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NQF Qualifications &
IQB Professional
Certificates

  • Progress from short courses to full qualifications
  • Certification with real impact
  • Recognised locally and internationally

Practical skills and recognised
credentials to unlock your future in business

Whether you’re starting your career or building on your experience, ICB’s Qualifications and Professional Certificates give you powerful tools for the working world. Choose the route that suits your goals — from nationally recognised qualifications to internationally endorsed professional certificates.

Our three streams cover Financial Accounting, Business Management, and Office Administration. These qualifications are built around essential business subjects, many of which overlap — making it easy to pivot between specialisations and gain multiple certificates along the way.

Each qualification is flexible, designed so you can study at your own pace and level up as you go. Whether you follow the NQF Learning Pathway or take an IQB-endorsed professional certificate, you’ll be gaining practical, up-to-date skills employers value.

NQF Learning
Pathway

The ICB’s NQF-aligned qualifications are registered with the QCTO and quality-assured by FASSET. They’re structured around progressive levels — complete a few subjects and earn a certificate, or keep going to achieve a full national qualification.

Important dates:

Last enrolment for new students: 30 June 2026
Final completion date: 30 June 2029

All three qualifications share foundational subjects, so switching streams or completing more than one qualification is easy.

Ideal For

This is a great option for students who want nationally recognised qualifications and may want to study further through other accredited institutions.

Certification & Accreditation

Professional Certificate for each subject
ICB/IQB Qualification Certificate per level
FASSET NQF Qualification Certificate on completion (for NQF students)

Qualification

Each qualification consists of 12 subjects, spread across 3 levels. You can complete just one level or go all the way to the top qualification in your stream.

Future Pathway

NQF-aligned qualifications open doors to higher learning and credit transfers at various South African tertiary institutions. You can also switch to an IQB short course later on.

IQB Professional
International Certifications

ICB also offers professional certificates endorsed by IQB UK – International Qualifications for Business. These professional certificates are ideal for those who want focused, job-ready learning without the time commitment of full NQF qualifications.

The content is aligned with our core qualifications, so you’ll still be gaining practical and relevant business skills — and you can stack these professional certificates to complete full qualifications over time.

Ideal For

This is a great option for students who want skill-up while working or become job-ready by learning practical skills.

Certification & Accreditation

Professional Certificate for each subject
ICB/IQB Qualification Certificate per level

Qualification

Career ready skills in under 12 weeks

Future Pathway

After completing a professional short course, you can easily continue with other IQB short courses or transition into an NQF qualification (subject to entry requirements).

Choosing your pathway

Explore the difference between NQF qualifications and IQB professional certificates, and find out which study option is right for you.

Quicklinks

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FAQs

Progression Path

Study Further — with Credit for Your ICB Qualification

You may be eligible for study credit with:

Example: NQF Level 6 ICB qualifications may provide credits at partner institutions. CIMA allows up to 2 credits with an NQF Level 5 Office Administration qualification.

Professional Membership

Post-qualification, you can apply for membership with:

Study Options

Whether you prefer to study on your own or with structured support, ICB gives you the flexibility to choose the path that fits your life.

  • Option 1: Self-Study
    Study at your own pace, on your own schedule. Register directly with ICB, choose your subjects, and source your own learning materials. Perfect for motivated, independent learners who want flexibility.
  • Option 2: Study with a Training Centre
    Join an accredited ICB training centre (classroom or online) for structured classes, tutor support, and help with exam preparation. A great option if you prefer guided learning.

Is RPL available for NQF and IQB pathways?

Yes — but note: NQF credits only apply if you enrolled as an ICB student before 30 June 2026. After that, exemptions apply to IQB Professional Certification (non-credit bearing).

Let us guide you!

Whether you’re just starting out or looking to upskill, we’re here to help you boost your career with confidence.