What can you do with an AAT qualification?

AAT opens up roles at every level: accounts administrator, accounts assistant and payroll officer at Level 2; bookkeeper, credit controller and payroll administrator at Level 3; and assistant accountant, payroll manager and tax assistant at Level 4. Full members can also work self-employed as AAT Licensed Members.

AAT Level 2 students earn a median of about 27,000 pounds, rising to 38,188 pounds median for full MAAT members. The AAT progression ladder runs from 27,000 pounds for starters up to 50,000 pounds for senior managers, and self-employed AAT Licensed Members had a median income of 72,000 pounds in 2025 (AAT Salary Survey 2025).

First Intuition's 2025 research found newly qualified AATs earn about 11 percent more than graduates, and 78 percent of AAT Licensed Accountants believe their AAT qualification increased their earning potential (AAT Salary Survey 2025). AAT also grants exemptions toward ACCA and CIMA.

Yes. AAT full members (MAAT or FMAAT) can apply for AAT Licensed Member status, which allows them to offer accountancy and bookkeeping services on a self-employed basis, subject to professional indemnity insurance, continuing professional development and anti-money laundering registration.

Yes. AAT is a recognised gateway. Completing AAT Level 4 grants exemptions from three ACCA papers and the entire CIMA Certificate level, along with exemptions from ICAEW, CIPFA and ICAS routes.

The highest is the AAT Level 4 Professional Diploma in Accounting. On completing it and gaining MAAT full membership, you unlock senior roles and a median salary of 38,188 pounds, plus the option to progress to chartered study.