If you would like to register for ICB, you can apply as:
- A distance learning student
- An independent student
- A student that studies at a college
Distance Learning Student
If you choose to register as a distance learner, then you can register any time of the year. This also means that you will receive the relevant textbooks for the ICB Course that you choose. Matric College offers (3) three ICB Programmes:
- ICB Business Management – Apply with a Grade 11 Certificate or our Bookkeeping: ICB Certificate or any registered NQF Level 3 Certificate
- ICB Financial Accounting – Apply with a Grade 10 Certificate or any registered NQF Level 2 Certificate
- ICB Office Administration – Apply with a Grade 12 Certificate or our Bookkeeping: ICB FET Certificate or our Small Business Financial Management: ICB National Certificate or any registered NQF Level 4 Certificate
Within each ICB Programme, there are at least (3) three to (4) four ICB Courses. Combined, we offer (10) ten ICB courses for our students to choose from.
We will help you register for the final ICB exam by using the ICB Student Portal. You will not be automatically registered for the exams. This places the decision in your hands. As soon as you are ready to register for the exams, you can apply on the ICB Student Portal with our support.
Independent Student
If you choose to register as an independent student, you will study by yourself. ICB will not send you the study material or give you any academic support. You will have to do everything by yourself. This includes the registration process. You will have to apply on the ICB Student Portal.
Contact Student
If you choose to study as a contact student, then you will attend classes Monday to Friday. If you would like to register for the exams, you need to inform your college.
What Is MACCI?
MACCI is a digital platform for students to register for the final ICB exams. On this platform you will find:
- Exam dates
- The ICB Programme you have applied for
- Your PoE
- Your exam location
- The time of your exam
If you would like a reissue of your ICB Qualification
How Do I Register With MACCI?
You first have to register with the ICB Student Portal, and then you will automatically be registered for MACCI. ICB will send you login details for the first ICB exam you write. This means that you need to remember your MACCI Login details.
Can I Study Directly Through ICB?
No, You cannot study directly through ICB. They do not send textbooks or offer any academic support to their students. This is because they are an Independent External Examinations Body. They do however offer their courses through training providers like Matric College.
How Do The ICB Exams Work?
ICB Exams can be completed:
- Online exams
- Paper-based exams
With the global pandemic, ICB decided to go online. This allows students to choose whether they want to complete their exam online or in person.
The online exams will be completed between 01:00 pm to 04:30 pm, whereas the paper-based exam will be completed between 09:00 am to 12:30 pm.
Before students can apply for any of these exams, they need to complete the Portfolio of Evidence (PoE). Here is a table describing what the PoE consists of:
| Stage 1 | Stage 2 | Stage 3 |
| Assignment 1 | Assignment 2 | Assignment 3 |
| Open book test 1 | Open book test 2 | Final Exam |
All the above-mentioned stages apply to each subject that you get. You have to get 50% for the PoE to qualify for the final exam, and you have to get 50% for the final exam to pass the entire course.
NOTE: You must get 60% for combined marks (PoE and the final exam).
Below is an image of how you will be assessed:
How Do I Postpone My ICB Exam?
You may only postpone an ICB exam once, this allows you to apply for the next available sitting. You also have to include a valid reason as to why you would like to postpone the exam. If you cannot make it for the postponement exam, you will have to apply for the PoE again. You can complete the postponement form and submit it to [email protected].
How Do I Become A Member Of The Institute Of Certified Bookkeepers?
You can become a member of the Institute of Certified Bookkeepers after you have completed your studies through ICB. Here is a list of the different professional membership opportunities:
- SAIT – The South African Institute of Tax Practitioners
- SAIBA – The South African Institute of Business Accountants
- IAB – International Association of Bookkeepers
- IAAP – International Association of Accounting Professionals
What Is ICB?
ICB is an Independent External Examinations Body that offers business and management courses that are accredited and recognised worldwide. ICB does not offer tuition or academic support, but they have more than 500 training providers like Matric College that do offer their courses.
What Can I Do With An ICB Qualification?
Once you have gained an ICB Qualification, you can do the following:
- Apply for entry-level work
Here are the types of jobs you can apply for:
- Assistant Accountant
- Bookkeeper
- Payroll Administrator
- Administrative Clerk
- Team Leader
You can also apply for the following work opportunities:
- Learnerships
- Internships
- Apply for another ICB Course
If you have completed the first course in an ICB Programme, you can apply for the next ICB Course. For example, completing the Bookkeeping: ICB National Certificate first and then completing the next course, which is the Bookkeeping: FET Certificate.
- Apply for another ICB Programme
Once you have completed an entire ICB Programme you can complete another ICB Programme and ICB does apply Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) that will exempt you from other subjects.
Here is an example of how you will be exempted from certain subjects:
| Office Administration: ICN National Certificate | Bookkeeping: ICB National Certificate |
| Bookkeeping to Trial Balance | Bookkeeping to Trial Balance |
| Business Literacy | Business Literacy |
| Business Law and Administrative Practice | Computerised Bookkeeping |
| Bookkeeping and Office Administration | Payroll and Monthly SARS |
| Cost and Management Accounting | |
| Marketing Management and Public Relations |
As seen in the table above, you will be exempted from the highlighted subjects. Keep in mind that you must have a Grade 12 Certificate or Matric Equivalent Certificate to apply for the ICB Office Administration Programme.
- If you have a Bachelor’s Degree Matric Pass Level, you can apply for a Degree Course at a university
Is A Bookkeeping Certificate Worth It?
Yes, a Bookkeeping Certificate is worth it because:
- You can complete a bookkeeping course without Matric
- Bookkeeping is a scarce skill qualification
- You will be employable because every company needs a Bookkeeper
- You get the opportunity to earn a decent salary every month
- You can advance your career to an accountant
Do I Need A Qualification To Do Bookkeeping?
No, you can apply for a Bookkeeping position without a qualification, but then you should have many years of work experience. To get the right skills and knowledge in Bookkeeping, you should complete one of our Bookkeeping or Accounting Courses:
Can Anyone Be A Bookkeeper?
No, anyone cannot become a Bookkeeper. If you answer “yes” to (3) of the questions in the table below, then you should consider becoming a Bookkeeper.
| Questions | Answers |
| Do you like working with numbers? | Yes |
| Do you enjoy recording financial information? | Yes |
| Do you like working a 09:00 am to 05:00 pm job? | Yes |
| Do you enjoy working by yourself? | Yes |
| Do you think of new ways to save money? | Yes |
Benefits Of Study At Matric College
Study with us because we offer the following benefits:
- We send you textbooks via courier. This means that you will not pay extra for textbooks.
- You can work and study. We provide distance learning courses that are completed without attending any classes.
- Get affordable education that is more affordable than university. You will pay less than half of what you would have paid for university.
- You can study with or without Matric. We offer courses to students with any educational background.
- Register when you want to. We have no registration deadlines, which allows our students to make informed educational decisions.
Is ICB Internationally Recognised?
Yes, ICB is internationally recognised. Here are the professional bodies:
- ACCA – Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (UK)
- CIMA – Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (UK)
- IAB – International Association of Bookkeepers (UK)
- IAAP – International Association of Accounting Professionals (UK)
Is ICB Recognised In South Africa?
Yes, ICB is recognised in South Africa. All of our ICB Courses are accredited by:
Most if not all employers prefer employing students that have accredited and recognised qualifications. This means that your chances of employment increase.
Application Process
To apply for any of our ICB Courses, you can follow these steps:
Step 1: Book a call
Step 2: Speak to any Course Expert
Step 3: Become a student
Register for any of our ICB Courses today, with or without Matric!
Author: Jesmé Africa
Editor: Amy Venter
Date Published: May 30, 2022