The Institute of Certified Bookkeepers (ICB) is one of the most prestigious business and finance organisations in the world. They have been providing courses in Southern Africa since 1931. There are currently over 500 accredited training providers, so there is no shortage of colleges that offer ICB Courses.
Which Colleges Offer ICB Courses?
Here is a list of all the ICB training providers in Southern Africa:
Can I Study Directly Through ICB?
No, you cannot study directly through ICB. This is because they are an external exam body, not a college. If you are trying to decide which training provider to choose from the list above, consider your lifestyle and if you are able to study part-time, full-time or via distance learning. This will help you narrow down the list if you are overwhelmed.
Can I Self-Study ICB Courses?
Yes, you can self-study ICB Courses. Although, this is not a recommended way to study. Students who choose to self-study are more likely to struggle with their coursework because they do not have the support they need from a training provider. If you want a flexible and more affordable way to study, distance learning is the way to go. There are no classes, and you get to create a study schedule that works for you. You will also receive support from highly qualified tutors.
How Do I Register As A New ICB Student?
Starting your ICB journey is so simple. To register as a new ICB student, all you have to do is:
- Register on the ICB student portal (make sure you are using Google Chrome).
- Log in to the portal.
- Click ‘register for a course’, which you can find on the left side of your screen.
- Choose the ICB course you would like to study.
- Select a training provider from the list.
- Confirm your registration.
- Once you are registered, you will be able to book your first exam.
When Do ICB Exam Registrations Close?
This depends on which month you are planning to write your exams in. The table below shows the exact dates:
Exam Month | Exam Type | Closing Date |
April 2025 | Online | 28 February 2025 |
May 2025 | Paper | 28 March 2025 |
June 2025 | Online | 25 April 2025 |
July 2025 | Online | 30 May 2025 |
August 2025 | Paper | 27 June 2025 |
September 2025 | Online | 25 July 2025 |
October 2025 | Online | 29 August 2025 |
November 2025 | Paper | 26 September 2025 |
December 2025 | Online | 24 October 2025 |
Which ICB Courses Can I Study?
There are three main ICB programmes you can study. These include:
Bookkeeping And Accounting Courses
If you would like to make a successful career out of your love for numbers, these courses are a great place to start. Become an asset to any workplace when you learn skills such as how to do computerised bookkeeping, financial statements, and more.
- Junior Bookkeeper Course
- Certified Senior Bookkeeping Course
- Technical Financial Accounting Diploma
- National Diploma in Certified Financial Accounting
Business Management Courses
Learn the ins and the outs of what it takes to make a company successful. In just 36 months, you will become a qualified business professional with a national diploma qualification. You will have skills that will equip you to work in any industry with ease.
- Certificate in Small Business Financial Management
- Higher Certificate in Business Management
- National Diploma in Business Management
Office Administration Courses
Gain expert admin skills with ICB Office Administration Courses. In three years you can become a certified office manager. Your knowledge will help an office run smoothly and give your coworkers the support they need to be productive each day.
- National Certificate in Office Administration
- Higher Certificate in Office Administration
- National Diploma in Office Administration
What Is The Entry Requirement For ICB Programmes?
Each course has its own separate entry requirement. Have a look at what they are below:
- Bookkeeping Courses – You must have completed grade 10 and be at least 16 years old.
- Accounting Courses – Successful completion of the ICB Bookkeeping course
- Business Management Courses – Grade 11
- Office Administration Courses – Grade 12
ICB prides itself on not having strict entry requirements for its courses. This way, these prestigious courses are available to school leavers who wish to earn a higher education qualification.
Are ICB Courses Accredited?
Yes, ICB Courses are registered on the National Qualifications Framework (NQF), and South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) accredited. You will find that each course has its own special SAQA ID number that you can use to check if it is valid.
Is ICB SETA Accredited?
Yes, ICB is SETA-accredited. When you finish your ICB course, your certificate will be issued by FASSET.
Is ICB A Recognised Qualification?
ICB Courses are recognised both nationally and internationally. This means that you can start a successful career for yourself right here in South Africa or abroad. Here are a few of the organisations that will recognise your qualification.
How Much Are ICB Course Fees?
The price of ICB course fees depends on which college you are studying with. ICB does not charge tuition fees because they are not a college, they only charge for registration and exam. So you will find that each college has its own course fees.
How Much Are ICB Registration Fees 2025?
In 2025, you can expect to pay R500 for ICB registration fees.
How Much Are ICB Exam Fees 2025?
There are separate exam fees depending on your circumstances. But the general fee for exams is R915 per exam in 2025. Check out a few other exam-related costs below:
Exam Fees | R 915 |
Exam Postponement Fee (per subject) | R 375 |
Exam Late Entry Fee | R 585 |
Remark Fee (per subject) | R 1350 |
Private Invigilator Fee | R 2200 |
ICB Programme Certificate (including postage) | R 440 |
FASSET Certificate Reprint (including postage) | R 440 |
Workplace PoE Assessment (Learnerships) | R 1800 |
What Can I Do With An ICB Qualification?
There is so much you can do with an ICB qualification. But the most important thing is that you can start your career. ICB Courses equip you with in-demand skills so that you can start applying for jobs as soon as you graduate. A few of the careers you can pursue include:
- Bookkeeper
- Financial Accountant
- Receptionist
- Business Manager
- Supply Chain Manager
- Payroll Clerk
- Tax Accountant
- Financial Analyst
- Financial Manager
- Project Manager
- Office Administrator
You can also join professional membership bodies. These memberships offer many exclusive benefits, such as career coaching, special titles and opportunities to network with professionals in your field, worldwide. The types of benefits depend on your qualifications and the organisation you decide to join.
What Should I Study After ICB?
You can study for another ICB qualification. These programmes are designed to have overlapping subjects so that each qualification builds on the last. This means that your next course will not take as long to complete as the previous one. With more qualifications, you will have more opportunities.
If you are ready to start your ICB course and study via distance learning, you can enrol with us at Skills Academy. To find out more about ICB, feel free to read through a few of our related articles below:
Skills Academy is the word support in every way.
Frequently Asked Questions
You can study ICB (Institute of Certified Bookkeepers) courses through accredited distance learning colleges such as Skills Academy. Distance learning allows you to study from home at your own pace. Many South African institutions offer ICB courses, but we provide flexible study options and expert support.
ICB courses are available online through Skills Academy. These courses allow you to learn via distance learning without the need to attend physical classes. You can access your study material online, submit your assignments, and get tutor support when needed.
No, NSFAS does not fund ICB courses. NSFAS funding is only available for public universities and TVET colleges in South Africa. However, ICB courses are often more affordable, and Skills Academy offers easy payment plans to make studying accessible.
ICB offers accredited qualifications in bookkeeping, accounting, and business management.
These qualifications are recognised by the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) and help you work towards diplomas in financial accounting and business management. ICB qualifications can help you build a career in finance or business
ICB courses have a few costs you need to know about. First, you pay a yearly registration fee of about R500. Then, for each subject you study, you pay around R915. This covers your assignments, your exam, and marking.
