Free AAT Level 1 Bookkeeping Course. Study online. This free AAT bookkeeping course runs over 11 weeks and fits around your existing commitments. No prior knowledge or qualifications are needed. You'll learn the fundamentals of bookkeeping, including assets, liabilities, income, expenses, and the difference between cash and credit transactions. You'll also explore the role of the bookkeeper and the ethical principles that underpin the work. This level 1 AAT bookkeeping qualification is open to adults aged 19 or over who are permanent residents of a London Borough.
Who this course is for
The skills developed by studying this qualification will develop an understanding of the role of the bookkeeper, including the need to produce timely and accurate work and follow ethical principles. Students will learn how to identify assets, liabilities, income, expenses, capital profit and loss, and the differences between trading for cash or trading on credit. The skills developed will give students a solid base from which to seek employment with greater confidence or enable them to progress to the next level of learning. Students will also learn the role that software can have in bookkeeping. It is also suitable for those who are already employed in bookkeeping roles, those wishing to develop their skills and small business owners who want to do their own books. To be considered for a place on an upcoming course you will need to pass the entry assessments and attend an information & Assessment session to be held at 10am at our Strand House centre on the following date (s): Thursday 23rd July 2026 Please visit our CALAT website for further details regarding how to book an information & Assessment session. Accredited courses are free to those in receipt of certain benefits (dependent also on household income). Please note that due to our funding criteria we can only enrol eligible learners over the age of 19 at the start of the academic year who are permanent residents of a London Borough. If you have any further enquiries - please call 020 8726 6000 ext. 28231 or email [email protected].
Entry requirements
No prior knowledge, qualifications or skills required. You will be asked to complete all paperwork necessary for CALAT to claim government funding which subsidises the cost of the course. Please note that due to our funding criteria we can only enrol eligible learners over the age of 19 at the start of the academic year who are permanent residents of a London Borough.
What you will learn
You'll identify assets, liabilities, income, and expenses in financial records.
You'll understand the difference between trading for cash and trading on credit.
You'll learn how to calculate capital, profit, and loss.
You'll explore the role and responsibilities of a bookkeeper.
You'll apply ethical principles to bookkeeping tasks.
You'll develop the accuracy and attention to detail that employers expect in financial roles.
How you will learn
You'll study entirely online, working through course materials at your own pace. Assessment is through an online exam set by AAT. You'll need to complete all enrolment paperwork required to claim government funding before you start. The centre will guide you through what's needed when you enrol.
What you will need to bring
The centre will provide most materials. Croydon Adult Learning and TraininG will confirm anything else you need before you start.
Where next
Jobs you could do
Bookkeeper, managing day-to-day financial records for a business
Accounts assistant, supporting a finance team with routine tasks
Purchase ledger clerk, processing supplier invoices and payments
Sales ledger clerk, recording customer payments and chasing debts
Payroll administrator, handling employee pay calculations and records
Finance administrator, providing general financial support in an office
What you could study next
AAT Level 2 Certificate in Bookkeeping, the natural next step after this course, covering double-entry bookkeeping and basic financial statements.
AAT Level 2 Certificate in Accounting, a broader qualification that opens doors to a wider range of accounting roles.
AAT Level 3 Diploma in Accounting, for those aiming toward a career as a qualified accounting technician.
