AAT Certified Accounting Technician (CAT) Program – Full Student FAQ

(Humanized & In-Depth) (Expanded, friendly, human explanation for every possible student question)

________________________________________Q1. What exactly is the AAT Certified Accounting Technician (CAT) Program?The CAT Program is a professional development pathway provided by AAT (Association of Accounting Technicians), which sits under the Institute of Public Accountants (IPA).It helps you build practical knowledge for bookkeeping, accounting support roles, and public practice readiness.It’s all online, includes 10 modules, and finishes with a formal assessment.________________________________________Q2. Why should I do the CAT Program?Students choose CAT because:• It boosts your CV with a globally recognised certification.• It builds real-world skills used in accounting firms.• Employers recognise AAT qualifications.• It shows you understand ethics, compliance, client care, practice management, and advisory basics.It’s a massive value-add — especially since TCA pays for it.________________________________________Q3. When will I get access to CAT?Once you complete your TCA qualification, we contact you to confirm you want to proceed.If you say yes → we pass your details to AAT → AAT emails you login details.________________________________________Q4. Do I have to pay anything?Nope.TCA pays the entire CAT program fee for you — including the modules and the official assessment.________________________________________Q5. What does the CAT Program include?The program contains 10 modules:1. Introduction to the Accounting Profession2. Ethics & Standards3. Professional Education4. Practice Essentials5. Practice Security6. People & Processes7. Growing Your Business8. Digital Business9. Sustaining Your Business10. Final AssessmentEach module has clear topics, examples, summaries, and review activities.________________________________________Q6. How long do I have to complete everything?You get 6 months from the moment AAT emails your login.This deadline is set by AAT → no extensions allowed.________________________________________Q7. Can I complete it faster?Yes!Most students finish in a few weeks if they focus.You can do it as quickly or slowly as you like — as long as you finish within 6 months.________________________________________Q8. What happens if I don’t finish within 6 months?Unfortunately, AAT does not allow extensions.If the deadline passes, access expires and cannot be reactivated.________________________________________Q9. What is the final assessment like?The Module 10 assessment includes:• 26 questions• Multiple-choice• Multiple response• Drag/drop or sequencing• 2-hour timer• Minimum pass mark: 50%You must complete the attempt in one sitting.________________________________________Q10. What happens if I fail the assessment?You get:• 1 free re-sit• Must be used within 3 months of your first attemptIf you fail the second attempt, you cannot re-sit again.________________________________________Q11. Does the assessment open-book?Yes — you can keep your notes open.BUT the 2-hour timer means you should prepare well, not rely on searching answers.________________________________________Q12. What does the certificate look like?Once you pass, AAT instantly generates a professional PDF certificate you can download.________________________________________Q13. Is the certificate recognised in NZ and AU?Yes.AAT/IPA recognition is respected in both countries and internationally.________________________________________Q14. Do I need any textbooks or printed materials?No — everything is 100% online.________________________________________Q15. Do I get tutor support for the CAT Program?CAT is taught and supported by AAT, not TCA.If you need help during CAT:• You contact AAT support• They guide you with content, platform issues, or assessment questions________________________________________Q16. What if I don’t get my login email?Contact TCA → we follow up with AAT on your behalf.________________________________________Q17. Are the modules difficult?The modules are straightforward and written for beginners.Most students say the content is clear and practical.The assessment requires effort, but the 50% pass mark makes it achievable.________________________________________Q18. Can I work full-time and still complete CAT?Absolutely.The program is self-paced and flexible — perfect for people balancing jobs, families, or study.________________________________________Q19. What’s the recommended study pace?Most students do:• 1 module per week (finishing in ~10 weeks), OR• 2–3 modules per week (finishing in ~3–5 weeks)You control your pace.________________________________________Q20. What skills will I gain from the program?Some of the key skills include:• Accounting ethics & professional conduct• BAS agent expectations (AU)• Understanding accounting practice operations• Client onboarding & engagement terms• Digital transformation• Workflow management• Cybersecurity basics• Public practice readiness• Advisory & value-add services• Sustainable business practicesIt’s very practical and real-world focused.________________________________________Q21. Is this required for becoming a bookkeeper?It’s not legally required — but it definitely helps.Having AAT CAT on your CV can increase employability.________________________________________Q22. Will this help me become a BAS Agent (Australia)?CAT alone is not enough for BAS Agent registration.But it improves your professional standing and may support future requirements.________________________________________Q23. Is the CAT Program the same for NZ and AU students?Yes, the content is exactly the same.Only your entry qualification differs (Diploma = NZ, Advanced Certificate = AU).________________________________________Q24. Can I pause the final assessment?No.Once you click Start, the 2-hour timer will run to the end.________________________________________Q25. Can I change my answers during the assessment?Yes — you can move backward and forward between questions until you submit.________________________________________Q26. What device should I use?A laptop or desktop is recommended.Mobile can work, but is not ideal — especially for the test.________________________________________Q27. Can I print the modules?Yes — most students download or screenshot key pages for revision.________________________________________Q28. How do I prepare effectively for the test?Suggestions:• Complete every module (don’t skip)• Review the summary pages• Take notes• Use the Review sections as mini practice tests• Study in a quiet place for the assessment• Don’t cram everything in one day________________________________________Q29. When will my certificate be available?Within minutes of passing.The AAT platform automatically activates it.________________________________________Q30. Can I redo modules even after completing them?Yes — you can revisit any module at any time within your 6-month window.________________________________________Q31. How long are the modules?Each module differs, but generally:• 30–60 minutes for reading• Additional time for reviews or deeper study• Most students complete 1–2 modules per sitting________________________________________Q32. What if my internet cuts out during the assessment?The timer keeps running.If this happens, you must use your re-sit attempt.AAT does not reset assessments.________________________________________Q33. Can I use headphones or listen to music while studying?Yes — as long as you’re focused.But during the assessment, avoid anything that may distract you.________________________________________Q34. Can I get job support after finishing CAT?TCA offers:• CV review• LinkedIn help• Career guidance• Employer connections (case by case)CAT enhances your CV, and TCA helps you present it professionally.________________________________________Q35. Does the CAT Program expire after I finish?No — once you’re certified, your CAT credential is permanent.________________________________________Q36. Does doing CAT help with future accounting qualifications?Yes.It looks great when applying for:• AAT Advanced Diplomas• IPA programs• Further bookkeeping & accounting courses• Entry-level accounting roles________________________________________Q37. How do I prove I completed the program?You’ll have:• A downloadable certificate• AAT verification through their membership system________________________________________Q38. What learning style is CAT best for?The program is best for people who like:• Self-paced learning• Practical content• Bite-sized modules• Real-world examples• Applied knowledge rather than theory________________________________________Q39. Can I put “AAT Certified Accounting Technician” on my CV?Yes — once you pass, add it immediately.It’s a respected credential.________________________________________Q40. Who should NOT do CAT?CAT may not suit someone who:• Wants a long academic degree• Prefers classroom teaching• Does not have basic computer skills• Struggles with self-paced learning________________________________________Q41. Can the CAT Program help me start my own practice one day?Yes — especially Modules 7, 8, and 9, which cover:• Growing a business• Advisory skills• Digital strategy• Sustainability• Practice security• People managementYou’ll learn a lot of small business fundamentals.________________________________________Q42. Can I contact AAT for help directly?Yes — their support team assists with:• Platform issues• Module questions• Assessment technical problems________________________________________Q43. What if I want to delay starting the CAT Program?You can wait — the 6 months only starts once AAT emails your login.Until then, you're safe.________________________________________Q44. Can I start modules before finishing my TCA qualification?No — AAT access is only given after you complete your TCA course.________________________________________Q45. Can I withdraw from CAT after starting?Yes — it's optional.No penalties, but access cannot be transferred or refunded (since TCA has already paid for it).