You don’t need a matric certificate to study bookkeeping! The ICB (Institute of Certified Bookkeepers) Bookkeeping Courses allow you to start learning without it. You can build your skills step by step and work towards higher qualifications.
Bookkeeping isn’t just about numbers — it’s about accuracy, structure, and working with financial information every day. Before you commit to an ICB Bookkeeping Course, it’s important to know whether this type of work matches your strengths and interests.
Can I Study Bookkeeping Without Matric?
Yes, you can! The ICB Junior Bookkeeping Course (ICB National Certificate) only requires Grade 10. You don’t need to have completed matric.
This course teaches you the basics of bookkeeping, including:
- How to record money coming in and going out
- How to prepare financial statements
- How to handle salaries and wages
- How to use bookkeeping software
If you want to work in finance but don’t have matric, this is a great place to start.
What Are the Requirements for ICB Bookkeeping?
Each ICB bookkeeping course has different entry requirements. Here’s a simple breakdown:
| Course | What You Need to Start |
|---|---|
| ICB Junior Bookkeeping (National Certificate) | Grade 10 |
| ICB Senior Bookkeeping (FET Certificate) | ICB Junior Bookkeeping Course |
| ICB Technical Financial Accounting (National Diploma) | ICB Senior Bookkeeping Course |
| ICB Certified Financial Accounting (National Diploma) | ICB Technical Financial Accounting Course |
This means you can start learning even if you don’t have matric. You can also keep studying to get a national diploma in financial accounting.
Which Bookkeeping Course Is Best?
The best bookkeeping course for you depends on your current education level and career goals. Below is a guide to help you decide:
Best Course for Beginners (No Matric)
- ICB Junior Bookkeeping (National Certificate) – If you have Grade 10 or higher, this is the best starting point.
Best Course to Grow Your Career
- ICB Senior Bookkeeping (FET Certificate) – Choose this if you’ve already completed Junior Bookkeeping and want to move forward.
Best Course for Advanced Learning
- ICB Technical Financial Accounting (National Diploma) – This course teaches more complex finance skills, including tax and management accounting.
Best Course to Become a Certified Financial Accountant
- ICB Certified Financial Accounting (National Diploma) – This is the highest ICB qualification. With this, you can work as a professional accountant.
You can start with ICB Junior Bookkeeping and keep going until you reach the highest level.
Start Today!
If you want to study bookkeeping but don’t have matric, ICB courses give you a great chance. You only need Grade 10 to begin. Step by step, you can earn a recognised bookkeeping or accounting qualification.
Can You Do a Bookkeeping Course Online?
Yes, you can study bookkeeping online. Skills Academy offers distance learning courses, so you can study from home. You will get all your study materials, help from tutors, and access to online support. This makes it easy to learn bookkeeping while managing other responsibilities.
Accredited Bookkeeping Courses in South Africa
Skills Academy offers accredited bookkeeping courses. The Institute of Certified Bookkeepers (ICB) and the Quality Council for Trades and Occupations (QCTO) approve these courses. This means employers recognise the qualifications, and they meet industry standards.
Bookkeeping Courses at Skills Academy
- Junior Bookkeeper Course (ICB National Certificate)
- Certified Senior Bookkeeper (ICB Certificate)
- Technical Financial Accounting (ICB National Diploma)
- Certified Financial Accounting (ICB National Diploma)
These courses teach you important skills like keeping financial records, handling payroll, and preparing financial statements. Finishing one of these courses can help you find a bookkeeping job.
Where Can I Study to Become a Bookkeeper?
You can study bookkeeping with Skills Academy through distance learning. This means you can learn at your own pace with support from tutors. Distance learning is great if you have a busy schedule and cannot attend classes in person.
How Long Is a Bookkeeping Course?
A bookkeeping course can take different amounts of time to finish. It depends on the level of the course you choose.
Duration of Bookkeeping Courses
Bookkeeping courses come in different levels. Each one takes a different amount of time:
- Junior Bookkeeper Course (ICB National Certificate) – 16 months
- Certified Senior Bookkeeper Course (ICB Certificate) – 24 months
- Technical Financial Accounting Course (ICB National Diploma) – 28 months
- Certified Financial Accounting Course (ICB National Diploma) – 36 months.
Each course builds on the one before it. If you start with the Junior Bookkeeper Course, you can move up step by step to the higher levels.
Study Method
You can study bookkeeping through distance learning. This means you can study from home at your own speed. To pass, you must complete assignments, exams, and a Portfolio of Evidence (PoE) as proof of what you have learned.
Choosing the Right Course Duration
The time it takes to finish depends on your study schedule. If you study full-time, you may complete it faster. If you study part-time, it will take longer.
Bookkeeping Courses Prices
The price of a bookkeeping course depends on a few things. Here are some factors that affect the fees:
Factors That Affect Course Fees
The cost of bookkeeping courses can change based on:
- Course level – Higher-level courses usually cost more.
- Study materials – Some courses include books, while others may not.
- Accreditation – Courses with professional accreditation may have extra costs for exams and certificates.
- Payment options – Some places let you pay in smaller amounts over time.
How to Find Out More About Costs
For exact prices, it’s best to talk to course providers. Skills Academy offers affordable payment plans to make it easier for students to pay for their studies.
If you’re thinking about studying bookkeeping, contact a course advisor to find out about fees and payment options.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, there are courses you can study without matric. Many provider programmes and skills-based courses do not require a matric certificate. These include courses in business management, human resource management, bookkeeping, and many more.
You can study these courses through distance learning and gain valuable skills for the workplace. If you would like to further your education, you can also complete an Adult Matric course and improve your qualifications.
No, you cannot study directly with the Institute of Certified Bookkeepers (ICB). ICB is an examination body that provides accredited qualifications but does not offer training directly to students.
Instead, you must register with an accredited training provider, such as a distance learning college, to complete your studies. Your college will provide study material and support, while ICB will conduct your exams.
ICB exams vary in length depending on the subject. Typically, written exams last between 2 and 3 hours. Online exams may have different time limits, so it is important to check the details for each specific exam.
ICB exams are structured to test your understanding of bookkeeping, accounting, or business management concepts, and passing these exams is required to earn an ICB qualification.
Yes, you can progress from a bookkeeper to an accountant by furthering your studies. Bookkeeping is the first step in an accounting career. If you start with a Junior Bookkeeping qualification, you can continue with higher-level courses such as the ICB Certified Financial Accounting Diploma.
With experience and further qualifications, you may qualify as an accountant. However, if you wish to become a Chartered Accountant (CA), you will need to complete a degree and further professional training.
Author : Kirsten Keet
