The Institute of Certified Bookkeepers (ICB) has been around since 1931. In short, the ICB is an external examination body. They offer five different streams of accredited business and accounting courses and qualifications.

What Courses Do They Offer?

The ICB offers five different streams of courses, namely Financial Accounting, Office Administration, Public Sector Accounting, Entrepreneurship, and Business Management.

How Do The Courses Work?

The ICB does not teach the courses themselves. Instead, they have training providers. To be a training provider you are an institution that is registered with the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET). You study the ICB courses either at a training provider where it is presented in class, or you study at a training provider where the course is presented via distance learning. The courses are designed to be presented either way.

To register for an ICB course you first register with the chosen training provider. After this you register on the ICB Learner Portal for your course. When this step is completed a Portfolio of Evidence is sent to you. This consists of three assignments and two tests to be completed in your own time and handed in when writing exams.

How Do The Exams Work?

As stated before, the exams are done externally through the ICB. You register for your exams yourself. You do this on the ICB Learner Portal. Here you pick your venue where you wish to write as well as a date that is most suitable to you. When writing you hand in your PoE for that subject then and approximately seven weeks later your results should be available to view on the Learner Portal. Alternatively you can wait for the email with your results.

Why Should I Study an ICB Course?

These courses are the fastest way for you to get an accredited qualification. You can have your first qualification in as little as six months. The courses are not only accredited but also NQF rated. So all the courses have an NQF level attached to it. Not only are the courses accredited, but they’re also internationally recognised so you will easily be able to get a job overseas. The last advantage is that you have the opportunity of registering and joining a professional body for professional membership. You can register with the ICBA, South African Institute of Tax Professionals (SAIT), The South African Institute of Business Accountants (SAIBA), International Association of Bookkeepers (IAB), and International Association of Accounting Professionals (IAAP).

What Should I do Next?

As mentioned earlier, you first register with your training provider of choice. They will help you with the rest. You also have to register on the ICB Learner Portal on their site to be sent your PoE that needs to be handed in with your exam. The PoE counts for 30% of your mark so it is important you get it.

ICB offers high qualifications that can set you apart from the next person and land you that job. Go on and register now.