Applying for an ICB (Institute of Certified Bookkeepers) course is quick and easy. You don’t have to visit a college in person. Everything can be done online from home. This guide will help you understand where to study, how to register using our ICB online application form, and what fees to expect. You’ll also find out how to use the ICB student portal and apply for Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL).
Where Can I Study ICB Courses?
You can study ICB courses online with Skills Academy. This means you don’t have to go to classes. You can study from home and work at your own pace. Skills Academy is an ICB-accredited college that provides all the support and learning materials you need.
Can I Study Directly With ICB?
No, ICB does not offer courses directly to students. Instead, you must enrol with an ICB-accredited college like Skills Academy. These colleges give you study materials, help with assignments, and prepare you for exams.
How Can I Get An ICB Certificate?
You can get an ICB Certificate by completing our ICB Online Application Form. Getting an ICB certificate is simple if you follow these steps:
- Choose an ICB Course: Pick a course in bookkeeping, business, or financial management.
- Register: Go to the website, fill in your details and pay your registration fees.
- Complete Your Course Requirements: Do your assignments and coursework on time.
- Write and Pass Your ICB Exams: Exams can be done online or at an exam centre.
- Receive Your Certificate: Once you pass, you will get an official ICB certificate.
Choose An ICB Course
The first step is choosing a course that fits your goals. ICB offers courses in bookkeeping, financial management, and business administration. These courses help you build skills for a great career.
Register with An ICB-Accredited College
After choosing a course, you must enrol with a training provider like Skills Academy. This gives you access to study materials, tutor support, and help with your coursework.
Complete Your Course Requirements
To pass, you need to submit assignments and complete tests. These help you understand the course material and prepare for exams.
Write and Pass Your ICB Exams
Exams are a key part of your course. You must register for an exam, study, and achieve the pass mark. You can write exams online or at an ICB exam centre.
Receive Your Certificate
Once you pass your exams and complete your coursework, you will receive an ICB certificate. This proves you have the skills needed for jobs in finance and business.
ICB Student Portal
The ICB Student Portal is an online platform that helps students manage their studies. You can register for exams, check your results, and download study materials. Once you sign up for an ICB course, you will get login details to access the portal.
ICB Registration Fees
When you sign up for an ICB course, there are fees you need to pay. These fees cover important services that help you complete your studies. Here is what we include in your ICB Course registration fees:
- Annual Registration: Keeps you registered as an ICB student.
- Exam Entry Fees: Covers the cost of writing ICB exams.
- Portfolio of Evidence (PoE) Processing: Pays for the submission and marking of coursework.
- Certification and Transcript Fees: Covers the printing and issuing of your qualification.
What Is RPL?
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) allows students to use previous work experience or past studies to earn credit. If you already have knowledge and skills in bookkeeping or finance, you might not need to redo certain subjects. This helps you finish your course faster and saves money.
How To Apply For RPL?
If you have relevant experience or past studies, you can apply for Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL). Here’s how:
- Check Eligibility: You must have work experience or previous studies in bookkeeping or finance.
- Contact an ICB-Accredited Provider: Your training provider will help you apply for RPL.
- Submit Supporting Documents: You need to provide proof of past studies or work experience.
- Undergo an Assessment: ICB will review your documents and decide if you qualify for exemptions.
- Continue With Your Studies: If approved, you will only need to complete the remaining subjects.
Contact Details
If you need help, Skills Academy is ready to assist you. You can find our contact details on the website. You can get help through the ICB Student Portal or you can call Skills Academy for course details and student assistance.
What Qualification Is ICB?
ICB qualifications help you gain practical skills in business, finance, and office administration. These courses teach you how to manage money, run a business, and handle office work. Below are the ICB Business Management and ICB Office Administration courses available at Skills Academy.
Small Business Financial Management Certificate
This course teaches you how to handle business money, track expenses, and keep financial records. It’s perfect for small business owners or anyone wanting to manage finances better. You’ll learn the basics of bookkeeping, budgeting, and financial planning.
Higher Certificate in Business Management
If you want to run a business or lead a team, this course is a great choice. It covers business communication, project planning, and leadership skills. You’ll also learn about marketing and financial decision-making.
Diploma in Business Management Financial Accounting
This diploma gives you advanced skills to manage business finances and accounts. You’ll learn about cost accounting, tax returns, and financial reports. It’s ideal for students aiming for senior finance or management jobs.
Office Administration: Junior Office Administrator (National Certificate)
This course prepares you for a career in office management. You’ll learn about customer service, business communication, and office procedures. It’s a great start for jobs like receptionist, personal assistant, or office clerk.
Office Administration: Senior Office Administrator (Higher Certificate)
This course builds on office administration skills and adds human resources, business law, and project management. You’ll learn how to supervise office staff, handle paperwork, and manage business tasks.
Office Administration: Certified Office Manager (National Diploma)
This is the highest level office administration course. It includes financial admin, business ethics, and office management. It’s perfect for those who want to become office managers, HR coordinators, or executive assistants.
What Qualifications Do I Need To Be A Bookkeeper?
To work as a bookkeeper, you need the right skills and training. Below is a list of financial accounting courses available at Skills Academy.
| Course | What You Learn |
|---|---|
| Junior Bookkeeper Course (ICB National Certificate) | Learn basic bookkeeping tasks, trial balances, and financial transactions. |
| Certified Senior Bookkeeping (ICB Certificate) | Covers bookkeeping, payroll, and financial statements. |
| Technical Financial Accounting (ICB National Diploma) | Focuses on tax returns, business law, and financial management. |
| Certified Financial Accounting (ICB National Diploma) | Provides advanced knowledge of financial accounting and reporting. |
These courses help you build bookkeeping skills step by step. The higher the qualification, the more career opportunities you’ll have.
Can I Study ICB Without Matric?
Yes! You don’t need matric to study many ICB courses. Some courses accept students with Grade 10 or Grade 11. Here’s what you need to qualify:
- Grade 10 Certificate: Required for the ICB Financial Accounting Programme. This course covers basic bookkeeping and business finance.
- Grade 11 Certificate: Needed for the ICB Business Management Programme. You’ll learn about entrepreneurship, marketing, and office work.
- No Matric? Do A Bridging Course!: If you don’t meet the requirements, you can start with a lower-level ICB course and work your way up.
ICB courses help students without matric build skills and grow their careers.
What Is The Pass Mark For The ICB Exam?
To pass an ICB exam, you must score at least 60%. Your final mark comes from:
- Portfolio of Evidence (PoE): This makes up 30% of your final mark. It includes assignments and tests.
- Final Exam: The exam counts for 70% of your total score.
ICB exams focus on real skills, so students must prepare well and complete their coursework.
How Long Are ICB Exams?
ICB exams test your knowledge and skills. The length of the exam depends on the subject:
- Most ICB exams take 2–3 hours.
- Exams can be written online or at an exam centre.
- You must register ahead of time to book your exam.
Proper planning helps students do their best and pass their exams.
What Happens If You Fail An ICB Exam?
If you fail an ICB exam, you don’t have to start over. You can try again by following these steps:
- Rewrite the exam: You can register for a rewrite at an extra cost.
- Improve your PoE: Some assignments and tests in your Portfolio of Evidence can be redone to boost your marks.
- Get extra support: Study groups and tutors can help you prepare better for your next exam.
With hard work and good preparation, you can pass the next time and get your qualification.
Is ICB A Good Qualification?
Yes! ICB courses are a great choice if you want to work in finance, business, or bookkeeping. These courses focus on real-world skills, which means you can use what you learn in a job right away. Here are four reasons why an ICB qualification is worth it:
- Recognised and Accredited: ICB courses are approved by the Quality Council for Trades and Occupations (QCTO), so they meet high education standards. Employers trust these qualifications because they know students learn useful, job-ready skills.
- Flexible Learning: You can study online or through distance learning at an ICB-accredited college. This means you can study from home while working or managing other responsibilities.
- Good Career Opportunities: With an ICB qualification, you can apply for jobs in bookkeeping, accounting, and business management. Many students also use it as a stepping stone to higher qualifications.
- Internationally Respected: ICB qualifications are not just recognised in South Africa. Many companies outside the country accept them too, which can open doors to more job opportunities.
Is ICB Recognised In South Africa?
Yes! ICB qualifications are well-known in South Africa and trusted by employers. These courses are accredited by QCTO and listed on the National Qualifications Framework (NQF), which means they meet national education standards. Many companies prefer hiring ICB graduates because they have strong financial and business skills.
How Do I Know If A Course Is Accredited In South Africa?
It’s important to check if a course is accredited before enrolling. Here’s how you can do that:
- Search on SAQA: The South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) has a list of accredited qualifications.
- Look for QCTO Accreditation: The Quality Council for Trades and Occupations (QCTO) ensures that courses meet national standards.
- Check with the Institution: Before signing up, visit the college’s website or contact them to confirm their accreditation status.
How Do I Become A Member Of The Institute Of Certified Bookkeepers?
Becoming an ICB member is easy and gives you access to career benefits. You can start your career journey to become a member of the ICB by enrolling in an ICB Course using our online application process. Here’s what you need to do:
- Complete an ICB-accredited course in bookkeeping, office administration, or business management.
- Register with ICB by submitting proof of your qualification on their official website.
- Stay active as a member by keeping up with industry trends and improving your skills.
ICB membership helps boost your credibility and gives you more job opportunities.
Is Bookkeeping In High Demand?
Yes! Bookkeeping is a skill that every business needs. Companies must keep financial records, so they hire skilled bookkeepers to track money, manage payments, and prepare reports. In South Africa, many businesses look for trained bookkeepers, making this a reliable career choice.
What Are 5 Careers In Accounting?
An ICB qualification can lead to different careers in accounting and finance. Here are five options:
- Bookkeeper: Keeps track of a company’s financial records and ensures payments are made on time.
- Payroll Administrator: Calculates salaries, tax deductions, and employee benefits.
- Financial Accountant: Manages budgets, tax returns, and financial reporting.
- Credit Controller: Helps businesses manage debts and ensure payments are collected.
- Tax Consultant: Assists companies and individuals with tax planning and filing tax returns.
Choosing the right ICB course for you can be hard, but with the support of our course experts we can find the perfect course for you. Contact us today and start your ICB studies with the course that suits you best!
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes! ICB offers National Diplomas in Financial Accounting, Business Management, and Office Administration. These diplomas are registered on the National Qualifications Framework (NQF) and recognised in the finance industry. Many students start with an ICB certificate and work their way up to a diploma.
ICB does not have physical branches. Instead, students study through ICB-accredited colleges. These colleges provide study materials, tutor support, and exam assistance so students can learn from anywhere in South Africa.
NQF Level 4 is the same level as matric. If you complete an ICB course at this level, you will learn the basics of bookkeeping and financial accounting. This level is a good starting point for anyone who wants to work in finance or business.
ICB and CIMA are both finance qualifications, but they focus on different skills:
- ICB: Focuses on bookkeeping, accounting, and financial management skills. It is best for students who want to work in small businesses or manage company finances.
- CIMA: Specialises in management accounting. It helps students learn financial decision-making and business strategy.
A bookkeeper keeps a company’s financial records organised. They make sure that income and expenses are recorded correctly. Here are some of their daily tasks:
- Recording Transactions: Keeps track of all business earnings and spending.
- Managing Invoices: Prepares and sends invoices to clients and suppliers.
- Reconciling Bank Statements: Matches the company’s financial records with bank transactions.
- Preparing Financial Reports: Creates reports that help businesses understand their financial health.
ICB qualifications help you build strong financial skills, making you a great fit for jobs in accounting, business, and finance. With flexible learning options and strong industry recognition, these courses are a great way to start your career.
Author: Jodie Jacobs
