ICB courses help you learn skills for accounting or office work. You can study from home and finish at your own pace. Before you sign up, it’s good to know the ICB course duration, how much they cost, and what you need to start.
ICB Course Duration And Fees
Each ICB course takes a different amount of time to complete. The fees also depend on what you need, like registration, exam costs, and study materials. Knowing this helps you plan your studies and budget better.
ICB Course Duration In South Africa
The time it takes to finish an ICB course depends on which one you choose. Here’s how long it takes to complete an ICB Accounting or Office Administration course.
ICB Accounting Courses
- Junior Bookkeeper (ICB National Certificate) – About 16 months
- Certified Senior Bookkeeping (ICB Certificate) – About 24 months
- Technical Financial Accounting (ICB National Diploma) – About 28 months
- Certified Financial Accounting: ICB National Diploma – About 36 months
ICB Office Administration Courses
- Junior Office Administration (ICB National Certificate) – About 24 months
- Office Administration (ICB Higher Certificate) – About 26 months
- Certified Office Manager (ICB Diploma) – About 36 months
Since these courses are self-paced, some students finish faster if they dedicate more study time.
How Long Are ICB Exams?
ICB exams test your knowledge and understanding of the course material. Here’s what you need to know about them:
- Most ICB exams are three hours long.
- Exams include multiple-choice questions and written tasks.
- Students also need to submit a Portfolio of Evidence (PoE), which counts toward their final mark.
The PoE consists of assignments, tests, and a final exam. It makes up 30% of the total mark, while the final written exam counts for 70%.
ICB Course Fees
To study an ICB course, you’ll need to pay for registration, exams, and study materials. Below is a breakdown of the 2025 fees:
| Fee Type | Amount (ZAR) |
|---|---|
| Annual Student Registration Fee | R500 |
| Assessment Fee per Subject | R915 |
| Assessment Postponement Fee per Subject | R375 |
| Assessment Late Entry Fee per Subject | R585 |
| Assessment Re-mark & Examiner’s Report | R1,350 |
| Private Invigilator Admin Fee | R2,200 |
| Workplace PoE Assessments (Learnerships) | R1,800 |
| RPL/Exemption Application Fee | R600 |
| RPL/Exemption Fee per Subject (No PoE Required) | R475 |
| RPL PoE Fee per Subject (PoE Required) | R1,050 |
| Printed ICB Certificate Reprint (Domestic Postage) | R440 |
| Printed ICB Certificate Reprint (International Postage) | R660 |
| Certificate Resend Fee – Domestic | R220 |
| Certificate Resend Fee – International | R580 |
| Results Transcript (Print & Send) | R180 |
Note: Fees are subject to change. Always refer to the official ICB website for the most current information.
Some colleges that offer ICB courses allow students to pay in instalments, making fees more affordable. It’s best to check with your chosen training provider for exact costs and payment options.
Want to start a career in bookkeeping or office administration? Our courses help you gain the skills employers look for. Contact us today to find out how you can enrol and begin your learning journey!
Now that you know how long ICB courses take and how much they cost, it’s time to look at what studying involves. Let’s explore what you can expect as an ICB student.
Studying ICB Courses
If you want to work in finance, bookkeeping, or office administration, ICB courses can help you build the right skills. These courses teach real-life knowledge that can help you find a job or start a business.
Since you can study from home, you can learn at your own pace while still managing your daily tasks.
What Does ICB Stand For?
ICB stands for the Institute of Certified Bookkeepers. This organisation provides courses in financial management, accounting, business, and office administration.
ICB courses are designed for people who want to work in finance or business, even if they don’t have a university degree. With an ICB qualification, you can apply for jobs or even register with professional accounting groups.
Is ICB Recognised in South Africa?
Yes! ICB qualifications are recognised all over South Africa. They are accredited by the Quality Council for Trades and Occupations (QCTO), which means they meet high standards.
ICB courses are respected by employers because they teach practical skills. You can also register with organisations like the Institute of Accounting and Commerce (IAC) or the South African Institute of Taxation (SAIT) once you qualify.
If you want to work as a bookkeeper, financial accountant, or office administrator, an ICB certificate or diploma can help you get hired.
Where Can I Study ICB Courses?
One of the best places to study ICB courses is Skills Academy. This distance learning college offers flexible and affordable study options, so you can learn at your own pace from anywhere in South Africa.
While Bellview Institute of Distance Learning also offers ICB courses, Skills Academy stands out for its great student support, structured learning plans, and easy access to course materials.
Since ICB courses are available through distance learning, you don’t need to travel to a campus. This makes it easier to study while working or handling personal responsibilities.
ICB Courses At Skills Academy
At Skills Academy, we offer ICB courses in Accounting and Office Administration. These courses are perfect for people who want to work in finance, bookkeeping, or business administration.
ICB Accounting Courses
These courses focus on bookkeeping, financial management, and tax. Each level builds on the one before:
- Junior Bookkeeper (ICB National Certificate) – Learn how to record transactions, balance books, and understand basic financial reports.
- Certified Senior Bookkeeping (ICB Certificate) – Covers payroll, financial statements, and tax returns.
- Technical Financial Accounting (ICB National Diploma) – Teaches cost and management accounting, financial reporting, and tax principles.
- Certified Financial Accounting (ICB National Diploma) – The highest level, covering business law, corporate strategy, and advanced accounting skills.
ICB Office Administration Courses
If you enjoy business and office work, these courses teach you how to manage an office and support a company’s daily operations:
- Junior Office Administration (ICB National Certificate) – Learn about office duties, business communication, and bookkeeping basics.
- Office Administration (ICB Higher Certificate) – Covers business law, administration processes, and financial skills.
- Certified Office Manager (ICB Diploma) – The most advanced level, focusing on human resources, business operations, and financial management.
Want to build your career in finance, business, or administration? Our courses give you the skills that employers want. Contact us today to find out how you can enrol and start learning.
Understanding where to study and what courses are available is just the first step. The next thing to consider is what you need to enrol and how to successfully complete your ICB course. Let’s break down the entry requirements and pass criteria.
ICB Course Requirements And Pass Requirements
If you want to study an ICB course, you need to know if you meet the entry requirements. Whether you’re interested in accounting or office administration, it’s important to check what you need to start your course and pass your exams. This section explains it all in a simple way.
ICB Course Requirements
Each ICB course has its own entry requirements. Some courses need Matric, while others don’t. Here’s what you need to know:
ICB Accounting Course Requirements
ICB accounting courses are available at different levels. Each one builds on the last:
- Junior Bookkeeper (ICB National Certificate) – You need Grade 10 (Standard 8) or an equivalent qualification.
- Certified Senior Bookkeeping (ICB Certificate) – You must first complete the Junior Bookkeeper course.
- Technical Financial Accounting (ICB National Diploma) – You must finish the Senior Bookkeeping Certificate before starting this course.
- Certified Financial Accounting (ICB National Diploma) – To do this course, you must complete Technical Financial Accounting first.
ICB Office Administration Course Requirements
To study ICB Office Administration, you need Matric (Grade 12) or an equivalent qualification.
- Junior Office Administration (ICB National Certificate) – You need Matric or an NQF Level 4 qualification.
- Office Administration (ICB Higher Certificate) – To do this course, you must finish the Junior Office Administration course first.
- Certified Office Manager (ICB Diploma) – You can only study this once you have the Office Administration Higher Certificate.
Can I Study ICB Without Matric?
Yes! You don’t need Matric to study one ICB course. The Junior Bookkeeper (ICB National Certificate) only requires Grade 10 (Standard 8) or an equivalent qualification.
This is a good option if you want to start a career in bookkeeping but didn’t finish Matric. Once you pass, you can move up to higher ICB qualifications and keep building your skills.
What Is The ICB Pass Mark?
To pass an ICB course, you must complete assignments, tests, and a final exam. Your final mark is made up of two parts:
- Portfolio of Evidence (PoE) – This includes assignments and tests you do during your course. It makes up 30% of your final mark.
- Final Exam – This is a written exam and counts for 70% of your final mark.
To pass an ICB subject, you need to:
- Get at least 50% in the final exam.
- Have a total mark of 60% or higher (PoE + final exam combined).
If you don’t pass, you can rewrite the exam or ask for a remark if you were close to passing.
ICB courses help you build skills and grow your career. The entry requirements are clear, and the pass mark is achievable with the right effort. If you’re ready to get started, take the next step and enrol today!
Frequently Asked Questions
You need to complete an ICB course, do all assignments, and pass your final exam. Your final mark includes your Portfolio of Evidence (PoE) and exam results. Once you pass, ICB will send you a certificate for your qualification.
To join ICB, you must enrol in an ICB-accredited course at a registered training provider. After registering, you get a student number and study materials. You must also sign up for ICB exams to complete your course.
Yes, ICB offers National Diplomas in Accounting, Business Management, and Office Administration. You get a diploma after passing all required courses and exams. There are also National Certificates and Higher Certificates for lower levels.
ICB courses are between NQF Level 3 and NQF Level 6, depending on the course. National Certificates start at NQF Level 3, while National Diplomas are at NQF Level 6. The NQF (National Qualifications Framework) ranks qualifications in South Africa.
Yes, ICB courses are accredited by SAQA (South African Qualifications Authority). This means they meet national education standards. They are also approved by the Quality Council for Trades and Occupations (QCTO).
ICB is a highly respected course in South Africa. It teaches practical skills in accounting, business, and office work, which help you get a job. Many employers look for people with ICB qualifications.
ICB qualifications are not directly recognised in the UK education system, but some UK employers accept them. If you want to work in the UK, you may need to apply for extra accreditation. Some ICB graduates choose to study further in the UK.
Each ICB subject has one main exam, which counts for 70% of the final mark. You must also complete a Portfolio of Evidence (PoE), which includes tests and assignments. If you fail, you can rewrite the exam.
