ICB (Institute of Certified Bookkeepers) courses help students learn accounting, office administration, and business management skills. These courses are officially recognised in South Africa, but you need to study with an ICB accredited training providers to get a real qualification.
But who is an ICB accredited training provider? Let’s find out.
ICB Training And Study Options
To get an official ICB qualification, you need to study with an accredited training provider. In this section, we will explain how to check if a training provider is accredited and highlight some of the ICB accredited training providers in South Africa, including why Skills Academy is a great choice for your studies.
How Do I Know If A Training Provider Is Accredited In South Africa?
It’s important to study with an accredited training provider. If the provider is not accredited, your qualification won’t be recognised by employers.
Here’s how to check if a provider is accredited:
- Visit the ICB website – The ICB lists all approved training providers.
- Check with QCTO – The Quality Council for Trades and Occupations (QCTO) manages training accreditation in South Africa.
- Ask the provider – An accredited provider will have proof of registration.
- Look for ICB exams – Only approved providers can offer official ICB exams.
If the provider is not on the ICB website, they are not accredited. Always double-check before signing up.
ICB Accredited Training Providers In South Africa
There are many accredited ICB training providers in South Africa. We are proud to be one of them. Here are some of the ICB accredited training providers:
- Bellview Institute of Distance Learning
- Skills Academy
Bellview Institute of Distance Learning
Bellview Institute is ICB-accredited and offers distance learning courses. This means students can study from home while still getting the support they need.
Skills Academy
At Skills Academy, we make it easy and affordable to study ICB courses. Our distance learning programmes let students study from anywhere in South Africa while getting full tutor support.
Why choose us?
- Study at your own pace – Learn when it suits you, with no fixed class times.
- Helpful tutors – Get guidance from experts who help you understand the course material.
- Recognised qualifications – Our ICB courses are trusted by employers.
- Easy sign-up – Registering is simple and hassle-free.
- Affordable payment options – We offer monthly payment plans so you can study without stress.
If you want to study from anywhere in South Africa with full support, Skills Academy is a great choice.
ICB Courses
We offer ICB courses in accounting and office administration. These courses prepare students for real jobs in business, finance, and office management.
ICB Accounting Courses
Our accounting courses teach students how to manage business finances, prepare tax returns, and handle company accounts.
- Junior Bookkeeper Course (ICB National Certificate) – Covers bookkeeping basics, financial transactions, and business literacy.
- Certified Senior Bookkeeper (ICB Certificate) – Teaches financial statements, payroll, and management accounting.
- Technical Financial Accounting (ICB National Diploma) – Covers tax returns, business law, and advanced financial skills.
- Certified Financial Accounting (ICB National Diploma) – Focuses on financial management, business strategy, and advanced accounting techniques.
ICB Office Administration Courses
Our office administration courses help students build strong business and organisational skills.
- Junior Office Administrator (ICB National Certificate) – Covers business literacy, bookkeeping, and office support.
- Higher Certificate in Office Administration – Includes business law, human resources, and customer service.
- Diploma in Office Administration (Certified Office Manager) – Prepares students for senior office roles, focusing on financial statements and business planning.
Want to study an ICB course that fits your schedule? We offer ICB courses that help you build real-world skills in accounting, business, and office management. Take the first step towards your future. Contact us today and start learning!
ICB courses lead to certificates and diplomas that help students get jobs in accounting and office management. In the next section, we will explore the different ICB qualifications and how they can help your career.
ICB Qualifications And Courses
ICB courses help you build skills in finance, bookkeeping, business, and office administration. These courses are practical and job-focused, making it easier to find work. You can study from home and get a recognised qualification that employers trust.
Is ICB A Good Qualification?
Yes! ICB courses are well-respected in South Africa. They are approved by the Quality Council for Trades and Occupations (QCTO) and meet workplace standards. Many businesses prefer hiring people with ICB training because these courses teach real skills that companies need.
If you want to work in finance or office admin, this qualification will help you. You can also use it to start your own business. Since you can study online, it’s a great choice for people who have other commitments.
What Makes ICB Programmes So Successful?
ICB courses prepare you for real jobs. They focus on skills that employers look for. Here’s why these courses stand out:
- Recognised and trusted – ICB is known in South Africa, and its courses meet industry standards.
- Designed for careers – You learn the skills needed for bookkeeping, business, or accounting jobs.
- Study from home – You don’t need to attend classes, so you can learn at your own pace.
- Practical learning – The training matches what happens in real workplaces, so you’re ready to work.
How Does ICB Work?
ICB courses follow a step-by-step process. Each level builds on the one before, helping you move up.
- Each course has subjects – You will study different topics that help you gain knowledge.
- You complete a Portfolio of Evidence (PoE) – This is a file with assignments and tasks that count towards your final mark.
- Final exams decide your qualification – Once you pass, you get a certificate.
- You can keep learning – Start with a Junior Bookkeeping Certificate and move up to a Financial Accounting Diploma.
How Do I Register As A New ICB Student?
Signing up for ICB courses is simple. Follow these steps:
- Pick a course – Choose an ICB course that matches what you want to do.
- Check the entry requirements – Some courses need Grade 10 or 11, while others need a previous ICB qualification.
- Find a training provider – ICB courses are offered through registered colleges, like Skills Academy.
- Register with ICB – Fill in the registration form and pay your fees.
- Start studying – Get your study materials, complete assignments, and prepare for exams.
Want a career in finance, business, or office admin? Join our college and get the skills you need to succeed!
Before you start your ICB journey, it’s important to know what the entry requirements are and how much you’ll need to budget for fees. Different courses have different requirements, and knowing these details helps you plan ahead
ICB Requirements And Fees
Before signing up for an ICB course, you need to know what the entry requirements are and how much it will cost. Each course has its own rules, and understanding them will help you make the right choice.
Whether you’re interested in accounting or office administration, there’s a course that suits you.
What Are The ICB Course Requirements?
ICB courses have different entry requirements depending on the qualification you want. The two main options are Accounting and Office Administration.
Accounting Course Requirements
- Junior Bookkeeper: ICB National Certificate – You need at least Grade 10 (or equivalent).
- Certified Senior Bookkeeper: ICB Certificate – You must complete the Junior Bookkeeper course first.
- Technical Financial Accounting: ICB National Diploma – You need the Senior Bookkeeper Certificate before moving up.
- Certified Financial Accounting: ICB National Diploma – This is the highest ICB financial accounting qualification. You must complete the Technical Financial Accounting Diploma before enrolling.
Office Administration Course Requirements
- Junior Office Administrator: ICB National Certificate – You need Matric (Grade 12) or an equivalent qualification.
- Office Administration: ICB Higher Certificate – You must complete the Junior Office Administrator course first.
- Certified Office Manager: ICB Diploma – This is the highest level and requires the Higher Certificate in Office Administration.
Each course helps you build skills and move to a higher level.
Can I Study ICB Without Matric?
Yes! You can study ICB accounting courses without Matric.
The Junior Bookkeeper: ICB National Certificate only requires Grade 10 (or equivalent). This is a good choice if you don’t have Matric but want to work in bookkeeping and accounting.
Once you finish this course, you can move on to higher qualifications like the ICB National Diploma in Financial Accounting. This means you can still get a qualification even if you didn’t finish school.
ICB Course Fees
The cost of ICB courses depends on the college you choose, your study materials, and the ICB exam fees.
As of 2025, these are the ICB fees:
- Annual Student Registration Fee: R500 (paid once per year).
- Exam Fee per Subject: R915.
These fees are paid directly to ICB. Other costs, like study materials and tuition fees, depend on your training provider. Some colleges offer payment plans to help make studying more affordable.
Want to start a career in finance, bookkeeping, or office administration? Contact us today to enrol and gain the skills you need to succeed.
After signing up for your course, the next step is preparing for ICB exams. These tests check what you’ve learned and help you earn your qualification. Let’s go over how ICB exams work and what you need to do to pass.
ICB Exams
ICB exams are an important part of getting your qualification. They test what you have learned and help show that you are ready for a job. The exams are fair and designed to check that you understand your course. If you study and prepare, you can pass with confidence.
How Long Are ICB Exams?
ICB exams usually take between 2 and 3 hours, depending on the subject.
- Computer-based exams – Some courses allow you to write your exam on a computer, which can sometimes be quicker.
- Paper-based exams – These follow the traditional way of writing exams and may take a bit longer.
- Open-book assessments – Some subjects require you to submit a Portfolio of Evidence (PoE) instead of a final exam. This includes assignments and tests done during the course.
It’s always a good idea to check how your course assessments work so you can prepare properly.
What Is the ICB Pass Mark?
To pass an ICB exam, you need at least 60%. Your final mark is made up of:
- Portfolio of Evidence (PoE) – This counts for 30% of your final mark. It includes coursework, tests, and assignments you complete during your studies.
- Final exam – This makes up 70% of your total mark.
You must complete and submit your PoE before writing your final exam. This helps you prepare better and gives you a chance to score marks before the exam day.
What Happens If You Fail An ICB Exam?
If you don’t pass your ICB exam, don’t worry—you have options.
- Re-write the exam – You can register to try again in the next exam session.
- Keep your PoE score – Your Portfolio of Evidence remains valid, so you only need to improve your final exam mark.
- Extra support – You can go over your study materials again or ask for help to improve your understanding.
If you fail multiple times, you may need to redo the subject to make sure you fully understand the work before writing again.
ICB exams test your skills and prepare you for the workplace. With the right preparation and effort, you can do well. Make sure you complete your PoE, study hard, and do your best in the final exam. If you don’t pass the first time, you always have another chance to improve and succeed.
Want to work in finance, bookkeeping, or office administration? Join our college today and start building your future.
Frequently Asked Questions
ICB stands for Institute of Certified Bookkeepers. It is a training body that teaches bookkeeping, accounting, business, and office administration. These courses help people get skills for jobs in finance and business.
Yes, ICB is accredited by the Quality Council for Trades and Occupations (QCTO). This means the courses meet national education standards in South Africa. An ICB qualification shows that you have learned the right skills for the workplace.
ICB qualifications are recognised by employers and businesses across South Africa. Many companies prefer to hire people with ICB training, especially in finance and office administration. ICB graduates can also join professional organisations like the South African Institute of Tax Professionals (SAIT).
Yes, some ICB qualifications are recognised in other countries, including the United Kingdom and parts of Europe. Some professional organisations accept ICB graduates, but rules are different in each country. You may need extra training or work experience to find a job overseas.
ICB offers different qualifications, including National Certificates, Higher Certificates, and Diplomas. The highest ICB qualification is the National Diploma in Financial Accounting. To earn a diploma, you must pass all courses and complete practical work experience.
ICB teaches bookkeeping, accounting, and business skills, mainly for small to medium-sized businesses. ACCA (Association of Chartered Certified Accountants) is a global course for professional accountants. ICB is faster and more practical, while ACCA takes longer and is more advanced.
