How To Choose An ICB Programme That Sets You Up for Success

Learn how to choose an ICB programme that fits your goals. Explore 3 study streams with strong career potential in South Africa with us.

Infographic showing steps on how to choose the right ICB course based on interests, career goals, and qualifications.

If you’re not sure how to choose an ICB programme, think about what kind of future you want. ICB courses teach scarce skills that are in high demand, meaning more job security and better salaries. With options to learn full-time, part-time, or from home, there’s something for everyone.

  • ICB offers 3 main study streams, all of which are scarce skills. 
  • Scarce or critical skills are more likely to find you a stable job with a respectable salary. 
  • When you choose to study an ICB course, you can choose distance-learning or classroom learning.
  • Each ICB course gives you the option of full-time or part-time learning.

The Institute of Certified Bookkeepers offers 3 study streams:

  1. Financial Accounting 
  2. Business Management 
  3. Office Administration 

Here is everything you need to know about choosing the right ICB programme for you.

An Educated Opinion

Jan Badenhorst, an education specialist, shares his views about choosing  ICB study streams. 

Why Choose ICB?

The Institute of Certified Bookkeepers offers courses in both financial and business management. Each of their courses are scarce skills which means that you are more likely to find a job. 

ICB qualifications are also highly regarded by employers for their high-quality. That means that an employer is more likely to choose you because of your highly accredited qualification. 

You can also decide to study full time or part-time. The choices do not end there. With ICB you can choose to study via distance learning or classroom learning. These programmes are designed to suit your needs. 

ICB Course Fees

When you study an ICB course, you get more than just lessons. Your course fees include many helpful things to make your learning easier. These extras are there to guide you and help you pass your course.

What You GetWhy You Get It
Study MaterialYou get textbooks and study guides to help you learn. These books make it easier to study from home.
Tutor SupportTutors help you understand your work. You can ask questions anytime when you get stuck.
Student Support TeamThey remind you about exams and help with your course questions. This keeps you on track and less stressed.
Assignment and Test MarkingYour work is checked by professionals who give you feedback. This helps you learn from your mistakes.
Exam Entry Fees (for some packages)Some courses include your exam fee. This means you don’t have to pay for it later or worry about booking it.

These things are included to give you the best chance of doing well. You don’t just get a course—you get all the support you need. That’s what makes it easier to study and pass.

ICB Financial Accounting Programme

You can access the NQF level 3 programme with a grade 10 certificate. That means that you can start the first stream, bookkeeping, without ever finishing high school. 

Each level is a fully accredited qualification. You do not have to study for 3 or 4 years to get a qualification. 

The courses in this stream include:

ICB Business Management Programme

With a grade 11 certificate, you can move straight into the first stream, Business Administration. If you find that you are not doing well in matric, then this is a great opportunity for you. 

You can then work yourself up to an NQF 6 qualification, 2 levels higher than matric 

The courses in this steam include: 

ICB Office Administration Programme

You will have to have passed matric for this study stream. But this is a great choice because it is a scarce skill. 

With a qualification in Office Administration, you can branch into various careers and do very well for yourself. 

The courses in this steam include:

Applying for an ICB Qualification

If you are ready to apply for an ICB qualification, why not give us a call on 012 762 7100 and speak to one of our course experts. 

How Can I Get ICB Certificate?

Getting your ICB certificate is easy when you follow the steps. First, you must complete your course and pass your exams. After that, you will get your certificate from the ICB. Here are 4 application steps to register to study ICB courses with Matric College:

  1. Choose Your Course: Pick the ICB course that fits what you want to do. If you are unsure, a course expert can help you decide.
  2. Complete the Application Form: Fill in your details online or by phone. This helps us know who you are and what you want to study.
  3. Submit Your Documents: Send a copy of your ID and your school marks. This helps us check if you meet the entry level for the course.
  4. Start Studying: Once you’re signed up, we send your study material. Then you can start learning from home at your own pace.

People Also Ask

Yes, ICB is worth it. These courses help you learn useful skills that you can use at work. They also give you real qualifications that can help you get a job or grow your career. Here are four  reasons why an ICB Programme is worth it:

  • You get a recognised certificate that shows your skills.
  • You can study from home while working.
  • It helps you start a new job or move up in your current one.

You don’t need to have matric to start.

Yes, ICB courses are SAQA accredited. This means they are approved by the South African government. The qualifications are listed on the National Qualifications Framework, which makes them official and trusted.

ICB qualifications are mostly recognised in South Africa. Some other countries may also accept them, especially for business and finance jobs. But they are mainly designed for the South African job market.

If you fail an ICB exam, you can write it again. You will need to pay a small fee and register for the next exam date. You can also use support from your tutors to help you do better next time.

Bookkeeping courses can take different amounts of time. A beginner course can take 12 – 16 months. A more advanced course may take longer, up to 18 months. You can study at your own speed because it’s all done from home.

Author: Andrea Frisby 

Last Updated: Sanel Van Staden,  5 July  2021