Yes, the Associate Chartered Accountant (ACA) qualification is considered higher and more advanced than the Association of Accounting Technicians (AAT) qualification. While AAT provides foundational, entry-level accounting knowledge, ACA is a senior chartered qualification requiring three years of training, 450 days of experience, and 15 complex exams, typically following AAT.
ACCA, CIMA, ICAEW, and AAT are all highly respected qualifications that can lead to successful careers, each granting you those prestigious letters after your name. Moreover, none is inherently better than the others; they simply offer different strengths and skillsets.
AAT is the qualification you do before ACCA, ACA or CIMA. This is not equivalent so whilst it is a good grounding, it doesn't take you to be chartered.
The ACA is a qualification equivalent to a Level 7. The ACA is made up of three elements, sustainability, technology and ethics. The ACA training includes 450 days' work experience, 14 exam modules, Specialised Learning, Professional skills and experience.
AAT level 2 is equivalent to GCSEs. AAT level 3 is equivalent to 2 A Levels. AAT level 4 is equivalent to a Professional Diploma Level.
An AAT qualification can be a great stepping stone to the ACA. ICAEW and AAT have teamed up to provide a route that allows people to progress onto the ACA via a faster route.
The AAT Qualifications aligns with accounting technician level credentials. Specifically, AAT Level 2 corresponds to a level comparable to that of a GCSE qualification. AAT Level 3 equates to a standing akin to completing two A-Level qualifications, while AAT Level 4 aligns with the QCF Level 4 qualification standard.
ACA is typically for a number of the larger practices and is a very technical qualification. Some say this is the hardest qualification out of CIMA, ACA, and ACCA.
The existing ACA has 15 exams spread over three levels: the Certificate Level, the Professional Level and the Advanced Level. The exams can be taken in any order, except for the Case Study exam which must be attempted last and in the final year of a training agreement.
ACCA (Association of Chartered Certified Accountants)
ACCA is a widely recognised and respected accountancy qualification. Founded in 1904, ACCA has a long history of providing top-quality training and education to aspiring accountants across the globe.
Our qualifications are the perfect first step to becoming a chartered accountant. They offer a fast-track route to help you get there quicker than going to university. Plus, the practical skills and knowledge you'll gain while studying AAT will complement the chartered syllabus, helping you to succeed.
CFO: The highest position in accountancy
Each position has its own responsibilities, level of experience and education required.
£37,500. The promotion to a higher level also increases your salary, so when an AAT is qualified, you can earn £28,000 being a team leader. Pay rises to £31,000 for junior managers having AAT Level 4 qualifications. The middle manager earns £36,000, and further promotion takes your salary to £46,000.
On completion, you will become a qualified bookkeeper and eligible for mid-level roles such as Assistant Accountant and Payroll Supervisor. AAT Professional (Level 4) – This is the final qualification for AAT and, once completed, will enable you to work in accounting roles or move onto chartered accounting.
Certified Public Accountant (CPA)
A CPA is the most recognized certification in accounting and is required to hold many accounting positions. It verifies your abilities in forensic accounting, risk management, compliance, taxes and other skills required for top accounting roles.
ICAEW's ACA is a level 7 qualification. This is equivalent to a masters.
Being certified demonstrates your expertise and compliance with federal regulations. Without it, you can't assist clients in enrolling in ACA-compliant plans, which could limit your earning potential and client base.
An ACA is a Chartered Accountant who has passed the CA course and carries a certificate of practice, which is of not more than 5 years. FCA is a more senior member of ICAI with over 5 years of experience in the field.
Once you've completed AAT Level 4 you can go on to do ACCA and become a chartered certified accountant. ACCA is considered a much harder qualification to achieve, but the rewards are well worth the effort.
The ACA is a structured pathway to becoming an ICAEW Chartered Accountant.
An AAT licence entitles members to call themselves an AAT Licensed Accountant or AAT Licensed Bookkeeper, depending on the types of service they've been approved to offer clients.
An AAT is seen to be a great entry point into a career in Finance. This will give you the grounding and all-round skills to be able to kick-start your career. Particularly, if you're entering your Finance career straight from school or college.
AAT bookkeeping membership (AATQB) gives you the recognition, resources, and opportunities to grow. AATQB membership provides the professional letters after your name, celebrating your achievement and signalling your expertise.