We offer a range of ICB qualifications. These are great if you want to start or grow your career in bookkeeping, office administration or financial accounting. Below is a complete list of our ten ICB qualifications, arranged in alphabetical order. You’ll also see what are the ICB NQF Levels equivalent to.
Each qualification is recognised and can help you work your way up in your studies or career. Take a look at the options available to you:
ICB Course | NQF Level |
Level 3 | |
Level 4 | |
Level 6 | |
Financial Accounting – Business Management: ICB National Diploma | Level 6 |
Office Administration – Business Management: ICB Higher Certificate | Level 5 |
Level 5 | |
Level 5 | |
Level 6 | |
Small Business Financial Management: ICB National Certificate | Level 4 |
Level 5 |
Each of these qualifications can be a stepping stone toward a better future. As you move up from one level to the next, you’ll gain more knowledge and open up more job opportunities.
What Is An ICB Qualification?
An ICB Qualification is what you receive once you finish an ICB Course or an ICB Programme. These qualifications show that you have the skills needed to work in business, bookkeeping or office administration.
There are different types of qualifications. Each one is linked to a National Qualifications Framework (NQF) Level. This level shows how advanced the qualification is. You can see the different types below:
ICB Qualification Type | Possible NQF Levels |
Level 3 or Level 4 | |
Level 4 | |
ICB Higher Certificate | Level 5 |
Level 5 or Level 6 |
Each of these can help you qualify for jobs or further studies. You can use them to build your career step by step.
Are ICB Qualifications Recognised?
Yes, they are. ICB Qualifications are recognised by employers across different industries. Many colleges and universities also accept them.
They are known both nationally and internationally, which means your qualification can help you beyond just one country.
Are ICB Courses Accredited?
Yes, all ICB Courses are fully accredited. This means they meet national education standards. They are approved by the following organisations:
Our official QCTO accreditation number is: 301089
Accreditation is important because it shows your course is credible and respected.
Is ICB SAQA Accredited?
Yes, ICB Courses are also SAQA accredited. SAQA stands for the South African Qualifications Authority. This organisation makes sure your qualification is officially recognised in South Africa.
Here is a table showing the SAQA ID numbers linked to each ICB Course:
ICB Course Name | SAQA ID |
Bookkeeping: ICB National Certificate | 58375 |
Bookkeeping: ICB FET Certificate | 58376 |
Technical Financial Accounting: ICB National Diploma | 36213 |
Certified Financial Accounting: ICB National Diploma | 20366 |
Small Business Financial Management: ICB National Certificate | 48736 |
Office Administration: ICB National Certificate | 23618 |
Office Administration: ICB Higher Certificate | 23619 |
Office Administration: ICB National Diploma | 35958 |
Office Administration – Business Management: ICB Higher Certificate | 23619 |
These SAQA IDs confirm that your qualification is listed on the National Qualifications Framework.
The PoE has three stages, and each stage includes both assignments and tests. You must pass each stage to move on to the next. To pass a stage, your final mark must be 50% or more.
Let’s break it down:
Stage | What You Must Do | Minimum Pass Mark |
Stage 1 | – First Assignment: Complete 1 assignment – First Test: Open-book test | 50% or more |
Stage 2 | – Second Assignment: Complete 1 assignment – Second Test: Open-book test | 50% or more |
Stage 3 | – Third Test: Complete 1 assignment – Final Exam: Prepare to write your exam | 50% or more |
Once you have passed all three stages, you are allowed to write your final ICB exam.
How Is The Final Exam Written?
You can write your final exam in two ways:
- Online Exam – You write from a computer
- Paper-Based Exam – You write on paper at a venue
Each exam has its own time slot:
Exam Type | Time Slot |
Online Exam | 09:00 to 16:30 |
Paper-Based Exam | 09:00 to 12:30 |
Make sure you are fully prepared before you book your exam. You can only write once your PoE is done and passed.
Why Should You Study an ICB Course?
There are many good reasons to study an ICB course. These qualifications are respected and can open many doors for your career. Whether you are looking for a job or want to grow in your current role, an ICB course can help.
Let’s look at the main benefits:
Gain Skills That Are In Demand
ICB courses are scarce skill qualifications. This means not many people have them, but many companies are looking for these skills.
With an ICB qualification, you can:
- Fill skills gaps in the job market
- Increase your chances of getting hired
- Stand out from other job applicants
Earn a Good Salary
Many jobs linked to ICB courses offer competitive salaries. As you gain more experience, your earning potential also grows.
Here’s why:
- You will have practical skills that employers value
- You can apply for higher-paying roles over time
Work in a Range of Job Roles
An ICB qualification allows you to work in different industries. You won’t be limited to one type of job.
You can:
- Apply for many different positions
- Explore jobs in finance, business, and office management
- Choose a path that suits your interests
Build Your Career
These qualifications don’t just help you find a job — they help you grow. With each level you complete, you move closer to better opportunities.
You will be able to:
- Start in entry-level positions
- Move into mid or senior roles with experience
- Build a long-term career in a stable field
Earn an Accredited Qualification
ICB courses are officially accredited. This means they meet education standards set by trusted organisations in South Africa.
These accreditations include:
- QCTO – Quality Council for Trades and Occupations
- ICB – Institute of Certified Bookkeepers
Receive a Recognised Qualification
Your ICB certificate is recognised both in South Africa and internationally. It shows that you have completed a reliable course.
Recognition includes:
- Nationally – Employers and institutions in South Africa
- Internationally – Some recognition in countries like the UK
Apply for Your ICB Course Today
Getting started is easy! You can apply online and get help from a friendly course advisor. The team will guide you through every step of the process.
Here are your options:
- Call: 012 762 7150
- WhatsApp: 069 439 0112
Start your application today and take the first step toward a better future.
Frequently Asked Questions
ICB Accounting is a full programme offered by the Institute of Certified Bookkeepers (ICB). It focuses on bookkeeping and financial accounting.
These are the courses included in the ICB Accounting Programme:
- Bookkeeping: ICB National Certificate
- Bookkeeping: ICB FET Certificate
- Technical Financial Accounting: ICB National Diploma
- Certified Financial Accounting: ICB National Diploma
Each course builds your knowledge and helps you grow your career step-by-step.
A Diploma in Financial Accounting gives you access to several job opportunities. You can work in many types of businesses and organisations.
Here are some jobs you can apply for:
- Assistant Accountant
- Financial Clerk
- Junior Bookkeeper
- Senior Bookkeeper
This qualification gives you the skills employers are looking for.
ICB stands for the Institute of Certified Bookkeepers. This is the organisation that designs and accredits courses in bookkeeping, financial management, and office administration.
Both AAT and ICB offer courses in the finance field, but there is a difference:
- AAT (Association of Accounting Technicians) focuses more on accounting
- ICB focuses more on bookkeeping
If you want to work in detailed record-keeping and daily finance tasks, ICB is the right choice.
NQF levels are used to show how advanced a qualification is. They are not the same as other types of qualifications, but they help compare them.
For example:
- Bookkeeping: ICB National Certificate is at NQF Level 3
This level shows that the course is at a basic level on the National Qualifications Framework.
An NQF Level 7 Qualification is a more advanced qualification. It can be:
- An Advanced Diploma, or
- A Bachelor’s Degree
This level is higher than the ICB courses, which go up to NQF Level 6.
According to PayScale and Indeed, the average salary for a Bookkeeper in South Africa is around R14 500 per month. This may change depending on your skills, experience, and location.
Bookkeeping is a good career if you enjoy working with numbers and want job security.
To become a bookkeeper, you can start with one of these ICB qualifications:
- Bookkeeping: ICB National Certificate
- Bookkeeping: ICB FET Certificate
You can also grow your career further with these:
- Technical Financial Accounting: ICB National Diploma
- Certified Financial Accounting: ICB National Diploma
These qualifications give you practical skills that help you do the job well.
Author: Jesmé Africa
Editor: Connor Bergsma
Date Published: May 24, 2022