Understanding the pass mark for the Institute of Certified Bookkeepers (ICB) exams is essential for students aiming to achieve their qualifications. Knowing the required scores helps in effective preparation and goal setting.
ICB Exam Pass Mark Requirements
To pass an ICB subject, your overall mark must be at least 60%. This overall mark is a combination of your coursework and final exam results.
Breakdown of Marks:
- Coursework (Portfolio of Evidence – PoE): Contributes 30% to your final mark. This includes assignments and tests completed during your studies.
- Final Exam: Accounts for 70% of your final mark. You need to score at least 50% in this exam to pass.
Here’s a simple table to illustrate this:
| Component | Contribution to Final Mark | Minimum Required |
|---|---|---|
| Coursework (PoE) | 30% | No minimum |
| Final Exam | 70% | 50% |
| Overall Total | 100% | 60% |
What is the pass mark for the ICB exam in South Africa?
Your final mark is calculated as follows:
- Coursework (Portfolio of Evidence – PoE): 30% of your final mark.
- Final Exam: 70% of your final mark.
To pass:
- Final Exam: You need to score at least 50%.
- Overall Mark: Your combined coursework and exam marks must be 60% or higher.
For example:
- Coursework Mark: 80% (which contributes 24% to your final mark).
- Final Exam Mark: 51% (which contributes 35.7% to your final mark).
- Overall Mark: 24% (from coursework) + 35.7% (from exam) = 59.7% (which would not be a pass, as it’s below 60%).
What happens if you fail an ICB exam?
If you don’t pass an ICB exam, you have options to try again:
- Re-Mark: If you believe there was a mistake in marking, you can request a re-mark of your exam. This must be done within one month after results are released and requires a fee.
- Re-Write: You can register to take the exam again in a future exam cycle. This gives you more time to study and improve your understanding of the subject.
How do I check my ICB results?
Accessing your ICB exam results depends on how you studied:
- Classroom-Based Students: If you attended classes at a college, your results are sent directly to your college. You’ll need to contact them to get your results.
- Distance Learning Students: If you studied on your own or through distance learning, you can view your results on the ICB Student Portal. Log in with your student details to see your marks once they’re released.
Remember, understanding the pass requirements and knowing how to access your results are key steps in your ICB journey.
Studying ICB Courses
Embarking on an ICB course is a great way to gain valuable skills in fields like bookkeeping, accounting, office administration, and business management. These courses are designed to equip you with practical knowledge that can open doors to various career opportunities.
Where can I study an ICB course?
You can enroll in ICB courses through accredited distance learning providers like Skills Academy. Studying via distance learning allows you to learn from the comfort of your home, offering flexibility to manage your own schedule. Skills Academy provides all the necessary study materials and support to help you succeed in your ICB course.
Skills Academy offers a variety of ICB courses:
- ICB Business Management Courses – These courses prepare you for managing businesses efficiently and developing strategic thinking skills.
- ICB Financial Accounting Courses – Designed for those who want to work in finance, helping you develop bookkeeping and financial management skills.
- ICB Office Administration Courses – Perfect for those looking to work in administrative roles, focusing on organizational and office management skills.
- Bookkeeping Courses: Understand how to record financial transactions and maintain accurate financial records.
Which accounting course is best?
The “best” accounting course depends on your career goals and current qualifications. ICB offers a range of accounting courses suitable for different levels:
- Junior Bookkeeper: Ideal for beginners starting their accounting journey.
- Senior Bookkeeper: For those looking to advance their bookkeeping skills.
- Technical Financial Accountant: Focuses on more complex accounting tasks and principles.
Each course builds upon the previous one, allowing you to progress as you gain more knowledge and experience.
Is Skills Academy registered?
Yes, Skills Academy is a fully accredited distance learning institution. They are recognized by various professional bodies, ensuring that the courses they offer meet high educational standards.
How long is the ICB course?
The duration of an ICB course varies depending on the specific program and your study pace. Generally, each level of an ICB course can take between 3 to 12 months to complete. Studying through distance learning with Skills Academy allows you to set your own pace, so you can complete the course faster if you dedicate more time to your studies.
What NQF level is ICB?
ICB courses are aligned with the South African National Qualifications Framework (NQF). The NQF levels for ICB qualifications, based on courses offered by Skills Academy, are as follows:
- ICB National Certificate in Bookkeeping – NQF Level 3
- ICB Further Education and Training Certificate in Bookkeeping – NQF Level 4
- ICB National Diploma in Technical Financial Accounting – NQF Level 5
- ICB National Diploma in Financial Accounting – NQF Level 6
- ICB Higher Certificate in Office Administration – NQF Level 5
- ICB National Diploma in Office Administration – NQF Level 6
- ICB National Certificate in Small Business Financial Management – NQF Level 4
- ICB National Diploma in Public Sector Accounting – NQF Level 6
These levels indicate the complexity and depth of learning, with higher levels representing more advanced qualifications.
ICB Course Requirements and Certification
Before enrolling in an ICB course, it’s important to understand the entry requirements and the process to obtain your certification. This ensures you’re well-prepared and meet all necessary criteria to succeed in your studies.
What are the requirements for ICB courses?
The basic entry requirements for ICB courses are:
- Age: You must be at least 16 years old.
- Education: A minimum of Grade 10 (Standard 8) or an equivalent qualification.
Some advanced courses may have additional prerequisites, such as completion of a lower-level ICB qualification. It’s advisable to check the specific requirements for the course you’re interested in.
Can I study ICB without Matric?
Yes, you can study ICB courses without a Matric certificate. The minimum educational requirement is Grade 10. This makes ICB courses accessible to those who haven’t completed Matric but still wish to pursue a career in fields like bookkeeping, accounting, or office administration.
How can I get an ICB certificate?
To obtain an ICB certificate, follow these steps:
- Enroll in an ICB Course: Sign up with an accredited provider like Skills Academy.
- Complete All Coursework: Finish all assignments and tests as part of your Portfolio of Evidence (PoE).
- Pass the Final Exam: Achieve at least 50% in the final exam and ensure your combined mark (coursework and exam) is 60% or higher.
- Receive Your Certificate: Upon meeting all requirements, ICB will issue your certificate, recognizing your achievement.
By diligently following these steps and utilizing the support provided by your learning institution, you’ll be well on your way to earning your ICB certificate.
Qualifications and Recognition
ICB qualifications are well-respected and can open many doors for your career. They are recognised both in South Africa and internationally, giving you the skills needed to succeed in various business and finance roles.
What qualification is ICB?
The Institute of Certified Bookkeepers (ICB) offers a range of qualifications in fields like bookkeeping, accounting, office administration, and business management. These qualifications are designed to provide practical skills and knowledge, preparing students for the workplace. Depending on the course and level, you can earn certificates, higher certificates, and diplomas.
Is an ICB a diploma?
Yes, the ICB offers diploma courses. For example, after completing certain levels of study, you can earn the ICB National Diploma: Financial Accounting. This shows that you’ve gained advanced skills in accounting and financial management.
Is ICB a good qualification?
Absolutely. ICB qualifications are highly regarded by employers because they focus on practical skills needed in the workplace. Studying an ICB course can improve your job prospects and help you build a successful career in fields like accounting, bookkeeping, office administration, and business management.
Is ICB SAQA accredited?
Yes, ICB qualifications are accredited by the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA). This means they meet national education standards and are registered on the National Qualifications Framework (NQF).
Is ICB SAICA accredited?
No, ICB qualifications are not accredited by the South African Institute of Chartered Accountants (SAICA). SAICA is the professional body for Chartered Accountants in South Africa, which requires a specific university degree and training pathway.
ICB offers different qualifications focused on bookkeeping, accounting, and related fields, which are highly valued but follow a different accreditation route.
Is ICB recognised in South Africa?
Yes, ICB qualifications are recognised in South Africa. They are registered on the National Qualifications Framework (NQF), ensuring they meet the country’s education standards. Employers across various industries value these qualifications, as they equip students with essential skills needed in the workplace.
Is ICB internationally recognised?
Yes, ICB qualifications have international recognition. As of 1 July 2024, the International Qualifications for Business (IQB), a London-based awarding body, has reviewed and approved ICB’s qualifications. This means that upon completing your ICB course, you’ll receive certificates issued by IQB, enhancing your credentials both locally and abroad.
In summary, ICB qualifications are well-structured and respected, offering clear pathways for career advancement in business and finance sectors.
Frequently Asked Questions
ICB stands for the Institute of Certified Bookkeepers. It’s a professional body that offers courses and qualifications in bookkeeping, accounting, office administration, and business management. These courses are designed to equip students with practical skills for the workplace.
The National Qualifications Framework (NQF) is a system in South Africa that rates qualifications based on their complexity. NQF Level 4 is equivalent to a Grade 12 certificate. It shows that someone has a good understanding of a subject and can apply their knowledge in various situations. For example, the ICB offers a Bookkeeping: ICB FET Certificate at NQF Level 4.
To become a qualified bookkeeper in South Africa, follow these steps:
- Enroll in a Bookkeeping Course: Sign up for a course like the ICB’s Bookkeeping: ICB National Certificate.
- Complete the Course: Study the material and pass all required assignments and exams.
- Gain Work Experience: Work in a bookkeeping role to apply what you’ve learned and gain practical experience.
- Register with a Professional Body: After gaining experience, you can register with a professional body for bookkeepers, which can enhance your credibility and career prospects.
While both bookkeepers and accountants work with financial information, their roles are different:
- Bookkeeper: Focuses on recording daily financial transactions, such as sales and expenses. They ensure that records are accurate and up-to-date.
- Accountant: Takes the information from bookkeepers to analyze and interpret financial data. They provide insights, prepare financial statements, and help with planning and decision-making.
In simple terms, bookkeepers handle the day-to-day recording, while accountants focus on the bigger financial picture.
Author: Marcelle de Klerk
