ICB Exam Dates | Everything You Need To Know

At Matric College you can get all the exciting information regarding the ICB exams. Find out how to register for an ICB Course and how to book an ICB exam.

Are you ready to take the ICB exams, but you do not know where to start? This is where you need to be! With us, you can begin your exciting ICB exam journey.

The image below shows the ICB exam dates for 2023/24:

The 2023/2024 ICB exam timetable and important information to note about the ICB Exam

Keep in mind that ICB may change the exam dates at any time, therefore it is important to always check the website for updated information.

What Are The Major Changes For 2023/2024?

  • Any ICB subject can now be written online or through a paper-based exam
  • Online exams can now be written between 9 am and 1 pm. This means that it has been extended.

If you are a distance learning student, and would like to do a paper-based exam, you will only be able to write at main centre venues. More information will be provided on the ICB website.

How Can I Book An ICB Exam?

You can book an ICB exam only once you register for the ICB exams. To book an ICB exam you need to follow these guidelines:

  • Register for an ICB Course at Matric College.
    • ICB does not offer their courses directly, but they have accredited colleges that do provide the courses for them
  • Register for the exams once you have completed your Portfolio of Evidence (PoE).
    • The PoE consists of (3) three assignments and (2) two open-book tests
    • You also have to pass the PoE with a minimum score of 50% to qualify for the exam

You simply need to register yourself on the  ICB Student Portal. Once you have registered on the ICB Student Portal, you will gain access to ICB MACCI.

You need to provide the correct email address, as you will receive a username and password that will give you access to your PoE. This will also give you access to the ICB exam.

As mentioned above, to qualify for the exams, you must complete the assignments and open-book tests. The table below explains how the assignments and tests lead up to the exam:

Stage 1

Stage 2

Stage 3

Stage 4

Complete the following:

  • Assignment 1
  • Open-book test 1

Complete the following:

  • Assignment 2
  • Open-book test 2

Complete the following:

  • Assignment 3

Complete the final exam

Get 50% or more

Get 50% or more

Get 50% or more

Get 50% or more

This counts 30% towards your final mark.

This counts 70% towards your final mark

*The rule still applies for 2023/2024, you must complete and pass (50%) the POE to apply for the exam.

 *All 2023/2024 POE has been updated with step-by-step guides that will help you to successfully complete the online exam.

Keep the following factors in mind when completing this process:

  1. You have to complete this process for each subject that you complete
  2. You cannot write the final exam unless you complete the assignments and tests
  3. If you want to register for 2023, you can start booking your exam in December 2022
  4. For more information about the exam venues, please contact the ICB directly

Is There A “Fees List” For 2023?

Yes, there is a “fees list” for 2023. The “ICB fees list” has been finalised and the great thing about this is that the prices has not increased by much.

Each exam will be R785 and the annual registration fee will be R430. This means that the exam fee went only increased between (R30 – R50).

Remember that you cannot book an exam for any of these slots if you have not paid the annual registration fee:

  • January
  • August 
  • December

How Can I Complete The ICB Exam?

You can complete the ICB exam in the following ways:

Online

This option was developed during the COVID-19 pandemic as there was no other way for students to complete their exam, without being in possible contact with the virus. 

Initially, students did not like the online option, but as time went by, students preferred the online option.

How Do Online ICB Exams Work?

Students will be given access to the ICB MACCI platform. This platform allows students to complete their exams online. These exams are timed and monitored by an online invigilator tool. 

Students will have to complete the exam using a network that is stable because these exams are timed. There is a specific timeframe in which you have to complete your ICB exam.

How Long Is The Online ICB Exam?

The ICB exam is generally (3) three hours long. Apart from that, it will take you approximately 30 minutes to set up for the exam.

The online ICB exam is usually scheduled for 13:00 to 16:30.

How Do I Pay For My ICB Course and Exam Online?

You can pay ICB online through the use of online banking. You can either do a credit or debit EFT payment. Use the secure ICB Student Portal to make the payment online.

For any sudden changes in regard to the payment methods, contact ICB directly.

In Person/Paper-Based

The paper-based exam is for students who prefer to write the exam in person. This exam has been popular since the beginning of time and some students still prefer this option.

How Do Paper-Based ICB Exams Work?

Students will be given access to the ICB MACCI platform. On this online platform, students can book to write at an exam venue. The exams are timed and monitored by an in-person facilitator.

How Long Is The Paper-Based ICB Exam?

The ICB exam is generally (3) three hours, and it takes approximately 30 minutes to set up the exam.

The paper-based ICB exam is usually scheduled for 09:00 to 12:30.

NOTE:

Distance learning students have to register for the exams themselves.

Students who go to contact classes can book their exams through their college.

ALSO NOTE: 

Book your paper-based exams way in advance to avoid disappointment.

ICB may change, cancel or withdraw an exam at any time.

The ICB will offer alternatives if the exams are cancelled.

What Is The Pass Mark For The ICB Exam?

The pass mark for the ICB exam is 60%.

You will also have to get at least 50% for the assignments and open-book tests. This will give you admission to the exam.

What Happens If I Fail An ICB Exam?

If you fail an ICB exam, you have a variety of options. Here is what you can do:

  1. Have your paper re-marked
  2. Register to write the exam again

Have Your Paper Re-Marked

You should only choose this route if you truly believe that you should have received better marks. This is what the re-mark process will look like:

  • Step 1: Your marks will be retrieved
  • Step 2: A qualified invigilator will assess your marks
  • Step 3: A comprehensive report will be sent to you with everything you need to know about your marks. Your marks will also be amended if any mistakes were made.

Register To Write The Exam Again

If you act quick, you can register for the exam again. There are many exam opportunities for students. If you do want to register for the exam again, make sure that it is done before the time. 

If not, you will have to complete the entire Portfolio of Evidence again.

How Are The ICB Exam Marks Calculated?

ICB marks are calculated by looking at the following:

  • Your assignments: Complete (3) three assignments (Get a minimum of 50%)
  • Your open-book tests: Complete (2) two open-book tests (Get a minimum of 50%)
  • Your final exam: Complete the final exam (Get a minimum of 60%)

NOTE:

The assignments and open-book tests counts as 30% towards your final mark while your final ICB exam counts for 70% of your final mark

How Many ICB Exams Will I Write?

This depends on the year you write and the changes made within the year.

Keep in mind that you can complete the exam online or in-person. 

There are at least (4) four online ICB exam opportunities per year and at least (4) four paper-based ICB exam opportunities per year.

How Can I Postpone My ICB Exam?

You can postpone your ICB exam only one time and the reason should be valid. You also need to send proof of why you could not attend. Examples can be:

  1. Doctors note
  2. Death Certificate (Attending a funeral)

It is still up to ICB to make the final decision, even if you have proof of why you could not attend.

How Long Is An ICB Course?

The duration of your course depends on the type of ICB Course you want to complete. It can take between 4 and 18 months.

Here is a list of our ICB Courses and how long they generally take to complete.

ICB Business Management

ICB Financial Accounting

ICB Office Administration

What Can I Do With An ICB Qualification?

You can do a lot with an ICB Qualification. This also depends on the following factors:

  • The type of course: (Business Management, Financial Accounting, Office Administration)
  • The level of qualification received: (National Certificate, Further Education and Training Certificate, Higher Certificate, National Diploma)

You can either:

  • Find employment
  • Further your studies in the same ICB Programme
  • Further your studies in another ICB Programme
  • Further your studies at a university (that accepts ICB Qualifications)

Frequently Asked Questions

No, UNISA does not recognise ICB Qualifications, however, the qualifications are recognised internationally.

You can work and study abroad with an ICB Qualification.

Yes, ICB exams are compulsory as they determine whether you will get a qualification or not.

No, the ICB is not closed.

The ICB will, however, close once the final exams are over.

Author: Jesmé Africa

Editor: Tammy Fredericks

Date Published: November 29, 2022