ICB courses can help you get the skills you need for a job in accounting, bookkeeping, or office work. But it’s important to know how much these courses cost. This guide explains the fees, what they cover, and how you can pay for them.
How Much Does ICB Cost?
The cost of ICB courses depends on the type of course you choose and how many subjects you take. You also need to pay for exams and registration. Knowing these costs can help you plan and avoid surprises.
ICB Course Fees In South Africa
ICB course fees in South Africa for 2025 include:
- Annual Registration Fee: You’ll pay R500 once a year to register with the ICB.
- Subject Fees: Each subject costs R915. This covers the Digital Portfolio of Evidence (PoE), which includes assignments and tests.
- Study Material: Study materials can cost between R100 and R3,400, depending on whether you buy new or second-hand books. Some colleges, like Skills Academy, include these materials in their course fees.
These fees don’t include exam costs, which are explained below.
ICB Exam Fees 2025
You’ll need to pay an exam fee for each subject when you’re ready to write your tests. The 2025 ICB exam fees are:
- Assessment Fee: R915 per subject for both paper-based and online exams.
- Postponement Fee: If you need to delay your exam, you’ll pay R375 per subject.
- Late Entry Fee: Booking an exam after the deadline costs an extra R585 per subject.
ICB offers exams throughout the year, so you can choose a date that works for you. Try to book early to avoid late fees. You can find the latest exam details on the ICB website.
What Is Included In An “Exam Fee”?
The assessment fee covers more than just writing the exam. Here’s what you get when you pay:
- Exam Booking: You get a confirmed spot for the exam.
- Digital Portfolio of Evidence (PoE): This includes assignments and tests you need to complete before the exam.
- Marking and Checking: The ICB marks your work and checks it for fairness.
- Results and Certificate: If you pass, you’ll get an official results paper and, once you finish the course, your qualification certificate.
If you don’t pass, you’ll need to pay the fee again to retake the exam.
Payment Methods
The ICB offers a few easy ways to pay for your course and exam fees. You can pick the one that works best for you:
- Online Payment: Pay with a debit or credit card through the ICB Student Portal.
- EFT (Bank Transfer): Send money directly from your bank account.
- Cash Deposit: If you prefer to use cash, you can pay at a bank.
Always use your ICB reference number when you pay. This helps the ICB know which account the payment belongs to.
Want to grow your skills and find a job in finance or admin? ICB courses can help you get there. Talk to our course experts today to learn about affordable fees, flexible payments, and how to sign up.
Next, we’ll look at the different ICB courses and qualifications you can choose. These courses build your skills step by step and open doors to exciting job opportunities.
ICB Courses And Qualifications
ICB courses give you the skills to work in accounting, office jobs, or business. These courses are perfect if you want to grow your career or find a better job. You’ll get a recognised certificate that proves you have the right skills.
What Are ICB Courses?
ICB courses are training programmes that teach you how to handle business tasks like bookkeeping, payroll, and office work. They’re designed to help you get a job or improve your skills if you’re already working.
There are different levels, from beginner to advanced. For example, you can start with the ICB National Certificate in Bookkeeping and work your way up to a diploma. It’s a step-by-step way to build your skills and qualifications. You can explore more course options on the ICB Courses page.
How Can I Get An ICB Certificate?
Getting an ICB certificate is simple. You just need to follow these steps:
- Pick a Course: Choose a course that matches your career goals, like bookkeeping or office admin
- Sign Up: Register with an ICB-approved college, like Skills Academy.
- Study and Complete Assignments: Work through your study material and finish your assignments.
- Write Your Exams: Pass the exams for each subject.
- Get Your Certificate: Once you pass all your subjects, you’ll get your official ICB certificate.
Is ICB Recognised In South Africa?
Yes, ICB courses are recognised across South Africa. They follow the standards set by the Quality Council for Trades and Occupations (QCTO). This means employers know you’ve learned skills that match the job market.
Many companies in South Africa hire people with ICB certificates because they trust the training. You can also use your ICB qualification to apply for further studies if you want to keep learning.
Is ICB A Good Qualification?
ICB qualifications are a great choice if you want practical skills for work. Here’s why they’re worth it:
- Better Job Chances: ICB courses prepare you for careers in finance, business, and admin.
- Flexible Learning: Study from home while managing your other responsibilities.
- Recognised by Employers: South African businesses know and respect ICB certificates.
- Path to Higher Studies: You can continue studying and even work towards a diploma.
If you want to boost your skills and job options, ICB courses are a smart choice.
Want to learn skills that employers are looking for? ICB courses can prepare you for jobs in accounting, admin, and business. Contact us today to find the right course and start building your future.
Studying an ICB course is simple and flexible. You can learn from home, complete your assignments at your own pace, and book exams when you’re ready. Let’s explore how the study process works and what you can expect during your course.
Studying ICB Courses
ICB courses give you the skills to work in finance, business, or office jobs. These courses are well-known in South Africa and can help you find a job or grow in your career. If you want to build new skills, ICB courses are a great choice.
Where Can I Study ICB Courses?
There are many places in South Africa where you can study ICB courses. Some colleges offer classes, while others let you study from home. Many people choose distance learning because it gives you more freedom to study when it suits you.
ICB Accredited Colleges
One option is the Bellview Institute of Distance Learning, which offers ICB courses online. But if you want extra support and flexible learning, Skills Academy is a top choice. We specialise in distance learning and make studying easy with:
- Clear study materials you can understand.
- Online help from tutors whenever you need it.
- Affordable courses with monthly payment plans.
- Study schedules that fit your daily life.
Can I Study ICB Without Matric?
Yes, some ICB courses don’t need a matric certificate. These courses focus on practical skills that can help you find work faster. Here’s a table showing which courses you can study without matric:
These courses are perfect if you want to learn job-ready skills without needing a high school certificate.
What Are The Requirements For ICB Courses?
The entry requirements depend on the course you want to study. Here’s what you’ll need for each level:
- Junior Bookkeeping: Grade 10 (Standard 8) or equivalent.
- Certified Senior Bookkeeping: You must complete the Junior Bookkeeping course first.
- Technical Financial Accounting: You need a Senior Bookkeeping certificate.
- Certified Financial Accounting: A Technical Financial Accounting certificate
- Junior Office Administration: Grade 12 or equivalent.
- Office Administration Higher Certificate: A matric certificate or an equivalent qualification.
- Office Administration Diploma: You need to complete the Office Administration Higher Certificate first.
You’ll also need to understand English, as the study materials and exams are in English.
ICB Course Duration
How long your ICB course takes depends on the programme you choose and how fast you study. Here’s a breakdown of the usual time for each course:
- Junior Bookkeeping: 12 to 16 months.
- Certified Senior Bookkeeping: 6 to 12 months after Junior Bookkeeping.
- Technical Financial Accounting: 6 to 12 months after Senior Bookkeeping.
- Certified Financial Accounting: 6 to 12 months after Technical Financial Accounting
- Junior Office Administration: 12 to 18 months.
- Office Administration Higher Certificate: 6 to 12 months after Junior Office Administration.
- Office Administration Diploma: 6 to 12 months after the Higher Certificate.
Since you can study at your own pace with Skills Academy, you might finish even sooner if you work regularly.
ICB courses are a smart way to learn skills for work and grow your career. With the right course and support, you’ll be ready for new opportunities. Speak to Skills Academy today and find out how to get started!
Frequently Asked Questions
ICB qualifications are known in the UK, but they are not the same as UK accounting certificates. The ICB has branches in different countries, including the UK. This means some employers will accept these qualifications, but it’s always good to check before applying for a job.
No, NSFAS does not pay for ICB courses. It only funds courses at public universities and TVET colleges. If you need help paying for an ICB course, some colleges, like Skills Academy, offer payment plans.
ICB courses are between NQF Level 3 and NQF Level 6, depending on the course. For example, the Junior Bookkeeping course is at Level 3, while the Office Administration Diploma is at Level 6. The higher the level, the more advanced the course.
If you fail an ICB exam, you can book another exam and pay the fee again. You’ll need to keep working on your Portfolio of Evidence (PoE) to improve your score. It’s also helpful to ask your tutor for extra support.
ICB stands for Institute of Certified Bookkeepers. It’s a group that offers courses in bookkeeping, accounting, and office work. These courses teach skills to help you find a job or grow your career.
To pass an ICB course, you need 60% or higher. This mark includes your exam score and the work in your Portfolio of Evidence (PoE). If you don’t pass, you can rewrite the exam to try again.
ICB exams usually last 2 to 3 hours, depending on the subject. You can write the exam online or at a test centre. Make sure you arrive early and have your student number ready.
