Top tips for passing AAT Level 4 assessments

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AAT Level 4 assessments don’t have to be a chore according to Becky Green, an AAT tutor at BPP Birmingham. Just follow these five simple steps to make sure you’re always at your best come your assessment  

Register for AAT Birmingham branch’s free Level 4 revision class

1. Start with the unit that interests you most

AAT Level 4 exams are a step up from your previous studies and a lot of knowledge covered at Level 2 and 3 can be tested at the last stage. To be successful with the final assessments you must be dedicated and determine to succeed.

The best advice is to focus on one unit at a time and start with the unit that interests you the most. If you’re interested in Management Accounting then start with Budgeting, or if you’re interested in Tax, start with Business or Personal Tax.

You must then study the content of the units in detail to ensure you have the knowledge to pass the assessment, either through classroom or distance learning.

2. Don’t underestimate the written elements

The most common reason for being unsuccessful in your Level 4 assessment is underestimating the written elements. As students none of us like writing (or typing in this case) but every unit at Level 4 has at least one written task. These are human marked and vital to passing the exam.

To ensure a competent result you will need to demonstrate to your marker that you have fully understood the syllabus and can apply your knowledge to the given question. Don’t just focus on the calculations, which as accountants we all like to do.

3. Practice makes perfect

To be ready for your final Level 4 assessment you must ensure that you practice as many questions as possible. Along with your training providers study material, AAT provides members with up to four online practice assessments for each of the units.

I always tell my students it is vital to practice these online tests, not only to challenge their knowledge, but also to enable them to become familiar with the assessment layout.

4. Get a good night’s sleep

It is vital that the evening before your assessment you sleep well. This will ensure that you are wide awake and ready the next day. You need to be fully refreshed to ensure you can tackle the assessment to the best of your ability.

5. Don’t panic

I know it is easier said than done, and as a student we all have that moment of panic and nervousness. Try to stay calm and focused.

If you see a question which you are unsure of, flag it up and move on to the next – don’t spend a long time trying to figure it out as it wastes precious time. Attempt all other tasks and revisit the tricky ones at the end.

Becky Green is an AAT tutor at BPP Birmingham. She will be running a free AAT Level 4 revision event on 4 December. More information and booking details are available online.

Becky Green is an AAT tutor at BPP Birmingham.

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