An internationally recognized accounting qualification in partnership with SAICA. No entry requirements!

AAT(SA) provides a new career path in accountancy. The AAT(SA) Accounting Qualification is the ideal qualification for anyone wanting to work as an accounting technician. This vocational course provides the knowledge and skills to perform the tasks demanded by this role; it offers you the chance to gain a useful and practical qualification, while learning at your own pace.

The course is based on two principles:

- doing the actual work, not just learning theory

- achieving competence to nationally agreed standards so that you and your employer have full confidence in the qualification

The scheme has three stages:

1. Certificate:

Accounting Technician

2. Further Education and Training Certificate:

Accounting Technician

3. Certificate:

Accounting

Each level of the scheme represents a qualification in its own right, and you will be given an AAT(SA) certificate for each level completed.

What is AAT (SA)?

AAT South Africa AAT (SA) is a joint venture between the South African Institute of Chartered Accountants (SAICA) and the Association of Accounting Technicians (AAT). Each of these two bodies have been involved with the education and development of accounting and financial staff for more than 20 years. With the backing of two such world-renowned and leading institutions, AAT (SA) regards itself as the premier professional body in South Africa dedicated to the education, development, and support of accounting technicians.

AAT (SA) offers you the opportunity to obtain a reliable, globally recognised qualification that has the backing of industry experts. What's more, with AAT (SA) you can work and study at the same time. So while you earn, you can work towards an internationally recognised qualification that opens doors, sets you on a path to career growth and shows employers that you have been trained to a high standard.

AAT (SA) training...

...is practically oriented and inproves your career prospects.

The AAT (SA) qualification develops skills that will enable you to work in many different kinds of companies and organisations, improving your employment prospects.

The AAT (SA) Accounting Qualification
Who is it for?

The AAT (SA) qualification has broad appeal and relevance for people working in finance and accounting. it's often the first step in professional training that can lead to the highest levels of financial responsibility.

What qualifications do i need to enrol for an AAT (SA) course?

You don't need any formal entry qualifications to develop your skills with AAT (SA). However, new learners should have completed Grade 12, be able to complete written assessments in English and be numerate. You will gain AAT (SA) membership when you enrol for the qualification. As you gain professional experience, you are eligible to move on to higher membership levels, which carry greater benefits. AAT (SA) is committed to Recognition of prior learning (RPL). Should you have any existing accounting qualifications, these will be assessed. If they meet our standards, you may be given permission to enrol for the NQF Level 4 (FET) or the NQF Level 5 (Certificate: Accounting) without having to complete the Certificate in Accounting. This will be at the discretion of AAT (SA).

How long does it take?

If you choose to study part-time while working full-time, it takes about a year to complete each level and between 36 and 42 months on average to qualify as a platinum member of AAT (SA).

How much does the training cost?

Tuition fees are determined by the approved training providers, but we place a strong emphasis on cost effective tuition. This is a premier qualification with international recognition and is priced accordingly. Employers are willing to sponsor you to achieve the AAT (SA) qualification.

Where can I train?

You may study with 4th Dimension Training Consultants. For further information visit www.aatsa.org.za. Alternatively, your employer may offer the qualification in-house.

AAT (SA) offers a practical qualification targeted at all staff levels, from clerical administrative to professional accounting positions. These qualifications will facilitate your career in finance and accounting and help you make a truly positive contribution to your business, department or unit. AAT (SA) also raises the competence and professionalism of our members, through continuing professional development (CPD), paving the way for career advancement and raising the standards of performance in the workplace.

...carries the benefit of AAT (SA) membership and support

When you enrol for the AAT (SA) qualification, you also become a member of AAT (SA). This means you can call upon the expertise and resources of a team that services more than 140,000 members worldwide. We offer a range of benefits and services that will enable you to continue your professional development throughout the whole of your career.

These include:

- Access to AAT (SA) website and support services.

- Access to certain SAICA services.

- Access to the SAICA handbook.

- Invitations to SAICA seminars at the SAICA member's discounted rate.

- Copies of Accounting Technician (UK) and Accountancy SA magazines.

- Access to online study support and professional development support.

- Dedicated helpline for learners.

- Ongoing access to technical and ethical specialist query lines.

AAT (SA) Level 4 Further Education and Training

AAT (SA) Level 5 Certificate: Accounting (Mandatory units ad 2 optional pairs)

Duration and Cost: Part time: (54 hours)

The part time class consists of 14 days (including revision) at client’s venue on alternate Saturdays (14 x 4 hours). Classes are from 08h30 to 12h30.

An additional day for revision may be allocated

If paying on terms:

Deposit of R 5 000.00 required prior to classes commencing, balance paid over agreed terms not exceeding 6 months.

Duration and Cost: Part time: (75 hours)

The part time class consists of 19 days (including revision) at client’s venue on alternate Saturdays (19 x 4 hours). Classes are from 08h30 to 12h30.

An additional day for revision may be allocated

If paying on terms:

Deposit of R 5 000.00 required prior to classes commencing, balance paid over agreed terms not exceeding 6 months.

Duration and Cost: Part time: (102 hours)

The part time class consists of 26 days (including revision) at client’s venue on alternate Saturdays (26 x 4 hours). Classes are from 08h30 to 12h30.

An additional day for revision may be allocated.

If paying on terms:

Deposit of R 5 000.00 required prior to classes commencing, balance paid over agreed terms not exceeding 6 months.

What are Computer Based Assessments (CBAs)?

Computer based assessments are an electronic equivalent to paper based assessments.

Why is the AAT developing CBAs?

We want you to have more flexibility with your exam timetables. You will be able to sit assessments at 4th Dimension virtually throughout the year. The timetable for CBAs will be set by us based on the teaching time and available resources.

Are CBAs easier or harder than the paper based assessments?

Neither, as both types of assessments test the same areas to the same standard and deliver comparable results.

How long is each CBA?

Three hours each - same as the paper based assessments, but training providers can schedule rest breaks after 1.5 hours, if required.

Will there be practice papers available before I sit the real assessment?

Yes, there is one practice paper available for each unit. The practice paper helps you familiarise yourself with the software and question types. You will also find the past paper based assessments are useful study and revision aids.

How will competency be measured in the assessment?

You need to complete all tasks and achieve between 60-70% in each section, and 70% in the paper overall to be assessed as competent in the assessment.

When will I get the results?

The assessments are marked instantly and you will receive provisional results at the end of the session from the invigilator.

What happens if i'm unsuccessful? Can I re-sit the assessment?

Yes, but you should wait at least one week before you re-sit the assessment.

How do I enter for CBA?

Entry for CBA is available through 4th Dimension, so please speak to us as soon as possible about this exciting opportunity.

We firmly believe in equality of opportunity for all

To this end, we aim to ensure that:

- Our qualifications are free from barriers that restrict access and progression, and they are attainable by all who can demonstrate the required standard by whatever means

- Our qualifications and publications are free from discriminatory practices or stereotypes with regard to gender, race, age, creed or sexual orientation

- Assessment tasks and study opportunities are sufficiently varied and flexible to ensure that no particular group of students or would-be students are placed at any disadvantage

- All reasonable adjustments are made to cater for the individual requirements of students

- Assessments are valid and reliable to ensure that all students receive impartial treatment