The main difference between ICB and CIMA is the qualifications you can achieve. With ICB, you can achieve your financial accounting diploma. And with CIMA, you can achieve an advanced diploma. This includes a respected designation, such as CGMA. The great thing is that both of these institutions will help you achieve a globally recognised qualification.
Who Is ICB?
ICB stands for the Institute of Certified Bookkeepers. They are an independent external exam body. They are not a college, but offer assessments to students who want to gain business and finance-related skills.
ICB Courses
We offer three accredited ICB courses you can study from home:
ICB Entry Requirements
You must be able to read, write and understand English to study our ICB Courses. Additional requirements are listed below:
Courses | Entry Requirements |
Accounting Courses | Grade 10 |
Business Management Courses | Grade 11 |
Office Administration Courses | Matric or equivalent |
Are ICB Qualifications Recognised?
Yes, ICB qualifications are recognised by both SAQA and NQF. This ensures that you gain in-demand skills. You will have a better chance of getting a job and boosting your career.
Who Is CIMA?
CIMA stands for the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants. They are one of the world’s most prominent organisations for management accountants. They offer designations and allow you to become part of their professional membership.
CIMA Courses
There are four CIMA courses you can study:
- Certificate in Business Accounting Course
- Operational Course
- Management Level Course
- Strategic Level Course
CIMA Entry Requirements
To start your studies with CIMA, you only need to have Grade 10 or equivalent. This is an excellent study option for all, from school leavers to finance professionals.
Are CIMA Qualifications Recognised?
Yes, all CIMA courses are recognised in South Africa and different countries worldwide. This will help you start your career at a local business or international company.
ICB Degree
The ICB does not offer degree qualification courses. The highest level you can achieve is the financial accounting NQF level 6 diploma.
CIMA Exemptions
A CIMA exemption allows you to progress to their higher courses if you have a relevant qualification. You could qualify for up to:
- six exemptions if you have an ICB financial accounting NQF L6 national diploma
- two exemptions if you achieved the ICB office administration NQF L5 certificate
ICB Exemptions
With ICB exemptions, you can move on ahead to higher courses. There are two types of exemptions you could qualify for.
- Prior learning exemptions – If you graduated with a relevant qualification, you might qualify for recognition of prior learning (RPL).
- Work experience exemption – Use your work experience to kickstart your studies. Remember, it has to be relevant to the course you want to study.
Does Unisa Recognise ICB Qualification?
Unisa does not automatically award credits for ICB subjects. They offer RPL opportunities to students who have relevant qualifications or work experience.
Is ICB Accredited By SAQA?
Yes, all ICB courses are registered by the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA). This ensures that your qualification meets National Qualifications Framework(NQF) standards.
ICB Qualification Equivalent
Each ICB course is equal to an NQF level:
Course | NQF Level |
NQF L3 | |
NQF L4 | |
NQF L5 | |
NQF L6 | |
NQF L4 | |
NQF L5 | |
NQF L6 | |
NQF L5 | |
NQF L5 | |
NQF L6 |
ICB Financial Accounting
There are three ICB financial accounting courses you can study:
Technical Financial Accounting National Diploma Course
Certified Technical Financial Accounting National Diploma Course
Business Management Financial Accounting National Diploma Course
ICB Financial Accounting Modules
Subjects you can complete in our ICB Certified Financial Accounting Course include:
Introduction to Business English
Bookkeeping to Trial Balance
Payroll and Monthly SARS Returns
Computerised Bookkeeping
Business Literacy
Financial Statements
Cost and Management Accounting
Income Tax Returns
Business Law and Accounting Control
Corporate Strategy
Management Accounting Control Systems
Financial Reporting and Regulatory Framework
Research Theory and Practice
Where Should I Go After ICB?
From getting a job in SA to getting professional mentoring, here is what to do after studying ICB courses:
- Join a professional membership
- Complete your ICB stream
- Get an entry-level job
- Start a career abroad
Join A Professional Organisation
You can join a professional organisation after graduating. You will be able to network with professionals who have years of experience. You also have access to exclusive resources that will help further your career.
Complete Your ICB Stream
ICB courses are modular. If you complete one course successfully, you can progress to a higher level in the stream. After completing all the levels, you will achieve your diploma.
Get An Entry-level Job
If you have just graduated with your certificate, your ICB qualification will provide entry-level job opportunities. This will help you gain valuable work experience. The more experience you have, the higher job posts you can pursue in the future.
Start A Career Abroad
All ICB courses are internationally recognised. So if you want to work in another country, your qualification will help you secure a job abroad. Remember that you need the correct documents, such as a visa to work overseas.
Skills Academy is the word support in every way.
Frequently Asked Questions
No, you cannot study directly through ICB. You need to enrol with an ICB training provider to study ICB programmes.
We are a DHET-registered ICB training provider. With us, you can study from your home via distance learning. We provide academic support and deliver all your study material to you.
Yes, all ICB courses are accredited by the QCTO and ICB. This ensures that you gain quality business and finance skills to support your career.
Yes, ICB is recognised in South Africa. Finance is considered a scarce skill. So after you complete your course, you will learn scarce skills employers need from their candidates.
No, NSFAS does not fund ICB courses. They only provide financial support to students who study at public institutions. If you need help in funding your ICB course, you must:
- Apply for a private bursary
- Get a study loan
- Pay for your own studies
