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What Are The ICB NQF Levels Equivalent To?

Here is where you can find out on which NQF Level your ICB Qualification is at. Find entry-level employment opportunities or complete another ICB Programme.

What Is An ICB Qualification?

An ICB Qualification is awarded to students after they have completed an ICB Course or an ICB Programme. These are the qualifications that you can receive:


Are ICB Qualifications Recognised?

Yes, ICB Qualifications are recognised by employers and some colleges and universities. They are recognised nationally and internationally. Nationally, they are recognised by:


Internationally, they are recognised by:


Are ICB Courses Accredited?

Yes, all ICB courses are accredited by:


Here is our accreditation number:
301089


Is ICB SAQA Accredited?

Yes, ICB is SAQA Accredited. Here is a table with all of our ICB Courses and the SAQA ID’s:

ICB Courses

SAQA ID

Bookkeeping: ICB National Certificate – NQF Level 3

58375

Bookkeeping: ICB FET Certificate – NQF Level 4

58376

Certified Financial Accounting: ICB National Diploma – NQF Level 6

20366

Financial Accounting – Business Management: ICB National Diploma – NQF Level 6

23619

Office Administration -Business Management: ICB National Diploma – NQF Level 6

23619

Office Administration: ICB National Certificate – NQF Level 5

23618

Office Administration: ICB Higher Certificate – NQF Level 5

23619

Office Administration: ICB National Diploma – NQF Level 6

35958

Small Business Financial Management: ICB National Certificate – NQF Level 4

48736

Technical Financial Accounting: ICB National Diploma – NQF Level 5

36213

How Does The ICB Exams Work?

The ICB exams can only be completed once students have completed and passed their Portfolio of Evidence (PoE). Here is how the PoE works:

The PoE has (3) three stages, each stage consists of the following:

Stage 1

Stage 2

Stage 3

  • First Assignment: Complete (1) one Assignment
  • First Test: Complete an open-book test

Your final mark should be at least 50% or more 

  • Second Assignment: Complete (1) one Assignment
  • Second Test: Complete an open-book test

Your final mark should be at least 50% or more 

  • Third Test: Complete (1) one Assignment
  • Final Exam: Complete your final exams

Your final mark should be at least 50% or more 

After completing these three (3) stages, you can write the final exam. The final exam can be completed:

  1. Online
  2. Paper-based


The online exam usually occurs in this time slot: 13:00 to 16:30.
The paper-based exam usually occurs in this time slot: 09:00 to 12:30.

Why Should I Study An ICB course?

ICB courses are recommended for these reasons:

They are scarce skill qualifications

  • You can earn a decent salary
  • You are highly employable


You go into a diverse industry 

  • There are many positions you can apply for
  • You can advance your career


You will can an
accredited qualification


You will gain a
recognised qualification

  • Nationally (South Africa)
  • Internationally (UK)

Frequently Asked Questions

No, ICB does not recognise ICB Qualifications, but they do recognise registered NQF Qualifications. This means that students can apply for Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL). All of our ICB Qualifications are registered on the NQF system. Therefore, it is important to find out from UNISA directly before applying.

No, UNISA does not offer ICB Courses. Instead, apply for any of our ICB Courses.

ICB Accounting is ICB Programme. Here are the courses offered in this Programme:

  • Bookkeeping: ICB National Certificate
  • Bookkeeping: ICB FET Certificate
  • Technical Financial Accounting: ICB National Diploma 
  • Certified Financial Accounting: ICB National Diploma

You can do the following with a Diploma in Financial Accounting:

  • Become an Assistant Accountant
  • Financial Clerk
  • Junior Bookkeeper
  • Senior Bookkeeper

ICB stands for the Institute of Certified Bookkeepers.

Both courses focus on Bookkeeping, however, AAT focuses more on Accounting whereas ICB focuses more on Bookkeeping.

NQF levels are not equivalent to anything else. Qualifications are equivalent or are at certain NQF Levels. For example Bookkeeping: ICB National Certificate is at NQF Level 3

An NQF Level 7 Qualification can be an advanced diploma or a Degree.

A Bookkeeper earns R14 500 per month in South Africa. This is according to the research that was found on PayScale and indeed.

Here are the qualifications required to become a Bookkeeper:

  • Bookkeeping: ICB National Certificate
  • Bookkeeping: ICB FET Certificate


You can also apply with these qualifications:

  • Technical Financial Accounting: ICB National Diploma 
  • Certified Financial Accounting: ICB National Diploma

Author: Jesmé Africa
Editor: Connor Bergsma
Date Published: May 24, 2022