You need to know some important information about Bookkeeping before you set out to study the courses. This can help you understand what you are up to and what to expect. Answers to the following questions can help you understand Bookkeeping better:
- Who is ICB?
- What Programmes Does The ICB Offer?
- Bookkeeping: ICB National Certificate – What You Will Study
- Bookkeeping: ICB National Certificate -Career Opportunities
- Bookkeeping: ICB FET Certificate – What You Will Study
- Bookkeeping: ICB FET Certificate – Career Opportunities
- What is An ICB Qualification?
- Why You Should Study ICB Courses?
- Are ICB Qualifications Recognised?
- What Is The ICB Student Portal?
- What Is ICB MACCI?
- Do I Get Credits For Work Experience Or Other Studies?
- ICB Certificates – When Do I Get These?
- Why Choose To Study Title via Distance Learning
- Can A Bookkeeper Be An Accountant?
Who Is ICB?
The Institute of Certified Bookkeepers (ICB) is an Independent External Examination body. They are an accredited institute that runs three (3) ICB Programmes. The ICB does not offer any tuition or learning material. Tuition is offered by accredited Learning Providers.
Matric College is an official provider of the ICB Programmes, among others. The college is a distance learning institution.
What Programmes Does The ICB Offer?
ICB Bookkeeping
These are the Bookkeeping courses that the ICB offers:
Bookkeeping: ICB National Certificate
This course leads to a Junior Bookkeeper qualification. For you to, qualify to study for this Bookkeeping course, the following are the requirements:
- Grade 10 or Grade 10 Equivalent Certificate
- Be able to read, write and understand English
- Be 16 years or older
- Be able to study through distance learning
Bookkeeping: ICB FET Certificate
This course leads to a Senior Bookkeeper qualification. For you to, qualify to study for this Bookkeeping course, the following are the requirements:
- Must have completed the Bookkeeping: ICB National Certificate
- Be able to read, write and understand English
- Be able to study through distance learning
Bookkeeping: ICB National Certificate - What You Will Study
Here are the subjects that you will study:
- Bookkeeping to Trial Balance (BKTB) – This subject will introduce you to the basics of bookkeeping up to the trial balance level
- Payroll and Monthly SARS Returns (PMSR) – This subject will teach you how to work out the payroll. In addition, the courses will teach you to calculate the amount of money that is due to SARS.
- Computerised Bookkeeping (CPBK) – Not only will you be taught how to perform your bookkeeping duties manually, but you will also learn how computerised bookkeeping works.
- Business Literacy (BUSL) – This subject will teach you how to manage a business and how communication is done in business
Bookkeeping: ICB National Certificate - Career Opportunities
Here are the career opportunities that you can consider with a Bookkeeping: ICB National Qualification:
- Junior Bookkeeper
- Accounts Clerk
- Reconciliation Clerk
- Payroll Clerk
- Accounts Assistant
Bookkeeping: ICB FET Certificate - What You Will Study
Here are the subjects that you will study:
- Financial Statements – This subject will teach you how you come up with financial statements and their purpose
- Cost and Management Accounting – This subject will introduce you to Cost and Management Accounting. What it is and how it assists in the pricing of goods and services.
Bookkeeping: ICB FET Certificate - Career Opportunities
Here are the career opportunities that you can consider with a Bookkeeping: ICB FET Qualification:
- Senior Bookkeeper
- Junior Accountant
- Assistant Accountant
- Credit Controller
- Business Analyst
What is An ICB Qualification?
An ICB Qualification is a Certificate or Diploma awarded through ICB, the ICB by FASSET. FASSET is the Sector Education and Training Authority (SETA) for the Finance, Accounting, Management Consulting and other Financial Services sector. Here are some of the ICB qualifications:
Why You Should Study ICB Courses?
Here is why you should study ICB Courses:
- The courses are recognised
- ICB Courses are accredited
- ICB Courses are scarce skills courses
- Entry requirements to ICB Courses are flexible
Are ICB Qualifications Recognised?
Yes, ICB Qualifications are recognised by both employers and other professional local and international accounting bodies. Here are the professional bodies that recognise ICB:
- South African Institute of Tax Professionals (SAIT)
- South African Institute of Business Accountants (SAIBA)
- International Association of Bookkeepers (IAB)
- International Association of accounting professionals (IAAP)
What Is The ICB Student Portal?
The ICB Student Portal is one of two online portals (the other is ICB MACCI) where students can:
- Register as an ICB Student
- Register for the ICB exam (Matric College does not register students for exams)
- Retrieve digital copies of official documents and Qualification Certificates
- Pay ICB Associated Fees
- Update Personal Details
What Is ICB MACCI?
ICB MACCI is the second online portal where students can:
- Write tests
- Complete and submit assignments
- Write Exams
Do I Get Credits For Work Experience Or Other Studies?
You can apply for exemptions (credits) if you have studied similar courses previously, or you have relevant work experience. ICB gives credit on a subject-by-subject basis. The ICB Exemptions Board reviews each application case by case to determine if there is sufficient evidence of competency in particular learning areas.
These are the two types of exemptions that will be considered:
- Exemptions for prior learning
- Exemptions for work experience
Exemptions For Prior Learning
Applications for exemptions based on prior learning must be submitted with the following documentation:
- Proof of provider accreditation, for example, DHET, Umalusi
- NQF level
- SAQA registration
- Proof of payment
- Certified copy Of ID or passport
Exemptions For Work Experience
You will be asked to complete a Portfolio of Evidence (PoE). Once completed, it will be evaluated. ICB will let you know whether your application for Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) has been approved or not.
Please note that the ICB’s response may take up to six weeks.
ICB Certificates - When Do I Get These?
Once your results have been audited and your Qualification is conferred for Graduation, ICB will direct FASSET to prepare your Certificate which then gets sent to Matric College where you will be awarded your Qualification.
This process takes 3 – 6 Months.
Why Choose To Study via Distance Learning
Here is why you should choose distance learning:
- Flexibility – There is flexibility in studying through distance learning. You plan your own study timetable. By studying through distance learning, you will never miss a class. You can study at your own pace in your own time.
- Cut Transport Costs – With distance learning, there is no need to travel to classes. This way, you get to cut travel costs. In addition to cutting costs, you also save on time since there will be no need to travel. The time that you would have spent travelling can be used for studying.
- Study Anywhere – Distance learning allows you to study anywhere you want, as you do not have to attend classes. You will, however, need internet access to be online. Remember, you also have your Matric College-issued study notes and textbooks that you can work from.
- Covid-19 Safe – By studying through distance learning, you reduce the risk of contracting COVID-19, as you will be studying at home. If you have a smartphone, there will be no need to leave your home to visit an internet café. You can access relevant study material through your phone.
- You can learn and work at the same time – With distance learning, you can earn and learn at the same time. You can work full or part-time while studying. The added benefit of this option is that you can pay for your studies this way.
Can A Bookkeeper Be An Accountant?
Yes, a Bookkeeper can be an Accountant. The progression of the ICB Financial Accounting is such that the first two courses, that is, Bookkeeping: ICB National Certificate and Bookkeeping: ICB FET Certificate will qualify you as a Bookkeeper while the last two courses, Technical Financial Accounting: ICB National Diploma and Certified Financial Accounting: ICB National Diploma will qualify you as an Assistant Accountant.
Author: Collin Wilbesi
Editor: Connor Bergsma
Date Published: June 23, 2022