An ICB course is a program offered by the Institute of Certified Bookkeepers (ICB) that teaches you skills in business, finance, and office work. These courses are designed to help you get good jobs in areas like bookkeeping, accounting, office management, and business management.
Understanding ICB Courses
ICB courses are made to be easy to understand and useful. They cover important topics that prepare you for real jobs. You can study these courses through distance learning, which means you can learn from home at your own pace. Skills Academy is one of the places where you can enroll in these courses.
What is the meaning of ICB courses?
ICB stands for the Institute of Certified Bookkeepers. ICB courses are educational programs created by this institute to teach you important skills in business, finance, and office work. Completing these courses can help you get jobs in areas such as bookkeeping, accounting, office administration, and business management.These courses are available through distance learning, allowing you to study from home.
What qualification is ICB?
When you finish an ICB course, you receive a qualification that shows you have learned specific skills in business and finance. These qualifications are recognized by employers and can help you get jobs in fields like bookkeeping, accounting, office administration, and business management.
The qualifications are also registered on the National Qualifications Framework (NQF) in South Africa, which means they meet certain educational standards.
Is an ICB a diploma?
ICB offers different levels of qualifications, including certificates and diplomas. The type of qualification you receive depends on the course and level you complete. For example, completing the Technical Financial Accounting course awards you a National Diploma, while other courses may lead to certificates. These qualifications are recognized and can help you in your career.
Is ICB a good qualification?
Yes, an ICB qualification is valuable. It is recognized by employers and can help you get jobs in business and finance. Studying an ICB course means you are learning up-to-date and important skills that are needed in the workplace. This makes you a strong candidate for jobs in areas like bookkeeping, accounting, office administration, and business management.
Is ICB SAQA accredited?
Yes, ICB courses are accredited by the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA). This means they meet high educational standards and are recognized on the National Qualifications Framework (NQF). Each ICB course has a unique SAQA ID number, showing its accreditation status. This ensures that the qualification you earn is credible and valued by employers.
Is ICB recognised in South Africa?
Yes, ICB qualifications are well-recognized in South Africa. Employers value these qualifications because they show you have learned important skills in business and finance. Having an ICB qualification can help you find jobs in areas like bookkeeping, accounting, office administration, and business management.
Studying through accredited institutions like Skills Academy ensures that your qualification is respected and acknowledged in the job market.
Is ICB internationally recognised?
Yes, ICB qualifications are recognized in many countries around the world. This means you can use your skills and knowledge to find jobs not only in South Africa but also in other countries. The ICB works with international bodies to ensure their courses meet global standards, making your qualification valuable both locally and internationally.
What NQF level is ICB?
ICB courses offered by Skills Academy are registered on the National Qualifications Framework (NQF) in South Africa. Each course corresponds to a specific NQF level, indicating the depth and complexity of the learning content. Below is a table outlining the ICB courses available through Skills Academy and their respective NQF levels:
| ICB Course | NQF Level |
|---|---|
| Junior Bookkeeping Course | 3 |
| Senior Bookkeeping Course | 4 |
| Small Business Financial Management Certificate | 4 |
| National Certificate in Office Administration | 5 |
| Higher Certificate in Office Administration | 5 |
| Technical Financial Accounting Course | 5 |
| Higher Certificate in Business Management | 5 |
| National Diploma in Office Administration | 6 |
| National Diploma in Business Management | 6 |
| Certified Financial Accounting Course | 6 |
These NQF levels reflect the progression from foundational skills to advanced expertise in fields like bookkeeping, accounting, office administration, and business management. Completing higher-level courses can enhance your qualifications and open up more advanced career opportunities.
ICB Course Options and Study Locations
ICB offers different courses to match your interests and career goals. You can study these courses through distance learning, which means you can learn from home without going to a classroom. This is great if you have other responsibilities or prefer to study at your own speed.
Where can I study an ICB course?
You can study ICB courses through distance learning with Skills Academy. This means you can learn from anywhere in South Africa, including Cape Town, without attending physical classes. Skills Academy provides all the study materials you need and offers support to help you succeed.
ICB courses at Skills Academy
Skills Academy offers a variety of ICB courses to help you start or grow your career in business and finance. Here are some of the courses you can choose from:
- Office Administration Courses: Learn how to manage office tasks and help keep businesses running smoothly.
- Accounting Courses: Gain skills in managing finances, preparing financial statements, and understanding taxes.
- Business Management Courses: Discover how to plan, lead, and grow a successful business.
- Bookkeeping Courses: Understand how to record financial transactions and maintain accurate financial records.
These courses are designed to provide you with practical skills that employers are looking for. With distance learning, you can study at your own pace and fit your education around your life.
ICB bookkeeping courses
If you’re interested in working with numbers and keeping financial records, ICB bookkeeping courses are a great choice. Skills Academy offers the following bookkeeping courses:
- Junior Bookkeeper Course: ICB National Certificate: Start your journey in bookkeeping by learning the basics, such as recording transactions and understanding financial statements.
- Certified Senior Bookkeeping: ICB Certificate: Build on your knowledge with advanced skills like managing payroll and preparing tax returns.
These courses will help you gain the expertise needed to work as a bookkeeper in various industries. With the support of Skills Academy, you can achieve your educational goals and prepare for a successful career in bookkeeping.
ICB Course Requirements and Duration
Before starting an ICB course, it’s important to know what you need to qualify and how long the course will take. This helps you plan your studies better.
What are the requirements for ICB courses?
The entry requirements for ICB courses depend on the specific program you choose. Here’s a simple list to help you understand:
- Bookkeeping Courses: You need to have completed Grade 10.
- Business Management Courses: You should have finished Grade 11.
- Office Administration Courses: A Grade 12 certificate (matric) is required.
These requirements ensure that you have the basic knowledge needed for the course. If you don’t meet these requirements, don’t worry. You can start with the ICB Bridging Course, which helps you gain the necessary skills to move on to more advanced programs.
Can I study ICB without matric?
Yes, you can study many ICB courses without a matric certificate. Courses like Bookkeeping and Business Management only require Grade 10 or 11. This means you can still pursue a career in these fields even if you haven’t completed matric. However, for Office Administration courses, a matric certificate is needed.
How long is the ICB course?
The length of an ICB course depends on the specific program and your study pace. Generally, each level can take about 3 to 6 months to complete.
Since ICB courses are divided into different levels, the total duration can vary. For example, completing all levels in a program might take around 9 to 36 months. Studying part-time may extend the duration, while full-time study could help you finish faster.
ICB Course Fees and Certification
Understanding the costs and the certification process of ICB courses is essential for planning your education and career path.
ICB course fees
ICB course fees include several components. Here’s a breakdown to help you understand:
- Annual Student Registration Fee: R430 per year.
- Assessment Fee for Digital Portfolio of Evidence (PoE): R785 per subject.
- Assessment Postponement Fee per Subject: R330.
- Assessment Late Entry Fee per Subject: R560.
- Assessment Re-mark and Examiner’s Report per Subject: R1,200.
- Private Invigilator Admin Fee (prior approval required): R2,100.
- Printed ICB Programme Certificate (including postage): R400.
- FASSET Certificate Reprint (including postage, T&Cs apply): R400.
Please note that these fees are subject to change, and it’s important to check the latest information before enrolling.
How can I get an ICB certificate?
To earn an ICB certificate, follow these steps:
- Enroll in an ICB Course: Choose a course that matches your career goals and sign up with a recognized training provider like Skills Academy.
- Complete the Course Material: Study all the modules and complete any assignments or tests.
- Submit a Portfolio of Evidence (PoE): This is a collection of your work that shows what you’ve learned.
- Pass the Final Exam: Take and pass the exam for each subject in your course.
After successfully completing these steps, you’ll receive your ICB certificate, which proves your skills and knowledge in your chosen field.
By understanding the requirements, duration, fees, and certification process of ICB courses, you can make an informed decision about pursuing a career in bookkeeping, accounting, office administration, or business management.
ICB Examinations and Pass Requirements
To earn your ICB qualification, you need to pass certain exams. These exams test what you’ve learned during your course. Understanding how these exams work and what you need to pass is important for your success.
What is the ICB pass mark?
To pass an ICB subject, your overall mark must be at least 60%. This mark is made up of two parts:
- Portfolio of Evidence (PoE): This includes assignments and tests you complete during your studies, contributing 30% to your final mark.
- Final Exam: This exam counts for 70% of your total mark. You need to score at least 50% in this exam to pass.
Together, these components determine your final result.
What happens if you fail an ICB exam?
If you don’t pass an ICB exam, don’t worry—you have options:
- Rewrite the Exam: You can register to take the exam again on a new date. This requires paying the exam fee again.
- Apply for a Re-mark: If you believe there was a mistake in grading, you can request a re-mark of your exam within one month of receiving your results. There is a fee for this service.
It’s important to act promptly to make use of these options.
Frequently Asked Questions
Bookkeepers and accountants both work with financial information, but they have different roles:
- Bookkeeper: Records daily financial transactions, such as sales and expenses. They ensure that records are accurate and up-to-date.
- Accountant: Analyzes the financial data recorded by bookkeepers. They prepare reports, offer financial advice, and help with planning.
In short, bookkeepers handle the day-to-day recording, while accountants focus on interpreting and analyzing that data.
To ensure your qualification is accredited:
- Check for Accreditation: Confirm that the course is recognized by official bodies like the National Qualifications Framework (NQF).
- Verify the SAQA ID: Each accredited course has a unique South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) ID number.
- Choose Recognized Institutions: Enroll in courses offered by reputable providers, such as Skills Academy.
Accredited qualifications are valued by employers and can enhance your career prospects
ICB and CIMA are both organizations offering qualifications in finance, but they differ in focus:
- ICB (Institute of Certified Bookkeepers): Provides courses in bookkeeping, accounting, office administration, and business management.
- CIMA (Chartered Institute of Management Accountants): Offers training and qualifications in management accounting, focusing on financial management within businesses.
ICB qualifications are great for those starting in finance or administration, while CIMA is suited for those aiming for roles in management accounting.
ICB stands for the Institute of Certified Bookkeepers. It’s an independent body that offers exams and qualifications in areas like bookkeeping, accounting, office administration, and business management. ICB courses are recognized by employers and can help you build a successful career in these fields.
Author: Marcelle de Klerk
