How hard is it to self study AAT Level 3

Crystal_Krystal

I've finished Level 2 which was done 2 days a week at college on a fast-track course (6 months). My next step is Level 3, which has two study options via college:

1) 1 year course starting in Sept

OR

2) Another fast track course starting in January

I'm considering self studying Level 3 from next month, hoping to complete it within 6 months & go onto Level 4. Is this possible? Would more time be needed? I've done extremely well with Level 2 (finished top of the class). I'm 44 so don't really have time to do a year for each course via college or 18 month each for apprenticeships as I plan to onto CIMA.

TRMorecroft

Hi Krystal, I work as an AAT Trainer and the best summary I've concluded is this:
Level 2 is where you learn how to make the bricks.
Level 3 is where you learn how to use them to build the wall.

There is no easy answer to your question as it depends entirely on your free time and aptitude. But considering the most common timeframe people do is a year's course with 1 day a week, if you have the commitment to do, say 12 hours a week, it is absolutely possible.

I would recommend you look at some of the concepts level 3 explores. Have a google and lookup of PESTLE and TARA, which is Business Awareness.
After that, have a look at Accruals and Prepayments, which is one of the more difficult parts of another module.

See how you get on self-studying and learning these concepts, then see how well you might be able to answer questions such as the ones in this link after having lunch for an hour and coming straight back to it, as level 3 has a fair amount of retention needed for formulae and remembering processes:
https://www.aatcomment.org.uk/audience/students/accruals-and-prepayments-level-3-study-tips/

Hope this gives you some insight into your abilities! And let us know how you get on

Crystal_Krystal

Hi TRMorecroft. You're right, I'll take a look at Level 3 module units. Thanks

anony123

@Crystal_Krystal
There are 4 exams in total
Tax processes: tax points
Preparing fininabcisl statements: defo accruals and prepayments, suspense accounts and partnerships
Management techibques: aplyrtionment and reapportionment, breakeven point and EXCEL IS important
Business awareness: like above PESTLE, TARA, MONEY laundering

Excuse the spelling errors done quickly:)

Crystal_Krystal

@anony123 thank you and I'm going to order the Level 3 study books