Your Options after ICB
For those on ICB/NQF pathway, take a look below what paths are possible with your chosen ICB programme.
For those on the IQB pathway, we are in the process of defining new partnerships, so watch this space for developments.
TAKE A LOOK BELOW FOR MORE DETAIL ON EACH OPTION
Study further with the ICB
ICB programmes are modular, which means you can build on them as your studies or career progresses. You can also qualify in another programme just by completing a few more subjects. Click here to see how to complete another course easily.
Study further elsewhere with credit for your ICB programme and obtain your degree
Now that you have completed your ICB programme, you are able to further your studies and progress to a degree through articulation.
You can also become a Chartered Accountant through the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA). Or you can continue studying with The Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA). Both institutions are respected, international, accounting professional bodies – headquartered in the UK. CIMA and ACCA grant exemptions to the programmes the ICB offers.
Click to see how you can get your degree after ICB.
Join a professional body
Being a member of a professional body shows that you take your career seriously. It reassures employers and clients that you are committed to your professional development and are part of a respected community. Click to see what possible professional bodies are available.
STUDY FURTHER WITH THE ICB
ICB programmes are modular, which means you can build on them as your studies or career progresses. You can also qualify in another course just by completing a few more subjects. Click for more information on our modular system.
EVERY BUSINESS NEEDS SOMEONE TO MANAGE THEIR BOOKS
If you want to offer indispensable bookkeeping and accounting skills the Financial Accounting Course is for you!
LEARN HOW TO MAKE A BUSINESS SUCCEED!
The Business Management Course is just the ticket if you have ambitions of managing a business and its finances.
BE AN INDISPENSABLE ALL-ROUNDER
The Office Administration Course is perfect for those who want to learn bookkeeping and all-round office knowledge.
Your Questions Answered
How do I do the course?
The ICB offers super flexible study options to fit around your life. In a classroom, via distance learning, full time or part time? It’s up to you! Just finished school and can’t wait for campus life? A working mom with lots of ambition, but very little time? On a mission to study intensively and qualify in just 6 months? Or maybe you have a longer-term plan to study on the side while working full time? Whatever your situation, there will be an ICB study route that works for you.
Where can I do the course?
Over 500 providers to choose from! ICB courses are available at hundreds of accredited training providers in Southern Africa. Our providers offer classroom or distance learning – or both. Find yours here.
How will I be assessed?
Our unique study methodology has been designed to give you the best chance at succeeding. You’ll get a Portfolio of Evidence which includes 3 assignments and 2 tests and you will write a final exam. There’s also college tuition, textbooks, workbooks and study support from your college.
Do I get credits for work experience or other studies?
If you’re working already, or have completed some courses in the past, there are some options for you regarding recognition of prior learning, learnerships and bursaries. To be considered for Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) and get credit towards an ICB qualification, your previous qualifications or part-qualifications must be registered on the NQF and should have been attained within the last five years.
How much does it cost
Only distance learning and independent students pay ICB fees directly to us. Classroom-based students will be billed by their colleges. In order to receive your PoE or be entered for exams, you must have sent your Exam Entry Form with proof of fee payment to the ICB – or your training provider. You can also register with the ICB and enter exams online on our Student Portal. At the time you enter for the first exam of a (calendar) year, the annual student registration fee is payable. View the ICB’s fees here.
When can I start?
Exams are run every month, and are available either as an online exam of a paper-based exam.
Classroom based students need to double-check with their college that they will be offering an exam in the format you require, for the subject you want to write on the dates indicated. You’ll also need to find out what their cut-off dates are for entries for the exams you want to write.
Exams for distance learners and independent self-study students are conducted online every second month as well as in May and November as a paper-based exam which are conducted at ICB approved examination centres around Southern Africa.
For full details, take a look at the ICB’s exam timetables and registration dates here.
PROGRESS TO A DEGREE
ICB students can now study further after completing their National Diploma Financial Accounting (NDFA), NQF Level 6 and obtain a degree through our articulation programmes.
ACCA
ACCA is the world’s leading professional body for accountants, with over 110 years of experience, innovation and excellence. ICB graduates holding the National Diploma: Financial Accounting NQF 6 qualifications can study further through ACCA. You will receive up to 6 exemptions to further your studies towards becoming a Chartered Certified Accountant with ACCA.
The primary purpose of the ACCA qualification is to prepare learners to practice as professional accountants within any sector of the economy – public practice, industry, commerce or the public sector, either within South Africa or in other countries around the world. Finance professionals are in demand throughout the world including South Africa. ACCA provides the opportunity to people of ability to access careers in accounting, business and finance both for their own benefit and for the economy as a whole. The rationale for ACCA’s qualification is to contribute to representivity in society around the world not least in South Africa.
The purpose of the ACCA syllabus is to provide the learner with the knowledge and understanding needed to underpin the professional accountant’s role. The structure of the syllabus has been designed to assist learning and understanding and to ensure that learners develop an appreciation of the development and interdependence of subjects.
There are three parts to the qualification, the examination syllabus, practical experience requirements and a professional ethics module. Together, the examination syllabus, ethics module and practical experience requirements focus on the learner’s ability to satisfy the technical, managerial, interpersonal and ethical requirements of a professional accountant and require the learner to adopt an analytical and critical approach.
The qualification encourages a lifelong approach to learning thus ensuring that learners are able to cope with individual and social transformation.
Complete an online application here –https://www.accaglobal.com/acca-registration-intro.html
BOSTON
CIMA
DAMELIN
MILPARK
ACCA is the world’s leading professional body for accountants, with over 110 years of experience, innovation and excellence. ICB graduates holding the National Diploma: Financial Accounting NQF 6 qualifications can study further through ACCA. You will receive up to 5 exemptions to further your studies towards becoming a Chartered Certified Accountant with ACCA.
The primary purpose of the ACCA qualification is to prepare learners to practice as professional accountants within any sector of the economy – public practice, industry, commerce or the public sector, either within South Africa or in other countries around the world. Finance professionals are in demand throughout the world including South Africa. ACCA provides the opportunity to people of ability to access careers in accounting, business and finance both for their own benefit and for the economy as a whole. The rationale for ACCA’s qualification is to contribute to representivity in society around the world not least in South Africa.
The purpose of the ACCA syllabus is to provide the learner with the knowledge and understanding needed to underpin the professional accountant’s role. The structure of the syllabus has been designed to assist learning and understanding and to ensure that learners develop an appreciation of the development and interdependence of subjects.
There are three parts to the qualification, the examination syllabus, practical experience requirements and a professional ethics module. Together, the examination syllabus, ethics module and practical experience requirements focus on the learner’s ability to satisfy the technical, managerial, interpersonal and ethical requirements of a professional accountant and require the learner to adopt an analytical and critical approach.
The qualification encourages a lifelong approach to learning thus ensuring that learners are able to cope with individual and social transformation.
Complete an online application here –https://www.accaglobal.com/acca-registration-intro.html
Bachelor of Accounting
(Qualification code: HBACC1)
NQF (HEQSF) L7 (SAQA ID: 103057)
Minimum Credits: 396
ICB students can now study further and obtain a degree at Boston: Bachelor of Accounting degree (Qualification code: HBACC1)
To apply for admission to the Boston Bachelor of Accounting Degree you will need a National Diploma Financial Accounting (NDFA), NQF Level 6
Upon successful completion of the qualification, students will receive a Bachelor of Accounting (SAQA ID 103057), NQF (HEQSF) Level 7 (minimum Credits 396) from Boston.
For more information visit: https://www.boston.co.za/degree-diplomas-higher-certificates/bachelor-of-accounting/
Diploma in Financial Accounting
(Qualification code: HDIPFA2)
NQF (HEQSF) L6 (SAQA ID 93597)
Minimum Credits: 374
ICB students can now study further and obtain a Boston: Diploma in Financial Accounting (Qualification code: HDIPFA2)
To apply for admission to the Boston Diploma in Financial Accounting (available immediately), you will need a National Diploma Technical Financial Accounting (NDTFA), NQF Level 5 or National Diploma Financial Accounting (NDFA), NQF Level 6.
Upon successful completion of the qualification, students will receive a Diploma in Financial Accounting (SAQA ID 93597), NQF (HEQSF) Level 6 (minimum Credits 374) from Boston.
For more information visit https://www.boston.co.za/degree-diplomas-higher-certificates/diploma-in-financial-accounting/
CIMA offers training and qualifications in management accounting. ICB graduates holding the National Diploma: Financial Accounting NQF 6 qualifications can apply to CIMA for up to 6 exemptions. If you hold the ICB’s Certificate: Office Administration NQF 5, you can get 2 exemptions from CIMA.
By studying with CIMA, you’ll develop the critical knowledge and skills employers are looking for and be ready to work in any business – large or small, public or private – all around the world.
Even while you’re still studying, you can stay ahead in the job market. Working to get your designation shows employers you’re dedicated, hardworking and always thinking about your future. And if you’re already working, the CGMA designation can help you move up the career ladder.
Your earning potential can increase as soon as you start studying with us, and continue to rise even after you qualify as a Chartered Global Management Accountant (CGMA).
For more information refer to www.cimaglobal.com
PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
Once you’ve completed your studies through the ICB, there are several local and international professional bodies that you can apply to for professional membership.
SAIT – South African Institute of Tax Professionals (SAIT)
https://www.thesait.org.za/
If you want to register as a tax practitioner, you’ll need to become a member of SAIT. SAIT recognises the ICB’s FET Certificate: Bookkeeping, and the National Diploma: Technical Financial Accounting qualifications. Students who register with SAIT with the FET Certificate: Bookkeeping qualification must upgrade this to the National Diploma: Technical Financial Accounting within a year of becoming a member. SAIT has several other membership criteria – please contact them for details.
SAIBA – The South African Institute of Business Accountants (SAIBA)
If you want to perform Accounting Officer duties, you need to be a SAIBA member. ICB graduates who hold the National Diploma: Financial Accounting qualifications meet the academic requirements of SAIBA’s membership. But do note that SAIBA has other membership criteria too, including relevant work experience.
IAB – International Association of Bookkeepers (IAB)
https://www.iab.org.uk/contact-us/
The UK-based IAB is recognised by the British government in terms of Anti Money Laundering regulations, and the IAB supervises its members in terms of these regulations. Depending on the qualification you have passed, ICB students may apply for membership of the IAB.
IAAP – International Association of Accounting Professionals (IAAP)
Also based in the UK, the IAAP is an international professional body offering recognition for the finest business and accountancy qualifications in the world. ICB graduates who hold the FET Certificate: Bookkeeping NQF 4 and higher qualifications may apply to the IAAP for membership. If your membership is approved, you’ll be able to use the designations awarded by the IAAP.
Find a provider today
Join a Professional Body
Once you’ve completed your studies through the ICB, there are several professional bodies that you can apply to for professional membership
