Why Having an ICB Qualification is so Important

You can study an ICB Course through Matric College to gain an ICB Qualification that is accredited, recognised globally and in demand in South Africa.

ICB Qualifications are awarded once you have completed an ICB Course. These qualifications are known for having different qualities that make them valuable. Below is a list of reasons why having an ICB Qualification is important: 

Created By A Professional Body 

ICB Qualifications are awarded after completing any ICB Course. These are courses that the Institute of Certified Bookkeepers (ICB) created to offer business knowledge and skills to students. 

As a result of studying ICB Courses, you can find employment or start your own business with the skills and knowledge you have earned.

The ICB was developed in 1931. They have been educating students for over 91 years. They have 500 training providers all over the world that offer ICB Courses.

When you look for work using an ICB Qualification, you automatically have a better chance of getting hired based on your qualification. Employers can easily trust a qualification that was created by a professional body that is recognised all over the world. 

Accredited By Professional Bodies 

ICB Qualifications are accredited by two professional bodies. These are: 

  • ICB – Institute of Certified Bookkeepers 
  • QCTO – Quality Council of Trades and Occupations 

The above-mentioned professional bodies are there to oversee ICB Courses. They ensure that ICB Courses offer relevant skills and knowledge to students. This way, you gain a quality education that can help you find work or open a business. 

When you have studied an accredited course, you are considered a valuable candidate in the work environment. Employers want to hire you because they know you have accumulated skills and knowledge that are relevant to the working world.

Recognised All Over The World 

There is national and international recognition for ICB qualifications. When a qualification is recognised, it can be used to study further or find employment. ICB Qualifications are recognised globally, which means they can be used anywhere in the world to find work or study further. 

The ICB is recognised in South Africa because it is registered on the National Qualifications Framework (NQF) system. This system indicates which qualifications are registered in South Africa. These qualifications are recognised by employers and academic institutions and can be used to find work or to further your studies. 

Scarce Skill Qualification

ICB Qualifications are scarce skills qualifications. These are qualifications that employers are looking for. Scarce skills are needed because they help with things such as the following: 

  • Create brilliant ideas 
  • Easily identify issues 
  • Solve issues 
  • Generate income strategies 

There is a greater chance of getting employment when you have scarce skills. These skills also provide you with different benefits when you find work. These include: 

  • A high income 
  • Various career opportunities 
  • Work abroad 

Business-Friendly 

ICB Qualifications are business-friendly. This means that the qualifications are based on skills and knowledge that can be used in a business. When you have an ICB Qualification, you have what it takes to open a business or work in one. 

When you study different ICB Courses, you gain business skills and knowledge such as the following: 

  • Calculating payroll 
  • Creating business plans 
  • Process business statements
  • Work on a computer 
  • Write a financial report 
  • Manage an office 
  • Bookkeeping
  • Reconcile suppliers 
  • Communicate well with clients 
  • Create a budget for projects 

With the above skills and knowledge, you are able to open and manage your business successfully or work in one owned by someone else. 

Where Can I Study ICB Courses?

You can study ICB Courses through Matric College. We offer all courses offered by the ICB. When you study through us, you do it from home. This is because we are a distance learning college. 

When you study ICB Courses through Matric College, you earn the following Benefits: 

  • Study at home
  • Enrol in ICB Courses while you are working part-time or full time 
  • Receive learning material at your door, sent by the college 
  • Study according to the timetable you create for yourself 
  • Learn at your preferred pace 
  • Earn an accredited and recognised qualification 
  • Gain skills that are in demand

What Are Scarce Skills?

Scarce skills are skills that are in demand in the workplace. These skills are possessed by a limited number of individuals. As a result, there is a demand for them in the work environment. When a candidate has scarce skills, they have a greater chance of being employed.

Which Skills Are In Demand In South Africa?

What Are Careers Classified Under Scarce Skills?

The following careers are classified under scarce skills and can be obtained if you have an ICB Qualification: 

  • Financial Manager 
  • Credit Controller 
  • Customer Service Manager 
  • Accounts Clerk 
  • Office Manager 
  • Business Consultant 
  • Office Assistant 
  • Management Accountant 
  • Bookkeeper 
  • Marketing Administrator 
  • Junior Researcher 
  • Business Manager 
  • Business Analyst 
  • Reconciliation Clerk 
  • Tax Technician 
  • Tax Practitioner 
  • Accounting Technician 
  • Assistant Manager 
  • Financial Accountant

Does ICB Offer Degree Qualifications?

No, ICB does not offer Degree Qualifications. They only offer the following types of Qualifications

  • National Certificate Qualifications
  • Further Education and Training (FET) Certificate Qualifications 
  • Higher Certificate Qualifications 
  • National Diploma Qualifications  

If you have completed an ICB Course and want to study towards a Degree Qualification, you can do it through institutions that recognise ICB Courses and offer Degree Qualifications. These are:

  • CIMA (Chartered Institute of Management Accountants)
  • ACCA (Association of Chartered Certified Accountants)
  • Boston College 
  • Damelin College 
  • Milpark Education

What Can I Do With An ICB Qualification?

There are many things you can do with an ICB Qualification, such as the following: 

  • Getting employment in a valuable field 
  • Starting and managing your business 
  • Furthering your studies nationally or internationally 
  • You can study at Matric College to gain an ICB Qualification that will help you open a business, study further or find employment

Author: Mulisa Nethononda
Editor: Sive Ncanywa
Date: July 19 , 2022