Diploma

Accounting Technician Diploma

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This Accounting Technician Diploma program, is a 2 years Diploma program examined by KASNEB.

Published on 12-Nov-2024

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Accounting Technician Diploma (ATD) in Kenya – Complete Guide (Requirements, Colleges, Fees & Careers)

Your ultimate guide to the KASNEB ATD qualification for high school graduates in Kenya.

Introduction

The Accounting Technician Diploma (ATD) by KASNEB is one of Kenya’s most popular entry-level
professional accounting programs. It is ideal for students transitioning from high school who wish to pursue
a career in accounting, finance, auditing, or taxation. This guide answers all key questions students typically
ask before enrolling, including requirements, syllabus, career opportunities, exam structure, and the best
colleges offering ATD across Kenya.

Frequently Asked Questions About ATD in Kenya

Below are the most common questions high school graduates ask about the ATD qualification.

What is the Accounting Technician Diploma (ATD)?

Who offers ATD in Kenya?

Is ATD recognized in Kenya and internationally?

What are the entry requirements for ATD?

Can a KCSE D+ or D plain student join ATD?

How long does the ATD course take?

How many levels are in the ATD programme?

What subjects are covered in ATD Level I, II, and III?

What is the mode of study (full-time, part-time, online)?

When are ATD exams offered?

How much are KASNEB ATD registration and exam fees?

Can I study ATD online?

Which colleges in Kenya offer ATD?

What careers can I pursue after ATD?

Is ATD better than CPA Foundation?

Can I proceed to CPA after completing ATD?

Is ATD suitable for self-employment?

Where can ATD holders work?

What is the average salary for ATD graduates in Kenya?

Is ATD worth it in 2025?

What is the Accounting Technician Diploma (ATD)?

The Accounting Technician Diploma (ATD) is a professional accounting qualification examined by
KASNEB. It equips learners with practical accounting, auditing, financial management, and
taxation skills needed to work as accounting technicians in organisations across Kenya.

Entry Requirements for ATD in Kenya

KCSE Mean Grade: D (plain) and above

OR A KASNEB Certificate Course

OR Equivalent qualification approved by KASNEB

This makes ATD one of the most accessible and popular accounting pathways for high school leavers.

Duration of ATD Course

The ATD programme takes approximately 18 months to 24 months depending on mode of study
(full-time, part-time, online) and exam scheduling.

ATD Levels and Subjects

ATD Level I

Introduction to Financial Accounting

Commercial Law

Entrepreneurship and Communication

Information Communication Technology

ATD Level II

Principles of Management

Practical Accounting

Financial Mathematics

Principles of Taxation

ATD Level III

Fundamentals of Auditing

Financial Statements Analysis

Principles of Public Finance & Administration

Advanced Taxation

Career Opportunities After ATD

Accounting Technician

Assistant Accountant

Bookkeeper

Tax Assistant

Audit Assistant

Payroll Clerk

Cashier or Bursar

Bank Clerk

Finance Assistant

ATD graduates can also progress to CPA Section 2 directly, making ATD a strong foundation
for professional accounting careers.

Top ATD Training Centres in Kenya (By County)

Below is a curated list of reputable ATD training institutions across Kenyan counties.
Ensure you confirm current accreditation with KASNEB.

Institution / College	County	Notes
Star College of Management Studies	Nairobi County	Leading ATD & CPA training provider; flexible online and part-time study modes.
Kentrac College	Nairobi County	Offers ATD with strong exam preparation support.
RCM Online College	National (Online)	Fully online ATD classes ideal for remote learners.
Kenya College of Accountancy (KCA University)	Nairobi, Kisumu, Eldoret	Highly reputable for accounting programmes including ATD.
Century Park College	Machakos County	KASNEB-accredited for ATD and other business programmes.
Coast Institute of Technology (Voi)	Taita-Taveta County	Recognised KASNEB exam and training centre.
Kenya Coast National Polytechnic	Mombasa County	Public TVET offering ATD and other accounting programs.
Eldoret National Polytechnic	Uasin Gishu County	Public institution with accredited KASNEB programmes.
Mombasa Aviation Training Institute	Mombasa County	Popular for business-related programmes including ATD.
Thika Institute of Business Studies (TIBS)	Kiambu County	Known for strong accounting and ICT programmes.

Entry Requirements

A person seeking to be registered as a student for the ATD examination must show evidence of being a holder of one of the following qualifications:

Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) examination with an aggregate average of at least grade C minus (C-).
A kasneb technician certificate, CAMS or diploma certificate.
Such other certificates or diplomas as may be approved by kasneb.

Persons intending to take the November/December examinations must register as students not later than 15 September while those intending to take the May/June examinations must register as students not later than 15 March.
kasneb reserves the right to refuse to register any applicant who in its opinion is not fit and proper to be registered as a student. Similarly, kasneb reserves the right to cancel the registration of any student who in its opinion is not fit and proper to be a student of kasneb.

Exemptions
Holders of Certificate in Accounting and Management Skills (CAMS) will be exempted in ATD Level I.
In addition, graduates of the other diploma qualifications of kasneb wishing to pursue ATD will be exempted in the common papers as applicable.

Progression Rule
A candidate must attempt and pass the ATD Level I examination before proceeding to the ATD Level II examination. Similarly, a candidate must attempt and pass the ATD
Level II examination before proceeding to the ATD Level III examination.

Duration of Registration as a Student of kasneb
A registered student of the ATD Examination will be required to complete the examination within a maximum period of six years provided that the candidate shall complete:

The ATD Level I examination by the end of the second year since registration.
The ATD Level II examination by the end of the fourth year since registration.
The ATD Level III examination by the end of the sixth year since registration.
kasneb reserves the right to cancel the registration of a student who fails to complete the ATD Examination within the stipulated time. A student whose registration is cancelled under the rules in this paragraph may not be eligible for re-registration.

However, kasneb reserves the right to vary or amend the regulations.

Objectives of Accounting Technician Diploma

The Accounting Technician Diploma by KASNEB aims to equip the candidate with the competencies required to undertake middle-level responsibilities in the areas of accounting, auditing, taxation, and other related areas and enable the candidate to progress to the professional accountancy level.

Aims of ATD Level I Examination

To equip the candidate with knowledge and skills to, among other responsibilities:
Prepare basic financial statements.
Use various computer application packages.
Provide a basis for further progression to ATD Level II.

Aims of ATD Level II Examination
To equip the candidate with knowledge and skills to, among other responsibilities:

Analyse financial statements by use of ratios and statements of cash flow.
Apply mathematical approach to solve business problems.
Provide a basis for further progression to ATD Level III.

Aims of ATD Level III Examination

To equip the candidate with knowledge and skills to, among other responsibilities:
Apply the principles of public finance and taxation in practice.
Obtain audit evidence and comply with the regulatory framework during audits.
Provide a basis for entry into the professional examinations.