The Institute of Certified Bookkeepers (ICB) offers courses that are related to business, finance and office administration. They are an Independent External Examinations Body that administers the exams.
This means that they do not offer any support or textbooks. How do they offer their courses? They offer their courses through accredited training providers like Bellview Institute of Distance Learning.
What Is An ICB Qualification?
An ICB qualification is awarded to students who have completed an ICB course. This can range from a National Certificate to a National Diploma.
Keep in mind that you cannot study for a National Diploma directly, even if you have previously completed a Degree qualification in the same field of study.
You have to start with a National Certificate and work your way up to a National Diploma. With each course, you gain an ICB qualification.
ICB will also give you a letter that states that you have completed a subject, as well as a transcript with all of your marks received. Here is a list of the ICB qualifications that you can achieve:
- National Certificate
- Further Education and Training Certificate
- Higher Certificate
- National Diploma
Can I Convert My ICB National Diploma To A Degree?
No, you cannot convert your ICB National Diploma to a degree. You can, however, apply for a degree course at a college or university. ICB has partnered with a few colleges that ICB students can apply with. These colleges are:
- Boston City Campus
- Millpark Education
- Damelin
Keep in mind that it depends on the college to make the final decision to accept your National Diploma.
Alternatively, you can apply at a university if you have the following Matric results:
- Bachelor’s Degree Pass
- Admission Point Score (APS) Score of 25 points and higher (depending on the university). The APS is a point system used by universities to see if students meet their entry requirements. This is calculated by looking at the different codes and percentages.
- The subjects that you have chosen in high school and if it is related to the course you choose to complete at university
If you have not completed Matric, apply for our Adult Matric: Amended Senior Certificate. If you have failed Matric or would like to improve or change your Matric subjects, you can apply for the following Matric Courses:
Which Courses Are Offered By ICB?
ICB offers (10) ten courses that you can choose from. Each course has its own entry requirements. Here are the courses you can study with the entry requirements for each:
1. Bookkeeping and Accounting: ICB NQF 3 – NQF 6 To apply for this programme, you need a Grade 10 Certificate or an Equivalent Certificate
| Keep in mind that you need to start the first course and then continue with the next course until you have completed the final course. This does not limit you from finding employment. You can look for employment with any ICB qualification. Here is how you can complete each course: Bookkeeping: ICB National Certificate ⇩ Bookkeeping: ICB FET Certificate ⇩ Technical Financial Accounting: ICB National Diploma ⇩ Certified Financial Accounting: ICB National Diploma |
2. Business Management: ICB NQF 4 – NQF 6 To apply for this programme, you need a Grade 11 Certificate or an Equivalent Certificate | Keep in mind that you need to start the first course and then continue with the next course until you have completed the final course. This does not limit you from finding employment. You can look for employment with any ICB qualification. Here is how you can complete each course: Small Business Financial Management: ICB National Certificate ⇩ Office Administration – Business Management: ICB Higher Certificate ⇩ Financial Accounting – Business Management: ICB National Diploma |
3. Office Administration: ICB 4 – NQF 6 To apply for this programme, you need a Grade 12 Certificate or an Equivalent Certificate
| Keep in mind that you need to start the first course and then continue with the next course until you have completed the final course. This does not limit you from finding employment. You can look for employment with any ICB qualification. Here is how you can complete each course: Office Administration: ICB National Certificate ⇩ Office Administration: ICB Higher Certificate ⇩ Office Administration: ICB National Diploma |
How Will I Be Assessed?
You will be assessed through:
- Portfolio of Evidence (PoE) – This counts 30% towards your final mark
- Final exam – This counts 70% towards your final mark
Portfolio Of Evidence
The Portfolio of Evidence (PoE) has three (3) learning phases that lead up to the final exam. Here is what you can expect in each learning phase:
Learning Phase 1: You will have to complete your first assignment which will be timed and auto-marked and thereafter you will have to complete your first open-book test which will also be timed and auto-marked. You have to get 50% or more for the assignment and the open-book test.
Learning Phase 2: You will have to complete your second assignment which will be timed and auto-marked and thereafter you will have to complete your second open-book test which will also be timed and auto-marked. You have to get 50% or more for the assignment and the open-book test.
Learning Phase 3: You will have to complete your third assignment, which will not be timed. You will have to download the assignment and submit it in a PDF format. Thereafter, you will have to complete your final exam. You have to get 50% or more for your final mark.
Final Exam
The final exam can be written in these (2) ways:
- Online exam
- Paper-based exam
The online exams are for both distance learning students and face-to-face students. However, distance learning students can register for the online exams whenever they are ready. Face-to-face students can apply through their college. They have to put in their request through their college, they cannot apply by themselves.
Paper-based exams are automatically held for face-to-face students. For distance learning students, you can apply whenever you are ready.
You can always stay updated on the exams, venues and time on the ICB website.
How Do I Register For The Exam?
Distance learning students can register for the exam once they have registered on the ICB Student Portal.
After they have completed this process, ICB will send students the login details for MACCI. This is a digital platform where students can complete their Portfolio of Evidence (PoE) as well as the online exams.
Face-to-face students do not have to register for the exam because their college will do it on their behalf. This also means that they do not decide which sitting they can apply for.
What Are The Costs Involved?
Each course costs different depending on the number of subjects that will be completed as well as the course duration. At Bellview Institute of Distance Learning, we offer different payment options. Here are your options:
- Pay for the full course
- Pay a fixed monthly fee
To get more information about our course fees, contact one of our course specialists.
What Can I Study After ICB?
After you have completed an ICB course, you can do the following:
- Complete another course until you have completed the entire programme
- Complete another programme
- Complete a degree course at a college or university
Can I Study Directly Through ICB?
No, you cannot study directly though ICB. You have to apply to one of their accredited training providers, like Bellview Institute of Distance Learning. We are a distance learning college that provides students with the necessary textbooks and support that will make them successful students.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, ICB is recognised in the UK.
Yes, ICB is recognised in South Africa.
No, UNISA does not recognise ICB qualifications. They do, however, apply recognition of prior learning. This means that you may be exempted from certain subjects.
Yes, ICB is accredited by:
- The Institute of Certified Bookkeepers (ICB)
- The Quality Council for Trades and Occupations (QCTO)
Yes, all ICB courses are in demand. Employers are looking for people with these skills, especially in South Africa.
Yes, you can earn more money with an ICB qualification because you have a scarce skill qualification. Employers will pay students who have these qualifications more because they need their skill-set.
Yes, you can study ICB courses without Matric. This means that you can apply for out ICB Business Management course with a Grade 11 Certificate, our ICB Financial Accounting course, with a Grade 10 Certificate and our ICB Office Administration course, with a Grade 12 Certificate or Matric Equivalent Certificate.
Yes, Bookkeepers do payroll. Here is what our ICB students learn in their Bookkeeping course that are related to payroll:
- Payroll and Monthly SARS Returns
- Financial Statements
- Income Tax Returns
No, NSFAS does not fund ICB courses. However, our courses are affordable due to the different payment options available to our students.
No, Bellview Institute of Distance Learning is not funded by NSFAS. We do, however, offer affordable payment options to all of our students.
Author: Jesmé Africa
Editor: Connor Bergsma
Date Published: June 6, 2022