The ICB is much more than just another type of course. It is a professional body, that is focused on making sure that the standard of bookkeeping, accounting and office administration, is uplifted and maintained in South Africa.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!The ICB wants all South Africans to have access to top of the range courses that can be internationally recognised. This is a dream that we at The Learning Group share. We want the best for all our students which is why we we make sure to offer you a wide selection of online ICB courses.
If you study an ICB course you will become registered with the ICB, this means that not only will you become qualified you will also belong to a professional body. This is a great starting point for your career, and can build a good foundation for moving forward. It doesn’t matter if you are looking for a short course, a certificate or even a diploma you can find them all here with us.
Become part of The Learning Group, and experience professional courses. There is a wide selection available to students interested in ICB courses:
Financial Accounting Courses
- ICB National Certificate Junior Bookkeeper Course
- ICB Certificate Certified Senior Bookkeeping
- ICB National Diploma Technical Financial Accounting
- ICB Certified Financial Accounting National Diploma
Office Administration Courses
Matric College is an Official Provider of ICB Courses. You can study ICB Office Administration online via distance learning. From Registration to Writing your ICB Exams online, Matric College offers you the most up to date syllabus. They offer Office Administration National Certificate, Higher Certificate and Diploma Level Courses.
- ICB National Certificate Office Administration
- ICB Diploma Office Administration Course
- ICB Higher Certificate Office Administration
Business Management Courses
- ICB National Certificate Small Business Financial Management
- ICB Higher Certificate Office Administration
- ICB National Diploma: Financial Accounting
When looking for certified ICB Courses, ICB Business Management courses are a wonderful option. The ICB Business Management National Certificate Course is the first in the program, followed by the ICB Business Management Higher Certificate, and finally the ICB Business Management Diploma Course.
These courses will offer you with qualifications in a Scarce Skill, making you a more desirable candidate for employers.
Important ICB Information
- ICB 2025
- ICB Prospectus 2025
- ICB Exam Timetable 2025
- ICB Results 2025
What Are ICB Courses Requirements?
To start an ICB course, you must meet a few easy requirements. You usually need to have passed Grade 10 or Grade 11, depending on the course. You also need to understand English because your books and exams will be in English.
What is bookkeeping?
Bookkeeping is the act of systematically keeping records of the financial affairs of a business. This can often be a very complicated and multifaceted task, bounded by many rules, regulations and bookkeeping principles. Bookkeeping services are usually only offered by highly trained, and qualified, professionals.
A professional bookkeeper:
- Organises and keeps track of a company’s business transactions.
- Keeps records of all sales, income, salaries and expenses.
- Handles tax services such as income tax returns and audit presentations.
- Writes payroll reports.
- Produces financial records and statistics in formatted documents that the business owner can use.
One of the most important things about bookkeeping is that the work is precise, consistent and accurate. Bookkeeping can be done manually in books and ledgers, or electronically using bookkeeping software on a computer.
The accredited ICB Bookkeeping and Accounting Courses are a great option for students who would like to study an accredited course without a matric certificate. The entry requirement for Bookkeeping: ICB National Certificate, the first course in the series is that you need to have grade 10.
Learn more about Accounting Careers here
Becoming a bookkeeper in South Africa
Bookkeeping is a well-established profession in South Africa. Bookkeeping services are used by every type of company, meaning that there will always be a demand for good bookkeepers.
South African bookkeepers can also receive international recognition through the Institute of Certified Bookkeepers (ICB):
ICB accredited bookkeeping graduates are recognised worldwide by the International Association of Bookkeepers, the Southern African Institute of Business Accountants, the South African Institute of Tax Practitioners, the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) and the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA).
(Source: www.icb.org.za, 6 March 2014)
Why study bookkeeping?
Become a professional bookkeeper
In South Africa, certification is extremely advantageous if you want to become a professional bookkeeper and find a good bookkeeping job. Taking an ICB bookkeeping course will give you the qualification you will need to accomplish this.
More than the qualification itself, however, you will need the bookkeeping training that comes with it. Bookkeeping is an exact science, and you will need very specific skills and knowledge if you want to work in this field.
Do your own bookkeeping
It might be a good idea to take a course in bookkeeping if you are a small business owner. Doing your own books will not only save you a lot of money, but will also give you a better understanding of – and more control over – your finances. It is also extremely beneficial for business owners to understand bookkeeping basics.
Develop your professional skills further
Good bookkeepers are always sharpening their skills, as well as learning new ones. Many of our short courses focus on teaching you specialised bookkeeping skills that you might want to add to your professional skill set.
What will I learn in a bookkeeping course?
There is a wide range of courses you can take within the discipline of bookkeeping. You can specialize in a number of fields, such as office management or tax services. You can also choose to go into accounting by taking an accounting course.
Taking a certified course in bookkeeping or accounting will give you high-quality training. You will learn everything you will need to know to become a professional in your chosen field.
Where can I study bookkeeping?
The Learning Group is one of many premium colleges that offer ICB courses in South Africa, offering a selection of certified bookkeeping and accounting courses to students throughout South Africa.
Our courses differ in content, length, requirements, and level of certification. Whether you take a shortcourse in accounting, or a diploma course in bookkeeping, we will always give you the same level of student support and service. It doesn’t matter where you live; distance learning brings quality education right to your doorstep.
You can apply right now to do your ICB Course at Matric College. They offer ICB courses via distance learning in English. You will be able to study with them anywhere in South Africa to achieve your academic goals.
Matric College makes learning easy! They offer an improved educational experience with exceptional attention to their students.
- You can study from home
- We offer individual help
- We have caring staff
- We are easy to connect with
Bookkeeping Courses
Bellview Institute of distance learning offers a list of online ICB Courses, including ICB Bookkeeping courses and ICB Financial Accounting courses that will have you fully prepared to enter the world of bookkeeping.
You can start with the ICB junior bookkeeping course.
Bookkeeping Courses
- Bookkeeping: ICB National Certificate(NQF Level 3)
- Bookkeeping: ICB FET Certificate (NQF level 4)
Accounting Courses
- Technical Financial Accounting: ICB National Diploma (NQF level 5)
- Certified Financial Accounting: ICB National Diploma (NQF level 6)
Office Administration Courses
Office administration is a set of daily activities related to financial planning, billing and record keeping, personnel, and physical distribution and logistics within an organisation. Other duties can also relate to marketing management and office communication.
This programme consists of the following courses:
- Office Administration: ICB National Certificate (NQF level 5)
- Office Administration: ICB Higher Certificate (NQF level 5)
- Office Administration: ICB National Diploma (NQF level 6)
Small Business Financial Management
The Small Business Financial Management course is aimed at developing the financial skills that you will need to manage the finances of a small business. The course therefore not only teaches you the technical side of managing finances, but also other managerial functions that entail basic human resources skills.
If once completed you still find yourself wanting to study further in this field. There are two more courses you can enroll for which will aid you in extending your proficiency in this field. One being a higher certificate in Office Administration and the other being a Diploma in Financial Accounting.
Distance Learning Courses vs. Online Courses
ICB Courses online and distance learning courses have much in common. Both allow you to get educated, trained, or qualified from home – without having to go to physical classes or to travel to a college campus.
There are slight differences, however. Distance learning as offered by The Learning Group means:
- You receive physical study material.
- You don’t need constant access to the internet or even to a computer to study.
- You can take your study material with you wherever you go.
- You have access to a private tutor via e-mail, Skype and telephone.
- You receive constant student support.
At The Learning Group, we endeavour to make distance learning a full and enriching academic experience for you.
To find out more about enrolling for a bookkeeping course with The Learning Group, you can fill in the form on the right or call us on 0800 39 00 27:
ICB Course Fees
Studying an ICB course means you need to know what the costs are. These fees cover things like joining, writing exams, and getting your certificates. To help you plan, we made a table that shows the different fees for 2025.
Fee Type | Cost |
Annual Registration Fee | R500 |
Assessment Fee (per subject) | R915 |
Assessment Postponement (per subject) | R375 |
Assessment Late Entry (per subject) | R585 |
Assessment Re-mark & Report (per subject) | R1 350 |
Private Invigilator Admin Fee | R2 200 |
Workplace PoE Assessments (Learnerships) | R1 800 |
RPL/Exemption Application Fee | R600 |
RPL/Exemption Fee (no PoE required, per subject) | R475 |
RPL PoE Fee (PoE required, per subject) | R1 050 |
Certificate Reprint (local delivery) | R440 |
Certificate Reprint (international delivery) | R660 |
Certificate Resend Fee – Domestic | R220 |
Certificate Resend Fee – International | R580 |
Results Transcript (Print & Send) | R180 |
These are the official fees for 2025. If you take two subjects, the cost will be R915 each. You will also pay a R500 joining fee. That means your total for the year will be R2 330.
Last Updated: 16 February 2026
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Yes, ICB offers diploma courses. When you study with the ICB (Institute of Certified Bookkeepers), you can earn National Certificates and National Diplomas. These courses help you learn step by step and build your skills. Once you finish all the levels and subjects in a course, you get a diploma.
ICB means Institute of Certified Bookkeepers. It is a group that helps people study business and accounting. They offer courses that teach you useful skills for work. These courses are trusted by many companies.
ICB courses are recognised in South Africa. They are approved by important bodies like QCTO and FASSET. In the UK, they are not automatically accepted. But some companies or schools might still accept them. You can also check with UK NARIC if you want to study or work in the UK.
To work in admin, you can study the ICB Office Administration National Certificate. This course helps you learn office skills. You need to have matric or something the same as matric. If you don’t, you can do other ICB courses first, or choose a provider course that doesn’t need matric.
ICB courses help you get jobs in finance, admin, or business. You start with easy lessons and move to harder ones. You learn about bookkeeping, business, and money. These courses give you real skills for work and help you grow in your career.
ICB courses are accredited business, finance, and administration qualifications offered by the Institute of Certified Bookkeepers. They focus on practical, job-ready skills and are registered on the National Qualifications Framework (NQF). Study areas include:
Bookkeeping and Accounting
Business Management
Office Administration
Public Sector Accounting
Entrepreneurship
These courses are offered through accredited training providers and are suitable for students without Matric, working adults, and aspiring professionals.
Yes, you can study ICB without Matric. Many ICB courses start at NQF Level 3, which only requires Grade 10 or an equivalent. This makes ICB an accessible option for students who want to build qualifications and move up to diploma level—even without completing school.
You need a total of at least 60% overall to pass a subject.
Grades are calculated like this:
30% from your coursework (assignments and tests in your Portfolio of Evidence, or PoE)
70% from the final summative exam
You must score at least 50% in the final exam itself—even if your coursework is strong, that sub-minimum is non-negotiable.