AAT-ACA Fast Track?

rhian

Hi all,

I hope someone can help. I have nearly finished AAT Level 3 and plan to start Level 4 very soon.

I had planned to do the AAT-ACA Fast Track after this- however I have now heard that I will need to do this alongside the AAT Level 4? So is it true that I can't do Level 4 until I am on a fast track course i.e. signed onto a training contract with an accountancy firm?

I am really confused so I appreciate any answers!!

Thank you

MarieNoelle

Hi rhian,
I think it just means that if you sign up a contract with an authorised provider when you start level 4, your experience gained with them count towards the 450 days of compulsory work experience to be fully qualified. Fast-track just means that you can qualify quicker that way.
This is my understanding from what I read on the ICAEW website anyway.
MN

acastudentmaat

You can complete level 4 before you sign up to a training contract. The exemptions stated in the fast track scheme will still be available to you.

The benefit of signing up early is that you can rack up more days experience and complete the qualification faster as Marie stated above.

This is all dependant on your employer though as they decide the length of your training contract. If you work for a large firm they will want you to complete the course as soon as possible and you will be taking 3 exams a sitting. If you work for a small firm then you will have to spread it out more as they will not allow you the same amount of time away from the office.

uknitty

Rememer that the student registration fee is £198 and it has to be paid annually, so yes you can sign up when you are studying level 4 - the main benefit as outlined above is that you can count work experience gained whilst on a training contract.

If you don't have a training contract in place in order to record your work experience then there is not any real benefit to signing up early.