You should choose to study an Institute of Certified Bookkeepers (ICB) course because of the following reasons:
- It is registered with the National Qualifications Framework
This makes it easy for you to gain employment because employers can see that your qualification is registered and of quality.
- Learn relevant information
The ICB offers courses with information that is recent. This means you will gain knowledge that can be used in the modern world.
- Quick completion
You can complete an ICB course quickly. Some courses can be completed in 6 to 12 months.
- Available through distance learning
You can study ICB courses through distance learning, where you learn from anywhere you are. You can even do this at Matric College.
- Recognition
ICB courses are recognised globally. This means you can choose to find work or continue studying in or outside South Africa.
- Quality Training
ICB courses train you to be a professional. This is why there are different assessments to ensure you become the right fit.
- Scarce skills qualification
ICB courses offer skills that are in demand in South Africa. This increases your opportunities to find employment.
- Fair Entry Requirements
You can study an ICB course with a Grade 10 Qualification. This means that you are not limited if you do not have Matric.
Who Is The ICB?
The Institute of Certified Bookkeepers (ICB). They are an external examination body that has been in the academic business for over 90 years. Their focus lies in the following streams:
The ICB courses are accredited by the ICB and the QCTO. The ICB, however, is not a training provider. They only offer external assessments. They have colleges such as Matric College as training providers to offer their courses.
Is ICB Internationally Recognised?
Yes, the ICB is internationally and nationally recognised. They are recognised in places such as the UK, where you can continue your studies at. There are professional bodies where you can complete your studies. These are:
- IAB (International Association of Bookkeepers, UK)
- IAAP (International Association of Accounting Professionals, UK)
- ACCA (Association of Chartered Certified Accountants, UK)
- CIMA (Chartered Institute of Management Accountants, UK)
When you have completed your studies, you can look for employment in the UK or anywhere else in the world.
Is ICB SAQA Accredited?
Yes, ICB courses are registered with the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA). ICB courses are registered and this makes them recognised in South Africa. They are recognised by academic institutions and companies. This makes it simple for you to gain access to different companies and academic institutions.
What Is The Purpose Of ICB?
The purpose of the ICB is to equip you with the skills and knowledge in the Business Management, Office Administration or Financial Accounting field. This way you gain skills and knowledge that can help you be advanced. You can use these to find employment or start a business. The best part is that ICB courses are scarce skills, this means that you have a higher chance to find employment in South Africa.
Watch our CEO of Matric College, Jan Badenhorst, speak about the Institute of Certified Bookkeepers (ICB) and scarce skills
What Is An ICB Course?
An ICB course is created by the Institute of Certified Bookkeepers (ICB). These courses are skills and knowledge-based. They prepare you for employment and entrepreneurship. Below is a list of the ICB courses we offer:
- ICB Office Administration Certificate
- ICB Office Administration Higher Certificate
- ICB Office Administration Diploma
What Is An ICB Qualification?
An ICB Qualification is what you are awarded when you complete an ICB course. These qualifications are printed by FASSET. The ICB ask them to print your qualifications after your assessment marks are audited. When the qualifications have been printed, they are sent to the ICB, which sends them to you.
What Can I Do With An ICB Qualification?
You can use an ICB Qualification to do the following:
- Find employment
- Study further
Find Employment
For the three ICB Programmes, you can use the qualification you receive to find employment. You can work as the following:
ICB Financial Accounting Qualification
- Financial Manager
- Payroll Clerk
- Bookkeeper
- Assistant Accountant
- Tax Technician
- Financial Services Manager
- Assistant Manager
- Tax Consultant
- Business Manager
- Business Analyst
- Business Consultant
- Junior Researcher
- Junior Analyst
- Customer Service Manager
- Financial Accountant
- Sales Manager
- Receptionist
- Office Assistant
- Marketing Administrator
- General Office Manager
- Administrative Manager
- Public Relations Manager
- Senior Office Administrator
- Secretary
Study Further
You can use an ICB Qualification to study further. You can further your studies at Matric College. If you have a Matric Certificate (Amended Senior Certificate or National Senior Certificate), you can study for our NATED courses.
These are courses that are focused on knowledge and work experience. They equip you with the components to increase your chances of gaining employment. Below is a list of the NATED courses we offer:
- Business Management Courses
- Marketing Management Courses
- Management Assistant Courses
- Human Resources Management Courses
- Financial Management Courses
- Educare Courses
- Legal Secretary Courses
OR
You can use an ICB Qualification to study our Short courses. These are courses you can study without Matric. Short courses are skill-based. They equip you with skills that you can use to find work or start a business. Below is a list of the Short courses we offer:
- Salon Management courses
- Nail Care courses
- Make-up courses
- Facial Skincare courses
- Beauty Therapy courses
- First Aid Course courses
- Crèche Management courses
- Child Day Care courses
- Child Psychology courses
- Tourism Management courses
- Guest House Management courses
- Events Management courses
- Wedding Planning courses
How Do I Pass An ICB Course?
You pass an ICB course by completing the assessments assigned for each subject in an ICB course. An ICB course is made up of a Portfolio of Evidence (PoE).
Inside each PoE, there are three (3) assignments and tw0 (2) online tests. You must complete these and earn 50% or higher makes to pass. There is also a final examination set that you must complete. This determines if you pass the course or not.
There are two types of exams in the ICB. These exams are the following:
- Online exams
- Paper-based exams
Distance learning students write their exams in exam centres that are approved by the ICB and online. This information was implemented by the ICB in April 2021.
Online Exams
Online exams are scheduled to be written from 01:00 pm to 04:30 pm on the ICB MACCI Portal.
Paper-Based Exams
The paper-based exams are written at a physical location booked by the ICB or at a provider college and set for 09:00 am to 12:30 pm.
Below is a list of tips you can also use to pass an ICB course:
- Find a study area that is quiet
- Make sure your study area is always organised
- Keep the things you may need close to you when studying
- Have a study timetable and follow it
- Study daily or at least four times a week
- Ask our tutors for assistance when you feel stuck
- Use the study material that we send to you when studying
- Ask your tutors as many questions as possible
- Prepare for all exams
- Have a study group that you can join and be voiced to study
- Ask our course experts for help when needed
- Do extra research on your assessments on the internet
- Aim for high marks
- Write and submit as assessments
What Is The ICB Student Portal?
This is known as the first ICB student portal. You can do the following in this portal:
- Register to become an ICB student
- Enter for exams if you are a distance learning student
- Find the results of your exam
- You can edit your personal information
- Send payments
What Is ICB MACCI?
The ICB MACCI is known as the ICB second student portal. You can do the following in this portal:
- Find your PoE here
- Get updates on your course
- Submit assignments
- Instant feedback from online tests
- Taking exams
Benefits Of Studying An ICB Course At Matric College
- Study from home where it is a comfortable space
- Save a lot of transport money
- Set up a timetable by yourself and be in charge of your studies
- Study at the pace that you like best
- Ask for assistance from tutors when you need it
- Receive study guides from us right at your door
- Study with us while you are working or running a business
- Gain scarce skills and knowledge
- Gain accredited and recognised qualifications
- Graduate after completing your course
- Get awarded a qualification when you complete your ICB course
Author: Mulisa Nethononda
Editor: Amy Venter
Date Published: May 25, 2022