The Institute of Certified Bookkeepers (ICB) is an external exam body that has been around in South Africa since 1931. They offer both business and finance qualifications. So how does ICB work? Well you can study their courses at your own pace through an accredited college. At the end of your course, you will receive a certificate from ICB and FASSET.
How Do ICB Courses Work?
To study ICB Courses, you must be enrolled with a training provider. These are colleges that make sure you are exam ready and get all the support you need. Each subject in your ICB course has a portfolio of evidence (PoE) you must complete before the final exam.
Can I Study Directly Through ICB?
No, you cannot study directly through ICB. They are not a college, so they cannot send you any study material, help when you are struggling with coursework or even host graduations. It is best that you study at a college that offers you all this and more. Skills Academy is an accredited ICB training provider. We have highly-qualified lecturers to help you pass your course.
What Is An ICB Portfolio Of Evidence?
An ICB portfolio of evidence, or PoE, is a collection of tests and assignments you must complete as proof that you understand your coursework. In your PoE you will find the following:
- An ID verification section
- An overview of your course
- Course admin
- Practice questions
- Two tests
- Three assignments
- Exam preparation
- Final exam
What is ICB MACCI?
MACCI is the online platform you must use to complete your PoE. You will gain access to MACCI as soon as you pay your registration fee and book your first exam.
What Is The PoE Completion Deadline?
The PoE completion deadline is a specific date (usually one week before the exam) by which you must submit your entire PoE. If it is not handed in by or before this date, you will not be allowed to write.
How Do I Register With ICB?
No need to worry, registering for an ICB course is a very simple process. You can do it online from the comfort of your home. All you have to do is follow the steps below:
- Use Google Chrome.
- Go to the ICB Student Portal.
- Create a profile.
- Click on ‘register for a course’.
- Choose the course you want to study.
- From a drop-down list, select your training provider/college.
- Confirm your registration.
- Pay the annual registration fee.
Which ICB Courses Can I Study?
Each ICB Course has three or four levels, and each level has its own set of subjects. You can do as many or as few of these subjects at a time. But keep in mind that you have to complete all the subjects in a course to receive a qualification.
Financial Accounting Courses
If you want to make a successful career out of your love for numbers, you should consider studying financial accounting courses with ICB.
- Junior Bookkeeping Certificate
- Senior Bookkeeping Certificate
- Technical Financial Accounting Diploma
- Certified Financial Accounting Diploma
Business Management Courses
This course is perfect for those who want to improve their management skills and learn what it takes to run a business.
- Small Business Financial Management Certificate
- Business Management: Office Admin Higher Certificate
- Business Management: Financial Accounting Diploma
Office Administration Courses
Office administrators have a unique set of skills that helps them support staff and keep an office well organised.
What Is The Entry Requirement For ICB Programmes?
The requirements for each programme are:
- Bookkeeping – Have Grade 10 and be at least 16 years old.
- Financial Accounting – You must have passed the ICB bookkeeping courses.
- Business Management – Grade 11
- Office Administration – Grade 12 or equivalent
How Do ICB Exams Work?
There are two ways to write your ICB exam – online or paper-based. You can choose the type of exam that suits you best. The online exams can be written monthly, whereas the paper exams are only available twice a year. If you change your mind about the type of exam you booked, you can switch between online and paper-based.
How Do ICB Online Exams Work?
Just like the paper-based exam, online exams last three hours. But we know loadshedding is a major cause of stress, so you can now choose any time between 9 am and 1 pm to begin writing your exam. Your online exam is invigilated by monitoring you through your webcam and tracking your computer for any unusual movements.
Where Can I Write My ICB Exams?
You can write your online exam anywhere, as long as you are alone in a room and your computer meets all the technical requirements. The paper exams have to be written at an approved ICB exam venue. In 2023, the number of venues will be fewer. This means you can only write at main centres, which include:
- Akasia Country Club
- Benoni Central Methodist Church
- Damelin – East London
- Glenwood Presbyterian Church
- Goodwood Sports Club
- IBTC Sandton
Why Should I Study ICB Courses?
There are many great reasons why you should choose ICB courses. Let us explore just a few of them below:
- They are accredited.
- You can study at your own pace.
- Study on campus or at home via distance learning.
- Coursework is updated every year.
- No strict entry requirements.
- The courses are internationally recognised.
Where Can I Study ICB Courses?
There are over 500 ICB training providers. This means you have many options. To help you narrow it down, all you have to do is consider your lifestyle and study needs. Skills Academy is an accredited distance-learning college. We have experienced lecturers to help you pass your ICB course with flying colours. Our trusted couriers will deliver your study material to you, no matter where you live in South Africa:
- Western Cape
- Eastern Cape
- Northern Cape
- KwaZulu-Natal
- North West
- Mpumalanga
- Gauteng
- Limpopo
- Free State
Are ICB Qualifications Recognised?
Yes, ICB qualifications are accredited by SAQA and registered on the NQF.
To find out more about ICB, please feel free to chat with our course experts. They can give you all the information you need to start your study journey.
Skills Academy is the word support in every way.
Frequently Asked Questions
You can pass your ICB exams by completing your PoE on time and creating a study schedule you can stick to. If you are struggling to understand your coursework, you should contact your lecturer or tutor asap.
You can kick-start your career in a variety of business and finance fields. You can take your pick from jobs such as:
- Bookkeeper
- Accounting Technician
- Taxation Clerk
- Cost Clerk
- Office Administrator
- Business Manager
To start your ICB diploma in accounting, you must first pass the two ICB bookkeeping courses.
A beginner accountant is called a junior accountant.
