Failing an ICB exam can feel disappointing, but it is not the end of your journey. You have the chance to rewrite and improve your marks. Understanding what happens if I fail an ICB exam, what your options are, and how to prepare for a rewrite will help you move forward.
ICB Exam Failure And Rewrites
ICB exams test your skills in bookkeeping, financial accounting, and office administration. If you do not pass, there are steps you can take to improve your score and try again. Knowing your options will keep you motivated and on track.
What Happens If I Fail An ICB Exam In South Africa?
If you fail an ICB exam, your results will be included in your Portfolio of Evidence (PoE). This document shows how well you performed in different parts of the exam.
Your PoE makes up 30% of your final mark, and the written exam counts for 70%. If your total score is below 60%, you do not pass.
But don’t worry—you don’t have to start over.There are option if you failed an ICB exam.
What Are Your Options If You Failed The ICB Exam?
If you fail an ICB exam, you can:
- Rewrite the exam at the next available date.
- Check your PoE feedback to see where you need to improve.
- Use extra study resources to strengthen your weak areas.
- Re-enrol for the subject if you feel you need more time to understand the work.
ICB allows you three rewrite opportunities per year. If you plan to rewrite, you must register before the deadline and pay a rewrite fee..
What Happens When You Fail the Rewrite?
If you fail your rewrite, you can try again at the next exam date. However, if you keep failing, it may be time to rethink your approach.
Consider changing your study methods, time management, or revision techniques. Sometimes, taking a step back and reviewing your ICB study options can help you get back on track.
Tips On How To Pass Your ICB Exam Rewrite
Rewriting your ICB exam is your chance to do better. Follow these steps to increase your chances of success.
Check Your Exam Feedback
Your PoE results will highlight which areas you struggled with. Go through your feedback carefully and focus on improving those sections.
Plan Your Study Time
Make a study schedule and stick to it. Break your subjects into smaller sections and set daily goals. Studying regularly will help you stay on track without feeling overwhelmed.
Use ICB Study Guides
ICB offers study materials, textbooks, and past papers to help students prepare for exams. These resources are designed to help you understand key topics and get used to the exam format.
Practice With Past Papers
Working through past exam papers helps you get familiar with the questions and time limits. Try answering questions under exam conditions to build your confidence.
Get Help If You Need It
If certain topics are too difficult, ask for help. You can join study groups, speak to a tutor, or use online resources.
Look After Yourself
A healthy body and mind help you perform better. Get enough sleep, eat well, and take breaks while studying. Avoid last-minute cramming, as it can increase stress and hurt your performance.
Failing an exam does not mean the end of your ICB studies. You can still achieve your qualification by rewriting the exam and improving your study plan.
Need support for your ICB exams? Speak to our course experts today and find out how we can help you succeed! Now that you know what happens if you fail an ICB exam, let’s go over how the ICB exam process works and what to expect.
ICB Exam Process
Knowing how the ICB exam process works makes things easier. If you are writing your exam, waiting for results, or thinking about postponing, it helps to know what to expect.
What Is The Pass Mark For The ICB Exam?
To pass an ICB exam, you need at least 60%. Your final mark comes from two parts:
- 30% from your Portfolio of Evidence (PoE) – This includes assignments and tests you do during your course.
- 70% from your final exam – This is a written test that checks what you have learned.
If your overall score is below 60%, you don’t pass. But you don’t have to start over! You can rewrite the exam at the next available date. It’s a good idea to go through your PoE feedback to see what you need to improve.
How Do I Check My ICB Results?
After writing your ICB exam, you’ll want to know how you did. The ICB releases results within 6 to 8 weeks after your exam. Here’s how you can check them:
- Log in to the ICB Learner Portal – Go to the ICB website and enter your details.
- Click on ‘My Reports’ – This section will show your latest results.
- See if you passed – Your results will confirm if you passed or if you need to rewrite.
If you can’t find your results, you can contact the ICB support team for help.
How Can I Postpone The ICB Exam?
If you can’t write your exam on the planned date, you can move it to the next exam sitting. Here’s what you need to do:
- Request a postponement before the deadline – You need to ask before the ICB’s cut-off date.
- Pay the postponement fee – There is a fee to move your exam. The amount depends on ICB’s yearly pricing.
- Wait for confirmation – The ICB will confirm your new exam date.
If you miss the deadline, you’ll need to register for the exam again and pay the full fee.
Doing well in your ICB exam starts with being prepared. Whether you’re waiting for results or need to postpone, knowing the steps helps you stay in control.
Understanding the ICB exam process, what happens if you fail, and how to prepare for a rewrite gives you the knowledge you need to stay on track.
Exams can be challenging, but failing does not mean the end of your studies. You always have options to rewrite, improve, and move forward. Ready to succeed? Take the next step in your career by speaking to our course experts today.
Frequently Asked Questions
ICB stands for the Institute of Certified Bookkeepers. It is a group that offers courses in bookkeeping, accounting, and business. These courses help people get the skills they need to work in finance and office jobs.
Yes, ICB is officially recognised in South Africa. It is registered with the Quality Council for Trades and Occupations (QCTO), which checks that courses meet high standards. Many companies accept ICB qualifications because they teach useful workplace skills.
An ICB qualification is a great choice for anyone who wants to work in finance or business. The courses give you practical skills that employers look for. You can also study ICB courses without needing a matric certificate, making it easier to start a career.
ICB focuses on bookkeeping, accounting, and business administration, while CIMA (Chartered Institute of Management Accountants) is for management accounting and finance in big companies. ICB is best for those who want to work in small businesses or bookkeeping. CIMA is better for those who want high-level finance jobs in large companies.
Failing an exam can feel bad, but it is not the end. Look at what went wrong, study smarter, and try again. Mistakes help you learn, so use them to improve and do better next time.
Author: Claire Van Rooy
