You might be wondering, can ICB exam papers be found online? The answer is no, ICB does not give out past ICB exam papers. This is because they change the exams every year. As a result, there are no past papers available anywhere – not even on the ICB MACCI platform or on the official ICB website.
Although this may seem like bad news, it actually helps make the exams fair. Because no one can see the old papers, it also stops cheating and keeps the quality of the ICB exams high.

How Can I Prepare for the ICB Exams?
If you are preparing for your ICB exams, there are many helpful tools available to you. Let’s look at a few of them.
Complete Your Portfolio of Evidence (PoE)
One of the most important ways to prepare for your ICB exams is by working on your Portfolio of Evidence (PoE). You will complete your PoE on the ICB MACCI platform. It includes a mix of assignments, tests, and your final exam. Here is what your PoE looks like:
Stage 1 | Stage 2 | Stage 3 |
Assignment 1 | Open-book Test 1 | Assignment 3 |
Open-book Test 2 | Assignment 2 | Final Exam |
Passing Marks:
- You need to get 50% or more for each part of the PoE.
- The final exam is 70% of your mark, and the rest counts for 30%.
- To pass the subject, your final mark must be 60% or more.
Each subject will have its own PoE, so make sure to do your best on each one.
Use Your Textbooks
Once you register with a training provider, like Bellview Institute of Distance Learning, you will get all the textbooks you need. These books help you understand and prepare for what is in the exam.
Just remember, ICB does not send books directly to students. That’s why you must study through an approved training college.
What ICB Courses Can I Study?
There are different ICB courses you can choose from. Each one helps you gain skills that are needed in many jobs. These courses fall under three categories:
Bookkeeping and Accounting
If you enjoy working with numbers and keeping things organised, then these courses are a great place to start. They help you learn the basics of managing money and doing financial work for a business. You only need Grade 10 or a similar qualification to get started.
- Bookkeeping: ICB National Certificate
- Bookkeeping: ICB FET Certificate
- Technical Financial Accounting: ICB National Diploma
- Certified Financial Accounting: ICB National Diploma
Business Management
These courses are perfect for students who want to learn how to run a business or manage people. You will learn about leadership, planning, and how businesses work. To apply, you need a Grade 11 certificate or something similar.
- Small Business Financial Management: ICB National Certificate
- Office Administration – Business Management: ICB Higher Certificate
- Financial Accounting – Business Management: ICB National Diploma
Office Administration
Office Administration courses teach you how to handle important tasks in an office. You will learn how to organise paperwork, support staff, and manage information. These courses require you to have a Grade 12 certificate or an equivalent qualification.
- Office Administration: ICB National Certificate
- Office Administration: ICB Higher Certificate
- Office Administration: ICB National Diploma
Each course has its own level and entry requirement. Choose the one that suits your qualifications.
When Can I Start Studying?
Good news! You can start studying any time of the year with Bellview Institute of Distance Learning. Since this is a distance learning college, you can study from home – no matter where you live.
How to Apply
If you are looking for a flexible way to learn and build your career, an ICB course could be your perfect start. You do not need Matric to begin, and you can study from anywhere. With help from our team, you can reach your goals in bookkeeping, business, or office work.
Contact our course experts today to learn more or to register:
- Fill in the online registration form
- Ask us to call you
- Call our toll-free number: 0800 39 00 27
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes! You can complete your ICB exam online using the ICB MACCI platform. Just make sure you are well-prepared and have a stable internet connection.
Yes, you can. Distance learning students are allowed to write either paper-based exams or online exams. Choose the one that works best for you.
Yes, you can apply for an ICB Business Course if you are 16 years old. But you must also meet the following requirements:
- Have a Grade 11 Certificate, or
- Complete our ICB Bridging Course
- Be able to read, write and understand English
- Be ready to study through distance learning
Yes! You don’t need Matric to start all ICB courses. Each programme has its own requirement:
- Bookkeeping and Accounting: Grade 10
- Business Management: Grade 11
- Office Administration: Grade 12
So, you can still study, even if you don’t have a matric certificate.
A scarce skill qualification means the skills are in high demand. These are skills that employers are looking for. If you have one of these, your chances of getting a job and earning a good salary are higher.
Yes, all ICB courses are fully accredited. They are approved by:
- QCTO (Quality Council for Trades and Occupations)
- ICB (Institute of Certified Bookkeepers)
Yes, ICB is recognised both in South Africa and internationally. That means your qualification can open doors for you locally and abroad.
You can write your ICB exams 2 to 4 times a year, depending on your course. This gives you many chances to plan and prepare properly.
Yes. You are allowed to redo each open-book test at least twice. This gives you more opportunities to improve your marks.
Yes, you can. While most work is done online, your final assignment can be completed offline, which is helpful if you don’t always have access to the internet.
Author: Jesmé Africa
Editor: Connor Bergsma
Date Published: May 25, 2022