Get all the helpful information you need on the ICB knowledge base. This is your guide to completing your ICB course successfully, from how to get started to writing your ICB exam This includes YouTube videos with easy-to-follow information and examples.
Who Is ICB?
The Institute of Certified Bookkeepers (ICB) is an independent external exam body. They aim to teach students in-demand business and finance skills. This includes assessments that test the skills and knowledge of students.
How To Study ICB Courses
There are three ways to study ICB courses:
Full-time learning – This is an excellent option for students who are not working. You have the chance to study in person or full-time online.
Part-time learning – Learn and earn simultaneously when studying part-time. You will have enough time to study, work full-time and take care of responsibilities.
Distance learning – Study from home with distance learning. You can choose where you want to learn since there are no classes.
Is ICB A Recognised Qualification?
Yes, all ICB qualifications are recognised. The QCTO and ICB accredit ICB courses. This proves that you have gained current skills and are qualified in your field. ICB courses are also registered with the SAQA.
Are ICB Courses Internationally Recognised?
All ICB courses are internationally recognised. You will be able to find a job locally and abroad. You can also join international professional organisations, such as:
Where To Study ICB Courses
You can study with ICB training providers. There are over 500 training providers throughout South Africa. You have the option to choose a college or online learning.
ICB Training Providers
We are an ICB training provider. Since we are a registered institution, you can achieve your accredited certificate with us. You have the option to study online through distance learning.
Are ICB Training Providers Accredited?
All ICB training providers are registered with the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET). This means that you will be studying with a credible institution.
Can I Study Directly With ICB?
No, ICB is not a college. You need to study ICB courses with an ICB training provider. ICB only provides external assessments to students.
Can I Self-Study ICB Courses?
Yes, but this study method is strongly discouraged. You will not get academic support or learning material when you self-study ICB courses.
ICB Registration
To become an ICB student, you must:
- Create a student profile
- Pick your ICB course
- Choose your training provider
Create a Profile On The Student Portal
There are five easy-to-follow steps to create your profile on the student portal:
- Open the Google Chrome browser.
- Search and open the ICB website.
- Go to the student login.
- Click on the ‘register’ tab.
- Fill in the information and ‘click’ register.
This will take you to the next page – learner registration. Here you will fill in the information part of the registration, such as contact details and demographics.
Pick Your ICB Course
We offer three accredited ICB courses:
Accounting Courses
Learn quality finance skills in our Accounting Courses. This course is the perfect introduction to management and accounting. You need at least Grade 10 to study this course.
Course | ICB Qualification Equivalent |
NQF L3 | |
NQF L4 | |
NQF L5 | |
NQF L6 |
Business Management Courses
Be your own boss with our Business Management Courses. Gain valuable skills such as management and business literacy. To enrol, you need to have passed Grade 11.
Course | ICB Qualification Equivalent |
NQF L4 | |
NQF L5 | |
NQF L6 |
Office Administration Courses
Manage any office like a professional with our Office Administration Courses. This course aims to teach you various skills from administration to bookkeeping. You need matric or equivalent to enrol on this course.
Course | ICB Qualification Equivalent |
NQF L5 | |
NQF L5 | |
NQF L6 |
Choose Your ICB Training
After choosing your course, you must select a training provider. If you plan on studying in person, choose a training provider close to your home. Want to learn from anywhere in South Africa? Then choose distance learning.
ICB Portfolio Of Evidence (PoE)
All the work you do in your course will be in your ICB digital portfolio of evidence (PoE). This includes your tests and assignments. It counts 30% towards your ICB results. Pay the annual registration fees, and you will get access to your digital PoE for each subject.
ICB Assignments
Section B in your PoE is where you can find your assignments and tests. It consists of:
- Tests 1 and 2
- Assignments 1, 2 and 3
There are three learning phases. With each learning phase, you will need to complete an assignment. Learning phases 1 and 2 consists of an open-book test. Learning phase three consists of assignment 3 and your ICB exam.
ICB Macci
All student must complete their PoE on ICB Macci. This is a quick and easy way to access your work. Google Chrome is the best browser for your course. So make sure you install Chrome before you get started.
How To Check Your Progress On Macci
The ICB PoE checklist is your guide to checking the progress of your PoE. It uses a progress bar that shows what you have completed, and what else you need to do. When the progress bar is at 100%, you have completed your PoE.
PoE Completion Deadline
The highlight of your course is the ICB exams. But you need to complete your PoE before the completion deadline. You will not be able to write the exam if your PoE is not 100% done. This includes paper and online exams.
ICB Exams
The ICB exams make up 70% of your final results. There are two ICB exam types:
- Paper-based exams
- ICB online exams
How To Enter For An ICB Exam
To enter the ICB exam, you need to register with ICB first. To enter the assessment, you must:
- Choose a subject
- Select a venue
- Pick an available exam date
- Click ‘add to basket’
- Check the basket to see if all the correct information has been entered
- Select payment method
Postponements
You can postpone writing until a later date if you cannot make it to your exam. Make sure there is an available exam date. You will also need to pay the postponement fee. For reasons beyond your control, you could qualify for a no-charge postponement.
Cancellations
If you are unable to write the finals, you can cancel your exam. This means you will forfeit your exam booking. If you want to reschedule the exam, check for an available date and pay the exam fees.
ICB Online Exams
Write at a location of your choice with ICB online exam. Whether it is at your college or home, you have the option to choose a place that works for you. The online exam:
- Runs from 13:00 to 16:30
- Are 3 ½ hours in duration
- Uses the same question types as paper exams
- Is invigilated
Online Exams Technical Requirements
All students who choose to write online exams must meet the technical requirements. This ensures that you have all the tools you need to complete your finals, including:
- Hardware
- Software
- Stable internet connection
Technical Systems Check
You must complete two technical systems check – one before and one on the day of your exam. The technical system checks if you are using one:
- Computer/ laptop screen
- Browser
- Tab
It helps prevent cheating and increases the chance of a successful exam.
ICB Technical Support Team
If you experience any technical issues during the exam, the ICB technical support team is there to help. DO NOT struggle too long. Report any problems so that you can get immediate assistance.
What To Do If You Experience Loadshedding During Your Online Exam?
When you experience loadshedding during your online exam:
Before the exam:
- Keep track of loadshedding in your area.
- Write at a different place if your area is scheduled for power cuts.
During the exam:
- Try to log back into the exam as quickly as possible.
- If you cannot log back, contact the ICB – this is kept on record in case you want to rewrite your exam.
ICB Results
Getting your ICB results are the highlight of your course. You will know whether or not you are ‘competent’ in your skills and have passed the subject. Your final exam and PoE make up the marks in your results.
Where To Get Your ICB Results?
Classroom and distance learning students have their own way of getting their results:
- Classroom students – These students can get their results from their college.
- Distance learning students – You can find your results on the student portal. Your results will also be emailed to you.
What Is The ICB Pass Mark?
The ICB pass mark is the requirement you need to pass the course. You need to get at least:
- 50% in your final exam
- 60% as the overall subject mark
Did you know: There are no pass requirements for your PoE? Your PoE is to prepare you for your finals.
What Can I Do If I Fail My ICB Exams?
If you failed your final exam, you have two options that can help you get a second chance at passing your course:
Rewrite
Rewrite the subject you failed before the new calendar year. This way, you will not need to complete a new PoE. Ensure that you:
- Study the correct material
- Start studying early to avoid cramming
- Register again for the exam
- Pay the exam fees
Re-mark
The chances of your exam being mismarked are slim. But if you think an error has occurred, you can request a re-mark. An examiner will re-mark your script and issue a full report. Remember to request and pay the re-mark fee within a month of getting your result.
Recognition Of Prior Learning (RPL)
Use your qualification or work experience to get a head start in your course. Recognition of prior learning (RPL) allows you to turn your skills and experience into credits that can help you further your studies.
Does Unisa Accept ICB Qualifications?
Unisa accepts students through RPL. Your qualifications and work experience need to be relevant and current to the course you want to study.
Can I Get A Bursary From The ICB?
The ICB does not offer its students any bursaries. So if you want to study ICB courses, you must consider various ways to pay for your studies.
Skills Academy is the word support in every way.
Get A Private Bursary
There are bursaries available for students studying at private institutions. They might be able to pay your full tuition. If not, your study material will be covered by the bursary.
Apply For A Student Loan
Get your bank to pay for your studies with a student loan. Depending on the amount, this allows you to cover expenses such as tuition, books and travel costs. You will need to repay the amount since it is a loan.
Pay For Your Studies
When you work and study simultaneously, you will be able to earn money that will allow you to pay your study fees. You can arrange with your institution to pay your fees per month. You will also be able to gain work experience in the process.
Get The Knowledge You Need From Us
We provide accredited distance learning courses you can study from home. With no classes, you can enjoy the flexibility of choosing your own study schedule. You also have helpful tutors and a support team that will assist you in reaching your goals.
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