IAB Qualifications · Computerised bookkeeping

IAB Computerised Bookkeeping Qualifications

Three regulated qualifications that take learners from setting up a computerised accounting system to preparing financial statements and management reports on screen. Assessed online, graded pass or fail, with no formal entry requirements.

Compare the three levels Which level is right for me?

Operational End Date: 1st March 2027. This applies to all three qualifications.

Bank reconciliationMatched in the software. Illustrative figures.

Transaction	Amount £	Status
Customer receipt	1,250.00	Matched
Supplier payment	−480.00	Matched
Direct debit: rent	−950.00	Matched
Card sales	2,310.40	Matched
Bank charges	−12.50	Matched
Net movement	2,117.90

✓ Reconciled

3Levels, from set-up to financial statements

35 to 70Guided learning hours per qualification

6Mandatory units across the suite

NoneFormal entry requirements

Find your starting point

Which level is right for you?

Each qualification is written for a different starting point. Pick the one that sounds most like you.

Starting from scratch

Level 1 Award in Computerised Bookkeeping

For learners with no previous knowledge, people returning to study or changing career, and small business owners.

See Level 1

Some practical knowledge

Level 2 Certificate in Computerised Bookkeeping

For learners furthering their computerised accounting studies, people with practical knowledge who want accreditation, and those planning self-employment.

See Level 2

Already confident with the software

Level 3 Certificate in Computerised Bookkeeping and Accounting

For learners with a good working knowledge of the software, practitioners who want accreditation, and small business owners.

See Level 3

The qualifications

Three levels, one clear route

Every unit is mandatory and every assessment is taken online. Download the qualification specification for the full learning outcomes and assessment criteria.

Level 1Your first computerised accounts

Level 1

IAB Level 1 Award in Computerised Bookkeeping

Ideal for complete beginners and small business owners

An introduction to computerised accounting: setting up a computerised accounting system and processing data.

Unit 1 Introduction to computerised accounting5 GLH · knowledge test, 1 hr
Unit 2 Set up a computerised accounting system and process data30 GLH · Sage Business Cloud assignment, 2.5 hrs

Qualification number 601/9050/4

Qualification specification (PDF)

At a glance

Guided learning: 35 hours
Total qualification time: 60 hours
Assessment: One online knowledge test (1 hour) and one Sage Business Cloud online assignment (2.5 hours)
To pass: 60% in the knowledge test and 70% in the assignment
Entry: No formal requirements. Basic numeracy and literacy recommended.

Level 2Everyday processing, including VAT

Level 2

IAB Level 2 Certificate in Computerised Bookkeeping

Ideal for learners with some experience and aspiring self-employed bookkeepers

Provides the knowledge and skills to set up a computerised accounting system, prepare business documents, process a wide range of transactions from source documents and produce reconciliations and reports.

Unit 1 Principles of computerised accounting and VAT15 GLH · knowledge test, 1 hr
Unit 2 Use a computerised accounting system40 GLH · Sage Business Cloud assignment, 3 hrs

Qualification number 601/9052/8

Qualification specification (PDF)

At a glance

Guided learning: 55 hours
Total qualification time: 130 hours
Assessment: One online knowledge test (1 hour) and one Sage Business Cloud online assignment (3 hours)
To pass: 60% in the knowledge test and 70% in the assignment
Entry: No formal requirements.

Level 3Adjustments, statements and reports

Level 3

IAB Level 3 Certificate in Computerised Bookkeeping and Accounting

Ideal for experienced software users and small business owners

Introduces the more advanced processing skills needed to make accounting adjustments, prepare financial statements and produce management reports for a sole trader or partnership using a computerised accounting system.

Unit 1 Principles of advanced computerised accounting10 GLH · knowledge test, 1 hr
Unit 2 Use a computerised accounting package60 GLH · examination, 1.5 hrs

Qualification number 601/9055/3

Qualification specification (PDF)

At a glance

Guided learning: 70 hours
Total qualification time: 150 hours
Assessment: One online knowledge test (1 hour) and one online examination (1.5 hours)
To pass: 70% in the knowledge test and 60% in the examination
Entry: No formal requirements.

Side by side

Compare the computerised bookkeeping qualifications

The key numbers from each specification in one table.

	Level 1 Award	Level 2 Certificate	Level 3 Certificate
Guided learning hours	35	55	70
Total qualification time	60 hours	130 hours	150 hours
Mandatory units	2	2	2
Assessment	Knowledge test and Sage assignment	Knowledge test and Sage assignment	Knowledge test and online examination
Grading	Pass or fail	Pass or fail	Pass or fail
You finish able to	Set up a computerised accounting system and process data	Process a wide range of transactions, including VAT, and produce reconciliations and reports	Make accounting adjustments and prepare financial statements and management reports
Operational End Date	1st March 2027	1st March 2027	1st March 2027

Progression

Where each level leads

Learners can start at the level that matches their experience, then move up a level or across into another qualification at the same level.

1Level 1 AwardSet up a system and process dataSee Level 1
2Level 2 CertificateTransactions, VAT, reconciliations and reportsSee Level 2
3Level 3 CertificateAdjustments, financial statements and management reportsSee Level 3
4Level 4 studyContinue with IAB accounting qualificationsExplore Level 4

Also at every levelPrefer to learn the principles on paper first? Bookkeeping qualifications run at Levels 1, 2 and 3.

The wider portfolio

Explore other IAB qualifications

BookkeepingLevels 1 to 3Explore Payroll for BusinessLevels 1 and 2Explore Computerised PayrollLevels 1 to 3Explore AccountingLevel 4Explore LCCI QualificationsLevels 1 to 3Explore

FAQs

Computerised bookkeeping qualification questions

Do I need any qualifications to start?

No. None of the three qualifications has formal entry requirements. Basic numeracy and literacy are recommended before starting Level 1.

Which software is used?

The Level 1 and Level 2 assignments are completed online in Sage Business Cloud. The Level 3 specification refers to commercially available accounting software.

How are the qualifications assessed?

Each level has an online knowledge test lasting 1 hour. Level 1 adds a 2.5-hour Sage Business Cloud assignment, Level 2 a 3-hour Sage Business Cloud assignment, and Level 3 a 1.5-hour online examination.

What mark do I need to pass?

At Levels 1 and 2 you need 60% in the knowledge test and 70% in the assignment. At Level 3 you need 70% in the knowledge test and 60% in the examination. Results are pass or fail, with no grades.

How long does each qualification take?

Total qualification time, which covers guided learning plus independent study and assessment, is 60 hours for Level 1, 130 hours for Level 2 and 150 hours for Level 3. Guided learning hours are 35, 55 and 70 respectively.

What is the operational end date?

The operational end date for all three qualifications is 1st March 2027.

Get started

Deliver IAB computerised bookkeeping qualifications

Talk to the IAB awarding team about centre approval, assessment and adding the computerised bookkeeping suite to your programme.

Talk to the awarding team

Call the IAB+44 (0) 208 187 8888Awarding teamao@iab.org.uk

IAB Computerised Bookkeeping Qualifications

Which level is right for you?

Level 1 Award in Computerised Bookkeeping

Level 2 Certificate in Computerised Bookkeeping

Level 3 Certificate in Computerised Bookkeeping and Accounting

Three levels, one clear route

IAB Level 1 Award in Computerised Bookkeeping

IAB Level 2 Certificate in Computerised Bookkeeping

IAB Level 3 Certificate in Computerised Bookkeeping and Accounting

Compare the computerised bookkeeping qualifications

Where each level leads

Explore other IAB qualifications

Computerised bookkeeping qualification questions

Deliver IAB computerised bookkeeping qualifications

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