AAT Sri Lanka
Your First Step in Accounting
The AAT (Association of Accounting Technicians of Sri Lanka) qualification is the most popular entry route into the accounting profession on the island. Start here and progress to CMA, ACCA, CIMA or an MBA.
3 Levels
Foundation to Technician
What is AAT in Sri Lanka?
AAT Sri Lanka is awarded by the Association of Accounting Technicians of Sri Lanka, a body established under an Act of Parliament. It produces accounting technicians who handle bookkeeping, costing, taxation and management accounting tasks for businesses of every size. With over 14,000 monthly searches, AAT is the single most-searched accounting qualification in the country.
It is the recognised starting point before moving to chartered and management accountancy. Most CMA, CA Sri Lanka and ACCA finalists began with AAT because it builds the practical and double-entry foundation those harder exams assume you already have.
- Recognised by an Act of Parliament
- Open after O/Levels (no A/L pass required)
- Exemptions toward CA Sri Lanka, CIMA and ACCA
- Strong demand from SMEs and audit firms
AAT Levels & Structure
The AAT programme is delivered in three progressive levels.
Level 1 (Foundation)
Basic bookkeeping, business mathematics, economics and English for business. The entry stage for O/Level holders.
Level 2 (Intermediate)
Advanced bookkeeping, cost accounting, business law and information technology. Builds working competence.
Level 3 (Technician)
Financial accounting, management accounting, auditing and taxation. Completing this earns the AAT passed finalist status.
AAT Fees in Sri Lanka
Registration is modest, typically LKR 3,000 to 6,000. Tuition at private institutes generally ranges from LKR 15,000 to 35,000 per level, with full AAT completion costing roughly LKR 80,000 to 150,000 including exam fees. Self-study candidates pay far less.
Duration
Most students complete all three levels in 18 months to 3 years depending on study pace and exam sittings, which are held twice a year. Many study AAT alongside school, A/Levels or a full-time job.
Careers & Salary
AAT holders work as junior accountants, audit assistants, account executives and tax clerks. Starting salaries run around LKR 40,000 to 70,000 per month, rising to LKR 100,000+ as you complete higher qualifications such as CMA or ACCA.
Explore Professional Qualifications
From AAT, your next steps lead to management, chartered and degree-level qualifications.
CMA Sri Lanka
Certified Management Accountant pathway and fees.
ACCA Sri Lanka
Global chartered accountancy explained for Sri Lankans.
MBA in Sri Lanka
Master of Business Administration options and fees.
Online MBA in Sri Lanka
Study an MBA flexibly from home.
Business Administration Degree
BBA and management degree routes.
BBA in Sri Lanka
Bachelor of Business Administration guide.
Business Administration Diploma
A fast entry into business management.
HRM Degree in Sri Lanka
Human Resource Management qualifications.
Marketing Degree in Sri Lanka
Marketing study and career routes.
CMI Sri Lanka
Chartered Management Institute qualifications.
Business Analyst Jobs
Roles, demand and salaries for analysts.
Trusted by Employers
Audit firms, banks and SMEs across Sri Lanka actively recruit AAT students for accounting support roles.
A Clear Progression Path
AAT feeds directly into CMA, CA Sri Lanka, CIMA and ACCA through generous exemptions.
Affordable & Flexible
Far cheaper than a degree, with weekend and online classes that fit around work and school.
AAT Sri Lanka FAQ
What are the entry requirements for AAT?
You can register after your G.C.E. O/Levels. You do not need an A/L pass, which makes AAT one of the most accessible professional qualifications in Sri Lanka.
How much does AAT cost in total?
Including registration, tuition and exam fees, completing all three AAT levels usually costs between LKR 80,000 and LKR 150,000 depending on whether you self-study or attend a tuition institute.
How long does it take to finish AAT?
Most students finish in 18 months to 3 years. Exams are held twice a year, so your pace depends on how many subjects you sit per session.
Can AAT lead to a chartered qualification?
Yes. AAT passed finalists receive exemptions toward CA Sri Lanka, CIMA, ACCA and CMA, making it the standard launch pad into the chartered accounting profession.
Is AAT recognised by employers?
AAT is widely respected by Sri Lankan employers for accounting technician and junior accountant roles, and it is backed by an Act of Parliament.
Ready to Start Your AAT Journey?
Speak with our advisors at Ceylon Open Campus to plan your route from AAT to a full professional qualification.