Can I Study ICB Bookkeeping Courses Without Matric?

You can study ICB Bookkeeping courses without getting your Matric. Start studying towards an ICB Bookkeeping Qualification with a Grade 10 Certificate.

Yes, you can study ICB Bookkeeping Courses without getting your Matric. To qualify for the ICB Bookkeeping Courses, you need to have successfully completed Grade 10. None of the ICB Courses require Matric to apply. 

Are you interested in studying ICB Bookkeeping courses? Find out where you can study ICB Courses, what you will study, and what the entry requirements are.

What Is An ICB Qualification?

ICB Qualifications are designed by the Institute of Certified Bookkeepers (ICB) and accredited by the Institute of Certified Bookkeepers (ICB), Quality Council for Trades and Occupations (QCTO) and the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA). 

Accreditation from SAQA means that they are recognised as formal qualifications in South Africa. 

ICB Qualifications go up to the Diploma level. However, each level of the courses is its own qualification. This means you can begin applying for work after completing just your first level of studying. This can take as little as one year.

Which Colleges Offer ICB Courses?

  • There are many reputable distance learning colleges that offer accredited ICB Courses. Some of them are: 

    Can I Study Directly Through ICB?

    You can study directly through the ICB, however, this is not recommended. Studying through a distance learning college such as Skills Academy means that the cost of your textbooks and study material is included in your fees. 

    When studying through a college, your textbooks are delivered to you, also at no extra cost. You will also receive academic support when you study through a reputable college like Matric College, Skills Academy or Bellview Institute of Distance Learning. 

    When studying directly through the ICB, you have to source your own textbooks. You also should not buy textbooks second-hand, as the material can change from year to year, which means that you will have outdated, and potentially incorrect, information. 

    How Do ICB Exams Work?

    The ICB exams are administered online. This is done through your personal account on the ICB Student Portal. This ensures security while writing your exams, and there are also measures in place to ensure no cheating takes place. 

    You will also have to hand in a Portfolio of Evidence (PoE) before you can write the exams. Your PoE consists of all assignments and assessments done prior to the exam. Your PoE is digital, so there is no need to worry about needing to hand in a physical item. 

NOTE: 

If you do not submit your PoE before the due date, you will not be allowed to write the exam.

Are ICB Qualifications Recognised?

Yes, ICB Qualifications are recognised in South Africa, and also internationally. Because the ICB Courses have accreditation from SAQA, they are recognised by employers in South Africa as formal qualifications. 

The ICB is also an internationally recognised organisation. This means that once you have successfully completed and received your ICB Qualification, you can apply for work worldwide. 

How Long Do You Study For Bookkeeping?

This depends on how you do your studies, and how far you choose to take your studies. There are four levels to the ICB Bookkeeping Course, and none of them require Matric to apply: 

Study StreamEntry RequirementExamples of Equivalents
Financial AccountingGrade 10 or equivalent
  • National Certificate (Vocational) Level 2
Business ManagementGrade 11 or equivalent
  • National Certificate (Vocational) Level 3
  • ICB National Certificate in Bookkeeping
Office AdministrationMatric (National Senior Certificate or Senior Certificate (Amended)) or equivalent
  • National Certificate (Vocational) Level 4
  • ICB FET Certificate in Bookkeeping
  • ICB National Certificate in Small Business Financial Management

Each level can take as little as one year to complete, and each level is a qualification. This means you can choose how many levels you want to complete. So you can choose how long you will study for.

National Certificate: Bookkeeping
QualificationBookkeeping: ICB National Certificate
NQF Level3
Accredited byICB & QCTO
SAQA ID Number58375
Credits120
Entry RequirementsGrade 10 or equivalent 
Subjects 
  • Bookkeeping to Trial Balance (BKTB)
  • Payroll and Monthly SARS Returns (PMSR)
  • Computerised Bookkeeping (CPBK)
  • Business Literacy (BUSL)
Career Options
  • Junior Bookkeeper
  • Accounts Clerk
  • Payroll Clerk
  
Further Education And Training Certificate: Bookkeeping
QualificationFET Certificate
NQF Level4
Accredited byICB & QCTO
SAQA ID Number58376
Credits130
Entry RequirementsBookkeeping: ICB National Certificate
Subjects 
  • Financial Statements (FNST)
  • Cost and Management Accounting (CMGT)
Career Options
  • Senior Bookkeeper
  • Junior Accountant
  • Assistant Accountant
  
National Diploma: Technical Financial Accounting
QualificationNational Diploma
NQF Level5
Accredited byICB & QCTO
SAQA ID Number36213
Credits251
Entry RequirementsBookkeeping: ICB FET Certificate
Subjects 
  • Income Tax Returns (ITRT)
  • Business Law and Accounting Control (BLAC)
Career Options
  • Technical Financial Accountant
  • Accounting Technician
  • Tax Technician
  
National Diploma: Financial Accounting
QualificationNational Diploma
NQF Level6
Accredited byICB & QCTO
SAQA ID Number20366
Credits280
Entry RequirementsTechnical Financial Accounting: ICB National Diploma
Subjects 
  • Corporate Strategy (CRPS)
  • Management Accounting Control Systems (MACS)
  • Financial Reporting and Regulatory Frameworks (FRRF)
  • Research Theory and Practice (by short dissertation; topic: Financial Accounting) (RTAP)
Career Options
  • Financial Accountant
  • Tax Practitioner
  • Tax Consultant

Is Bookkeeping A Good Career?

Yes, Bookkeeping is a good career choice. All industries need Bookkeepers and Accountants to keep track of their finances and to keep the financial aspect of the business running smoothly. The finance industry is constantly growing, so it is a good career path. 

What Does A Junior Bookkeeper Earn In South Africa?

The pay scale for a Junior Bookkeeper in South Africa is R 8 160 – R 26 600 per month. The average salary for a Bookkeeper in South Africa is currently R 14 935 per month. 

What Is The Average Salary For A Senior Bookkeeper In South Africa?

The average salary for a Senior Bookkeeper in South Africa is currently R 21 645 per month. The pay scale for a Senior Bookkeeper in South Africa is R 13 160 – R 38 250 per month. 

If you are interested in completing a Bookkeeping Course without Matric, look no further. We offer Bookkeeping and Accounting Courses that you can study with a Grade 10 Certificate. 

If you are interested in gaining a Degree qualification, and you do not have Matric you can apply for the following Matric Courses first:

  • Adult Matric – For students who have not completed Matric (Apply with a Grade 9 or ABET Level 4)
  • Matric Upgrade – For students that have completed Matric but failed or need to improve their marks for university admission

Get a qualification that will change your home situation, study with us today!

Author: Chloe Bydawell
Editor: Sive Ncanywa
Date: September 15 , 2022