Hi there, I'm currently in an IVA (18 months in) but am looking to do my AAT course to help me in my job. I've heard that the AAT body may not let you become a member if you have credit problems, IVA, bankruptcy etc. and just wondered if anybody knew the score as have tried to find out on their site but it is useless!!
Thanks, Kerrie
I was in a similar situation..I am in final stages of ACCA studies and sadly have debt that I need sorting.
I was advised if I went bankrupt I would lose my ACCA...however if I took IVA route then this would not need to be declared and there would be no issue re; my qualification.
I assume this will be similar for AAT....however am sure an expert will come along shortly with advice.....
Whatever you decide then good luck with your studies and on a positive note...it'll prob take as long to complete your IVA as your AAT so in 3.5 years time you'll be debt-free and AAT qualified!!
Thanks for that... the only problem is that I have already been bankrupt (about 8 years ago when I was really ill and wasn't working) and so even if I don't have to declare my IVA (which happened after my marriage broke down... in case you wonder how I can possibly be so bad with money) I will still have to tell them about the bankruptcy. There were no problems and I was discharged without issue but I'm still not sure they'll look on it too kindly...
I think my only other option is to study for a lesser qualification, maybe a bookkeeping certificate which I'm totally gutted about but I suppose that is the price you pay for not considering the long term consequences when you get into debt
Hi Kerrie
I'm sure if you can justify your mitigating circumstances about your illness, then the AAT will consider your application.
Alternatively, have you look at the CAT qualification (this is the ACCA's equivalent to AAT)?
Am sure there will be a way you can do the studying...
It might be worth giving the AAT and the ACCA a call just asking the general question about how long ago you have to justify from..if they said 5/6 years then you wouldn't need to declare the bankruptcy.
I have several clients studying for AAT qualifications, and they have had no problem with their membership - but an anonymous call to the association might be sensible to set your mind at rest.
Hi I have done the Aat course and when I applied to become a full member at the end of my studies they wanted me to do a couple of extra things like a character reference and then they said they would look at it so you should be ok. I changed jobs so never carried on with the application so don't know what would have happened if I submitted the reference
I started an aat qualification whilst in an iva, i declared it to the aat. I had to write a letter explaining what led to the iva, and my iva supervisor supplied a letter stating my payments were up to date. I was excepted so it may be worth giving it a go
