How to Get Into Accounting Without a Degree: AAT and ACCA Routes

You Don't Need a Degree to Become a Qualified Accountant

Many successful chartered accountants, CIMA members, and financial controllers did not go to university. The AAT-to-ACCA or AAT-to-CIMA pathway is a fully recognised route to professional qualification that can be started straight from school, after a non-accounting career, or alongside any level of formal education.

The AAT Route

AAT (Association of Accounting Technicians) is the entry-level professional accounting qualification. It has three levels (Level 2, 3, and 4) and can be completed in 12–24 months. Level 4 completers are eligible for significant ACCA exemptions (typically up to 9 papers) and CIMA exemptions (from the Certificate level). Many accounting apprenticeships use AAT as the qualification component — you earn while you qualify.

ACCA Without a Degree

ACCA accepts members without degrees. If you have no relevant qualifications, you start at the Applied Knowledge level (papers BT, MA, FA) with no exemptions. With AAT Level 4, you may receive up to 9 exemptions. ACCA also accepts school leavers directly — the only requirement to register is that you are 16 or older.

CIMA Without a Degree

CIMA accepts registrations without a degree. Without any prior qualifications, you start at the CIMA Certificate in Business Accounting (BA1–BA4) and progress through the Operational, Management, and Strategic levels. CIMA's practical assessment style (objective tests and case studies) suits candidates who learn through work rather than academic study.

Accounting Apprenticeships

The Accounts or Finance Assistant Apprenticeship (Level 2/3) and the Professional Accounting Technician Apprenticeship (Level 4) allow school leavers to earn while qualifying. Many large employers offer degree-level apprenticeships that include ACCA or CIMA, providing a full professional qualification without student debt.

Further Reading

• AAT Qualification Guide
• ACCA Qualification Guide
• Accounting Apprenticeships Guide

Study with Learnsignal

Learnsignal supports students at every entry point — from AAT through to ACCA membership. Start with AAT.