The Institute of Certified Bookkeepers (ICB) sets specific requirements for students to pass their courses. Understanding these requirements is essential for success.
ICB Pass Mark and Exam Requirements
To pass an ICB course, your final mark is a combination of your coursework and final exam results. Here’s how it works:
- Coursework (Portfolio of Evidence – PoE): This includes assignments and tests you complete during your studies. It accounts for 30% of your final mark.
- Final Exam: This is the exam you take at the end of your course, making up 70% of your final mark.
To pass, you need:
- At least 50% in your final exam.
- A combined total of 60% or more when your coursework and exam marks are added together.
This means doing well in both your coursework and final exam is important to achieve the required 60% overall pass mark.
What is the pass mark for the ICB exam?
To pass an ICB subject, you need to meet these criteria:
- Final Exam: Score at least 50%.
- Overall Mark: Achieve a minimum of 60% when combining your coursework and exam marks.
This structure ensures that consistent effort throughout your studies, along with a solid performance in the final exam, leads to success.
What happens if you fail an ICB exam?
If you don’t pass your ICB exam, don’t worry. You have options to get back on track:
- Rewrite the Exam: You can register to take the exam again. This gives you another chance to improve your score.
- Review Your Results: If you believe there was a mistake in marking, you can request a re-mark of your exam.
It’s important to prepare thoroughly before retaking the exam. Use the feedback from your previous attempt to focus on areas where you can improve.
How do I check my ICB results?
After taking your ICB exam, you’ll want to see your results. Here’s how you can do that:
- Classroom-Based Students: If you studied through a classroom-based program, your results will be sent directly to your training provider. They will inform you once the results are available.
- Distance Learning Students: If you studied through distance learning, you can access your results through the ICB student portal.
Results are typically released about 7 weeks after the exam date. Remember to check the ICB exam timetable for specific result release dates.
By staying informed and understanding the ICB’s pass requirements and processes, you can navigate your studies with confidence and work towards achieving your qualifications.
ICB Study Options and Requirements
ICB courses are designed to be flexible, allowing you to choose a study method that fits your lifestyle. You can study full-time, part-time, or through distance learning. This flexibility makes it easier for you to balance your studies with other commitments.
To enroll in an ICB course, the basic requirements are:
- Age: You should be at least 16 years old.
- Education: A minimum of Grade 10 (Standard 8) is needed.
These accessible entry requirements open the door for many students to pursue further education and gain valuable qualifications.
Where can I study an ICB course?
Skills Academy offers a variety of ICB courses through distance learning. This means you can study from anywhere, without the need to attend physical classes. They provide all the necessary study materials and support to help you succeed.
ICB courses offered at Skills Academy:
- Business Management Courses: Discover how to plan, lead, and grow a successful business.
- Office Administration Courses: Learn how to manage office tasks and help keep businesses running smoothly.
- Bookkeeping Courses: Understand how to record financial transactions and maintain accurate financial records.
- Financial Accounting Courses: Gain skills in managing finances, preparing financial statements, and understanding taxes.
Is Skills Academy registered?
Yes, Skills Academy is a fully accredited institution. They are recognized by various professional bodies, ensuring that the courses they offer meet high-quality standards. This accreditation means that the qualifications you earn are respected and can help you advance in your career.
What are the entry requirements for ICB?
The entry requirements for ICB courses are designed to be accessible. Generally, you need to have completed Grade 10 and be at least 16 years old. This inclusivity allows many individuals to pursue further education and gain valuable qualifications.
Can I study ICB without Matric?
Yes, you can study ICB courses without a Matric certificate. Many of the programs are designed to accommodate students who have not completed Matric, providing an opportunity to gain recognized qualifications and improve your career prospects.
How long is the ICB course?
The duration of ICB courses varies depending on the specific program and your study pace. Some courses can be completed in as little as four months, while others may take longer. Studying through Skills Academy allows you to progress at a speed that suits you, offering flexibility to complete your course as quickly or slowly as you need.
ICB Qualifications and Certification
The Institute of Certified Bookkeepers (ICB) offers courses that help you gain skills in areas like bookkeeping, accounting, office administration, and business management. These courses are designed to prepare you for various jobs in the business world.
What qualification is ICB?
ICB provides several types of qualifications, including:
- National Certificates: These are for foundational skills in areas like bookkeeping and office administration.
- Higher Certificates: These build on the basics and offer more in-depth knowledge.
- National Diplomas: These are advanced qualifications that prepare you for higher-level positions.
Each qualification is recognized on the National Qualifications Framework (NQF) in South Africa, ensuring they meet specific educational standards.
Is an ICB a diploma?
Yes, the ICB offers diploma courses. For example, the National Diploma: Financial Accounting is an advanced qualification that provides in-depth knowledge and skills in financial accounting. This diploma is ideal if you’re aiming for higher-level roles in finance.
Is ICB a good qualification?
Absolutely! ICB qualifications are well-recognized and respected in the business community. They equip you with practical skills that employers value, increasing your chances of getting a job. Plus, with over 25,000 students graduating in the last five years, many have found success through ICB courses.
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.
- Complete Your Coursework: Finish all assignments and tests in your Portfolio of Evidence (PoE).
- Pass the Final Exam: Achieve at least 50% on the final exam and an overall mark of 60% or more.
- Receive Your Certificate: Once you meet all requirements, you’ll be awarded your ICB certificate.
By following these steps and dedicating time to your studies, you can successfully earn an ICB certificate and advance your career.
ICB Recognition and Level
The ICB offers various courses that are recognized both in South Africa and internationally. These courses are designed to equip students with practical skills in fields like bookkeeping, accounting, and office administration.
What is ICB Level?
ICB courses are structured across different levels, each building upon the previous one. These levels range from foundational certificates to more advanced diplomas. As you progress, you gain deeper knowledge and skills, opening up more career opportunities.
Is ICB Recognised in South Africa?
Yes, ICB courses are recognized in South Africa. They are registered on the National Qualifications Framework (NQF), ensuring they meet the quality standards set by the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA). This recognition means that employers across the country value ICB qualifications.
Is ICB Internationally Recognised?
ICB qualifications have international recognition. Graduates can pursue further studies or employment opportunities abroad. For instance, holders of the ICB’s National Diploma: Financial Accounting (NQF Level 6) can receive exemptions when studying with international bodies like ACCA.
Is ICB SAQA Accredited?
Yes, the ICB is accredited by the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA). This accreditation ensures that ICB courses meet national education standards and are recognized on the NQF.
Is ICB SAICA Accredited?
The ICB is not accredited by the South African Institute of Chartered Accountants (SAICA). SAICA is a separate professional body focusing on chartered accountancy. However, ICB qualifications provide a solid foundation in accounting and bookkeeping, which can be beneficial for various finance-related careers.
Frequently Asked Questions
ICB stands for the Institute of Certified Bookkeepers. It’s a professional body that offers courses and qualifications in bookkeeping, accounting, and related fields. These courses are designed to equip students with practical skills for the workplace.
Both ICB and CIMA offer qualifications in accounting, but they differ in focus and structure.
- ICB (Institute of Certified Bookkeepers): Provides courses ranging from bookkeeping to financial accounting, suitable for those starting or advancing in these fields.
- CIMA (Chartered Institute of Management Accountants): Focuses on management accounting, preparing students for strategic roles in business finance.
In summary, while ICB offers a broad foundation in accounting and bookkeeping, CIMA specializes in management accounting.
While both bookkeepers and accountants work with financial information, their roles differ:
- Bookkeeper: Records daily financial transactions, maintains ledgers, and ensures accuracy in financial data.
- Accountant: Analyzes financial data, prepares reports, offers financial advice, and ensures compliance with laws.
In essence, bookkeepers handle the day-to-day recording of finances, while accountants interpret and analyze this data for decision-making.
SAQA and NQF are both integral to South Africa’s education system:
- SAQA (South African Qualifications Authority): A statutory body overseeing the development and implementation of the National Qualifications Framework.
- NQF (National Qualifications Framework): A system that organizes and records all qualifications in South Africa, ensuring they meet set standards.
Simply put, SAQA manages and monitors the NQF to maintain the quality and credibility of South African qualifications.
Author: Marcelle de Klerk
