The Institute for Certified Bookkeepers (ICB) is an external exam body. This means that they are responsible for creating high-quality exams that meet national and international standards. All their programmes are accredited, and every training provider that offers their courses has to be accredited too. So you do not have to worry about ICB accreditation. You can rest assured that your course meets all the necessary requirements.
Are ICB Qualifications Recognised?
ICB qualifications are recognised both locally and abroad. ICB is a prominent organisation, so many employers prefer to hire those who have studied these courses. There are also a number of national and international organisations that recognise and offer benefits to ICB graduates.
Are ICB Qualifications Recognised In South Africa?
Yes, ICB qualifications are recognised in South Africa.
National Recognition
The external bodies that recognise your ICB qualification in South Africa include:
- SAQA – South African Qualifications Authority
- SAIT – South African Institute of Taxation
- SAIBA – Southern African Institute for Business Accountants
SAQA
When a course is accredited by SAQA, it gets a special ID number. For example, the National Certificate in Bookkeeping’s SAQA ID is 58375. So if your course claims to be accredited by SAQA and you want to double-check, you can look for its number and then search for it online. Your qualification should then pop up.
SAIT
If your dream is to become a tax practitioner in South Africa, you should register with SAIT first. They are the biggest professional tax body in the country. Once you become a member, you can access many benefits to help you throughout your career. A few of these benefits include professional insurance worth up to R5 million, helpline support and SARS tax registration within 24 hours.
SAIBA
SAIBA offers membership for those who have finance qualifications. You can apply to be a member if you have an NQF level 6 ICB qualification. They offer support to you no matter where you are in your career. SAIBA membership also comes with a designation, which is a special title. You can use this title to help secure a good job.
International Recognition
If you are looking to start a new life overseas, feel free to take your ICB qualification along with you. No need to worry about the type of job you will have when you go abroad, these skills are travel-sized. Many international bodies will recognise your ICB qualification and allow you to apply for membership. Check out a few of the main ones below.
- ACCA – Association of Chartered Certified Accountants
- IAB – Institute of Accountants and Bookkeepers
- IAAP – International Association of Accounting Professionals
ACCA
ACCA is based in the United Kingdom. It is the fastest-growing accounting body in the world. There are over 300 000 members and students in more than 160 countries. If you want to study further and become a chartered accountant, you can apply for exemptions with your ICB diploma.
IAB
IAB is a non-profit organisation. Their focus is on providing their members with support and advice throughout their finance careers. This organisation has won many awards and is especially passionate about preventing money laundering. If this is one of your passions too, you could join them. Membership depends on your qualifications, so make sure to do research before you apply.
IAAP
The IAAP specifically recognises finance qualifications. All you need to apply for membership is an ICB NQF level 4 in Bookkeeping. If your application is accepted, you will also receive a special title you can use.
Who Accredits ICB Courses?
ICB courses are accredited by the National Qualifications Framework (NQF). The NQF ensures that everyone who studies toward a qualification learns relevant skills to suit the South African job market. ICB is also a quality assurance partner for the Quality Council for Trades and Occupations (QCTO).
Which Colleges Offer Accredited ICB Courses?
You can study accredited ICB courses via distance learning at the following colleges:
- Skills Academy
- Bellview Institute of Distance Learning
- Matric College
What Is An ICB Qualification Equivalent To?
Since ICB qualifications are registered on the NQF, they are equivalent to the NQF levels 3-6.
NQF Level 3 | NQF Level 4 | NQF Level 5 | NQF Level 6 |
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Can I Get A Job With An ICB Certificate?
Yes, you can get a job with an ICB certificate. The skills you will gain in these courses are enough to set you up for a long and successful career. Check out a few of your options below:
- Bookkeeper
- Accounting Technician
- Financial Accountant
- Office Manager
- Tax Consultant
- Project Manager
- Sales Representative
- Office Administrator
- Receptionist
- Personal Assistant
- Accounts Clerk
Which ICB Courses Can I Study?
There are three main ICB Courses you can study. You can choose the one that suits your interests and get set for an exciting study journey. Your options include:
Accounting and Bookkeeping Courses
Take your passion for finance and turn it into a successful career. There are four levels to this programme, and it takes 36 months to complete. You must first start with the bookkeeping courses, and then you can work your way up to a national diploma in financial accounting.
- Certificate in Junior Bookkeeping
- National Certificate in Senior Bookkeeping
- National Diploma in Technical Financial Accounting
- National Diploma in Financial Accounting
Business Management Courses
These courses are perfect for those who want to learn both finance and business management skills to help take companies to the top. It takes three years to complete this course. Afterwards, you can apply for jobs such as supply chain manager, business analyst, project manager and more.
- National Certificate in Small Business Financial Management
- Higher Certificate in Business Management
- National Diploma in Business Management
Office Administration Courses
With the sought-after admin skills you will gain in ICB Office Administration, you will have countless opportunities at your feet. There are three levels to this programme, and in just three years you can become a professional office manager.
What Are The Benefits Of Accredited Courses?
If you want to secure your dream job and climb the corporate ladder, an accredited course is the way to go. Your recognised course can give you the kickstart you need to enter your industry successfully. A few more benefits include:
- Get hired
- Earn a higher salary
- Counts toward signing up with a professional body
- Makes it easier to study further
Get Hired
Studying an accredited course shows employers your skills are credible and of a very high standard. This means you stand a better chance of getting hired.
Earn A Higher Salary
If you would like to get promoted, or if you are in the process of negotiating your salary for a new job, an accredited course will count in your favour. It can also help you get your foot in the door to jobs that are in higher salary brackets.
Counts Toward Signing Up With A Professional Body
Becoming a member of a professional body has many benefits that could help you get the job of your dreams. But the basic entry requirements are to have an accredited qualification. So do not miss out on opportunities to climb the corporate ladder with a non-accredited course.
Makes It Easier To Study Further
Studying further is a great way to keep up with relevant skills in your industry. If you have an accredited qualification, it is easier to apply to study more accredited courses and boost your career. This is because the institution you study with will be able to verify that the skills you already have, match the programme you want to study with them.
Frequently Asked Questions
ICB is an external exam body based in the UK. However, they have been offering qualifications in South Africa since 1931. They set your exams and ensure that you receive a certificate from FASSET at the end of your course.
ICB MACCI is the online platform you must use to complete your Portfolio of Evidence (PoE).
NSFAS does not fund ICB Courses. They only fund undergraduate programmes at public universities.
You can study accredited Bookkeeping Courses right here at Skills Academy. We are a distance learning college, so you can enrol with us no matter where you are based in South Africa. Our lecturers and tutors are highly qualified to help you pass your ICB bookkeeping course.
