Studying ICB office administration is an investment in your future. Before enrolling, it’s important to understand the costs involved. The price of the course depends on the qualification level, study materials, and assessment fees.
If you’re wondering whether you need maths for this course or if you can study it online, this section will provide clear answers.
How Much is an Office Admin Course?
The cost of an office administration course depends on the level of the qualification. The ICB Office Administration programme offers three levels:
- ICB National Certificate: Junior Office Administration
- ICB Higher Certificate: Office Administration
- ICB Diploma: Office Administration (Certified Office Manager)
Each level has different fees for tuition, study materials, and assessments. Fees can also vary depending on whether you pay in full or in instalments.
To get a full breakdown of costs, visit our Skills Academy website or contact an advisor.
Can I Do Office Administration Without Maths?
Yes, you can study ICB office administration without maths. This course does not require advanced mathematical skills.
However, some subjects, like bookkeeping and cost management accounting, involve basic calculations. These topics are explained in a way that is easy to understand.
If you feel unsure about your maths skills, you can still do well in this course with practice and support from tutors.
Can I Study Office Administration Online?
Yes, you can study office administration online through Skills Academy. The ICB Office Administration course is available via distance learning.
This means you can:
- Study from anywhere in South Africa.
- Work at your own pace.
- Get tutor support when needed.
Distance learning with Skills Academy is a great option if you have a busy schedule or live far from a training centre. You will receive all your study materials and assessments online, allowing you to complete your qualification from home.
What Requirements Are Needed for Office Administration?
To work in office administration, you need to be organised, pay attention to details, and communicate well. If you want to study office administration, you must meet certain requirements. These depend on the course and level you choose.
Entry Requirements for Office Administration
The requirements depend on the course level. Here’s what you need:
ICB National Certificate in Office Administration
- You need matric or something equal to it.
- If you don’t have matric, you can start with an ICB Foundation Level course.
ICB Higher Certificate in Office Administration
- You must finish the ICB National Certificate in Office Administration first.
ICB Diploma in Office Administration
- You must complete the ICB Higher Certificate in Office Administration.
Can I Study Office Administration Without Matric?
Yes, you can. Some courses do not need matric. These courses help you learn office skills and find better job opportunities, even if you didn’t finish Grade 12.
If you don’t have matric, you still have options:
- Short Courses – These teach basic office skills and don’t need matric.
- ICB Programmes – You can start some ICB courses with Grade 10 or 11.
- Adult Matric – You can study for an adult matric and then do office administration.
These choices help you learn office administration without needing matric.
Can I Study Office Administration With Matric?
If you have matric, you can study more advanced office administration courses:
- ICB National Certificate in Office Administration – This course teaches key office skills.
- ICB Higher Certificate in Office Administration – This course builds on the national certificate and includes subjects like human resources.
- ICB Diploma in Office Administration – This course helps you become a certified office manager.
With matric, you can choose from different courses that help you find better jobs and grow in your career.
Which Course is Best for Office Administrators?
The best course for office administration depends on what job you want. The ICB Office Administration programme is a great option because it teaches important skills like office management, bookkeeping, and business communication. Each level helps you improve step by step, so you can grow in your career.
Do You Need Qualifications to Be an Office Administrator?
You don’t always need a qualification to become an office administrator, but it can help you get a job and learn useful skills. Many companies prefer to hire people with a certificate or diploma in office administration. A qualification shows that you understand how an office works and how to communicate well.
If you don’t have a qualification, you can still get a job by gaining experience. But taking a course can increase your chances of getting hired and help you earn a better salary.
What Are the Qualifications for Office Administrators?
There are different qualifications for office administrators. The ICB Office Administration programme is one of the best in South Africa. It is accredited (officially recognised) and highly valued by employers.
The programme has three levels:
- ICB National Certificate in Office Administration (NQF Level 5) – This is the starting level and teaches basic office admin skills.
- ICB Higher Certificate in Office Administration (NQF Level 5) – This builds on the first certificate and covers more advanced topics.
- ICB Diploma in Office Administration (NQF Level 6) – This is the highest level and prepares students for management jobs.
To sign up for these courses, you usually need Matric or something similar. If you don’t meet the requirements, you can start with another ICB course first and then move to office administration.
How Many Subjects Are There in Office Administration?
The number of subjects depends on the qualification level. The ICB Office Administration programme has different subjects at each stage:
- ICB National Certificate – 7 subjects
- Includes Business English, Office Administration, Bookkeeping, and Business Law.
- ICB Higher Certificate – 10 subjects
- Adds more subjects like Human Resources and Economics.
- ICB Diploma – 13 subjects
- Includes Financial Statements and Management for more advanced learning.
These subjects help students learn real office skills that they can use in the workplace.
How Many Modules Are in Office Administration?
Each subject in the ICB Office Administration programme is made up of smaller parts called modules. Some subjects have more modules than others, depending on how much there is to learn.
Students complete assignments, tests, and exams to show what they know. The course is designed to teach one step at a time, so students can easily build their knowledge.
How Long Are Office Administration Courses?
Office administration courses take different amounts of time, depending on the level. Each course helps you learn more and move up in your career.
The ICB Office Administration programme has three levels:
- Junior Office Administration: ICB National Certificate – 2 years
- Office Administration: ICB Higher Certificate – 2 years and 2 months
- Office Administration: Certified Office Manager ICB Diploma – 3 years
You can do each course separately or complete all three to get the diploma.
How Many Years to Study Office Administration?
If you study all three courses, it will take about seven years in total. But you don’t have to do them all. You can stop after any level, depending on the job you want.
- The National Certificate takes two years.
- If you continue to the Higher Certificate, it adds two more years.
- If you study further to get the Diploma, it takes another three years.
Since you study from home, you can go faster or take more time, depending on your schedule.
Where Can I Work If I Study Office Administration?
Every business needs office workers. With this qualification, you can work in different places, such as:
- Corporate Offices – Small and big companies need admin staff to help with office tasks.
- Government Departments – Offices in municipalities and national government hire admin workers.
- Healthcare Facilities – Hospitals, clinics, and doctors’ offices need admin staff to keep records and book appointments.
- Schools and Colleges – These places need office staff to organise paperwork and schedules.
- Shops and Hotels – Businesses in retail and hospitality need admin workers to help things run smoothly.
What Job Can I Get If I Study Office Administration?
An office administration course can help you get different types of jobs. The higher your qualification, the better your job options.
Junior Office Administration: ICB National Certificate
With this qualification, you can apply for beginner jobs like:
- Receptionist – Answer calls, help customers, and welcome visitors.
- Office Clerk – Do filing, type documents, and enter data.
- Junior Office Administrator – Help office staff with paperwork and scheduling.
Office Administration: ICB Higher Certificate
This qualification gives you more job choices, such as:
- Office Administrator – Keep the office running smoothly and assist staff.
- Personal Assistant – Plan meetings, take calls, and manage schedules.
- Administrative Coordinator – Make sure office tasks are done on time.
Office Administration: Certified Office Manager ICB Diploma
With this diploma, you can apply for senior jobs like:
- Office Manager – Supervise staff and handle office budgets.
- Executive Assistant – Support top managers with meetings and reports.
- Business Administrator – Manage office processes and financial records.
Office administration is a great career because you can work in many industries and grow over time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, office administration is in high demand. Every business, regardless of industry, requires administrative professionals to ensure smooth operations. Skilled office administrators are essential for handling communication, organizing schedules, and maintaining records, making this a stable and sought-after career.
NQF Level 5 Office Administration refers to a qualification that provides advanced knowledge and skills in business and office management. It is designed for individuals who want to develop expertise in office procedures, business communication, and financial management, preparing them for leadership roles in an administrative setting.
Office administration consists of various tasks that help a business run efficiently. These include managing office supplies, handling correspondence, scheduling meetings, maintaining records, overseeing administrative staff, and ensuring that daily operations are organized and productive.
Office administration ensures the smooth functioning of an office by managing day-to-day tasks. This includes coordinating office activities, handling paperwork, supporting staff, and implementing organizational procedures. Office administrators play a key role in keeping operations efficient and organized.
An office manager focuses on overseeing office staff, improving efficiency, and ensuring that employees have the resources they need. They may also handle budgeting and strategic planning. An office administrator, on the other hand, is more involved in administrative tasks like scheduling, data entry, and document management. While both roles contribute to office efficiency, an office manager has more leadership responsibilities.
Author : Kirsten Keet
