ICB courses in South Africa were started in 1931. Today there are over 500 training providers to choose from throughout the country. These accredited business and finance qualifications will give you all the skills you need to begin a successful career.
Which ICB Courses Can I Study In South Africa?
There are three different ICB Courses you can study. This includes:
- Bookkeeping and Financial Accounting Courses
- Business Management Courses
- Office Administration Courses
Bookkeeping And Financial Accounting Courses
Take your love for numbers and money, and turn it into a profitable career path. There are four levels to these courses, you can start with the certificate levels and work your way up to a national diploma.
Business Management Courses
Flaunt your leadership skills when you help a business reach all its goals and increase productivity. This course will take you a total of three years to complete. Here you will learn subjects such as Business Literacy, Office and Legal Practice, Financial statements and more.
- National Certificate in Small Business Financial Management
- Higher Certificate in Business Management
- National Diploma in Business Management
Office Administration Courses
Many companies rely on the support of office administrators to help keep things organised. When you study this course, you can help employees be more efficient in their day-to-day activities. There are three levels, after which you will graduate and receive a national diploma.
- National Certificate in Office Administration
- Higher Certificate in Office Administration
- National Diploma in Office Administration
What is The Entry Requirement For ICB Programmes?
Each course has its own separate entry requirements. Check them out in the handy table we created below.
Course | Entry Requirements |
Bookkeeping | Be at least 16 years old and have Grade 10 |
Financial Accounting | Successful completion of the ICB Bookkeeping Courses |
Business Management | Grade 11 |
Office Administration | Grade 12 or equivalent |

Where Can I Study ICB Courses In South Africa?
You can study ICB courses all over South Africa. There are over 500 accredited ICB training providers to choose from. But if that overwhelms you, you can narrow it down by looking at what your study needs are. Depending on how you want to study, you can choose from:
- Part-time colleges
- Full-time colleges
- Distance learning colleges
Part-Time Colleges
Part-time colleges usually have classes at night or on weekends to accommodate working students. Here you only give up part of your day to focus on your studies. If you choose this study method, it might take a bit longer to achieve your qualification.
Full-Time Colleges
These colleges require you to spend full days on campus attending class. It can be a more expensive way to study. But it is a good option for people with little to no responsibilities and who want the full on-campus experience.
Distance Learning Colleges
If you want the option of creating your own study schedule, distance learning is the way to go. There are no classes, so you can study from home, your favourite coffee shop or the local library. Skills Academy is an accredited ICB training provider. We offer specialised student support to help you pass your course.
Can I Study Directly Through ICB?
No you cannot study directly through ICB. They are not a college but rather an external exam body. So they are only responsible for creating your exams and giving you your certificate at the end of your course.
Why Should I Study With ICB?
There are many good reasons why you should study with ICB. Let us explore a few of the top reasons below:
- Internationally recognised
- Accredited
- Flexible learning
- Gain scarce skills
- Learn up-to-date coursework
- No strict entry requirements
Internationally Recognised
If you want to expand your job options, you should study an internationally recognised course. Many international bodies recognise ICB programmes. So you can start your new life abroad and take your qualifications with you.
Accredited
ICB qualifications are accredited and registered on the National Qualifications Framework or NQF. Each programme has a unique ID number that you can use to make sure the course is accredited.
Flexible Learning
You can study ICB courses in South Africa your way. You do not have to take all the subjects at once. You can register for as many or as few as you want. This is perfect for students who have busy lifestyles and cannot study full-time. Remember that you can only get a qualification once you finish all the subjects that make up a course.
Gain Scarce Skills
Scarce skills are skills that are in demand. The accounting, business and admin courses found in ICB programmes are considered scarce in South Africa. Learning scarce skills is a win-win situation. Firstly, you will provide skills your country needs, and secondly, you will be set with a stable career.
Learn Up-To-Date Coursework
ICB updates their syllabus every year. So you can rest assured that you are learning the latest skills to help you succeed at your future job. There is no risk of you learning any information that is not relevant to your field.
No Strict Entry Requirements
Everybody should have the chance to study further. So ICB does not have strict entry requirements for their courses. Most programmes, including the accounting and business streams can be studied without matric.
Is ICB Recognised In South Africa?
Yes, ICB is recognised in South Africa. Many employers prefer to hire people with ICB qualifications because it is an organisation that is respected worldwide. These courses are accredited by SAQA and recognised by local institutions such as:
- SAIT – South African Institute of Tax Professionals
- SAIBA – South African Institute of Business Accountants
Can I Get A Job With An ICB Certificate?
Yes, you can get a job with an ICB certificate. Some of the jobs you can apply for include:
- Financial Accountant
- Payroll Clerk
- Business Manager
- Business Analyst
- Office Administrator
- Receptionist
What NQF Level Is ICB?
ICB programmes range from NQF levels 3 – 6. Explore each course and its NQF level below
NQF Level 3 | NQF Level 4 | NQF Level 5 | NQF Level 6 |
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What Can I Study After ICB?
You can earn another qualification with ICB. Their courses have overlapping subjects, so it is easier for you to study the next programme.
If you are ready to start your ICB study journey or need more information, you can call our friendly course experts.
You can also learn more about ICB Courses by browsing through a few of our related articles below:
- How Long Does It Take To Study ICB Courses?
- Do You Need Maths To Study Bookkeeping?
- ICB Knowledge Base
- Are ICB Courses Recognised By Other Institutions?
If you feel ready to start your ICB journey then contact us today to find out how to start studying our ICB courses. Level up your career with Skills Academy today!




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Frequently Asked Questions
Over the last five years, more than 25 000 students have successfully received ICB qualifications.
This depends on the college you study with. You do not pay course fees directly to ICB because they are not a college. So those fees go to your training provider. ICB only charges for exams and registration.
The ICB pass mark is made up of both your Portfolio of Evidence (PoE) and the final exam. You must receive at least 50% for the exam and an overall average of 60% to pass.
Unisa no longer offers ICB courses.
No, NSFAS does not fund ICB courses. They only fund undergraduate degrees at public universities. If you are worried about finances, our college offers flexible payment options to suit your circumstances.
If you did not pass your ICB exam, your results would state that you are ‘not yet competent’. This means you must rewrite the exam or apply for a re-mark.
Skills Academy is a private distance-learning college. Our tutors and lecturers are highly qualified to provide you with top-tier ICB support, from registration all the way to graduation day.