Planning for your ICB exams is much easier when you have the timetable in front of you. If you’re studying an ICB course, knowing your exam dates will help you stay organised and ready.
This article explains everything you need to know about the timetable, how to book your exams, where you’ll write them, and what you’ll need to pay for 2025.
Exam Timetable, Booking And Fees
Every year, the Institute of Certified Bookkeepers (ICB) releases an exam timetable. It helps you plan your studies and stay on track. Along with the timetable, you need to know how to book your exam, where you’ll write, and what fees you’ll pay. Here is everything you need to know.
ICB Exam Timetable 2025?
The ICB exam timetable tells you when you can write your exams. There are two types of exams listed:
- Online exams
- Paper-based exams (also called classroom exams)
The timetable shows:
- Which months you can write exams
- The booking closing dates (these are the last days you can book your spot)
- Which subjects are being assessed
There are many dates to choose from each month. This gives you the freedom to decide when to write your exams. You can space out your exam dates so you have more time to study for each subject.
Below is a closer look at the dates for these exams
How Can I Book ICB Exam?
Booking your ICB exam is quick and simple. You do it through the ICB Student Portal. Remember:
- Book before the closing date on the timetable.
- Pay for your exam when you book.
- Make sure all your details are correct before you confirm your booking.
Steps To Book Your ICB Exam
Follow these easy steps to book your exam:
- Log in to your ICB Student Portal.
- Pick the subject you want to write and choose your exam date.
- Select your venue or the online exam option.
- Pay your exam fee through the portal.
- Double-check your booking and confirm.
You’ll get an email after you book. Keep it safe as proof of your exam booking.
Which Venue Should I Choose?
When you book your exam, you can choose how and where to write:
- Online exams
- Paper-based exams at an ICB-approved venue
Online Exams
Online exams let you write from home. Many students like online exams because they don’t need to travel. You need:
- A computer
- Internet access
- A webcam
- A quiet space with no distractions
Paper-Based Exams
Paper-based exams are held at ICB venues. These are quiet places that are good for exam writing. Make sure you arrive early on the day of your exam.
Where Are The ICB Exam Venues?
ICB venues are available in many parts of South Africa. Some of the big cities where you can write include:
- Cape Town
- Johannesburg
- Durban
- Pretoria
- Port Elizabeth
- Bloemfontein
You can find a full list of venues on the ICB Website.
ICB Exam Fees
These are the official ICB exam fees for 2025:
- Assessment fee per subject: R915 (for both online and paper-based exams)
- Annual student registration fee: R500 (pay this once per year)
Other Fees To Know About
There are extra fees you might need to pay, depending on your situation:
- Postponement fee per subject: R375 If you need to move your exam to a later date.
- Late entry fee per subject: R585 If you miss the booking deadline but still want to enter.
- Re-mark and examiner’s report: R1,350 If you want your exam re-marked and a report from the examiner.
- Private invigilator admin fee: R2,200 If you need a private invigilator and have approval.
Now that you know how to book your exam and what it costs, let’s look at the exam times and how long they take.
What Are The Exam Times And Duration?
It’s important to know how long your ICB exams are and when they start. This helps you feel prepared and less stressed on the day. Whether you are writing online or at a venue, there are set times you must follow. Here’s how it works.
How Long Are ICB Exams?
Most ICB exams are three hours long. This gives you enough time to read through all the questions and write your answers carefully. For a few subjects, you might only need two hours, but this is not common.
Use your time wisely. If you finish early, take time to check your answers before submitting them. It’s always a good idea to review your work.
What Time Is The ICB Exam Online?
If you are writing your ICB exam online, your exams can be taken between 09:00 and 13:00. All exams will automatically close at 16:30 to give enough time for students to started their exams at 13:00 to finish. You will have time before the exam starts to check:
- Your computer
- Your internet connection
- Your webcam
You also need to be in a quiet room where no one will disturb you. It’s best to be ready at least 30 minutes before your exam starts to make sure everything is working.
Understanding exam times and duration is one part of being ready. The next step is to find out what marks you need to pass and when you will receive your results. Here’s how it works.
Exam Pass Marks And Results
When you write an ICB exam, it’s good to know how many marks you need to pass and what happens if you don’t pass the first time. This section gives you the facts so you can stay informed and ready.
What Is The Pass Mark For The ICB Exam?
You need at least 60% to pass an ICB exam. This score is a total made up of two parts:
- Portfolio of Evidence (PoE): This includes your assignments and tests. It makes up 30% of your final mark.
- Final Exam: This counts for 70% of your mark.
Both marks are added together to get your final score. If it’s 60% or more, you pass! It’s important to do well on both your PoE and your exam because they work together to give you your total.
What Happens If You Fail An ICB Exam?
Don’t worry if you don’t pass on your first try. There are two ways you can try again.
Write The Exam Again
You can book a re-assessment. This means you write the exam again on a different date. The re-assessment fee is R915 for 2025. You can find new exam dates on the ICB exam timetable.
Ask For A Re-Mark
If you think something went wrong with marking your exam, you can ask for a re-mark. The re-mark fee is R1,350. You will also get feedback from the examiner explaining your results.
Lots of students write an exam more than once. What matters most is that you keep going until you pass.
Knowing the pass mark helps you stay on track with your studies. It gives you a clear idea of what to aim for and what to do next if things don’t go as planned. The important thing is to keep going and not give up.
If you’re ready to grow your skills and work towards your ICB qualification, we’re here to help. Contact us today to find out how you can get started on a course that fits your goals.
Frequently Asked Questions
No, you can’t study directly with the Institute of Certified Bookkeepers (ICB). The ICB only sets the exams and issues certificates. You must register with an approved training provider like Skills Academy to study and prepare for your exams.
Yes, you can. Some ICB courses only need Grade 10 or Grade 11 to get started. For example, you can begin with the Foundation Level of ICB Bookkeeping without matric. This gives you the chance to work your way up through the different levels.
You can study ICB courses through distance learning colleges in South Africa, like Skills Academy. These colleges give you study materials and support to help you get ready for your exams. You can also study from home, making it a flexible option.
Yes, you can switch between ICB paper-based and online exams. You must select your preferred exam type when you book each subject. Many students choose to write some exams online and others at a venue, depending on what suits them best.
An ICB exam is an assessment you write to complete each subject in your course. You can write it online or at an exam venue. Passing your exam is part of earning your ICB qualification in areas like bookkeeping, office administration, or business management.
