Skip to content
ApplySafer

How to become a bookkeeper

Bookkeepers keep accurate records of the money coming into and going out of a business — recording sales and purchases, reconciling bank accounts and preparing figures for accountants.

You could work in a company's finance team, an accountancy practice, or for yourself with your own clients.

You do not need a licence to work as an employed bookkeeper. Short qualifications from AAT or ICB are widely recognised.

  • No licence to be employed
  • Short courses available
  • Earn while learning

3 routes into this career

Each route is a real, published way in. None is guaranteed, and requirements vary by employer. Select up to 3 to compare side by side.

  • Route AWork + study

    Admin or accounts job with AAT bookkeeping study

    For those who want to start working in an office or finance team and add a short bookkeeping qualification.

    Starting requirements

    • Some employers ask for up to 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4, including maths and English; requirements vary
    • An admin assistant or accounts assistant role is a common start
    • AAT courses are run by training providers, who set their own prices

    Pathway outline

    1. Start as an admin assistant or accounts assistant
    2. Study the AAT Level 2 Certificate in Bookkeeping (about 3 months)
    3. Study the AAT Level 3 Certificate in Bookkeeping (6 to 12 months)
    4. Apply for AAT bookkeeping membership (AATQB)
    5. Take on bookkeeping work, or go on to AAT accounting qualifications
    Estimated duration
    About 9 to 15 months of study
    How we estimate this

    AAT's average durations: Level 2 Certificate in Bookkeeping, 3 months; Level 3, 6 to 12 months, depending on the student and mode of study.

    Estimated direct study costs
    £1,169 to £2,669Paid up front by you: £1,169 to £2,669Published fees only, at the lower and upper ends of official ranges. Training provider fees are extra. Change the assumptions in Compare costs.
    When you can start earning
    From your first job.

    Evidence checked 14 Oct 2026 · Availability varies

  • Route BApprenticeship

    Accounts or finance assistant apprenticeship (Level 2)

    For those who want to earn a wage and have their bookkeeping and finance training paid for.

    Starting requirements

    • You apply for an apprenticeship job; each employer sets its own entry requirements
    • The National Careers Service says intermediate apprenticeships usually ask for some GCSEs, including English and maths
    • At least 20% of your normal working hours is off-the-job training

    Pathway outline

    1. Apply for a Level 2 accounts or finance assistant apprenticeship
    2. Work and train; your employer and the government pay for the training
    3. Complete the end-point assessment
    4. You could move on to a Level 3 apprenticeship, such as assistant accountant or payroll administrator
    Estimated duration
    About 12 months (27 with a Level 3 apprenticeship)
    How we estimate this

    Find apprenticeship training lists Accounts or finance assistant (Level 2) at 12 months and Assistant accountant (Level 3) at 15 months.

    Estimated direct study costs
    Up to £7,000 of training (funding band maximum), paid for youPaid up front by you: £0 — training and assessment are fundedApprentices do not pay for training or assessment. Change the assumptions in Compare costs.
    When you can start earning
    From day one — apprentices are employees and are paid a wage.

    Evidence checked 14 Oct 2026 · Availability varies

  • Route CCareer change

    Career change: ICB bookkeeping qualifications, then your own clients

    For adults changing career who want flexible study and, in time, could work for themselves.

    Starting requirements

    • No formal entry requirements for ICB Level 2 — you need basic numeracy and English
    • You study at your own pace; exams can be taken any time of year
    • To offer bookkeeping as a business you need money laundering supervision

    Pathway outline

    1. Register as an ICB student
    2. Pass the Level 2 Certificate in Bookkeeping (3 exams)
    3. Pass the Level 3 Certificate in Bookkeeping and Accounts (5 exams)
    4. Become a Certified Bookkeeper (MICB) and build experience
    5. If you take your own clients, arrange money laundering supervision
    Estimated duration
    About 15 months to 3½ years
    How we estimate this

    ICB's typical durations: Level 2, 6 to 18 months; Level 3, 9 to 24 months, depending on how you study.

    Estimated direct study costs
    £962Paid up front by you: £962Published fees only, at the lower and upper ends of official ranges. Training provider fees are extra. Change the assumptions in Compare costs.
    When you can start earning
    You keep earning in your current job while you study, although a first bookkeeping role or new business may pay less at first.

    Evidence checked 14 Oct 2026 · Availability varies

Choose “View full journey” on a route to see every step, cost and source.

Good to know

Questions people ask

Do I need qualifications to be a bookkeeper?

Not by law. Many employers ask for an AAT or ICB bookkeeping qualification or relevant experience. Requirements vary.

Is AAT or ICB better?

Neither is better for everyone. Both offer Level 2 and Level 3 bookkeeping qualifications and membership grades. Compare course prices, how you want to study and what local employers ask for.

Can I work for myself as a bookkeeper?

Yes, but if you offer bookkeeping as a business you must be supervised for anti-money laundering — by HMRC or by a professional body that supervises you.

Is a bookkeeper the same as an accountant?

No. Bookkeepers keep the financial records; accountants usually analyse them, prepare accounts and give financial advice. Many accountants start in bookkeeping.

Sources

Evidence checked 14 Oct 2026. Every fee and requirement on this page links to one of these.

UK reference: median full-time pay for all employees was £39,039 in April 2025 (ONS ASHE, provisional).

Compare routes side by side