There are no ICB online classes, but when you study with an accredited training provider, there are many ways to get help with your coursework from the comfort of your home. One of these methods is through lecturers at distance learning colleges. So even though the Institute of Certified Bookkeepers (ICB) has existed since 1931, they have evolved to suit the modern study needs of students.
Does ICB Offer Online Classes?
No, ICB does not offer online classes because they are not a training provider. But if you would like to study from home, you can look into distance learning colleges such as Skills Academy. We offer you support throughout your ICB Course in the form of highly qualified lecturers and tutors.
Can I Study Directly Through ICB?
No, you cannot study directly through ICB since they are an external exam body and not a college. But there are over 500 accredited ICB training providers for you to choose from. To narrow it down for yourself, think about your current lifestyle and what your study goals are. You can enrol for ICB courses at:
- Part-Time Colleges
- Full-Time Colleges
- Distance Learning
Can I Self-Study ICB Courses?
Yes you can self-study ICB Courses. But you should keep in mind that ICB does not recommend this method of study. Over the years, they realised that students who self-study are not as successful as students who study through a college. If you want an affordable way to earn a qualification, distance learning is a great option. You can study at your own pace from the comfort of your home.
Can I Learn Bookkeeping Online?
Yes you can study bookkeeping courses online. With ICB, you can learn bookkeeping in a way that works for you. With no physical classes to attend, you can achieve the ultimate balance between work, your studies and your personal responsibilities.
What Is The Best Online School For Bookkeeping?
You can study Bookkeeping Courses right here at Skills Academy. Our college is accredited by the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET), and we pride ourselves on offering quality education to all. When you enrol with us, we will deliver your study material to you no matter where you live in South Africa. So feel free to join us from:
- Western Cape
- KwaZulu-Natal
- Eastern Cape
- Northern Cape
- Gauteng
- North West
- Limpopo
- Mpumalanga
- Free State
Which ICB Courses Can I Study?
There are three main ICB Courses you can study. All you have to do is decide which one suits your interests the best. So go ahead and take your pick from:
Bookkeeping And Accounting Courses
Become an asset to your workplace when you study Bookkeeping and Accounting Courses with ICB. Here you will gain top-tier finance skills to turn your passion for numbers into the career of your dreams. You can start with the bookkeeping courses and work your way up to the financial accounting qualification.
- Junior Bookkeeper Course
- Certified Senior Bookkeeping Course
- Technical Financial Accounting Diploma
- National Diploma in Certified Financial Accounting
Business Management Courses
Take your natural leadership skills to the next level with Business Management Courses. Here you will learn skills such as office and legal practice, financial management and control, business literacy, bookkeeping to trial balance and so much more.
- Certificate in Small Business Financial Management
- Higher Certificate in Business Management
- National Diploma in Business Management
Office Administration Courses
Every company needs someone to help them keep the office in order. You can be the all-rounder they need when you study Office Administration Courses. In just 36 months you will be a qualified office professional with an NQF level 6 national diploma.
- National Certificate in Office Administration
- Higher Certificate in Office Administration
- National Diploma in Office Administration
What Are The Entry Requirements For ICB Courses?
Each course has its own separate entry requirements. But there is no need to worry, they are not as strict as you would think. If you do not meet the requirements, you can study the ICB Bridging Course to help get you started on your preferred path. But for now, you can find the entry requirements for each programme below:
- Bookkeeping – You must have completed grade 10 and be at least 16 years old.
- Accounting – Successful completion of the ICB Bookkeeping course
- Business Management – Grade 11
- Office Administration – Grade 12
How Do I Register For ICB Courses?
You can register as a new ICB student online via the student portal. It is a very simple process, and you can do so from the comfort of your home. There is no need for you to stand in long lines on campus to register.
- Log in to the ICB student portal.
- Click ‘register for a course’.
- Choose the programme you want to study.
- Select the college you will be studying with.
- Confirm your registration.
- Pay your registration fee.
- You can now book your first exam.
Is ICB A Good Qualification?
If you are keen to learn accredited business, admin or financial accounting knowledge then ICB is a great qualification to pursue. Their courses are well-respected in many different countries, and many employers prefer to hire students who have successfully completed ICB programmes.
When Does Registration For ICB Courses Close?
There are no closing dates for ICB course registration. You can register at any time of the year. But keep in mind that there are specific exam dates for each subject, so be sure to schedule your registration around these dates. This is especially true for the paper-based exams, which can only be written twice a year.
Are ICB Courses Accredited?
Yes, ICB Courses are accredited. They are accredited by the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA). You will find that each programme has a unique SAQA ID number that you can use to make sure that the qualifications are legit. The courses are also registered on the National Qualifications Framework (NQF).
What Are ICB Qualifications Equivalent To?
Since ICB Courses are registered on the NQF, each qualification has a specific NQF level which ranges from 3-6. For a more detailed summary, look at the handy table below.
| NQF Level 3 | NQF Level 4 | NQF Level 5 | NQF Level 6 |
| Junior Bookkeeping Course | Senior Bookkeeping Course | Technical Financial Accounting | Certified Financial Accounting |
| Small Business Financial Management Certificate | Higher Certificate in Business Management | National Diploma in Business Management | |
| National Certificate in Office Administration | National Diploma in Office Administration | ||
| Higher Certificate in Office Administration |
Are ICB Courses Recognised?
Yes ICB Courses are recognised both in South Africa and overseas. There are even exclusive professional membership bodies that will recognise your qualifications and offer you benefits when you join them. Some of these organisations include:
- SAIT – South African Institute of Tax Professionals
- SAIBA – South African Institute of Business Accountants
- IAB – International Association of Bookkeepers
- IAAP – International Association of Accounting Professionals
What Can I Do With An ICB Qualification?
When you have an ICB qualification, the doors of opportunity will be opened wide for you. You will have the skills to enter the workforce or even start your own business. And if you enjoyed your ICB studies, you can even study further through ICB, ACCA or other institutions.
How Long Does It Take To Complete ICB?
This depends on the course you want to study. But they range between 6 months to three years. Keep in mind that if you study part-time, it could take longer for you to achieve your qualification.
Can I Get A Job With ICB Certificates?
Yes, you can get a job with ICB certificates. You can find employment in a wide range of industries. Some of the jobs you can pursue include:
- Financial Accountant
- Bookkeeper
- Financial Accountant
- Personal Assistant
- Business Manager
- Office Manager
- Secretary
- Payroll Clerk
- Office Administrator
- Financial Analyst
- Securities Trader
- Management Accountant
- Auditor
- Financial Manager
- Tax Accountant
- Budget Analyst
- Financial Advisor
Does Unisa Recognise ICB Qualifications?
It is possible for Unisa to recognise your ICB qualification through their recognition of prior learning (RPL) process. But you must make sure that you meet all the requirements first. If they find that the course you want to study matches the ICB qualification you already have, you could get exemptions.
How Do ICB Exams Work?
ICB exams are great because you can write them online or on paper. It is important that you are aware of the differences between the two before you decide on an exam type. In order to qualify for exams, you have to make sure that your Portfolio of Evidence (PoE) is handed in on time. Your PoE is a collection of tests and assignments you completed throughout the course.
When Do Registrations For ICB Exams Close?
There are different closing dates. You have to check the month you want to write and see when registrations close for that exam season. We have added all the dates for you in the table below, but it is also available on the ICB exam timetable.
| Exam Month | Exam Type | Closing Date |
| April 2023 | Online | 24 February 2023 |
| May 2023 | Paper | 31 March 2023 |
| June 2023 | Online | 28 April 2023 |
| July 2023 | Online | 26 May 2023 |
| August 2023 | Paper | 7 July 2023 |
| September 2023 | Online | 28 July 2023 |
| October 2023 | Online | 25 August 2023 |
| November 2023 | Paper | 29 September 2023 |
| December 2023 | Online | 27 October 2023 |
Where Is The ICB Exam Centre?
If you are a classroom-based student, you will write at your college. But distance learners and self-study students will write their paper-based exams at one of the venues below.
- Glenwood Presbyterian Church
- Goodwood Sports Club
- IBTC Sandton
- Akasia Country Club
- Benoni Central Methodist Church
- Damelin – East London
If the list above looks shorter, that is because it is. In-person venues are now only available at main centres. If you want to write the paper exam, we suggest you book ASAP because spaces are limited. ICB is still sticking to Covid-19 protocol to protect providers, invigilators and students. And if you realise that you do not live close enough to these venues, it is best to choose the online exam option.
How Much Are The ICB Exam Fees?
There are separate costs which depend on your circumstances. But the basic exam fee is R785 per subject.
| Exam Fees | R 785 |
| Exam Postponement Fee (per subject) | R 330 |
| Exam Late Entry Fee | R 560 |
| Remark Fee (per subject) | R 1200 |
| Private Invigilator Fee | R 2100 |
| ICB Programme Certificate (including postage) | R 400 |
| FASSET Certificate Reprint (including postage) | R 400 |
| Workplace PoE Assessment (Learnerships) | R 1450 |
When Will I Receive My ICB Exam Results?
It takes ICB about seven weeks to release your exam results. This is to ensure that your results are as accurate as possible. You will receive your results via email, or on the student portal. Check out the dates below so you know exactly when to expect that notification in your inbox.
| Exam Month | Results Release Date |
| April 2023 | 19 May 2023 |
| May 2023 | 23 June 2023 |
| June 2023 | 21 July 2023 |
| July 2023 | 18 August 2023 |
| August 2023 | 29 September 2023 |
| September 2023 | 20 October 2023 |
| October 2023 | 17 November 2023 |
| November 2023 | 5 January 2024 |
| December 2023 | 19 January 2024 |
Can I Postpone My ICB Exam?
Yes you can postpone your ICB exam. There are two postponement types, so be sure to choose the right one for your circumstances:
- Voluntary Postponements
- Mitigating Circumstances Postponements
Voluntary Postponements
This is for students who are not yet ready to write their exams or want to switch from paper to online exams. To postpone, all you have to do is:
- Go to the ‘My Exams’ tab on the student portal. Here you will see a list of all the exams you are booked for.
- Go to the table that says ‘My postponement options’.
- If you have already postponed an exam, you will not see this option.
- Click the ‘postpone’ button next to the date you want to postpone to.
- After clicking ‘postpone’, a list of venues will appear. You must choose one.
- You will only see venue options for paper-based exams. If a venue does not show up, it means there is no space left.
- Add the postponed exam booking to your cart.
- Click ‘checkout’ (found at the top of your page).
- Choose your payment option.
- Pay the postponement fee.
Please note: Classroom-based students have to contact their college to do postponements.
Mitigating Circumstances Postponements
This option is for students who could not write their exam on the day because of circumstances that are outside of their control. Examples of these include unexpected loadshedding, illness or death in your immediate family. This type of postponement is free, but you must provide adequate proof when you apply.
What Is The Last Date To Postpone ICB Exams?
There are different dates for each ICB exam. It depends on the month you want to write in. So check out the table below to see the exact dates and then add them to your calendar.
| Exam Month | Type Of Exam | Last Date To Postpone |
| April 2023 | Online | 17 March 2023 |
| May 2023 | Paper | 21 April 2023 |
| June 2023 | Online | 19 May 2023 |
| July 2023 | Online | 16 June 2023 |
| August 2023 | Paper | 28 July 2023 |
| September 2023 | Online | 18 August 2023 |
| October 2023 | Online | 15 September 2023 |
| November 2023 | Paper | 20 October 2023 |
| December 2023 | Online | 17 November 2023 |
How Do I Book ICB Exams?
If you are a classroom-based student, your college will book exams on your behalf. Self-study and distance learners can book online by following the instructions below:
- Make sure you have paid the annual registration fee.
- Log in to the ICB student portal.
- Click ‘enter assessment’ on the left side of your screen.
- Choose the subject you want to book an exam for.
- Pick an exam venue.
- Click ‘search for available assessment dates’.
- Choose the date when you would like to write the exam.
- Click ‘add to basket’.
- Check the contents of your basket.
- If you made a mistake, click on the ‘X’ to remove an exam from your basket.
- If everything is correct, click ‘checkout’.
- Click ‘next step’ to double-check your booking.
- Click ‘submit’ if all your details are correct.
- Pay your exam fee via credit card, debit card or EFT.
What Happens If You Fail An ICB Exam?
If you do not pass your ICB exam, you still have options. You can either rewrite the exam are apply for a re-mark if you think a mistake was made when your marks were calculated.
How Do ICB Online Exams Work?
ICB online exams are almost exactly the same as paper-based exams, the only difference is that one is completed digitally, whereas the other is done with pen and paper. You can write ICB online exams from the comfort of your home, or at any venue that has a computer which meets the technical requirements. Online exams are invigilated via webcam, and through special software that detects any strange movements you might make on your PC.
Are ICB Exams Open Book?
No, ICB exams are not open book. To prevent any missteps, and to ensure that you are prepared for the exam, please read through ICB’s assessment policy.
Is Becoming A Certified Bookkeeper Worth It?
We would say becoming a certified bookkeeper is definitely worth it. We know it is possible to teach yourself basic bookkeeping skills, but it does not compare to the knowledge you gain from studying an accredited course.
What Is A Bookkeeper’s Salary?
In South Africa, the average salary for a bookkeeper is R182 126 a year. But this amount depends on how much experience you have and the city you are employed in. Big cities such as Cape Town and Johannesburg tend to pay more than small towns.
Is Bookkeeping A Difficult Job?
If you love numbers and make a good effort to stay organised and have attention to detail, bookkeeping will not be difficult. Just like with any other job, it requires patience, practice and a willingness to learn.
Do I Need Qualifications To Be A Bookkeeper?
The best way to find a good job is to study an accredited course. With ICB, you can study the following Bookkeeping Courses:
At the end of these courses, you will have an NQF level 4 qualification, which is equivalent to matric.
If you are ready to start your ICB study journey, look no further than Skills Academy. You can chat with our friendly course experts to find out more or to enrol. We do not have registration closing dates, so you can join our college at any time.
Read more about what to expect from ICB programmes by browsing through our list of related articles below:
Skills Academy is the word support in every way.
Frequently Asked Questions
The ICB student portal is an online platform you can use to manage your study programme. You can use it to:
- Register for ICB courses
- Exam bookings
- View your exam results
- Update your personal details
- Payments to the ICB
- Track your academic progress
You can study ICB courses via distance learning at:
- Skills Academy
- Bellview Institute of Distance Learning
- Matric College
The ICB has an impressive pass rate. Within the last five years, more than 25 000 students have successfully graduated from their programmes.
In order to pass your final exam, you need to receive at least 50%. To pass the course, you need at least 60%. This pass mark is made up of your portfolio of evidence and your final exam. The PoE counts toward 30% of the final mark, whereas the exam counts toward 70%.
Unisa does not offer ICB courses anymore. But if you want to study this programme via distance learning, you can enrol right here at Skills Academy. We are a distance learning college and an accredited ICB training provider. With us, you will have everything you need to pass your ICB Course.
ICB MACCI is the online platform you must use to complete your Portfolio of Evidence. You will gain access to MACCI as soon as you register and book your exams.
You can study ICB Bookkeeping Courses from all over South Africa. There are over 500 training providers. But if you want to study from the comfort of your home, you can enrol right here at Skills Academy.
The ICB financial accounting programme is made up of both bookkeeping and and accounting courses. This programme is registered at an NQF level 6, which is a national diploma. It takes 36 months to complete and here you will learn subjects such as:
- Bookkeeping To Trial Balance
- Payroll and Monthly SARS Returns
- Computerised Bookkeeping
- Business Literacy
- Financial Statements
- Cost and Management Accounting
- Income Tax Returns
- Business Law and Accounting
- Corporate Strategy
- Management Accounting and Control Systems
- Financial Reporting and Regulatory Frameworks
- Research Theory and Practice
