No, you do not need maths to study ICB accounting courses. All you need is a passion for numbers and quality skills to pursue a successful career in finance. Even if you have never finished high school, you can achieve your recognised certificate.
What Subjects Do You Need To Study Accounting?
There are no required subjects to study accounting with us. So if you have no prior finance skills, that is okay. We will give you an introduction to accounting and financial management.
What Are The Accounting Course Requirements?
To study accounting courses, you must have:
- Grade 10
- The ability to read, write and understand English
Is Accounting All About Maths?
No, accounting is not all about maths. Having maths skills will help you when doing calculations and recording data. But you need various skills to help you complete your duties and stay productive.
What Skills Do You Need To Work In Accounting?
Important soft skills you need to work in accounting include:
- Analytical skills
- Problem-solving skills
- Good communication
- Computer skills
- Attention to detail
- Organisational skills
- Good time management
Is Maths Important For Accounting?
Yes, maths is essential in accounting. Many of your duties require you to do calculations and work with numbers. But it is not the only skill you need when completing your tasks.
Are Prior Maths Skills Beneficial?
Yes, having prior maths skills is beneficial in your studies and career. But you will not be disadvantaged if you do not have any prior maths skills. We will teach you all the skills to complete your studies successfully.
Is Maths A Subject In ICB Accounting Courses?
No, maths is not a subject on its own in accounting courses. But you must do maths in various subjects while you study accounting and finances.
What Can I Study If I Failed Maths?
You can study all ICB courses without maths. This includes:
We have open access courses. This gives all students an equal opportunity to study with us.
Which Course Does Not Require Maths?
There are no courses that require math as a subject. But you need basic numeracy skills to help in subjects such as Bookkeeping to Trial Balance and Financial Statements.
ICB Financial Accounting Courses
There are four levels in our Accounting Courses:
- Junior Bookkeeper Course
- Senior Bookkeeping Course
- Technical Financial Accounting Course
- Certified Financial Accounting Course
ICB Financial Accounting NQF Level
All qualifications in our Accounting Courses are equal to an NQF level:
Course | NQF Level |
Junior Bookkeeper Course | NQF L3 |
Senior Bookkeeping Course | NQF L4 |
Technical Financial Accounting Course | NQF L5 |
Certified Financial Accounting Course | NQF L6 |
Accounting Subject List
Listed below are all the subjects you can find in our ICB Accounting Courses:
Introduction to Business English
Bookkeeping to Trail Balance
Payroll and Monthly SARS Returns
Computerised Bookkeeping
Business Literacy
Financial Statement
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
Can I Study Further With Financial Accounting Diploma?
Yes, you can study further with your ICB accounting qualification. Institutions that allow you to study further with them include:
ACCA
Become a chartered certified accountant with ACCA. With your Financial Accounting NQF L6, you can also get up to six exemptions.
What Skills Can I Learn In ICB Accounting Courses?
Some of the many technical skills you will learn in ICB accounting courses include:
- Communication skills
- Introduction to bookkeeping and accounting
- Calculating tax
- Business literacy
- Computerised bookkeeping
- Business laws
- Management skills
Communication Skills
Learn how to communicate verbally and in writing. This will help you conduct and set up meetings.
Introduction To Bookkeeping And Accounting
Here, you will gain the essential knowledge you need in bookkeeping and accounting. This includes managing accounts and transactions.
Calculating Tax
Learn how to deal with and manage taxes for various individuals. You will gain an understanding of income tax returns.
Business Literacy
Gain maths, numeracy and business skills to help you complete your duties. This is also a great way to help you communicate effectively in a business.
Computerised Bookkeeping
Here, you will learn how to complete bookkeeping duties using a digital platform. This includes Microsoft Office Suite. You will also gain skills in managing various ledgers and accounts.
Business Laws
Gain insight into business laws and accounting principles. It includes important rules all accountants should follow.
Management Accounting Skills
This is a great way to learn about management and accounting. It allows you to gain the skills to manage finances and even your own company.
Use these skills to stand out in the accounting field. Enrol in our ICB Bookkeeping and Accounting courses to do and gain practical skills that you can use in different finance fields.
ICB Course Fees
Planning to study an ICB course? It’s a good idea to know the costs before you start. This will help you plan your budget and avoid surprises later. The ICB charges fees for things like registration, assessments, certificates, and other services. These are paid directly to the ICB, not to your college. Here is a list of the ICB fees for 2025:
| ICB Course Fees | Prices |
|---|---|
| Annual Student Registration Fee (No member benefits) | R 500 |
| RPL/Exemption Application Fee | R 600 |
| RPL/Exemption Fee per subject (no PoE required) | R 475 |
| RPL PoE Fee per subject (PoE to be completed) | R 1 050 |
| ICB Programme Certificate reprint (Domestic) | R 440 |
| FASSET Certificate reprint (Domestic) | R 440 |
| ICB Programme Certificate reprint (International) | R 660 |
| FASSET Certificate reprint (International) | R 660 |
| Certificate resend fee (Domestic) | R 220 |
| Certificate resend fee (International) | R 580 |
| IQB SLP Certificate Prints (1–4) | R 490 |
| IQB SLP Certificate Prints (5–8) | R 750 |
| IQB SLP Certificate Prints (9–12) | R 925 |
| Results Transcript (Print & Send) | R 180 |
| Assessment fee for Digital PoE (paper & online exam) | R 915 |
| Assessment postponement fee per subject | R 375 |
| Assessment late entry fee per subject | R 585 |
| Assessment re-mark & Examiners Report per subject | R 1 350 |
| Private Invigilator Admin Fee (Prior Approval Required) | R 2 200 |
| Workplace PoE Assessments (Learnerships) | R 1 800 |
These fees cover everything from signing up for your course to getting your final certificate. Knowing them in advance means you can prepare and focus on your studies without worrying about hidden costs.
ICB Financial Accounting Fees
The ICB Financial Accounting programme is a popular choice for students who want a career in finance. The cost depends on how many subjects you take because each subject has its own assessment fee. You will also need to pay your yearly registration fee and any extra ICB service fees.
Here are the main ICB Financial Accounting fees for 2025:
- Annual Student Registration Fee: R 500
- Assessment Fee per Subject: R 915
- Assessment Postponement Fee per Subject: R 375
- Assessment Late Entry Fee per Subject: R 585
- Assessment Re-mark & Examiner’s Report per Subject: R 1 350
- Private Invigilator Admin Fee: R 2 200
- Workplace PoE Assessments (Learnerships): R 1 800
Knowing these costs helps you plan your budget and focus on passing your subjects. There are affordable payment plans available, so you can manage the costs while working towards your qualification.
Thank You Skills Academy for being so open to assist future/current students with any query they might have, thank you for making it so easy and so affordable to study with your Academy. Your A team staff members make it so easy to query on subjects even to sign up is as easy as 1 2 3, and receiving the books was so quick. Thank you for the hard work and effort you put in to assist your future/current students. Keep up the good work -Danel K
Skills Academy is the word support in every way.
Frequently Asked Questions
Each institution and course has its own admission requirements. Some might require you to have maths as a subject, whereas others might not. But if you want to pursue your degree at a university, you need to have a matric certificate and pass with a bachelor’s pass.
This depends on the work you are willing to put into your studies. You can pass your course easily if you study early and prepare for your final exam with your digital portfolio of evidence (PoE).
Yes, accounting is known as one of the highest-paying careers. You can earn almost R16 000 per month as a junior accountant in South Africa.
Remember: The more work experience you have, the better-paying position you will have. So work hard to earn a handsome salary.
You can study ICB courses with us. We offer accredited ICB programmes you can study from the comfort of your home. Plus, you can enjoy the benefits of studying via distance learning, such as:
- No classes
- Get all your study material delivered to you
- Skilled tutors and lecturers
- Access to online study groups
With no classes, you can create your own study schedule. You can study late at night after work or learn at home over the weekend.
We will provide all the study material you need to pass your ICB course. You can achieve your first batch of books within five days.
Our skilled tutors and lecturers will give you the academic support you need to pass your course. This includes help on how to understand assignment questions.
Get support from your fellow students in online study groups. This is a great way to help each other and work together to achieve the same goal.
ICB Financial Accounting courses have credits that show how much learning is needed to complete the course. Each subject you pass gives you a certain number of credits. When you have enough credits, you can earn your full qualification.
You do not need high school maths to study ICB Accounting courses online. The courses teach you the maths skills you need, such as working with percentages and doing basic calculations. This means anyone who is willing to learn can succeed.
The ICB Financial Accounting programme is made up of different levels on the National Qualifications Framework (NQF). Each level builds on the one before it, starting at NQF Level 3 and going up to NQF Level 6. The higher the level, the more advanced the skills you will learn.
To get an ICB (Institute of Certified Bookkeepers) certificate, you need to successfully complete the requirements for your chosen ICB course. Here’s the process:
Register for Your ICB Course Enrol with an accredited college such as Skills Academy, which will register you with the ICB.
Complete Your Portfolio of Evidence (PoE) This includes assignments, tests, and practical activities done during your course. Your PoE counts toward your final mark.
Write the ICB Exam You must register for and pass the final ICB exam for each subject. The overall pass mark is 60% (combined PoE and exam results).
Meet All Requirements Complete all subjects within your programme, ensuring you meet the qualification’s specific NQF level criteria.
Receive Your Certificate Once you’ve passed, the ICB will issue your certificate, which is SAQA-registered and nationally recognised. If you’ve completed all levels, you’ll receive the final qualification certificate (e.g., National Diploma).
The ICB (Institute of Certified Bookkeepers) offers practical, SAQA-recognised courses in bookkeeping, accounting, business management, and office administration. You can start with Grade 10 and progress to an NQF Level 6 national diploma.
ACCA (Association of Chartered Certified Accountants) is an advanced, internationally recognised professional qualification in accounting, auditing, and financial management. It usually requires Matric with maths, a diploma, or a degree, and prepares you for senior accounting and finance roles globally.
ICB is best for building your career foundation, while ACCA is aimed at higher-level, specialised accounting positions.
For most accounting courses, you’ll need Mathematics (or Mathematical Literacy for some entry-level programmes) and English. At school level, subjects like Business Studies and Accounting can give you an advantage, but they’re not always compulsory.
If you don’t have Matric, you can still start with entry-level courses like the ICB National Certificate in Bookkeeping through Skills Academy, which only requires Grade 10. From there, you can work your way up to higher accounting qualifications.
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