An ICB Qualification is what you are awarded once you have completed an ICB course. The Institute of Certified Bookkeepers (ICB) designs ICB courses. These courses are studied under programmes. The ICB has three programmes. These are:
- ICB Office Administration Courses
- ICB Financial Accounting Courses
- ICB Business Management Courses
Once you have completed an ICB course or the entire ICB Programme, you are awarded an ICB Qualification. This qualification can be one or some of the following, depending on the course you choose:
- National Certificate
- Higher Certificate
- National Diploma
What Is An ICB Qualification?
An ICB course is what you study in an ICB Programme. There are different ICB courses that we offer at Matric College. These are:
ICB Office Administration Programme
- Office Administration: ICB National Certificate
- Office Administration: ICB Higher Certificate
- Office Administration: ICB National Diploma
ICB Financial Accounting Programme
- Bookkeeping: ICB National Certificate
- Bookkeeping: ICB FET Certificate
- Technical Financial Accounting: ICB National Diploma
- Certified Financial Accounting: ICB National Diploma
ICB Business Management Programme
- Small Business Financial Management: ICB National Certificate
- Office Administration – Business Management: ICB Higher Certificate
- Financial Accounting – Business Management: ICB National Diploma
Once, you have chosen your course all you need to do is register for it on the ICB Student Portal to receive your learning material and keep track of tests and assignments on the platform.
Benefits Of Studying At Matric College
- There are high-quality, accredited courses on offer
- Courses are affordable
- Your study material gets hand-delivered
- You gain access to Facebook study groups
- Study material is delivered fast with same-day dispatch and tracking
- Qualifications are nationally recognised
- Student support team checks in with you proactively
- Flexible learning from anywhere, at any time
- Clear pricing and flexible payment plans
- Academic progress tracked daily with quick assignment handling
- Access to interactive Telegram study groups and responsive tutors
- Automated feedback and on-time certification
Student Testimonials
At Matric College we pride ourselves on distance‑learning support and flexible study options. Here’s what some of our recent students have to say about their experience.
“So far so good. As someone who has never done distant learning it is so far so good with Matric College they offer assignments that push me to study even though I am not in a classroom setting, their support so far is encouraging.
– Liyomeleza N
“Great TeamMatric College is the outmost support group I know. They are always there by my side and gives me that go card to not give up on what I want to do and to achieve in the future. I’m very lucky to have joined such a great team. Thank you Matric College…”
-Ashrelucia I
Is ICB A Recognised Qualification?
Yes, ICB Qualifications are recognised both nationally and internationally. This means, by obtaining an ICB Qualification, you gain access to further your studies or find employment in South Africa or abroad.
Is ICB Recognised In The UK?
Yes, ICB Qualifications are recognised in the United Kingdom. There are different professional bodies that recognise ICB Qualifications. These are:
- 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)
This means you can further your studies or find employment in the United Kingdom.
Is ICB A Degree?
No, the Institute of Certified Bookkeepers (ICB) is not a Degree. The ICB is an external examinations body that sets external assessments. They design courses which are:
- National Certificates
- Higher Certificates
- National Diplomas
The ICB does not offer Degree Qualifications. If you want to study for a Degree Qualification after the ICB, you can apply at colleges and professional bodies that recognise ICB Qualifications.
What Is An ICB Certificate?
An ICB Certificate is one of the qualifications you are awarded when you have completed an ICB Certificate course. When you have completed an ICB Certificate course, your results are audited. FASSET prints your certificate and sends it to the ICB, who then sends the Certificate to us. When we receive the Certificate, we award it to you.
Is ICB In Demand?
Yes, ICB Qualifications are in demand. These are qualifications that focus on sectors that are in demand in South Africa. These are:
- Finance
- Management
- Business
This means obtaining an ICB Qualification increases your chances of finding employment.
Watch Our CEO Of Matric College, Jan Badenhorst, Discuss Everything You Need To Know About Scarce Skills And The ICB
Where Should I Go After ICB?
Once you have completed an ICB Qualification, you can do the following:
- Find employment
- Study further with Matric College
- Study further
Find Employment
You can use an ICB Qualification to find employment. You can do this nationally or internationally. You will be a desirable candidate applying with an ICB Qualification because employers see you have the following:
- Scarce skills
- You have skills that can be advanced
- You are intelligent
- Accredited qualifications
- You were taught by professionals
- You gain enough knowledge
- You gained the relevant skills
- You are ready for work
- You learn fast
Study Further With Matric College
You can choose to study a different ICB Programme. You can move from one ICB Programme to another. ICB subjects work interchangeably.
When you move from one programme to another, it is easy because there are subjects you do not repeat. For example, if you move from the ICB Office Administration Programme to the ICB Financial Accounting Programme, you would not have to study the Cost and Management Accounting subject because you have studied it already in the ICB Office Administration.
| ICB Office Administration | ICB Business Management | ICB Financial Accounting |
| First Course (Certificate) | ||
| Business and Office Administration 1 | Business Management 1 | Bookkeeping To Trial Balance |
| Bookkeeping To Trial Balance | Bookkeeping to Trial Balance | Payroll and Monthly SARS Returns |
| Business Literacy | Business Literacy | Computerised Bookkeeping |
| Marketing Management and Public Relations | Business Literacy | |
| Business Law and Administrative Practice | ||
| Cost and Management Accounting | ||
| Second Course (Higher Certificate) | ||
| Business And Office Administration 2 | Office and Legal Practice | Financial Statements |
| Human Resources Management and Labour Relations | Business Management 2 | Cost and Management Accounting |
| Economics | Marketing Management and Public Relations | |
| Financial Statements | ||
| Human Resources Management and Labour Relations | ||
| Third Course (Diploma) | ||
| Business and Office Administration 3 | Business Management 3 | Income Tax Returns |
| Financial Statements | Financial Management and Control | Business Law and Accounting Control |
| Management | ||
| Fourth Course (Diploma) | ||
| Corporate Strategy | ||
| Management Accounting Control Systems | ||
| Financial Reporting and Regulatory Frameworks | ||
| Research Theory and Practice | ||
You can also further your studies with Matric College and study for the following:
- NATED Courses
NATED courses are designed by the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET). The purpose is to equip students with skills and knowledge that prepare them for the work environment. These courses are accredited by the DHET and the QCTO. This means you gain qualifications that are recognised in South Africa. You can further your studies or look for employment easily.
- Short Courses
Short courses are courses that are not accredited. They are designed by the college. Although they are not accredited, they are beneficial in many ways:
- You can study with or without Matric Courses
- They are quicker to complete
- They train you for work
- They can advance current skills
- There are no exams
- They can work as a foundational or additional qualification
ICB Course Fees
If you want to study with the Institute of Certified Bookkeepers (ICB), it’s important to know what the fees are. These fees are paid directly to the ICB and are not part of your Skills Academy course fees.
The prices below are for 2025 and include costs for registration, exams, certificates, and more. Knowing these costs will help you plan and avoid any surprises:
| ICB Course Fees | Price |
|---|---|
| Annual Student Registration Fee (No member benefits) | R 500 |
| Assessment fee for Digital PoE (paper & online exam) — per subject | R 915 |
| Assessment postponement fee — per subject (paper & online exam) | R 375 |
| Assessment late entry fee — per subject (paper & online exam) | R 585 |
| Assessment Re-mark & Examiners Report — per subject (paper & online exam) | R 1 350 |
| Private Invigilator Admin Fee (prior approval required) | R 2 200 |
| Workplace PoE Assessments (Learnerships) | R 1 800 |
| RPL/Exemption Application Fee | R 600 |
| RPL/Exemption Fee — per subject (no PoE required) | R 475 |
| RPL PoE Fee — per subject (PoE to be completed) | R 1 050 |
| ICB Programme Certificate reprint (incl. domestic postage) | R 440 |
| FASSET Certificate reprint (incl. domestic postage) | R 440 |
| ICB Programme Certificate reprint (incl. international postage) | R 660 |
| FASSET Certificate reprint (incl. international postage) | R 660 |
| Certificate resend fee — domestic | R 220 |
| Certificate resend fee — international | R 580 |
| IQB SLP Certificate Prints (1–4) | R 490 |
| IQB SLP Certificate Prints (5–8) | R 750 |
| IQB SLP Certificate Prints (9–12) | R 925 |
| Results Transcript (Print & Send) | R 180 |
These fees cover your ICB registration, exam entries, and certificate costs. They are set each year, so it’s always a good idea to check the latest prices before paying.
People Also Ask
Entry requirements vary by programme and level:
- Financial Accounting (e.g., Bookkeeping: ICB National Certificate) Requires Grade 10 (NQF Level 2) or equivalent and a minimum age of 16 years.
- Business Management (Small Business Financial Management: ICB National Certificate) Requires Grade 11 (NQF Level 3) or completion of the ICB Junior Bookkeeping certificate.
- Office Administration (ICB National Certificate) Requires Grade 12 (NQF Level 4) or equivalent, or prior completion of bridging options like the Bookkeeping or Small Business Financial Management National Certificate.
Each qualification builds on previous ones, so skipping levels isn’t normally allowed unless you have an exemption.
The duration varies by course and study pace:
- Bookkeeping: ICB National Certificate – typically around 12 months.
- Bookkeeping: ICB FET Certificate – also around 12 months.
- At Matric College, durations include:
- National Certificates: usually 12–24 months
- Higher Certificates: 24–28 months
- National Diplomas (e.g., in Financial Accounting): 36 months.
Note: Intensive study or prioritising full-time study could shorten completion time.
An ICB qualification can open doors to a broad range of roles, depending on your programme level:
- Graduates with Bookkeeping Qualifications (National Certificate, FET Certificate) may pursue roles like:
- Junior Bookkeeper, Assistant/Senior Bookkeeper
- Accounts or Payroll Clerk
- Assistant Accountant, Credit Controller, Business Analyst
- Financial Accounting (Advanced Levels) supports roles such as:
- Technical or Certified Financial Accountant
- Financial Manager, Tax Technician, Management Accountant
- Office Administration Programme graduates qualify for:
- Receptionist, Office Administrator/Manager, Administrative Clerk, Marketing Administrator
- Business Management Programme opens pathways to:
- Business Manager, Team Leader roles, or entrepreneurial positions; qualification recognized both nationally and internationally
Completing an ICB qualification also allows membership or progression into professional bodies such as ACCA, CIMA, IAB, IAAP, SAIT, and SAIBA, enhancing career prospects.
You can register for an ICB course in two ways:
- Directly via the ICB Learner Portal: Create an account, pay registration and exam fees, and start booking assessments online.
- Through a Training Provider (e.g., Matric College): Many institutions offer helpful support during registration, provide study materials, and assist with exam entries.
Once registered as an ICB student, you may book the required assessments. Home-based assessments are available immediately upon booking; centre-based ones usually require booking at least a week in advance.
Business Management studies teach you how to run a business well. You learn how to plan, organise work, and guide a team. These skills can help you get a good job or even start your own business one day.
An ICB Certificate is proof that you have completed an ICB course. It shows that you have the right skills in areas like accounting, business management, or office work. Many employers recognise it, and it can help you find better work.
To join an ICB course, you must meet the entry rules for that course. Some courses only need Grade 10 or Grade 11, but others need you to finish a lower ICB level first. You must also be able to read, write, and understand English well.
Author: Mulisa Nethononda
Editor: Amy Venter
Date Published: April 7, 2022