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• # 78032
• Thu 05 Jan 2012 02:08 PM

I have been working for around 11 years in a bookkeeping / admin role.  I part completed my AAT a few years ago but didn't get round to finishing it due to family problems at the time.   I am now keen to get a qualification to enable me to work on a self employed basis.

I understand that I can apply for membership by exemption with references from accountants.  If, however, the ICB are not satisfied with the references (perhaps the work I do is not deemed as indepth as they would like), then can anyone confirm that the next step is to take the level III manual bookkeeping paper?  I presume I won't have to take level 1 and 2 first?  Or can I take the level 2 and still practice and get insurance / MLR etc.?

Thanks.

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• # 78034
• Thu 05 Jan 2012 02:19 PM

Hi Jet,

If you are not granted any exemptions you will need to sit the level 1 exam then the level 2 exams before you could attempt the level 3 exams (apart from the payroll, which is a stand alone exam).

At AICB stage (manual and computerised level 2) you need to get insured and a practice licence, then you can start to practice so long as you only undertake work that you are qualified to do under that particular level. Obviously if you carry on to level 3 you can then do the extra work that the different qualifications at this level covers you for.

EDIT Added - You do need to complete both manual and computerised at each level to be able to get the relevant membership.

Hope this helps.

Regards

Kerry

Edited at 05 Jan 2012 02:21 PM GMT

Edited at 05 Jan 2012 02:22 PM GMT

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  My responses are based on my opinions, not necessarily facts.
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• # 78035
• Thu 05 Jan 2012 02:24 PM

Thanks for the reply.

So I need to do level 1, manual and computerised and then level 2 manual and computerised before I can officially practice?

Do I do all these exams at a Pearson Vue centre or do some of them get done at home?

Thanks.

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• # 78036
• Thu 05 Jan 2012 02:32 PM

Manual I is done online (timed) at home
Manual II & III at Pearson Vue

Computerised II & III at home.

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• # 78038
• Thu 05 Jan 2012 02:34 PM

Lovely - thank you both.

Will apply for membership with accountants references and if not, I know what to do.

I am excited at getting qualified.

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• # 78174
• Tue 10 Jan 2012 11:46 AM

You have been working around 11 years so you have enough experience for bookkeeping, so if you staring from level 1 then it is better for you and I dam sure that you solve lever 1 and lever 2 very easily. So you no need to go direct lever 2, starts from level 1.

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