AAT levels up qualifications in Scotland opening up new opportunities for students, colleges and training providers

AAT (Association of Accounting Technicians) has announced that its qualifications will be relevelled in Scotland later this year to match the HNC and HND qualification pathway, creating new opportunities for students, colleges and training providers (@YourAAT).

The relevelling of the qualifications means that from 1 September 2022, AAT Level 2 Foundation Certificate in Accounting will be a SCQF Level 6 in Scotland (Highers equivalent) and AAT Level 3 Advanced Diploma in Accounting will be a SCQF Level 7 in Scotland (HNC equivalent). This brings them into alignment with AAT’s academic position in England and places them on the same level as Scottish qualifications (SQA). The AAT Level 4 Professional Diploma in Accounting remains a SCQF Level 8 (HND equivalent).

The new AAT pathway is designed to dovetail with school and pre-university qualifications, making it easier for students to gain a qualification. It also provides a fast-track opportunity to become a chartered accountant or entry to university for students who complete AAT Level 4 Professional Diploma in Accounting (SCQF L8).

Additionally, the AAT Level 3 Diploma in Accounting (SCQF L7) will now attract funding from Student Awards Agency Scotland (SAAS) for the first time, whilst the AAT Level 4 Professional Diploma in Accounting now attracts an additional £449 to £524 of funding, depending on course duration.

Charlotte Douglas, Business Development Manager, AAT, said:

“AAT qualifications are in-demand and well-respected by employers, offering a fast track to employment with huge career potential. The news that our Level 2 and 3 qualifications will be relevelled in Scotland from September, mirroring the traditional HNC/HND route, and the new funding opportunities will make it even easier for students at school and school leavers to choose the right course for their future careers – including chartered accountancy or applying to university. We hope that this announcement will inspire more young people in Scotland to pursue AAT qualifications and would encourage them to contact their local training providers to find out more.”

Chris Colvin, Head of Curriculum – Financial Services, City of Glasgow College, said:

“From our point of view there will be a positive benefit as there is now a progression route in this professional qualification. We would like to think that this new progression route will mean that learners completing the NQ/NC Accounting at level 5 can choose to take their next step with a professional body as an alternative to SQA, therefore this increases learners’ choices and options.”

For more information about studying with AAT in Scotland, see AAT’s website including: ‘Everything you need to know about Scottish accountancy apprenticeships’ and ‘How apprenticeships are benefitting Scottish employers and trainees’. Details of training providers in Scotland who are currently offering AAT qualifications are also available via the AAT website.