Road Map To Study With The ICB Without Matric

When you do not achieve the requirements of a Matric, do not despair. The ICB offers rewarding courses that you can study without a Matric and be successful.

Without Matric, you can study rewarding courses through the Institute of Certified Bookkeepers (ICB). Here are the three ICB Programmes that you can study:  

ICB Business Management Programme

Entry Requirements

Here are the entry requirements:

  • Grade 11 (NQF 3)
  • Grade 11 Equivalent Certificate
  • ICB Junior Bookkeeping: National Certificate
  • Be able to study in English
  • Be able to study through distance learning

ICB Financial Accounting Programme

Here are the entry requirements:

This Programme consists of the following courses, which you must study in succession:

Entry Requirements

Here are the entry requirements:

  • Grade 10 (NQF 2)
  • Grade 10 Equivalent Certificate
  • Be able to study in English
  • Be able to study through distance learning

ICB Office Administration Programme

Entry Requirements

Here are the entry requirements:

What Are Matric Equivalent Qualifications?

Matric Equivalent Qualifications are programmes of study that are equivalent to a Matric. The South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) through the National Qualification Framework (NQF) groups the same learning experiences on the same level. Matric is at NQF Level 4. 

This means that any qualification at NQF Level 4 is equivalent to a Matric. The following ICB Courses that Matric College offers are equivalent to a Matric:  

Why Should I Study An ICB Course?

ICB Courses are known as scarce skills courses. A scarce skills course is a programme of study which offers skills and knowledge are in demand on the job market. This means that as soon as you complete your ICB Course, you can secure employment in no time. Here are other reasons why you should study ICB Courses:

  • Courses are accredited ICB Courses are accredited by the following bodies:
    • South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA)
    • Quality Council for Trade and Occupations (QCTO) 
    • Finance and Accounting Services Sector Education and Training Authority (FASSET)

  • Courses are recognised – ICB Courses are recognised by employers and the following professional bodies:
    • Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA)
    • Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA)
    • South African Institute of Tax Professionals (SAIT)

  • Career-focused courses – The courses are focused on the following careers:
  • Flexible entry requirements – Entry requirements for the ICB Courses are so flexible considering that you will study rewarding scarce skills courses
  • Study by distance learning – You can study ICB Courses through distance learning. Matric College is a distance learning institution. You do not attend classes. Here are some of the reasons that you should consider studying through distance learning:
    • Cut costs
      • Affordable tuition fees
      • No textbooks to buy as they will be provided
      • No transport costs, there are no classes
    • Flexibility
      • Set your own study timetable
      • Study anywhere

  • Avoid COVID-19
  • International qualifications – ICB Courses are internationally recognised. This means that you can work anywhere in the world with an ICB Qualification.

What Is The ICB Student Portal?

The ICB Student Portal is one of two online portals. You can do the following on the ICB student portal: 

What Is ICB MACCI?

ICB MACCI is the second online portal where students can:

  • Monitor their course progress
  • Complete and submit assignments
  • Write online tests and exam

Can I Study Directly Through ICB?

No, you cannot study directly with the ICB. The ICB does not offer any tuition, and neither does it provide any learning materials. ICB tuition is offered through their accredited Learning Providers. Matric College is an accredited Learning Provider of the ICB. 

Here are the functions of the ICB:

  • Providing the syllabus
  • Setting the exams 
  • Marking the exams
  • Registering students
  • Setting exam fees and other associated costs
  • Recognition of Prior Learning
  • Setting the exam timetables

How Do I Register For ICB?

Once you have registered with Matric College, you can now register as a student on the ICB Student Portal:

Here is how you register:

  • Click here to register directly with ICB
  • Fill in all the relevant details
  • Click register
  • You will now be redirected to another page where you will fill in all your personal details
  • After this, you now be able to log in with your new login details

How Do I Register With Matric College

Before you register with the ICB as a student, you first need to register with Matric College. Here are the four easy ways to register with Matric College:

Do I Get Credits For Work Experience Or Other Studies?

Yes, ICB will accept Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) for work experience and education obtained within five years of starting an ICB Programme.

You can earn credits for work experience and previous studies if they are recognised by the National Qualification Framework (NQF). Your qualification must have a South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) ID. 

How Am I Assessed

The assessment process involves the following for every subject:

  • Assignments
  • Tests 
  • Exams 

Assignments

There are three assignments that you will write for each of your subjects. These assignments must have been submitted before the exam. 30% of your final mark will come from the assignments that you will have written.   

Tests 

There are two tests that you are required to write per each of your subjects. These tests are marked immediately, and you will know how well you will have done as soon as you finish. The tests will assist you in determining the areas that you are struggling with. 

Exams

The ICB offers two types of exams, that is, paper-based and online. You will have to choose which type of exam that you are comfortable with. The exam duration is (3) three hours per subject.

What Can I Do After ICB?

After you have completed your ICB Programme, you can do the following:

Is Bookkeeping A Good Career?

Yes, Bookkeeping is a good career choice. You have a chance to grow from one career opportunity to another. You can start by working as a Senior Bookkeeper with the ICB Bookkeeping FET Certificate. You can, furthermore, advance your career by studying the ICB Technical Financial Accounting National Diploma. With this qualification, you can move into higher working positions such as a Financial Manager or Tax Accountant.

Author: Collin Wilbesi
Editor: Connor Bergsma
Date Published: June 27, 2022