The Institute of Certified Bookkeepers (ICB) is one of the top choices for business and finance courses in the industry. Many employers prefer to hire their graduates since their prestigious skills are highly relevant to the industry. If you need more convincing, here are more reasons to study ICB Courses.
Why Should I Study ICB Courses?
Here are a few of our top reasons why you should study ICB Courses:
- They are accredited
- The programmes are internationally recognised
- You can gain up-to-date knowledge
- Study flexibly
- Study with exemptions
- Learn scarce skills
- Study accredited courses without matric
- No strict entry requirements
- Earn a handsome salary
They Are Accredited
ICB Courses are registered on the National Qualifications Framework (NQF) and accredited by the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA). These organisations make sure that your qualification meets very high standards that will match the needs of the South African job market.
The Programmes Are Internationally Recognised
If your dream is to travel and live abroad, you do not have to worry about your career. Since ICB qualifications are internationally recognised, they can join you on your adventures. A few of the international organisations that will recognise your ICB qualification include:
- CIMA – Chartered Institute of Management Accountants
- ACCA – Association of Chartered Certified Accountants
- IAB – Institute of Accountants and Bookkeepers
- IAAP – International Association of Accounting Professionals
You Can Gain Up-To-Date Knowledge
What is so great about ICB, is that they update their curriculum and syllabus every year. This is so that students are left to learn only the most relevant knowledge about their industry. This means you will be able to impress recruiters with your modern skills and knowledge when you go for job interviews.
Study Flexibly
ICB courses allow you to study at your own pace. You do not have to do the entire course at once, you can study one subject at a time. It all depends on how much time you have, and what your financial situation is. You can also study ICB courses with:
- Part-time colleges
- Full-time colleges
- Distance learning colleges
Study With Exemptions
Exemptions are a great way to earn your qualification much sooner. If you have previously studied a similar course, or have relevant work experience, you can apply for credits through recognition of prior learning (RPL). This method prevents you from repeating content you already know.
Learn Scarce Skills
Scarce skills are valuable skills that a country does not have enough of because there are not enough qualified professionals. Since demand is so high, people who have these skills get paid handsome salaries. So choosing a course such as ICB, which offers scarce skills, is a great way to ensure that you find a good career in the future.
Study Accredited Courses Without Matric
Most ICB courses do not require a matric certificate to get started. This means you get to study an accredited course without Grade 12. Not many programmes offer such an opportunity. So, do not miss out on this opportunity to earn a quality education.
No Strict Entry Requirements
ICB courses are for people of all ages who want to learn valuable business, finance and admin skills. You can enrol in these courses if you are at least 16 years old and have completed grade 10.
Earn A Handsome Salary
Since you have a well-respected qualification with ICB, you will have the advantage of earning or even negotiating a good salary when you apply for jobs. Bookkeepers, for example, earn an average of R15 476 a month. This is way above the minimum wage in South Africa. If you live in big cities such as Cape Town or Johannesburg, this amount could be much higher.
Which ICB Courses Can I Study?
There are a total of three ICB programmes you can choose from. The course you study all depends on your career goals and interests. So you can take your pick of:
Bookkeeping And Accounting Courses
Every business needs help with keeping its finances on track. So if you love numbers, these courses are the perfect choice. You can go from having no experience to becoming a finance professional with a national diploma qualification in 36 months.
- Junior Bookkeeper Course
- Certified Senior Bookkeeping Course
- Technical Financial Accounting Diploma
- National Diploma in Certified Financial Accounting
Business Management Courses
A business management course can help you reach your career goals in a variety of industries such as public relations, human resource management, marketing, finance and more. You can also gain top-tier entrepreneurship skills to help you start your own business.
- Certificate in Small Business Financial Management
- Higher Certificate in Business Management
- National Diploma in Business Management
Office Administration Courses
ICB’s Office Administration Courses teach you a combination of both admin and bookkeeping knowledge so you can be the hero every office needs. The skills you gain in this programme can be transferred to many different jobs and industries. So you can feel free to switch careers without worrying about the relevance of your skills.
How Do I Register As A New ICB Student?
You can register as a new ICB student online, from the comfort of your home. All you have to do is follow the simple steps below to get started:
- 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.
Can I Study Directly Through ICB?
No you cannot study directly through ICB. This is because they are an external exam body, not a college. So to start your study journey with them, you have to enrol through an accredited training provider.
Can I Self-Study ICB Courses?
Yes you can self-study ICB Courses. But you should know that ICB does not recommend this. They have found that students who study through a college have more success than those who self-study. This is because college-based students have ongoing support from tutors and lecturers.
Is ICB A Good Qualification?
Yes ICB is a good qualification that is recognised worldwide. It is the perfect option for people who want to gain business, finance and admin skills.
What Can I Do With An ICB Qualification?
You will not be short of options with ICB qualifications. As soon as you graduate, you will have the skills you need to step into the career of your dreams. Some of the jobs you can pursue with this qualification are:
- Financial Analyst
- Financial Accountant
- Bookkeeper
- Securities Trader
- Management Accountant
- Auditor
- Financial Manager
- Payroll Clerk
- Tax Accountant
- Budget Analyst
- Financial Advisor
- Business Manager
- Marketing Manager
- Public Relations officer
- Office Administrator
- Office Manager
- Supply Chain Manager
- Receptionist
- Personal Assistant
Which NQF Level Is ICB?
ICB Courses range from the NQF levels 3 – 6. See the table below for more detailed information on where each course falls.
| 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 in South Africa and abroad in countries such as the United Kingdom, India, New Zealand and more.
- CIMA – Chartered Institute of Management Accountants
- IAB – International Association of Bookkeepers
- IAAP – International Association of Accounting Professionals
- ACCA – Association of Chartered Certified Accountants
- SAIT – South African Institute of Tax Professionals
- SAIBA – Southern African Institute for Business Accountants
Does Unisa Accept ICB Qualifications?
It is possible for Unisa to accept your ICB qualifications through their recognition of prior learning (RPL) process. If the course you want to study with them matches your ICB qualification, you could receive exemptions.
What Should I Study After ICB?
If you enjoyed your ICB course, you can absolutely go ahead and study another to gain an extra qualification. ICB programmes are designed to have overlapping subjects so that your next course will not take as long to complete as the first.
What Is An ICB Certificate?
An ICB certificate is what you receive after completing an ICB course. A certificate-level course is registered at the NQF levels 3, 4 and 5. It all depends on the entry requirements for the course you want to study.
How Long Does It Take To Complete ICB?
Each ICB course takes approximately six months to three years to complete. But this also depends if you are studying part-time or full-time. Students who study full-time usually earn their qualifications faster than those who do not.
If you need more information about studying with ICB, feel free to read through a few of our related articles below:
Skills Academy is the word support in every way.
Frequently Asked Questions
The Institute for Certified Bookkeepers (ICB) is an external exam body that offers business, finance and admin qualifications. The organisation is based in the United Kingdom, but they have branches all around the world. For example, ICB has been offering courses in South Africa since 1931.
To pass your ICB exam, you need to achieve at least 50%. But to pass the subject or course, you must get an average of at least 60%. This average is calculated from the marks you received in your Portfolio of Evidence (PoE) and the marks from your final exam. The PoE makes up 30% whereas the exam counts for the remaining 70%.
ICB boasts a very successful pass rate. Over the last five years, more than 25 000 students have successfully graduated from their programmes.
If you would like to study bookkeeping in South Africa via distance learning, you can study with:
- Skills Academy
- Matric College
- Bellview Institute of Distance Learning
The Institute of Certified Bookkeepers (ICB) offers world-class bookkeeping courses. You can study their courses right here at Skills Academy. We are an accredited ICB training provider. With the support you will receive from our highly qualified lecturers, you are sure to pass your course with flying colours.
The hourly rate depends on your years of experience and the city you work in. But according to Payscale, bookkeepers can earn an average of R85 an hour.
