How To Become AAT Certified in Ireland

Becoming AAT certified in Ireland opens up a variety of career and job opportunities in the world of accounting and bookkeeping. 

When you have an AAT qualification, you demonstrate a certain level of expertise, which employers in Ireland and beyond recognise in high regard. Therefore, it’s a great way of developing your career. See how you can get AAT certified in Ireland and make your next steps toward career advancement today.

An AAT certification is a highly recommended qualification for people looking to begin or progress in an accounting technician or accounting-related career. AAT stands for the Association of Accounting Technicians, which is the leading professional body providing certification for accountancy, bookkeeping and finance.

There are a variety of AAT qualifications available at different levels, including certifications in bookkeeping, payroll, and accountancy, with modules covering key areas.

Level 2: Level 2 AAT is equivalent to GCSE level and has no entry requirements; therefore, it is suitable for school leavers or those with no relevant experience. Level 2 certifications are foundation level and once completed will result in an ATT Level 2 foundation level certificate.

Level 3: This is an A-Level equivalent qualification and is designed for those who have some experience or who have completed a level 2 certification. Successful completion will result in an AAT Level 3 diploma, which enables you to work as a qualified bookkeeper. 

Level 4: This level is equivalent to the first year of an undergraduate degree. It is suitable for people who are working in a finance, professional accounting or bookkeeping role and want to advance their career further. Upon completion, you will get an AAT professional diploma and can use it as a stepping stone to becoming a qualified accountant. 

AAT is internationally recognised, so you can impress employers in Ireland, England, Scotland, Wales and around the world with an AAT accounting qualification.

The time it takes to complete an AAT certification will depend on the level and type of course, as well as your own study schedule. On average, it takes 6-8 months to complete a certification and sometimes up to 12 months.

There are a variety of AAT courses online which are available for you to study at your own pace, full time or part time, and which are designed to help you gain the skills and knowledge needed for your career aspirations. 

In order to get an AAT certification, you will need to study an AAT course and pass the necessary assessments.

All course materials will be delivered through online learning when you enrol on an online AAT course, allowing for flexible study options and affordable whilst you learn from the comfort of your own home. Whether studying an AAT accounting course or a bookkeeping qualification, learners can study online and develop their bookkeeping or accounting career in their own time with tutor support.

As finance careers have such high earning potential, many people study AAT online courses as an affordable way to move into a financially rewarding career. Make sure to undertake an AAT training course delivered by a certified training provider such as the Career Academy, and make sure the provider is in partnership with AAT to be sure you will learn accurate, practical accounting techniques.

In order to become AAT certified in Ireland, you will need to successfully complete an AAT certification. This could be a level 2 certificate or level 4 diploma, but no matter which qualification level you go for, you will need to demonstrate that you have the required skills and knowledge for that certification. 

Some of the key knowledge and practical skills that AAT certifications will require include:

There are several skills needed to thrive in your accounting career or bookkeeping career. The skills you will need to learn will depend on which level and which type of AAT certification you want to get, and studying an online AAT course is the best way to ensure that you develop the skills you need. 

AAT certifications do not require work experience as a prerequisite or as part of their certifications, however it is highly advised that you get some work experience (especially if studying a higher level certification). 

Most of their students will begin finding entry level work after Level 2 or 3, and will build their practical work experience whilst they advance their career with further AAT qualifications. Having work experience alongside your AAT certifications will help you immensely when it comes to finding work and enhancing your CV.

If you want to become a full AAT member (MAAT) then their eligibility criteria state that you will need relevant work experience which has been undertaken within the last 4 years. As AAT is such a renowned professional accountancy body, gaining AAT membership is an internationally recognised status which demonstrates a high level of education and expertise.

An AAT certification is most definitely worth it if you want to work in accounting, bookkeeping or finance. Employees with AAT certifications are greatly in demand all over the world. 

If you gain one of the ATT-recognised qualifications, then you will be guaranteed to find work anywhere from Ireland to anywhere around the globe. AAT certifications are relevant to a wide range of finance careers, opening up an abundance of career opportunities, and you can study at the level which helps you achieve your goals. 

If you are considering becoming AAT certified in Ireland, then there is no better time to start than now. AAT is a good qualification to have under your belt, especially for the finance sector and as a route to chartered accountancy. 

Need some inspiration and want to explore some exciting courses in this field? Below is a list of great online courses to choose from that can help you take your next step in your professional development:

• AAT Professional Diploma in Accounting
• AAT Accounting Technician Pathway for Bookkeepers
• AAT Approved Certificate in Accounts Payable and Receivable