Here is a list of all of our (10) ten ICB Qualifications in alphabetical order, as well as the NQF Levels that they are equivalent to:
- Bookkeeping: ICB National Certificate – NQF Level 3
- Bookkeeping: ICB FET Certificate – NQF Level 4
- Certified Financial Accounting: ICB National Diploma – NQF Level 6
- Financial Accounting – Business Management: ICB National Diploma – NQF Level 6
- Office Administration – Business Management: ICB National Diploma – NQF Level 6
- Office Administration: ICB National Certificate – NQF Level 5
- Office Administration: ICB Higher Certificate – NQF Level 5
- Office Administration: ICB National Diploma – NQF Level 6
- Small Business Financial Management: ICB National Certificate – NQF Level 4
- Technical Financial Accounting: ICB National Diploma – NQF Level 5
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:
- ICB National Certificate – This can be at NQF Level 3 or NQF Level 4
- ICB FET Certificate – This can be at NQF Level 4
- ICB Higher Certificate – This can be at NQF Level 5
- ICB National Diploma – This can be at NQF Level 5 or NQF Level 6
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:
- South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA)
- Quality Council for Trades and Occupations (QCTO)
- Finance and Accounting Services Sector Education and Training Authority (FASSET)
- Institute of Certified Bookkeepers and Accountants (ICBA)
- South African Institute of Tax Professionals (SAIT)
- The South African Institute of Business Accountants (SAIBA)
Internationally, they are recognised by:
- International Association of Bookkeepers (IAB)
- International Association of Accounting Professionals (IAAP)
- Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA)
- Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA)
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:
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 |
Your final mark should be at least 50% or more |
Your final mark should be at least 50% or more |
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:
- Online
- 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