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
- Accredited by professional bodies
- Recognised all over the world
- Scarce skill qualification
- Business-friendly
In short, an ICB Qualification not only validates your skills and knowledge but also opens doors to global recognition, career opportunities, and business success.
Alt Text: Take the next step in your professional journey—start building a qualification that is recognised, respected, and designed to give you a competitive edge in today’s global business world.
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 Certificate, 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:
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 become an entrepreur.
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.
Is ICB Internationally Recognised?
There is national and international recognition for ICB qualifications. When a qualification is recognised, it can be used to further your studies or find employment. ICB Technical Financial Accounting 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
ICB scarce skills boost your career, income, and open doors to 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 South Africa 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:
- We offer top-quality, accredited courses
- Our courses are budget-friendly
- Your study materials are delivered straight to your door
- You can join our Facebook study groups for extra support
- Materials arrive quickly with same-day dispatch and tracking
- Our qualifications are recognised nationwide
- Our support team reaches out to you regularly to check in
- Learn from anywhere in South Africa, at any time that suits you
- Enjoy transparent pricing and flexible payment options
- Your academic progress is monitored daily, with assignments handled promptly
- Take part in engaging Telegram study groups and get fast help from tutors
- Receive automatic progress updates and your certificates on time
With Matric College, you can complete ICB Courses from home, enjoying accredited programs, affordable pricing, quick study material delivery, flexible learning, and continuous support to guide your success.
Student Testimonials
What our students say: 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.
“Good service, friendly staff. On the ball. Thank you team for your hard work, keep it up.”
-Warren H
“Matric College is the outmost support group I know. They are always there by my side and give me that go‑card to not give up on what I want to do and to achieve in the future”
–Ashrelucia I
What ICB Courses Can I Study?
There are three programmes that the ICB offers. You can study these courses through Matric College. These courses are:
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
ICB Office Administration Programme
- Office Administration: ICB National Certificate
- Office Administration: ICB Higher Certificate
- Office Administration: ICB National Diploma
Uncover all ICB study options—download the brochure instantly.
How Much Does a Bridging Course Cost?
If you want to start an ICB course as a bridging option, you need to know the costs. This will help you plan better and avoid surprises later. The fees include things like an annual registration, subject fees, and sometimes extra costs for assessments or certificates.
The total amount you pay will depend on how many subjects you take and how quickly you finish. Here is a list of the 2025 ICB course fees:
These costs cover the main services you will need during your studies. Some items, like certificate reprints or RPL applications, are optional and only apply if you request them. Colleges that offer ICB courses may also charge their own tuition fees.
| ICB Course Fees | Cost |
|---|---|
| Annual Student Registration Fee | R 500 |
| Assessment Fee for Digital PoE (per subject) | R 915 |
| Assessment Postponement Fee (per subject) | R 375 |
| Assessment Late Entry Fee (per subject) | R 585 |
| Assessment Re-mark and Examiners Report (per subject) | R 1 350 |
| Private Invigilator Administration Fee | R 2 200 |
| Workplace PoE Assessments (Learnerships) | R 1 800 |
| RPL/Exemption Application Fee | R 600 |
| RPL/Exemption Fee (no PoE required) | R 475 |
| RPL PoE Fee (per subject) | R 1 050 |
| ICB Programme Certificate Reprint (domestic) | R 440 |
| FASSET Certificate Reprint (domestic) | R 440 |
| ICB Programme Certificate Reprint (international) | R 660 |
| FASSET Certificate Reprint (international) | 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 are separate from the ICB fees above. If you want to make studying easier to afford, you can talk to a Skills Academy course expert about flexible payment plans.
ICB Course Fees
The ICB sets these fees every year for all students. They include the cost of registration, assessments, and other services you might need while studying. Some services are optional and will only be charged if you choose them, like getting an extra certificate copy or applying for recognition of prior learning.
Knowing these costs before you start helps you plan and keep your studies on track. There are also affordable courses and payment options that can help you start learning without paying the full amount at once.
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?
In today’s competitive job market, certain skills are highly sought after by employers across South Africa. Developing these in-demand skills can give you a significant advantage in your career.
There are various skills that are in demand in South Africa. These include:
- Financial skills
- Management skills
- Accounting skills
- Administration skills
- Business skills
- Marketing skills
By building expertise in these areas, you increase your employability, open doors to higher-paying roles, and position yourself for long-term career growth.
What Are Careers Classified Under Scarce Skills?
An ICB Qualification equips you with scarce skills that are highly valued in the job market, paving the way for a wide range of in-demand careers.
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
With these qualifications, you can pursue roles from accounting and finance to management and business analysis, giving you strong career prospects and growth opportunities.
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
After completing an ICB course, you can pursue a degree at recognised institutions like CIMA, ACCA, or Milpark Education.
What Can I Do With An ICB Qualification?
An ICB Qualification opens doors to multiple opportunities, whether you want to advance your career, start a business, or continue your studies.
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, further your studies or find employment.
By studying with Matric College, you can gain an ICB Qualification that empowers you to work, grow your business, or pursue further education both nationally and internationally.
People Also Ask
Yes, all ICB qualifications are registered with SAQA, placing them on South Africa’s National Qualifications Framework (NQF), which ensures national recognition.
They’re also accredited by professional bodies, including:
- The ICB itself
- The Quality Council for Trades and Occupations (QCTO)
- FASSET, which prints the official certificates
Additionally, ICB qualifications are recognised internationally by bodies such as ACCA, CIMA, IAB, and IAAP.
No, Matric is not always required. While some ICB courses do require certain grade levels:
- For Bookkeeping: ICB National Certificate, you need at least Grade 10 or equivalent (NQF 2), and be at least 16 years old.
- For Small Business Financial Management, you need Grade 11 or equivalent (NQF 3).
- For Office Administration: ICB National Certificate, the entry requirement is Grade 12 or equivalent.
Importantly, Matric College enables students with or without Matric to register and study ICB courses via distance learning.
The duration varies by course:
- ICB Office Administration Course: between 12 and 36 months depending on your pace and how quickly you submit your assignments and write exams.
- Bookkeeping courses:
- ICB National Certificate takes about 12 to 18 months to complete.
Further details for specific programmes (e.g., ICB Business Management courses) often list durations per qualification level—ranging from around 12 to 36 months depending on the level and subjects.
An ICB qualification is a certificate or diploma you can get from the Institute of Certified Bookkeepers. It teaches you useful skills in bookkeeping, accounting, office work, and business management. Employers like these qualifications because they prepare you for real jobs and can help you move up in your career.
Yes, ICB is a respected qualification in South Africa and in other countries. It is approved by the Quality Council for Trades and Occupations (QCTO), which means it meets high standards. Many people choose ICB because it is flexible and can help them find work or get promoted in business careers.
To pass an ICB exam, you need at least 60% overall. Your final mark is made up of your Portfolio of Evidence (PoE), which counts 30%, and your final exam, which counts 70%. If you prepare well for your assignments and your exam, you will have a good chance of passing.
Author: Mulisa Nethononda
Editor: Sive Ncanywa
Date: July 19 , 2022