The Institute of Certified Bookkeepers (ICB) offers a detailed exemption process. Applying for an exemption can earn you credits toward your qualification. Here’s what you need to know about ICB exemptions.
What you Need to Know About ICB Exemptions
The ICB gives students credits based on their subjects. This means that when you study a course, an exemption allows you to skip subjects you already have credits for or work experience in.
Types of Exemptions
There are two main types of exemptions. There are exemptions for prior learning and work experience. Gaining an exemption can shorten the duration of your course.
Exemptions for Prior Learning
If you’ve studied a similar course before, you’ll be allowed to apply for an exemption. An exemption for prior learning will only be considered if the course you studied was NQF-registered and earned in the last five years. Along with your application form, you need to provide the ICB with the following:
- A detailed CV, including references
- Copy of your ID
- Proof of the provider’s accreditation
- Copies of your previous academic results
- SAQA qualification registration number
- A letter from your manager confirming your work experience
Please note: If your qualification is older than five years, you can still apply for exemptions. But you must submit proof of relevant and recent work experience.
Exemptions for Work Experience
If you have work experience in the industry, the ICB may grant you an exemption. To get started, you need to complete a Portfolio of Evidence (PoE). Once completed, you have to send it to the ICB for assessment.
How to Apply for an Exemption
Your application will be reviewed by a board. They will check to see if there’s enough evidence proving your knowledge and skills in those subjects. But before this happens, you have to do the following:
- Create a profile on their student portal
- Pay the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) application fee of R600 – the amount could change
- Submit proof of payment
- Submit your completed “Guideline for RPL” document to the ICB
The Process
After you apply, the reviewing process can take up to six weeks. The ICB will then contact you in writing, to give you the outcome of your application. If you are successful, you have to decide which exemptions you’ll accept.
Exemption Feedback
There are different types of exemptions. So when you apply, you’ll receive feedback per subject. You could receive:
Full exemption: This is the most successful outcome. The ICB will give you credits for your previous studies. You then have to pay an exemption fee for each subject you’ll no longer have to complete.
Conditional exemption granted: This means you don’t qualify for a full exemption, but you could try again by submitting a special PoE. Once you complete the PoE, it will be examined. If successful, you could end up with a full exemption.
Exemption not granted: Your application will be rejected if the ICB determines that your previous qualification and work experience don’t match the subjects you applied for.
Please note: You can only accept the exemption if you are a registered student. So make sure to register with a training provider first.
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Frequently Asked Questions
ICB qualifications are recognized all over the world, which means they’re respected by companies and other institutions. This opens doors for you to keep studying and even get some exemptions if you decide to go further in your education.
ICB started back in 1996 in the United Kingdom. Since then, it’s grown to be the biggest bookkeeping organization in the world, with over 150,000 members in more than 100 countries.
The ICB Student Portal is your personal online space where you can keep track of everything related to your studies. You can see your results, book exams, find study materials, and even update your details.
ICB offers a range of courses in areas like bookkeeping and accounting, and you can study at your own pace. You have the choice of studying from home or attending classes through accredited providers like Skills Academy. To make sure you’re ready for the world of work, ICB uses assignments, tests, and final exams to check how well you’re learning and progressing!
