FAQs

• General questions
• Assessment-related questions
• ICB membership questions
• Recognition of prior learning questions

General questions

How long do ICB courses last?

They range from 1-3 years, depending on which course you are registered for. Each learning area (subject) in the course should take about 48 hours of study prior to the assessment being written.

Can you send me course content etc?

The courses are offered through accredited training providers.

Assessment-related questions

What is an assessment?

It is a way of checking that you know and understand all the content of the learning areas you've studied.

How will I be assessed?

Click here to find out how assessments work.

When are the assessment dates?

The ICB has assessments scheduled monthly for learners studying through "face-to-face" providers. If studying by correspondence, you need to preregister for assessments conducted in February, May, August and November. It's best to register as soon as your tuition materials arrive, so that your PoE can also be sent to you. Have a look at the assessment schedules here.

What if there's no assessment centre near where I live?

The ICB arranges assessment venues throughout South Africa and a detailed list is available here. If you're not within 150km of an official assessment centre, you can submit a Private Invigilator Application to the ICB with the prescribed fee, which will be considered on an individual basis.

How do I register for assessment?

You complete the Application for Assessment form and submit it along with the correct assessment fee to the ICB, indicating the date you want to sit the assessment. Ten days after we've received your application, we'll send you a confirmation letter and your Portfolio of Evidence.

Once registered, can I postpone my entry?

If, before your assessment date, you realise you need to postpone your assessment, you can do this by paying a postponement fee. This must be done at least two weeks before the set assessment date. If you need to postpone your assessment because you're ill on the day, you can apply for a free postponement (include a doctor's certificate with your request), which may be issued at the ICB's discretion. Only one postponement per assessment can be requested from the ICB.

When must I register for assessments?

You'll need to register for your assessments as soon as you start your studies so that we can send you your Portfolio of Evidence, which you start compiling right away.

What is a Portfolio of Evidence (PoE)?

Your PoE is a file that you compile during your course - it includes all your assignments and tests (this is also known as formative work). Your final exam is the last item to go into your PoE. Your PoE shows the assessor that you've achieved the required outcomes of the learning areas, without you having to have undertaken formal training through an accredited training provider.

I submitted my PoE but didn't include all my formative assessments. Can I submit these later?

No, you need to make 100% sure that everything is included in your PoE before you submit it. The ICB cannot accept any additional materials for marking after you've handed it in.

How many assessments are there per learning area?

Each learning area requires a Portfolio of Evidence, which consists of two types of assessments:

• Formative assessments
  These are exercises, assignments and tests that help you prepare for your final exam.
• Summative assessment
  This is your final exam, which is set by the ICB and is conducted formally at an accredited assessment centre.

Do I return my assignment once done?

No, the portfolio of evidence needs to completed and handed in on the day of the summative assessment date to the invigilator.

ICB membership questions

How do I pay my annual ICB membership subscription?

If you're a current ICB member, we'll send you a notice to renew your subscription with instructions on how to pay. If you're applying for ICB membership for the first time and are studying through a college, the college will assist you with this. If you're a correspondence learner applying for membership, you'll need to submit your ICB Membership Application form and fee to us directly.

What do I get for my membership fee?

Find out about ICB membership benefits here.

How do I maintain my membership with the ICB?

To keep your membership current, you'll have to pay a small annual subscription in January every year. Once we've received this, we'll issue you with a membership certificate which will be valid until 31 December in the year of payment.

Who can be an ICB member?

As of 2011, everyone studying an ICB-accredited course must register as an ICB member. You'll start as a student member and as you progress in your studies and complete the learning areas associated with ICB designations, your membership level will change accordingly, by payment of a membership upgrade fee. If you have studied elsewhere, you can apply for ICB membership through recognition of prior learning questions.

How do ICB designations work for members?

If you've paid your annual ICB subscription, you will be entitled to use the appropriate ICB designation that's awarded for your level of qualification. For example, if you have completed the Technical Financial Accountant level, you'd be able to put TFAIcb(SA) after your name. Cilck here for more on qualifications and designations.

 

Recognition of Prior Learning

I've studied similar subjects to the ICB's elsewhere and done a bit of bookkeeping in my work. Can I get credit for these if I want to study ICB courses?

Yes, this may be possible. For more information, click here.

What is Recognition of Prior Learning or Accredited Prior Learning?

This is the new terminology for the granting of exemptions or credits for previous studies at an accredited institution or relevant past work experience.

How do I apply for Recognition of Prior Learning credits?

If you have studied through an accredited training provider already, you'll need to send certified copies of your results to the ICB for evaluation. If you have work experience, you may apply for credits based on this. You'll be asked to complete a Portfolio of Evidence (PoE), which we will supply to you. Once you have completed the PoE, you'll have to send it back to the ICB where we will evaluate it and then let you know whether your application for RPL credits has been approved or not. You'll need to send us your recognition of Prior Learning form and Exemption Review Fee for each application.

How long does an application for Recognition of Prior Learning take?

The ICB's Prior Learning Evaluation Committee meets twice a month. After their decision, our administration team has to compile documents for you to complete. The whole process should take no more than six weeks once we've received your application.