Studying office administration can open many career opportunities. Whether you want to work as a receptionist, office assistant, or administrator, an ICB qualification can help you get there.
Before starting your studies, it’s important to understand the costs involved, how long the course takes, and what subjects you will cover. Below, we answer common questions about the fees, duration, and structure of ICB Office Administration courses.
How Much is an Office Admin Course?
The cost of an ICB Office Administration course depends on several factors, including the level of the course and where you study. Skills Academy offers flexible payment options, making it easier for students to afford their studies. To get the most up-to-date fee structure, it is best to check directly with Skills Academy.
Office Admin Course Fees
When studying through Skills Academy, students have different payment options. These may include monthly payment plans or once-off payments. This gives you the flexibility to choose a plan that fits your budget. Additional costs may include registration fees, textbooks, and exam fees.
How Long Are Office Administration Courses?
The duration of an ICB Office Administration course depends on the level of the programme. Here’s a breakdown:
- ICB National Certificate (Junior Office Administrator): 24 months
- ICB Higher Certificate (Office Administrator): 26 months
- ICB Diploma (Certified Office Manager): 36 months
Students can complete their courses faster by studying full-time or taking multiple subjects at once.
How Many Years Does it Take to Become an Office Administrator?
Becoming an office administrator can take between two to three years, depending on the level of qualification you aim to achieve.
- If you complete the National Certificate, you can qualify in two years.
- If you continue with the Higher Certificate, you need around two years and two months.
- Completing the Diploma takes about three years in total.
With dedication, students may complete their courses faster by studying more subjects at a time.
How Many Subjects Are There in Office Administration?
The ICB Office Administration programme consists of different subjects at each level. Below is a breakdown:
- National Certificate Level: 6 subjects
- Higher Certificate Level: 9 subjects
- Diploma Level: 12 subjects
Each subject equips students with practical skills needed in an office environment.
Can I Study Office Administration Without Matric?
Yes, you can study office administration without matric through certain courses. While some programmes require a matric certificate, there are alternative options available. Skills Academy offers a variety of office administration courses, but the ICB National Certificate in Office Administration requires matric. If you do not have matric, you can start with other business-related courses and later progress to office administration.
If you don’t meet the requirements, you can consider the following options:
- ICB Financial Accounting Programme (Requires Grade 10)
- ICB Business Management Programme (Requires Grade 11)
Once you complete one of these, you can apply for office administration studies.
Do You Need Qualifications to Be an Office Administrator?
A qualification is not always needed for entry-level office administration roles. However, having a recognised certificate or diploma improves job prospects. Skills Academy offers ICB-accredited office administration courses that provide the necessary skills to succeed in the workplace.
Available Skills Academy Office Administration Courses:
- ICB National Certificate in Office Administration – A great starting point for a career in administration. (Requires matric)
- ICB Higher Certificate in Office Administration – Expands on office admin skills and includes HR and business law. (Requires completion of the National Certificate)
- ICB Diploma in Office Administration – Provides in-depth management and financial skills for senior roles. (Requires completion of the Higher Certificate).
These qualifications cover key areas such as bookkeeping, business communication, and office management.
What Requirements Are Needed to Study Office Administration?
The requirements depend on the level of study. Skills Academy offers the following pathways:
ICB National Certificate in Office Administration
- Requirements: Matric or an equivalent qualification
- Duration: 24 months
- Subjects: Business Literacy, Bookkeeping to Trial Balance, Business and Office Administration 1.
ICB Higher Certificate in Office Administration
- Requirements: Completion of the National Certificate in Office Administration
- Duration: 26 months
- Subjects: Economics, Human Resource Management, Business and Office Administration 2.
ICB Diploma in Office Administration
- Requirements: Completion of the Higher Certificate in Office Administration
- Duration: 36 months
- Subjects: Business and Office Administration 3, Financial Statements, Management.
For those without matric, starting with a business-related ICB course can provide a pathway to studying office administration later.
Frequently Asked Questions
The best course for office work depends on the skills you want to develop. If you’re looking for a well-rounded qualification, an Office Administration course is a great option. You can also consider courses in Business Management, Secretarial Studies, or Computer Literacy, as these will help you build essential office skills.
Yes! Office administration is a stable and rewarding career with plenty of opportunities for growth. Every industry needs skilled administrators, meaning you’ll always be in demand. It’s also a great starting point if you want to move into managerial roles in the future.
Office administrators handle the day-to-day operations of a business, ensuring that everything runs smoothly. Their tasks can include scheduling meetings, managing files, processing documents, assisting clients, and handling office communications. They play a vital role in keeping the workplace organized and efficient.
Office administration is not necessarily difficult, but it does require strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to multitask. With the right training and experience, you can master these skills and become a confident office administrator.
Author : kirsten keet
