Key takeaways
- AAT registration fees for 2026/27 are £187 for the Level 2 Certificate in Accounting, £244 for the Level 3 Diploma and £258 for the Level 4 Diploma for Professional Accounting Technicians.
- AAT assessments cost £67 a unit at Levels 2 and 3, with the Level 2 synoptic at £72, and £69 a unit at Level 4.
- AAT's standard fees total £460 for Level 2, £512 for Level 3 and £603 for Level 4, before tuition.
- AAT's own fees for all three accounting levels add up to £1,575; with AAT's tuition ranges the full route costs roughly £4,075 to £8,575.
- AAT bookkeeping members pay a reduced registration fee of £101 at Level 3 and £115 at Level 4.
- Full AAT membership (MAAT) costs a one-off £62 admission fee and £198 a year; AAT bookkeeping membership is £143 a year.
- All accounting apprenticeships are fully funded, and learners in England aged 19 or over can apply for an Advanced Learner Loan for Level 3 and 4 courses.
AAT charges a one-off registration fee for each qualification plus a fee for each unit assessment. For 2026/27 the standard AAT fees are £460 for Level 2, £512 for Level 3 and £603 for Level 4, so £1,575 for the full accounting route. Tuition is paid separately to your training provider and AAT puts it at £600 to £3,000 a level.
How much are AAT fees in 2026/27?
AAT’s fees and funding page lists these UK figures from its 2026/27 fee schedule. Registration is paid to AAT; assessment fees are paid to your training provider or assessment venue.
| Qualification | Registration | Assessments |
|---|---|---|
| Level 2 Certificate in Accounting | £187 | 3 × £67 plus £72 synoptic |
| Level 3 Diploma in Accounting | £244 | 4 × £67 |
| Level 4 Diploma for Professional Accounting Technicians | £258 | 5 × £69 |
The registration fee gives access to the qualification and AAT’s study support for its lifetime, typically four to five years.
What is the total AAT fee for each level?
The standard total is the registration fee plus all assessments. These figures exclude tuition and any admin fees.
| Level | Standard AAT total | AAT tuition range |
|---|---|---|
| Level 2 | £460 | £600 to £2,000 |
| Level 3 | £512 | £900 to £2,000 |
| Level 4 | £603 | £1,000 to £3,000 |
| All three | £1,575 | £2,500 to £7,000 |
Adding the two columns, the full route from Level 2 to Level 4 costs roughly £4,075 to £8,575. AAT’s Level 3 page gives its own estimate of £1,412 to £2,512 for Level 3 alone.
How much are AAT course fees?
Course fees, or tuition, are set by each training provider, not AAT. AAT’s published ranges run from £600 to £2,000 at Level 2 up to £1,000 to £3,000 for the Level 4 Diploma. Providers and assessment venues may also charge an admin fee per assessment, which varies. Our list of AAT course providers compares the main options.
Are there cheaper routes?
Yes. There are three ways to pay less.
- AAT bookkeeping members pay a reduced registration fee of £101 at Level 3 (total £369) and £115 at Level 4 (total £460).
- Starting above Level 2. If you already have bookkeeping skills, ask your provider whether you can start at Level 3 and skip Level 2’s £460.
- Exemptions. Recognition of prior learning costs £67 a unit at Levels 2 and 3 and £69 at Level 4, the same as sitting the assessment.
The AAT bookkeeping qualifications cost less: £207 for the Level 2 Certificate in Bookkeeping and £233 for Level 3. See AAT levels explained for which level fits.
What does AAT membership cost?
Membership is separate from qualification fees. AAT’s membership fees page lists these annual fees:
| Membership | Admission fee | Annual fee |
|---|---|---|
| AAT bookkeeping (AATQB) | None | £143 |
| Full member (MAAT) | £62 | £198 |
| Fellow (FMAAT) | £62 | £213 |
| Licensed Accountant | £62 | £363 licence fee |
Full members studying another qualification can pay a reduced £142 a year. If you plan to offer services to the public, see the AAT licence.
How can you fund AAT fees?
You can reduce or spread the cost through several schemes listed by AAT.
- Apprenticeship. AAT says all accounting apprenticeships are fully funded, and your employer may pay AAT fees too. See accountancy apprenticeships.
- Employer sponsorship. Ask your employer to pay as part of your training.
- Advanced Learner Loan (England). You must be 19 or older on the first day of a Level 3 to 6 course, according to GOV.UK eligibility rules. Level 4 to 6 courses starting on or after 1 January 2027 move to Lifelong Learning Entitlement funding.
- Free Courses for Jobs (England). Check eligibility for Level 3 qualifications on GOV.UK.
- AAT Bursary. Help for people in financial hardship.
- Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. Use SAAS, the Welsh Government Learning Grant or Northern Ireland’s adult learner support.
What to do now
- Pick your starting level.
- Get two or three tuition quotes, and ask about admin fees per assessment.
- Check your funding before you register, as some schemes must be in place before the course starts.
- Budget for membership once you qualify.
Frequently asked questions
How much does AAT cost in total?
AAT’s own fees for Levels 2, 3 and 4 add up to £1,575 for 2026/27. With tuition at AAT’s published ranges, the full route costs roughly £4,075 to £8,575.
How much is the AAT registration fee?
It is £187 for Level 2, £244 for Level 3 and £258 for Level 4 in the UK. It is a one-off fee per qualification.
How much is each AAT exam?
Each unit assessment costs £67 at Levels 2 and 3, with the Level 2 synoptic at £72, and £69 at Level 4. Providers may add an admin fee.
Can I get AAT funded?
Yes. Accounting apprenticeships are fully funded, and in England you may qualify for an Advanced Learner Loan or Free Courses for Jobs.
How much is AAT membership a year?
Full membership (MAAT) is £198 a year plus a £62 admission fee. AAT bookkeeping membership is £143 a year.
Sources
Rates, thresholds and rules in this guide were checked against HMRC and GOV.UK guidance on 6 November 2026. Tax rules change, so check the current position on GOV.UK or with a qualified adviser before acting. This guide is general information, not personal advice.