1. The Course Value - Currency
1.1 Being Vocational Courses, the value of each one is linked to the Qualifications and Credit Framework (QCF) in England, Scotland, Ireland, and Wales. Its based on the Learning time, which includes the time spent in the classroom, doing practical activities, carrying out research, doing homework or on a work placement.
1.2 The Manual Bookkeeping Diploma (MBD) is normally started after GCSE – O level, which makes it a level 3 course. This course is designed for those with no previous knowledge in Bookkeeping. It has 2 papers or modules listed below;.
Paper 3.1 (Practical Bookkeeping Theory) requires about 140 classroom hours, plus another 140 hours for homework, practice, and exam preparation. The total is 280 hours.
Paper 3.2 (Manual Bookkeeping Practice) requires about 80 classroom hours, plus another 80 hours for homework, practice and exam preparation. The total is 160 hours.
Therefore, its QCF value is 280+160 =440 hours, which equates to 44 Credit Units. The acquisition of Credit Units for each module is dependent on passing the examination. They do accumulate to the Total, when all the modules are passed.
1.3 The Professional Bookkeepers Diploma is a progression after the Manual Bookkeeping Diploma. It adds Excel and Software procedures and the added value is 36 Credit Units, leading to a total of 80 Credit Units. The 2 extra modules are;.
Paper 3.3 (Excel Bookkeeping) requires 90 classroom hours, plus another 90 hours for homework, practice and exam preparation. The total is 180 hours.
Paper 3.4 (Computerised Bookkeeping) requires 90 classroom hours, plus another 90 hours for homework, practice and exam preparation.
The total is 130 hours.
Therefore, its QCF value is 440 +180+130=750 hours, which equates to 75 Credit Units. The acquisition of Credit Units for each module is dependent on passing its examination. They do accumulate to the Total, when all the modules are passed.
1.4 The Diploma in Practical Bookkeeping is designed for those who have done another Bookkeeping or Accounting course. It focuses on the application of acquired theory. It has 3 papers or modules listed below;
Paper 3.2 (Manual Bookkeeping Practice) requires 95 classroom hours, plus another 95 hours for homework, practice and exam preparation. The total is 190 hours. Please Note that paper 3.2 on this course has 3 more Credit Units than on the Professional Bookkeeper’s Diploma. The reason is that students spend more time catching up on Practical Theory not covered on their previous course.
Paper 3.3 (Excel Bookkeeping) requires 90 classroom hours, plus another 90 hours for homework, practice and exam preparation. The total is 180 hours.
Paper 3.4 (Computerised Bookkeeping) requires 65 classroom hours, plus another 65 hours for homework, practice and exam preparation. The total is 130 hours.
Therefore, its QCF value is 190+180+130=500 hours, which equates to 50 Credit Units. The acquisition of Credit Units for each module is dependent on passing its examination. They do accumulate to the Total, when all the modules are passed.
1.5 The Financial Accounting Technician’s course has part 1 (The Professional Bookkeepers Diploma) with 75 Credit Units, plus part 2 which has 45 Credit Units, making a total of 120 Credit Units. These are generated from the following papers;
Paper 4.1 (Practical Accounting Theory) requires 95 classroom hours, plus another 95 hours for homework, practice and exam preparation. The total is 190 hours.
Paper 4.2 (Comprehensive Accounting Practice) requires 65 classroom hours, plus another 65 hours for homework, practice and exam preparation. The total is 130 hours.
Paper 4.3 (Excel and Computerised Accounting) requires 65 classroom hours, plus another 65 hours for homework, practice and exam preparation. The total is 130 hours.
Therefore, its QCF value is 750+190+130+130=1200 hours, which equates to 120 Credit Units. The acquisition of Credit Units for each module is dependent on passing its examination. They do accumulate to the Total, when all the modules are passed.
2. Entry Requirements
2.1 The basic requirement for the Bookkeepers course is a good understanding and use of English. Therefore, GCSE English is recommended but not a requirement. There is no other requirement since the syllabus covers all the basics in Bookkeeping.
2.2 To register for the Financial Accounting Technician’s course, one should have completed the Professional Bookkeepers Diploma or the Diploma in Practical Bookkeeping.
3. Exemptions
3.1 Those who have studied Bookkeeping Theory on another course are exempted paper 3.1.
3.2 We charge an exemption fee of £25 per paper.
4. Registration
4.1 Each student is required to register with the Association, via their local college.
4.2 Private students can register directly with the Association
4.3 The Registration and Annual Studentship Fee is £25, and students are assigned a registration number.
4.4 Registration is done by filling in a registration form, then paying the registration fee. The most important information on the form is: the Names to appear on the certificates, email and telephone contact including the country code, Date of Birth, Age, Highest level of education, other qualifications already acquired, the course registered for, and date of registration. This information is emailed on a spreadsheet by the college, to APA. APA then emails back the list with student registration numbers.
4.5 Registration as a student with the Association, should be made at least 60 days before the examination. However, late registration may be accepted.
4.6 Colleges intending to offer our courses should register by filing in the Registration form on our website. Please Click to Register.
5. Examinations
5.1 We have four examination sessions in a year, in the second week of March, June, September, and December. The detailed examination timetable is available 30 days before the month of examinations.
5.2 Registration for examinations should be made at least 30 days before the examination. However, late registration may be accepted.
5.3 We encourage students to pass the Certificate Papers, before opting for the papers after that.
5.4 Examinations can be remarked at a cost of £25 per paper. This request is made by email, by the student, or the college on behalf of a student. A detailed break-down of the results is emailed back to the student and college, on completion.
5.5 Examination fees for each individual paper on any course is £25.
5.6 The pass mark for each examination is 51%.
5.7 Examination results are released 30 days after the last date of the examination session.
5.8 Colleges are required to Register with APA, by filling in the online Registration form.
5.9 All students and colleges should abide by standard examination regulations.
6. Invigilation
6.1 Our examinations are invigilated by established colleges registered with our Association, APA.
6.2 Colleges and Centres have the responsibility of sending examination scripts to APA for marking.
6.3 All examination Scripts should be sent electrically, as email attachments.
7. Completion Periods
The Theory and Manual Practice are the major foundations and should both be passed in a single 12 month period. If they pass the Theory in June 2013, the last session at which they have to pass the Manual Practice is June 2014. If this is not achieved then the learner has to re-do the single module they passed earlier on.
Excel and Computerised Bookkeeping are an add on that should be completed in not longer than 2 years, after passing the Theory and Manual Practice. If they have not passed within the following 2 years then they have to re-write the Theory and Manual Practice examinations.
8. Awards on Completion
8.1 The QCF standard is awarding a Certificate for a Vocational programme that has 13 to 36 Credits Units, and a Diploma for a programme that has 37 Credit Units and above. Click for Clarification . We follow the same procedure.
8.2 The award on the successful completion of the Professional Bookkeepers course, with papers 3.1 upto 3.4, is a Diploma with 75 Credit Units.
8.3 The award on the successful completion of the Financial Accounting Technicians course, with papers 3.1 to 3.4, and 4.1 to 4.3, is an Advanced Diploma with 120 Credit Units.
8.4 We issue an Academic Transcript in addition to each Diploma
8.5 We charge £25 for processing each Certificate or Diploma, and £15 for the Transcript. The postage charge is separate, and its cheaper if its collective.
9. Progression
Starters: For those with no previous knowledge in Bookkeeping, the start is the Manual Bookkeeping Diploma. Just Theory and Manual Practice. Adding Excel and Computerised Bookkeeping leads to the Professional Bookkeeper’s Diploma.
Practical Route: For those who completed any Bookkeeping or Accounting course. They take the 3 Practicals to get the Diploma in Practical Bookkeeping.
Both Graduates on the Professional Bookkeeper’s Diploma and the Diploma in Practical Bookkeeping have the same Skills and Competence.
They are both legible to proceed to the Financial Accounting Technician, Advanced Diploma. The next stage is becoming a full Accountant.
10. After Our Courses
Learners who wish to progress beyond this are advised depending on which particular skills they require. Those who wish to remain as Technicians with knowledge in Management, Costing, Budgeting, Financial Performance, Taxation, and Auditing, may opt for either AAT or CAT.
Those who wish to become Chartered Accountants may opt for either ACCA or CIMA courses.
Please note, that the options are endless. It depends on individual aspirations and circumstances. Please email us, when in need of further advice.
