an accounting environment. Lectures are provided for each unit, and tutorial support is also offered. To study an AAT course you need to join the AAT as a student member, as well as enrol at the college. The AAT offers a range of benefits for student members including support, help finding a job and exclusive discounts.


Learners must successfully complete four unit assessments and one synoptic assessment to achieve this qualification. The proportion of this qualification assessed by external assessment is 100%.


All assessments in this qualification are:


Set and marked by AAT (with the exception of RPL, which is marked by the training provider)
Computer based
Time limited
Scheduled by training providers or assessment venues
Take place at approved centres and venues under controlled conditions
To achieve the qualification and to be awarded a grade, a student must pass all the mandatory unit assessments and the synoptic assessment.


Unit and synoptic assessments are not awarded grades individually, but the marks achieved in all assessments contribute to the student’s overall grade for the qualification

Learner registration fees to be paid directly to AAT in addition to the Course Fees.  These are subject to change in August by AAT

2023/24 Registration Fees;

Level 2 Certificate in Accounting = £175

Awarding Organisation Fee: £275.00

Part Time Administration Fee: £45.00

Course Fee: £785.00

4 GCSE's grade A*- C or L2 ESOL or IELTS 6.5. You will need to attend an interview and undertake a skills assessment. Mature learners will be assessed on English Language and Maths.

• Assessments

• The College welcomes contact with parents/guardians of students who are under 18.
• Additional support is available for students with learning difficulties and disabilities.
• Cardiff and Vale College is committed to inclusion and values diversity. We are determined to promote equality of opportunity and to treat everyone fairly and with respect.
• Cardiff and Vale College reserves the right to make changes to this course without prior notice.
• Course fees are subject to change. Your fee will be confirmed prior to enrolment.
• All courses are accurate at the time of upload or print.
• Courses can only run if there are sufficient numbers.
• Please note, if you choose three or more course choices, then you may be referred for a careers appointment first. This does not apply to A Level or GCSE choices.