Scarce skills are skills the South African economy needs more of than the labour market can supply, listed by SETAs and the DHET as priority skills for growth. The four reasons scarce skills matter:
- Drive industry forward through innovation, productivity, and problem-solving
- Strengthen the national economy by filling capability gaps
- Earn higher pay — high demand and limited supply push wages up
- Faster job placement — high-demand fields generally have shorter recruitment cycles
The DHET publishes the official Critical Skills List defining which skills currently count as scarce.
Help Move The Companies Forward
When employers are able to secure the services of people with scarce skills, this means that production increases in their companies. This is because there will be no delays in production or no production at all because no one has the right skills for the job. This also means that revenue for the companies increases.
Assist In Prospering The Country
When companies increase production because they have the relevant skills set in their companies, their income also grows. When the income of the companies grows, the tax base for the government also increases. When tax revenue for the government increase, spending on social services also increases. This can lead to the country’s prosperity.
Earn A Good Salary
When an employer values your skill, they will make sure they retain you by paying you a competitive salary. Besides having a comfortable lifestyle, you will also have peace of mind due to the realisation that, because you have a scarce skill, your job is secure.
No Work Scarcity
Because you have a scarce skill, there is no scarcity of work for you. You can even have the luxury of choosing to work for an employer who offers you the highest salary and better conditions of service.
What Is Meant By Scarce Skills?
Scarce skills are those skills that are hard to find. Skills that not many people possess in the workplace. In other words, it is a scarcity of qualified and experienced people for performing a specific task.
What Are The Scarce Skills In South Africa?
South Africa’s job market is constantly changing, and certain skill sets are in higher demand than others. These scarce skills are essential for driving business growth, boosting the economy, and creating more opportunities for qualified individuals. Focusing on these areas can give you a competitive edge and set you apart from other job seekers.
With that in mind, here are the broad 2025 skill themes that continue to shape the country’s most in-demand careers:
1. Information Technology & Digital Innovation
Roles in cybersecurity, software development, AI/machine learning, cloud computing, and data science are increasingly value-driving assets in both the private and public sectors.
2. Engineering & Renewable Energy
Projects related to infrastructure and sustainable energy are boosting demand for electrical, civil, and renewable energy engineers, as well as technical artisans.
3. Healthcare & Allied Professions
There’s an urgent need for general practitioners, nurses, and allied health workers to support South Africa’s evolving healthcare landscape.
4. STEM Teaching & Education
Educators in mathematics, science, and vocational training remain in short supply, especially in technical and foundational phases of education.
5. Finance, Business & Logistics
Roles like chartered accountants, financial analysts, logistics managers, and professionals in supply chain management are in high demand across industries.
What Are Scarce Skills Courses?
Scarce skills courses are those courses that can equip you with scarce skills. Here are ICB courses that can equip you with scarce skills:
What Are The Requirements For The ICB Scarce Skills Courses?
Here are the requirements for the ICB scarce skills courses:
- ICB Financial Accounting Courses
- Grade 10 (NQF 2) or Grade 10 Equivalent Certificate
- No prior accounting knowledge needed
- You must be 16 years or older
- Able to read, write and understand English
- Be able to study through distance learning
- ICB Business Management Courses
- Grade 11 (NQF 3) or Grade 11 Equivalent Certificate
- ICB Junior Bookkeeping: National Certificate
- You must be 16 years or older
- Able to read, write and understand English
- Be able to study through distance learning
- ICB Office Administration Courses
- Grade 12 or Equivalent
- You must be 16 years or older
- Able to read, write and understand English
- Be able to study through distance learning
Why Should I Study ICB Courses?
Here is why you should study ICB courses:
Courses Are Scarce Skills Courses
ICB courses are scarce skills courses. This means that the skills that you will acquire are in demand. Employers are actively looking for people with scarce skills. With scarce skill, you are guaranteed the security of your job. With scarce skills, you will also earn a competitive salary.
Courses Are Accredited
Here are the bodies that ICB courses are accredited with:
Entry Requirements Are Flexible
Entry requirements for ICB courses are flexible. Here is the minimum entry requirement to ICB courses:
- Grade 10 (NQF 2) or Grade 10 Equivalent Certificate
- No prior accounting knowledge needed
- You must be 16 years or older
- Able to read, write and understand English
- Be able to study through distance learning
ICB Courses Are Internationally Recognised
When you complete any ICB course, you can be employed anywhere in the world. This is because ICB courses are internationally recognised. The ICB is an internationally recognised body that was established in 1932
You Can Study ICB Courses Anywhere
ICB courses can be studied from anywhere in the country. This is enabled by studying the courses through distance learning. Remember, distance learning is online learning. This is because online tools are used when you study through distance learning.
Why Choose To Study Through Distance Learning?
Here is why you should study through distance learning:
- Cut costs
- Transport
- Teas and lunches
- Tuition fees are affordable
- Issued with textbooks and study notes
- Study anywhere
- Study at home
- Study at the office
- Study during lunch at your workplace
- Study at the library
- Study any time
- Study in the evening
- Study in the morning
- Study in the afternoon
What Career Opportunities Are There With ICB Courses?
Here are career opportunities for ICB courses that you can consider:
| ICB PROGRAMME | CAREER OPPORTUNITIES |
| ICB Financial Accounting Courses |
|
ICB Business Management Courses |
|
| ICB Office Administration Courses |
|
How Long Will Take To Study ICB Financial Accounting
Here is the recommended duration of ICB courses:
| COURSE | RECOMMENDED DURATION |
| ICB Financial Accounting Courses | |
| 12 months |
| 6 months |
| 6 months |
| 12 months |
| ICB Business Management Courses | |
| 9 months |
| 15 months |
| 12 months |
| ICB Office Administration Courses | |
| 18 months |
| 9 months |
| 9 months |
What Should I Study After ICB?
You can study further with other institutions of higher learning after completing your ICB Programme. ICB courses are recognised by other professional bodies. This means that you can get exemptions from other professional bodies with your ICB qualification.
Here are the professional bodies that recognise ICB qualifications:
- 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
- SAIT – South African Institute of Tax Practitioners
- SAIBA – South African Institute Of Business Accountants
People Also Ask
Scarce skills are jobs or abilities in short supply because there aren’t enough qualified people. Critical skills are specific capabilities—like problem-solving or technical expertise—needed within an occupation to meet changing industry demands.
They happen when there are no qualified workers (absolute scarcity) or when qualified people lack experience, are unwilling to relocate, or don’t meet certain criteria (relative scarcity).
Study accredited courses in high-demand fields, such as business or accounting. Flexible, recognised programmes—like those offered by Matric College—equip you with the skills employers need, improving your career prospects.
Author: Collin Wilbesi
Editor: Amy Venter
Date Published: May 27, 2022