Studying ICB Courses Through Distance Learning

Studying ICB courses through distance learning has many benefits. Here is everything you need to know about study ICB courses through distance learning.

Would you be interested in studying ICB Courses through distance learning? Check out what you can study, if you qualify, and where you can study them. Studying ICB Courses through distance learning has many benefits. Here is everything you need to know about studying ICB Courses through distance learning.

What Is The ICB?

The Institute of Certified Bookkeepers (ICB) is an external examining body. The ICB started in 1931, and is a provider of accredited business qualifications focused on Business Management, Financial Accounting, and Office Administration

What Is Distance Learning?

Distance learning is a form of studying done without face-to-face classes. All study material is online or in the form of textbooks. This means that you are in charge of your studying times. This allows you to earn an income while you study. 

You can study from the comfort and safety of your own home, and you can work at your own pace, as long as you keep up with assignments, tests and exams. ICB has an ICB Student Portal where students can complete their tests, assignments and exams. 

The ICB Student Portal allows each student to have an account where they can submit assignments, and view their results once they have been marked.

Why Should I Study An ICB Distance Learning Course?

Studying through distance learning allows you to attend to other responsibilities while you study, such as working to earn an income, or taking care of family. 

One of the many benefits of studying an ICB Qualification, is that each qualification has levels. Each level is a qualification, so you can begin applying for work in the field after completing only the first level. 

Can I Study Directly Through ICB?

Yes, you can study directly through the ICB. However, this is not recommended. The ICB does not provide study resources, academic support, or graduation. 

You will need to buy your own textbooks, which you cannot buy second-hand because the material, will change year-to-year. You will also not have tutors or other support staff to contact. 

It is recommended that you study through reputable distance learning colleges such as: 

These colleges provide you with the study material you need, and there are also Course Experts available to help you with any questions you have. 

These colleges also include the cost of your study material in your fees, so there are no hidden costs involved. Your study material is then couriered to you.

Are ICB Qualifications Recognised?

Yes, ICB Qualifications are recognised. ICB Qualifications are accredited by the ICB, which is an internationally recognised organisation. They are also accredited by the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) and Quality Council for Trades and Occupations (QCTO), which means they are formally recognised in South Africa. 

Is ICB Accredited By SAQA?

Yes, the ICB is accredited by SAQA. This means their qualifications are recognised by potential employers as formal qualifications.

Does UNISA Recognise ICB Qualifications?

No, UNISA does not recognise ICB Qualifications. However, you can apply for UNISA RPL (Recognition of Prior Learning). This will allow you to gain credits for the knowledge you have gained from your ICB Qualification. 

You can gain up to 50% of the required credits for your UNISA Qualification. This means you can study as little as half the modules needed for your UNISA course. However, note that 50% is the maximum number of credits, getting 50% of the credits is not guaranteed.

What ICB Courses Can I Study?

The ICB offers three study streams for their qualifications, which are: 

Business Management

Small Business Financial Management: ICB National Certificate 
QualificationNational Certificate
NQF Level4
Accredited byICB & QCTO
SAQA ID Number48736
Credits120
Entry RequirementsGrade 11 or Equivalent Certificate (Bookkeeping: ICB National Certificate)
Subjects 
  • Business Management 1 (BMT1)
  • Bookkeeping to Trial Balance (BKTB)
  • Business Literacy (BUSL)
Career Options
  • Junior Researcher
  • Junior Analyst
  • Sales Assistant
  
Office Administration: ICB Higher Certificate 
QualificationHigher Certificate
NQF Level5
Accredited byICB & QCTO
SAQA ID Number23619
Credits240
Entry RequirementsSmall Business Financial Management: ICB National Certificate
Subjects 
  • Office and Legal Practice (OLPR)
  • Business Management 2 (BMT2)
  • Marketing Management and Public Relations (MMPR)
  • Financial Statements (FNST)
  • Human Resources Management and Labour Relations (HRLR)
Career Options
  • Senior Office Administrator
  • General Office Manager
  • Customer Service Manager
  
Financial Accounting: ICB National Diploma 
QualificationNational Diploma
NQF Level6
Accredited byICB & QCTO
SAQA ID Number20366
Credits280
Entry RequirementsOffice Administration: ICB Higher Certificate 
Subjects 
  • Business Management 3 (BMT3)
  • Financial Management and Control (FMCL)
  • Financial Reporting and Regulatory Frameworks (FRRF)
  • Research Theory and Practice (by short dissertation, topic: Business Management) (RTAP)
Career Options
  • Accounting Officer
  • Business Manager
  • Business Advisor

Financial Accounting

Small Business Financial Management: ICB National Certificate 
QualificationNational Certificate
NQF Level4
Accredited byICB & QCTO
SAQA ID Number48736
Credits120
Entry RequirementsGrade 11 or Equivalent Certificate (Bookkeeping: ICB National Certificate)
Subjects 
  • Business Management 1 (BMT1)
  • Bookkeeping to Trial Balance (BKTB)
  • Business Literacy (BUSL)
Career Options
  • Junior Researcher
  • Junior Analyst
  • Sales Assistant
  
Office Administration: ICB Higher Certificate 
QualificationHigher Certificate
NQF Level5
Accredited byICB & QCTO
SAQA ID Number23619
Credits240
Entry RequirementsSmall Business Financial Management: ICB National Certificate
Subjects 
  • Office and Legal Practice (OLPR)
  • Business Management 2 (BMT2)
  • Marketing Management and Public Relations (MMPR)
  • Financial Statements (FNST)
  • Human Resources Management and Labour Relations (HRLR)
Career Options
  • Senior Office Administrator
  • General Office Manager
  • Customer Service Manager
  
Financial Accounting: ICB National Diploma 
QualificationNational Diploma
NQF Level6
Accredited byICB & QCTO
SAQA ID Number20366
Credits280
Entry RequirementsOffice Administration: ICB Higher Certificate 
Subjects 
  • Business Management 3 (BMT3)
  • Financial Management and Control (FMCL)
  • Financial Reporting and Regulatory Frameworks (FRRF)
  • Research Theory and Practice (by short dissertation, topic: Business Management) (RTAP)
Career Options
  • Accounting Officer
  • Business Manager
  • Business Advisor

Office Administration

Office Administration: ICB National Certificate
QualificationNational Certificate
NQF Level5
Accredited byICB & QCTO
SAQA ID Number23618
Credits120
Entry RequirementsMatric or Matric Equivalent Certificate (Small Business Financial Management: ICB National Certificate or Bookkeeping: ICB FET Certificate)
Subjects 
  • Business and Office Administration 1 (BOA1)
  • Bookkeeping to Trial Balance (BKTB)
  • Business Literacy (BUSL)
  • Marketing Management and Public Relations (MMPR)
  • Business Law and Administrative Practice (BLAP)
  • Cost and Management Accounting (CMGT)
Career Options
  • Junior Office Administrator
  • Receptionist
  • Office Assistant
  
Office Administration: ICB Higher Certificate
QualificationHigher Certificate
NQF Level5
Accredited byICB & QCTO
SAQA ID Number23619
Credits240
Entry RequirementsOffice Administration: ICB National Certificate
Subjects 
  • Business and Office Administration 2 (BOA2)
  • Human Resources Management and Labour Relations (HRLR)
  • Economics (ECON)
Career Options
  • Senior Office Administrator
  • General Office Manager
  • Labour Relations Administrator
  
Office Administration: ICB National Diploma
QualificationNational Diploma
NQF Level6
Accredited byICB & QCTO
SAQA ID Number35958
Credits360
Entry RequirementsOffice Administration: ICB Higher Certificate 
Subjects 
  • Business and Office Administration 3 (BOA3)
  • Financial Statements (FNST)
  • Management (MGMT)
Career Options
  • Office Manager
  • Public Relations Manager
  • Administrative Manager

Where Can I Study ICB Courses?

Many distance learning colleges offer ICB Courses. Some reputable ones are: 

Make the best decision for your career, gain the qualifications that will help you start your career in the business. Finance or administrative sectors. Start your studies today!

Author: Chloe Bydawell
Editor: Sive Ncanywa
Date: September 15, 2022