If you want to work in bookkeeping, accounting, or office administration,, you’ll need to write ICB exams. Before signing up, it’s important to know how much the exams cost so you can plan ahead. This guide explains the ICB exam fees 2025 in South Africa and what they cover.
ICB Exam Fees 2025 In South Africa
ICB exams come with different fees and costs. You need to pay for registration, exam entry, and other services. It’s important to know these costs upfront so you can budget properly and avoid unexpected charges.
Before writing an exam, you must register with the ICB and pay for each subject you plan to write. Below is a full breakdown of the fees so you know exactly what to expect.
ICB Course Fees
Every ICB student must pay different fees before writing an exam. These fees cover registration, assessment, and administrative costs. The table below shows the official ICB exam fees for 2025, based on details from the ICB website.
| Fee Type | Cost (ZAR) |
|---|---|
| Annual Student Registration Fee | R500.00 |
| Assessment Fee per Subject (Digital PoE) | R915.00 |
| Assessment Postponement Fee per Subject | R375.00 |
| Assessment Late Entry Fee per Subject | R585.00 |
| Assessment Re-mark & Examiner’s Report Fee | R1,350.00 |
| Private Invigilator Admin Fee (Prior Approval) | R2,200.00 |
| Workplace PoE Assessments (Learnerships) | R1,800.00 |
It’s important to pay on time to avoid extra charges.
What’s Included And What’s Not?
Not all costs are covered in your exam fees. Some things are included, while others require extra payment. Here’s what you need to know.
What’s Included?
- Exam registration – Covers the cost of writing each subject’s exam.
- Digital Portfolio of Evidence (PoE) – Online system to complete coursework and assessments.
- Membership benefits – Access to the ICB student portal and official resources.
What’s Not Included?
- Late exam fees – Extra charges apply if you register after the deadline.
- Private invigilators – If you choose to write your exam at a private venue, extra admin fees apply.
- Rescheduling fees – Changing your exam date comes with an additional charge.
Want to build a career in finance, bookkeeping, or office administration? Our college offers ICB courses that help you gain the skills employers value.
Now that you know about the exam fees, it’s time to explore the ICB courses available. In the next section, we’ll cover course details, subjects, and what you need to know before enrolling.
ICB Course Details
Starting an ICB course is simple, and knowing what to expect makes it even easier. These courses help you build the skills needed to work in finance, bookkeeping, or office administration. If you want to get an ICB certificate, here’s everything you need to know.
How Can I Get An ICB Certificate?
To earn an ICB certificate, you need to study an ICB course and pass your exams. Here’s how it works:
- Pick your course – Choose the ICB qualification that matches your career goals. Either accounting or office administration.
- Register as an ICB student – Sign up and pay your ICB registration fee.
- Complete your coursework – Work on your Portfolio of Evidence (PoE), which includes assignments and tests.
- Write your exams – After finishing your PoE, you’ll take a final exam for each subject.
- Get your qualification – Once you pass all required subjects, you’ll receive an official ICB certificate.
ICB courses are well-respected in South Africa, helping you find a job or advance in your current career.
Where Can I Study An ICB Course?
If you’re looking for a flexible and affordable way to study ICB courses, Skills Academy is the perfect choice. We offer distance learning, so you can study from home while managing your other responsibilities.
Why Choose Skills Academy?
- Study from anywhere – Learn at your own pace, from the comfort of your home.
- Support when you need it – Get help from friendly tutors and online study groups.
- Trusted qualifications – Our courses are ICB-accredited, meaning they are recognised by employers.
Can I Study ICB Without Matric?
Yes! You don’t always need matric to study an ICB course. While some courses require matric, there is one ICB course you can study without it.
ICB Small Business Financial Management Course
The ICB Junior Bookkeeping Course is the perfect way to learn accounting skills and build a strong foundation in finance.
This course covers basic bookkeeping, financial transactions, and how to manage accounts. You’ll also learn how businesses track their money and how to record financial information correctly. These skills are useful in many jobs, from working in a company to running your own business one day.
Once you complete this course, you can move on to higher-level ICB qualifications, such as the Senior Bookkeeping or Financial Accounting courses. This allows you to grow your skills and open more job opportunities.
For more details, check out the ICB Junior Bookkeeping Course.
Once you’ve chosen your course, the next step is understanding how the ICB exams work. The next section will cover important details about the exam process. Knowing what to expect will help you prepare with confidence and stay on track with your studies.
Doing The ICB Exams
Writing your ICB exams is a big step towards getting your qualification. Knowing how the exams work, how long they take, and when they happen will help you feel prepared and confident.
How Long Are ICB Exams?
ICB exams are designed to test what you’ve learned in your course. As of 2025, each exam is 3 hours long, plus an extra 30 minutes for setup and reading time.
Both online and paper-based exams follow the same time limits. Managing your time during the exam is important so you can answer all the questions before time runs out.
ICB Exam Timetable 2025
Planning your exam dates in advance will help you stay on track with your studies. The ICB exam dates for 2025 follow a set schedule, allowing students to register for online or paper-based exams throughout the year. Below is a breakdown of the key dates so you can prepare for your exams with confidence.
What Is The Pass Mark For The ICB Exam?
To pass an ICB exam, you need a score of 60% or higher. This means you need to study well and understand the course material.
If you don’t pass, you can rewrite the exam at the next available session. Studying regularly and using the ICB study resources will help you get the best results possible.
Want to earn a qualification in finance, bookkeeping, or business management? Our ICB courses are designed to help you gain real skills and get ahead in your career.
Join today and take the first step towards a brighter future! Writing your ICB exams is just part of the journey. Next, we’ll look at the different ICB qualifications and how they are recognised in South Africa.
ICB Qualifications And Recognition
Choosing the right qualification is important if you want a successful career. ICB courses are a great option for anyone looking to work in finance, bookkeeping, business management, or office administration. These courses help you gain the skills you need and are recognised by employers.
What Qualification Is ICB?
The Institute of Certified Bookkeepers (ICB) offers accredited courses that focus on finance, business, and office administration. These courses are designed to prepare students for the workplace by teaching practical skills that employers look for.
ICB qualifications are available at different levels:
- National Certificates – Great for beginners who want to build basic skills.
- Higher Certificates – Offers more advanced knowledge and specialisation.
- National Diplomas – The highest level, helping students qualify for leadership roles.
These qualifications are registered on the National Qualifications Framework (NQF), which means they meet South Africa’s education standards.
Learn more about ICB qualifications and how they can help you grow in your career.
Is ICB A Good Qualification?
Yes! ICB courses are designed to help students find jobs, get promoted, or even start their own businesses. They are a great choice for anyone who wants to learn practical skills and get a qualification that is recognised in South Africa.
Here’s why ICB is a smart choice:
- Teaches real-world skills – You learn things you can use at work, not just theory.
- Accredited – Recognised by the Quality Council for Trades and Occupations (QCTO).
- Improves job opportunities – Employers trust ICB qualifications.
Many companies prefer hiring ICB graduates because they already have the skills needed for the job.
Is ICB Internationally Recognised?
ICB qualifications are well-known in South Africa, and many companies overseas also recognise these skills. While they are not automatically accepted in every country, some international employers and professional bodies value ICB-trained professionals.
If you plan to work outside South Africa, it’s a good idea to check with employers or industry groups in that country. Some ICB graduates can apply for membership with international accounting bodies, depending on the qualification they complete.
ICB courses are a great way to learn practical skills, get a recognised qualification, and improve your job opportunities. Whether you want to find your first job, move up in your career, or start your own business, ICB qualifications can help.
Take the next step with and contact us to learn about your options.
Frequently Asked Questions
SAQA (South African Qualifications Authority) checks that all qualifications in South Africa are correct and meet the right standards. The NQF (National Qualifications Framework) is a system that sorts qualifications into levels, from basic certificates to advanced diplomas. SAQA makes the rules, and the NQF organises qualifications.
Yes! ICB courses are approved by SAQA, which means they are officially recognised in South Africa. These courses are listed on the NQF (National Qualifications Framework), so they follow the right education rules. You can check them on the SAQA website.
No, ICB is not linked to SAICA (South African Institute of Chartered Accountants). SAICA trains Chartered Accountants (CAs), while ICB focuses on bookkeeping, finance, and business courses. Even though ICB is not part of SAICA, many companies still accept ICB qualifications.
ICB offers National Certificates, Higher Certificates, and National Diplomas. The highest ICB qualification is an NQF Level 6 National Diploma, which is a respected qualification in South Africa. This diploma can help you get a better job or study further.
To see your ICB exam results, log in to the ICB Student Portal on their website. Results are usually ready six weeks after your exam. If you have problems finding your results, you can contact ICB support for help.
Does NSFAS Fund ICB Courses?
No, NSFAS does not pay for ICB courses because they are not offered at public universities or TVET colleges. But you can still study by using payment plans or applying for a private student loan. Many colleges offer affordable ways to pay, so you can choose what works best for you.
