As you might expect, the Level 4 Diploma in Professional Accounting is the most challenging of the AAT qualifications.
However, it is also the most prestigious and most valued by employers and potential clients.
Premier Training student Andy Swift completed his Level 4 course earlier this year. Here, he provides some invaluable advice and tips for other AAT distance learning students who are studying or beginning the qualification…
1. Obviously completing the level 4 is really difficult but I would say to embrace that. It’s hard for everyone and that’s what makes it worthwhile.
2. I would try to attack each subject with the same intensity, even the parts that you don’t find interesting, and give the units your full focus because it’s complex to understand. Once you get a basic grasp of the material it starts to become a skill that you want to practice and then it becomes much easier.
3. The toughest aspect is starting another unit after completing one because it takes a lot of effort to achieve the standard only to start from scratch again on the next. Just get back at it. It will be tough but the sooner you get over the first hump it starts to become enjoyable and you’ll be more motivated to finish it the closer you get.
4. We are learning at a great time with lots of resources available so make the most of them. There are many useful channels on YouTube – if you’re struggling to understand the textbooks then it’s likely others did too and you will be able to find lectures on it.
5. I’d also recommend working on the extended writing tasks early on as mastering those will be the difference. Premier Training tutor Alan Dawson has some useful guidance for approaching written tasks on the Premier training online dashboard.
6. Lastly, I’d like to say trust the process – if you do the work the results will come. If you feel hopeless just keep reading, keep watching lectures, keep going.
The qualification helps to prove to others that you are competent, such as convincing employers and potential clients that you are of value. More importantly, by completing the AAT you gain valuable skills and increased options to pursue. Completing the qualification also offers exemptions to certain exams when working towards further education such as ACCA/CIMA.
