Make your prior qualifications work for you with ICB RPL. This process allows you to get exemptions, or credits toward the course you are currently studying.
What Is RPL?
RPL stands for Recognition of Prior Learning. It is a great way to study a course without starting from scratch. It takes into account any formal, informal and non-formal education you might have received. If your RPL application is successful, you can qualify for exemptions. Exemptions allow you to skip subjects in your course or gain access to a course you did not meet the minimum requirements for.
Who Qualifies For RPL?
Every institution has its own specific RPL requirements. But with ICB, you can use the RPL process if:
- You have studied a similar course in the past
- You have relevant work experience.
How Long Does The RPL Process Take?
With ICB, the RPL process can take up to six weeks. This is because your application has to go through the Review Board first.
Is It Difficult To Get The RPL?
Getting your RPL application is unfortunately not a quick process. This is because the Board has to make sure that you have the skills you need for your course. But if you are dedicated to your studies, and are sure that you meet the requirements, you will reap the rewards soon enough. Before applying for RPL, make sure you read through the instructions carefully and have all the documents you need.
How Does The ICB RPL Process Work?
ICB’s recognition of prior learning process is handled on a subject-by-subject basis. This means that you have to submit a separate application for each subject you want an exemption for. With ICB, there are two types of exemptions:
- Exemptions for Work Experience
- Exemptions for Prior Learning
Please note: if you are applying for exemptions for prior learning, your qualification must be accredited by the South African Qualification Authority (SAQA) and not older than five years. If it is older than five years, it must be accompanied by relevant work experience.
How Do I Apply For ICB Exemptions?
Follow the simple steps below to apply for ICB exemptions:
- Make sure you read through and understand the RPL guidelines.
- Create a profile on the ICB Student Portal.
- Pay the RPL fee.
- Submit your proof of payment.
- Submit all your documents.
- Wait for an official outcome from ICB.
- If your application is accepted, you must pay the exemption fees per subject.
- If your application was partially accepted, you must complete an RPL portfolio of evidence (PoE).
What Do I Need To Apply For ICB Exemptions?
You need the following documents when submitting your application for ICB exemptions:
- A completed RPL application form.
- A detailed CV, which should include references.
- Transcripts of your previous qualifications.
- An accreditation certificate from your previous training provider.
- The NQF level and SAQA ID number of your previous course.
- Proof of payment.
- Certified copies of your course results.
- Certified copy of your ID or passport (if you are not South African).
- A letter from your manager to confirm your work experience (if applying for the work experience RPL).
How Do The RPL Outcomes Work?
Once the board has examined your application, you can receive one of three outcomes. You can decide which exemptions you are going to accept.
- Full exemption
- Exemption not granted
- Conditional exemption granted
Full Exemption
ICB will give you credits if they recognise that your previous studies are equivalent to the course you enrolled in. You will then have to pay an exemption fee per subject.
Exemption Not Granted
ICB could decide not to accept your application if the board feels that your previous course or work experience does not match the subjects you applied to be exempt from.
Conditional Exemption Granted
This outcome means that you do not meet the requirements for full exemptions. ICB will ask you to submit more evidence in the form of an RPL PoE. This assessment will prove that you have the right knowledge for a particular subject. Keep in mind:
- You have to pay a PoE fee for each subject you want an exemption for.
- It will take 7-8 weeks for ICB to examine your portfolio.
- This PoE is seen as equivalent to an exam entry, so all ICB assessment policies apply.
- There are strict PoE completion deadlines you must stick to.
- If your PoE results come back as ‘exempt’ you will receive full credits for that subject. If the results come back as ‘unsuccessful’, you must register for the subject as a regular student would.
Please note: You can only accept your exemptions if you are a registered ICB student and have paid the annual registration fee. ICB does not issue any refunds for exemption application fees.
How Do I Complete The RPL PoE?
If you are applying for exemptions using your work experience, or if you only received a partial exemption, ICB will ask you to complete a Portfolio of Evidence (PoE). This is to check your skills and determine if you have enough knowledge to confidently skip parts of the course. Your PoE will consist of a:
- Learning Phase One
- Learning Phase Two
- Learning Phase Three
- RPL Evaluation
Learning Phase One
Here you will have to complete one assignment and one test.
Learning Phase Two
Learning phase two also consists of one assignment and one test.
Learning Phase Three
Learning phase three has only one assignment, but it has to be completed offline. You have to download it and write your answers in the answer book. Please make sure to:
- Use a black pen. Pencil and blue pen do not scan well, so the marker might not be able to see your answers.
- Write neatly and legibly. Your marker will not be able to give you a mark if they cannot make out what you have written.
- When you are finished with the assignment, you must scan it and then upload it onto MACCI.
RPL Evaluation
Before submitting your PoE, you have to do an RPL evaluation. There are practice questions throughout your PoE To help prepare you for this section. But there are a few important things you have to keep in mind:
- You must complete the evaluation online.
- It will be completed under test conditions.
- You only have one hour to complete the evaluation.
- You can only attempt it once.
- The results will count toward the overall mark given to you in your RPL application.
How Much Does RPL Cost?
For ICB exemptions, there are separate costs depending on the outcome you receive. Please note that the fees in the table below are for 2023, and can change at any time.
Type of Fee | Cost |
RPL application fee | R 510 |
RPL/exemption fee per subject (no PoE required) | R 430 |
RPL/exemption fee per subject (PoE required) | R 995 |
Is RPL A Skill Assessment?
Yes, RPL is an assessment of your skills and knowledge. You have to show the board that your skills and experience are enough for you to be considered qualified in a particular subject.
How Much Experience Do You Need For RPL?
It is important that the experience you have is relevant and current. Your qualifications should preferably not be older than five years.
What Are The Benefits Of ICB RPL?
ICB RPL offers many benefits to your future career. This includes:
- Fast-Track Your Qualification
- Education Becomes More Accessible
- Cuts The Costs Of Your Study Fees
- Gets You Recognition
Fast-Track Your Qualification
We know you are keen to learn new skills and get your career started ASAP. Since exemptions allow you to skip subjects, your study journey will be much faster.
Education Becomes More Accessible
For those who might have started working straight after matric, it can be scary to think about going back to school after so long. Exemptions for work experience are therefore an easier way to earn a qualification.
Cuts The Costs Of Your Study Fees
Since you will not be doing all the subjects in a course, you will not have to pay for the subjects you will not be studying. This makes your study fees a lot more affordable.
Gets You Recognition
Many people have years of experience in their field but do not have the degree or diplomas to back it up. But unfortunately, we live in a world where qualifications always take preference when it comes to job applications. ICB RPL recognises that your experience has meaning.
Is ICB A Recognised Qualification?
Yes, ICB is a recognised qualification. ICB Courses are recognised both locally and internationally.
Does Unisa Recognise ICB Qualifications?
It is possible for Unisa to recognise your ICB qualifications through their RPL process. But just like with ICB, you must apply and wait to see if your application is accepted. It is not an automatic process.
What Can I Do With An ICB Qualification?
There is no need to worry, you can find a job with your ICB qualification. A few of the careers you can pursue are:
- Financial Accountant
- Payroll Clerk
- Bookkeeper
- Tax Practitioner
- Business Manager
- Office Manager
- Office Administrator
- Accounting Technician
Where Should I Go After ICB?
ICB Courses equip you with the skills you need to kickstart a successful career as soon as you graduate. But if you enjoyed your study journey, you can study toward another ICB qualification. Their courses are designed to have overlapping subjects so that when you enrol in another programme it will be easier and faster to complete.
Which ICB Courses Can I Study?
There are three main ICB Courses to choose from. They include:
Bookkeeping and Accounting Courses
If you are passionate about numbers, you can turn it into a full-time career by studying Bookkeeping and Accounting Courses. You can go from a qualified bookkeeper to a financial accountant in just 36 months.
- Junior Bookkeeper Course
- Certified Senior Bookkeeping Course
- Technical Financial Accounting Diploma
- National Diploma in Certified Financial Accounting
Business Management Courses
This course will teach you subjects such as financial statements, marketing and public relations, and business management. Here you will learn all about what it takes to be a great leader and take a business to the top.
- Certificate in Small Business Financial Management
- Higher Certificate in Business Management
- National Diploma in Business Management
Office Administration Courses
Gain the ultimate knowledge on how to make an office run smoothly with ICB’s Office Administration Courses. In just 36 months, you will have a national diploma and be a qualified office manager.
- National Certificate in Office Administration
- Higher Certificate in Office Administration
- National Diploma in Office Administration
What Are The Entry Requirements for ICB Courses?
ICB Courses are great because they do not have strict entry requirements. They are accessible to everyone. Check out what you need to get started for each course.
- Bookkeeping Courses – You must have completed grade 10 and be at least 16 years old.
- Accounting Courses – Successful completion of the ICB Bookkeeping course
- Business Management Courses – Grade 11
- Office Administration Courses – Grade 12
Now that you have all the information you need about ICB’s RPL process, it is time to choose a training provider. Skills Academy is an accredited ICB training provider. You can study with us from the comfort of your home, and we will provide you with all the support you need to pass your course.
If you still need more information about studying ICB Courses, feel free to read through a few of our related articles below:
Skills Academy is the word support in every way.
Frequently Asked Questions
No, you cannot study directly through ICB. This is because they are not a college. They are an independent external exam body. This means that in order to study ICB Courses, you must register with an accredited training provider first.
If you would like to study ICB Courses via distance learning, you can enrol at the following colleges:
- Skills Academy
- Bellview Insitute of Distance Learning
- Matric College
No, NSFAS does not fund ICB Courses. This is because they only fund students studying for undergraduate degrees at public universities.
In the last five years, more than 25 000 students have graduated with ICB qualifications.
Yes ICB Courses are SAQA accredited and registered on the National Qualifications Framework (NQF).
The ICB student portal is an online platform that you can use to make your study journey with ICB more convenient. You can use it to:
- Register for ICB Courses
- Book your exams
- Check your exam results
- Update your personal information
- Make payments to ICB
