Getting ready to sign up for your ICB exams? No worries! This article will show you how to do it, what you need, and how to get started. Registering for your exams is an important step because it helps you move forward and get your qualification. Let’s see how you can do it.
How To Register For Your ICB Exams
Registering for your ICB exams is simple when you know what to do. The Institute of Certified Bookkeepers (ICB) lets you register online, which makes things easy. But first, you need to make sure you are ready and have everything in place. If you don’t register, you won’t be able to write your exams or finish your course.
ICB Exams Registration Requirements
Before you can do your ICB exams registration, there are a few things you must have. The ICB has clear rules about this. If you follow them, you will have no problems when you book. Here’s what you need:
- You must be an ICB student: This means you need to be registered for one of the ICB courses and have your student number.
- Portfolio of Evidence (PoE): You need an active PoE for each subject you are writing. This shows that you are ready for your exam.
- Book before the closing date: There are cut-off dates for bookings. If you miss the date, you won’t be able to book.
- ICB Student Portal access: You can only book your exams online, so make sure you can log in to the ICB Student Portal.
- Your details must be correct: Make sure your contact details are up to date on your profile.
ICB Registration Fees
ICB exams have a fee you need to pay when you book. If you don’t pay, your booking won’t be complete. Here is the cost for each exam in 2025:
- Annual Registration Fees: R500 paid once a year.
- Online and Paper exams: R995 for each subject
Next, we will talk about How do Exam Dates, Timetables and Venues work? This will help you plan your exams and know what to expect on the day.
How Do Exam Dates, Timetables And Venues Work?
Planning your ICB exams is easy when you know what to expect. It’s important to know the exam dates, how much time you’ll have, and where you will write. This will help you feel more prepared and ready on the day.
Below you learn how to understand the exam dates, timetables, and venues work.
ICB Exam Timetable 2025
The ICB exam timetable shows you the dates and times of all exams for 2025. You can choose between online exams and paper-based exams that take place at exam venues.
- Paper-based exams happen at exam venues. They start at 09:00 and end at 12:30.
- Online exams give you more time to start. You can log in and start any time between 09:00 and 13:00, but you must finish by 16:30 because the exam automatically closes at this time.
You can find the full list of exam dates on the ICB Exam Timetables and Venues page. It’s a good idea to check this often, so you don’t miss a booking deadline.
How Long Are ICB Exams?
All ICB exams are 3 hours long. If you are writing an online exam, you will also have 30 minutes to get set up before you begin. This gives you time to check your internet connection and make sure everything is ready.
For paper-based exams, be sure to arrive before 09:00. These exams start on time, and late arrivals might not be allowed to write.
What Is The Pass Mark For The ICB Exam?
To pass your ICB exam, you need at least 60%. This is the mark you need for all ICB subjects.
But your final mark is not only about the exam. You also need to complete your Portfolio of Evidence (PoE). This includes assignments and tests you do during your studies. These count towards your final result. So, it’s important to do your best in both the PoE and the exam to pass.
What Happens If You Fail An ICB Exam?
If you fail your ICB exam, you can book a re-write. You’ll need to pay the exam fee again to re-book. It’s important to take your time and prepare well before trying again.
Understanding the exam process is only part of the journey. It’s just as important to know what the fees are and how they work so you can plan your studies with confidence.
What Are The Fees And How Does It Work?
Understanding the ICB fees makes it easier to plan your studies. In the previous section, we explained the ICB exam booking process, and mentioned that you need to pay your exam fee to confirm your booking. This section explains how the fees work in more detail, so you can avoid any surprises and budget properly.
Icb Exam Fees
When you book your ICB exam, you must pay a fee for each subject. This payment confirms your place and gives you access to your Portfolio of Evidence (PoE). If you do not pay, your booking is not complete, and you will not be able to write the exam. Here are the ICB fees for 2025:
- Annual registration fee: R500. You need to pay this once a year to stay registered with the ICB.
- Assessment fee (per subject): R915. This includes your exam and PoE for each subject you study.
- Postponement fee: R375. If you decide to move your exam to a later date after booking.
- Late entry fee: R585. This is charged if you miss the booking deadline and still want to book an exam.
- Re-mark and examiner’s report fee: R1,350. You can pay this if you want your exam to be checked again.
You can view the latest fees on the ICB Exam Fees page.
What’s Included And What’s Not?
It’s important to know what you are paying for and what’s not covered. This helps avoid any extra costs you didn’t plan for.
What’s Included
When you pay your ICB assessment fee, you get:
- Portfolio of Evidence (PoE) This includes two online tests, two online assignments, and one offline assignment.
- One final exam You can choose to write your exam online or at an ICB venue.
- Digital certificates You will get a digital certificate after passing a subject.
- Printed certificates Once you finish your full programme, you’ll receive a printed qualification certificate.
What’s Not Included
Some costs are not covered by your exam or registration fees:
- Study materials If you study on your own, you need to buy your books. Some colleges, like Skills Academy, include books in their fees.
- Tuition fees If you get tuition from a college, you will pay a separate fee for lessons and support.
- Private invigilator fees If you are allowed to use your own invigilator, you need to pay R2,200.
- Printed certificate reprints If you lose your printed certificate and need another, it costs R440 (this includes local delivery).
- Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) There are extra fees for this process if you apply for it.
Paying your fees on time is one of the most important steps in your ICB journey. It ensures your exams are booked, your Portfolio of Evidence is ready, and your study path stays on track. By knowing what’s included and what’s not, you can plan ahead and avoid any extra costs. If you’re ready to start, Skills Academy is here to help you every step of the way!
Frequently Asked Questions
You can check your ICB results by logging into the ICB Student Portal. Once you have logged in, go to the results section to see your marks. Results are usually available a few weeks after you have written your exam.
Yes, you can study certain ICB courses without a Matric certificate. The Foundation Level courses, like the ICB Junior Bookkeeper Course, only require Grade 10. If you want to move up to higher levels, you will need to pass each course step by step.
No, you can’t study directly with the ICB. You need to register with an approved training provider, like Skills Academy. These colleges give you study material and support to help you pass your course.
You can study an ICB course through many distance learning colleges in South Africa. Skills Academy offers flexible ICB courses that you can study from home. These courses are designed to fit around your life and work schedule.
You can start your online ICB exam any time between 09:00 and 13:00 on exam day. Once you begin, you have 3 hours to complete the exam. The exam system automatically closes at 16:30, so you need to finish before then.
Yes, you can earn a diploma through ICB. If you complete all three levels of an ICB programme and the required subjects, you can achieve an ICB National Diploma. You will also need to complete 18 months of practical work experience to qualify.
ICB and CIMA are both accounting qualifications, but they are different. ICB offers entry-level to diploma qualifications suited for bookkeeping, accounting, and office admin roles. CIMA is aimed at those wanting to become Chartered Management Accountants and focuses more on management accounting at a professional level.
