Training Link

Training Link: distance learning in accounting and bookkeeping since 1996

Training Link is a British online training provider specialising in accounting, bookkeeping and payroll. The company has been operating since 1996 and presents itself as one of the UK's leading distance learning providers in its field. Its offering is structured around two families of qualifications: AAT (Association of Accounting Technicians) courses and ICB (Institute of Certified Bookkeepers) courses.

The company was founded by Gary Hupston with the stated aim of addressing what he saw as a shortcoming in the sector: the poor quality of the distance learning materials available at the time. That focus on the quality of teaching materials remains the cornerstone of its approach, which combines printed manuals, online resources, videos and personalised tutoring.

AAT courses: accounting by levels

Training Link delivers Levels 2, 3 and 4 of the AAT accounting qualifications, as well as Levels 1, 2 and 3 of AAT Bookkeeping. The company also sells study manuals and question banks for each level, including those for the Q2022 and L4PAT standards. The AAT has more than 140,000 members in over 90 countries and its qualifications are recognised by Ofqual through its network of approved centres and training providers.

The company publishes pass rate data for its students in the computer-based assessments (CBAs) for Levels 2, 3 and 4 in accounting. These percentages relate exclusively to CBAs taken between 1 January and 31 December 2025 under the Q2022 standards, and are not equivalent to achievement rates for the full qualification.

ICB courses and career path as a self-employed bookkeeper

In the ICB field, Training Link offers Levels 2, 3 and 4 in bookkeeping, plus a specific course for working as a self-employed bookkeeper (Self-Employed Bookkeeper). The company has been recognised thirteen times as Training Provider of the Year at the ICB's Luca Awards, a fact the company itself highlights as a reflection of its ability to guide students through to full membership of the institution.

The ICB offering is completed with exam practice kits, an exemption fast track bridging route (ICB Exemption – Fast Track Bridging Route) and continuing professional development (CPD) courses.

Payroll, Sage 50 and study resources

The catalogue includes payroll training and courses on Sage 50, both in its accounts and payroll modules. The company also offers self-study options for ICB and AAT, exam revision sessions and supplementary materials such as sample videos, webinars and live sessions. Students can use a request form to receive a PDF brochure about the qualifications and the study experience.

Track record and reported results

According to figures published by the company itself, more than 8,000 students have been through its programmes to start a career in accounting or bookkeeping, enhance their CV or set up their own practice. Training Link attributes these results to the combination of its own teaching materials, online resources and a tutoring service that its students describe as fast and thorough. Among the testimonials the company collects are those of Christine Aplin, awarded ICB Student of the Year, and Jo Querelle, who runs her own bookkeeping business.