ICB Bookkeeping Courses Distance Learning
Unisa used to use the ICB Bookkeeping Courses Distance Learning and accounting courses, but they no longer do. Unisa is the most popular distance learning institution in South Africa, but there are numerous other distance learning colleges who are accredited by the ICB to provide their courses.
If you want to study a degree at Unisa, and you want to use your ICB course as entry to a degree program, you should first talk to Unisa if they will allow that. Every university has its own guidelines and regulations. So the only way to be sure what you need to have the ability to get access to one of their degrees, is to call Unisa initially.
You can anticipate Unisa to want you to have a Matric, with specific subjects – for them to consider you for a degree program.
ICB Bookkeeping Courses Distance Learning and accounting Courses
The Institute of Certified Bookkeepers offer a range of accounting and accounting and accounting courses. You can start at an academic level below Matric, and work you method up to 2 levels higher than Matric (NQF 6 level).
You can study all these courses via certified home study institutions, like Skills Academy.
To explain how distance learning deal with ICB courses, I am going to cover the following subjects:
- ICB Correspondence Colleges
- How does Home Study Work?
- ICB Home Study Courses
- ICB bookkeeping and accounting Courses
- ICB Office Administration Courses
- ICB Public Sector Accounting Courses
- ICB Business Management Courses
- ICB Entrepreneurship Courses
- ICB Learner Website
- ICB Bookkeeping Courses Distance Learning Course Costs
- ICB Registration
- ICB Exams
- ICB Courses at Unisa
- ICB Courses in Namibia
ICB Bookkeeping Courses Distance Learning Colleges
In South Africa you can study more than just the ICB Bookkeeping Courses Distance Learning and accounting courses via distance learning. The ICB uses five different fields of study, as follows:
- ICB bookkeeping and accounting Courses (also called ICB Financial Accounting courses)
- ICB Workplace Administration Courses
- ICB Public Sector Accounting Courses
- ICB Business Management Courses
- ICB Entrepreneurship Courses
There are a number of ICB Bookkeeping Courses Distance Learning colleges that are completely recognized by the ICB to offer all their courses as home study or correspondence courses. Here are a few of those correspondence colleges noted:
- Skills Academy
- TWP Academy
- Learning Group
- Matric College
Being completely recognized ways that the college has actually requested accreditation to the Institute of Certified Bookkeepers. After sending a portfolio of files to substantiate the application, each college is checked out by a quality assurance manager from the ICB. At the website visit a number of things are inspected, to ensure the college is correctly able to provide these ICB courses.
Some of the important things a college should show at a website evaluation from the ICB, are their monetary viability, quality study material, proper systems and processes to deliver distance learning, qualified personnel, a tax clearance certificate and an OHS certificate to reveal that the college is safe for personnel and students.
After effectively passing the site inspections, these colleges got their accreditation from the ICB. That implies they have an accreditation certificate for each ICB programme that they are recognized to provide.
You will discover those accreditation certificates available on our site.
How does ICB Bookkeeping Courses Distance Learning Work?
Home Study, Correspondence Learning and Distance Learning are all the same kind of thing. They all describe a college whose students study from home. That implies the students can work in the daytime, then study evenings and weekends.
ICB Bookkeeping Courses Distance Learning is the best alternative for working individuals who needs to make an income, however at the same time need to improve their qualifications.
When you pick a home study college, you need to carefully take a look at a variety of things that separate them. Home study colleges do not all work exactly the very same. So here are the things you ought to look at closely, prior to choosing where to study ICB Bookkeeping Courses Distance Learning:
- Study Materials, Study Notes and Textbooks
- Shipment and Speed
- Hidden Costs
- Study Material Appropriate for Home Study Students
- Pacing Your Learning
- Help from your Speakers and Tutors
- Online Study Groups
- Academic Assistance
- Outdated Study Products
- Enough Time To Finish Your Course
- The Right Recommendations
Study Products, Study Notes and Textbooks.
Your study materials are crucial to your studies. So you need to ensure that all the study materials you will require, are included in your course charges. You need to get the correct textbook and appropriate study notes.
No, the college will not offer you pens and paper to work on! That you typically get yourself. However they ought to comprehend the significance of the appropriate study material. Your study notes, textbooks and tasks should all be included in your course charge.
Good study material is written in an easy-to-understand way. The material is broken into bits that are small enough that you can do one section in your daily learning time. The material develops from simple principles, and makes certain you comprehend the basics, before proceeding to more complicated work.
Shipment and Speed.
A few of the older correspondence and distance learning colleges may still send your study material via courier. This can delay your studies. So make certain to ask if they always carrier your study materials.
You will find that some correspondence colleges carrier your first and 2nd package of study material, but later they send out the rest by means of the courier. So you must ask really thoroughly about how ALL your study material will be sent to you.
If your college hold-ups your study material, it indicates you are paying, but you can not study. Spending for time that you can not study is not nice at all!
From your side you must comprehend how courier business work. They will need an address where they can deliver. And it will have to be an address where there is constantly someone able to sign for the bundle. This is why most students choose to have their study material couriered to their place of work.
The carrier business will call you prior to sending your shipment. So you need to make certain to give them a telephone number that you will address when they call you. It is pretty frustrating to find out they wanted to deliver, however they might not get hold of you on the phone!
Hidden Expenses.
With distance learning there are numerous possible hidden expenses. So you must ask about those costs. Here are a few of the questions you should ask:
- Are all your study materials (including textbooks) included in your course fee?
- Is the courier costs consisted of in your course fees?
- How and when must you pay your examination charges? Normally this is not included in the course costs.
- What about ICB Student Subscription charges? How much is this? When must you pay it?
- Bursaries that are cancelled when you miss out on a payment. Did you get a bursary? Does it get cancelled if you miss out on a month-to-month payment?
- Is there an annual registration fee? Or do you just pay the registration cost when?
Study Material Appropriate for Home Study Students.
Good distance learning study material is composed especially for home study students. Because you don’t have a speaker in front of you, the study material must “have the lecturer inside the notes”. That suggests that the notes “speak” to you like a lecturer.
Your distance learning study material need to have plenty of examples and workouts. So you learn a bit at a time. And you do an assignment to check if you comprehend the bit you simply discovered.
The study material we use has been developed particularly for home study students. So you will find it very friendly and easy to use!
Pacing Your Learning.
When you study at home, you need to rate your learning. You should consider just how much you will study every day and how much each week. Ensure you are reasonable. And leave yourself time to also relax and recharge your batteries.
When we send you your study materials, we typically send one subject at a time. For students who want to study quicker, we send two topics. The factor we do this is to guarantee that you don’t get stuck with old study materials. A number of the ICB textbooks alter every year. And if you have the old textbook, then you will need to pay additional to buy the brand-new textbook.
We assist you speed your studies by assisting you work out your study calendar for the year. The ICB uses multiple test sessions for distance learning students in 2025. So as soon as you are finished studying a topic, you can sign up for the next offered exam. In this way you can move through your studies as quick as you want.
Help from your Lecturers and Tutors.
The college has a group of certified lecturers and tutors to help you. You can phone or email your inquiries. But the majority of students make use of our online study groups.
Your tutors deal with us due to the fact that they enjoy helping students. If you ask, all them will tell you about their own study experiences. They have all needed to work and study at the same time. And the majority of them are presently busy with post-graduate studies.
So you will get assist from tutors who understands exactly what it feels like to be a distance learning student!
Online Study Groups.
We offer online study groups for all our ICB students, through our partners at TogetherWePass. In your online study group you will find other students, along with your tutors and lecturers.
The online study groups likewise work with the internet browser on your phone, so you can check-in with your group when you take a break in your work day!
In your online study groups you can ask questions, share your experiences and even assist other ICB students. Describing the work you study to another student is among the best methods to make sure your own understanding is solid. It is a great way to learn, and to make a favorable contribution to the lives of your fellow students.
If you need a private conversation with your lecturer or perhaps another student, then you can choose the personal chat function.
You will find that your speaker and your fellow students assist and motivate you every day! It is so a lot easier to study when you know other students are also working to obtain their qualifications when you get yours.
Academic Assistance.
Our academic support team includes your speakers and tutors. We likewise have scholastic administration staff who will assist you with some of your more administrative requirements. When you require a letter for your company, or a declaration of outcomes, or order more study material, the academic support men will be assisting you.
If you need greater level intervention with a difficult problem, you will be able to talk to the Academic Head of the college. She is friendly and useful, and she gets things done!
Outdated Study Materials.
You need to plan your studies effectively, so that you don’t sit with outdated study material before you have actually composed the examination on that study material.
The wise thing to do, is aim for one or two topics in a test session. Make sure you get only those study materials, and work to pass the examination. Keep in mind, the study materials are upgraded frequently. So you wish to know you will be able to do an exam in the next 3 or four month when you get the study materials for your next topic.
If you suddenly find that you have time to study, and you need an extra topic, you can easily order the next subject from us. We constantly carrier, so for a lot of students living in the cities and big towns, you won’t wait more than a week. If you remain in a suburb, it takes a bit longer … however not weeks!
Enough Time To Complete Your Course.
Some students fret that they will not have adequate time to accomplish their course. Don’t worry!
If you need to study a bit slower, then you can get a course extension. That provides you more time to study and accomplish your course. We will assist you prepare your studies, so you can accomplish it bit by bit. And if you require a course extension, we will not charge you a re-registration cost. Normally you just continue paying your regular month-to-month study charge for the extra time you need.
When you see that you won’t have sufficient time, call the college and request an extension. We will happily help you with this.
The Right Guidance.
When you sign up for a course, you need to make sure you got proper advice on your studies first.
You can not make a life decision as crucial as this by searching the web and emailing some questions. You have to invest enough time talking with a certified course specialist who can encourage you.
We always motivate prospective students to call us and invest adequate time on the phone getting excellent advice. Our course professionals and registrars are friendly people who enjoy assisting students. They will ask you lots of concerns about what you wish to study and exactly what you need your studies for. In this way they ensure that you register on a course that will provide you what you need.
We often get asked if students can register for an ICB course without matric. In short, Yes! The ICB courses all begin at a scholastic level that is the same as a school Grade 10 or Standard 8. In this way the ICB makes sure their course is accessible for the many students who did not complete Matric.
How can I study ICB without Matric?
All the ICB courses begin at NQF level 3. And they go up to NQF level 6. For example, the ICB Financial Accounting Diploma is NQF Level is 6.
In comparison, Matric is at NQF level 4. So these courses are accessible for students who do not have Matric. Students begin at a level below Matric. Keep studying the programme, and course by course you will rise up the NQF level 6, which is two levels higher than Matric.
The ICB has actually established their courses to help students who did not end up school, and who has to work and study at the same time. So you start with the simple principles and work, and build on that foundation, until you are likewise an expert!
As an ICB Bookkeeping Courses Distance Learning student you can study an hour in the evening three or four times each week. With five examination chances in 2025, you understand that as soon as you are ready, you can register for the next examination.
This is how you build up your qualifications; step by step.
As you advance with the program, you will get recognition at the different levels. After completing the first 4 subjects, you will already get your first qualification from FASSET, and your first ICB Programme Certificate.
ICB Home Study Course
The ICB uses five study programmes. In this way you can get a recognized qualification whether your interest is bookkeeping and accounting or entrepreneurship. For the majority of students who require accounting qualifications, office skills, business management courses or entrepreneurship, the ICB has a programme.
Although some ICB course levels require a Matric or Matric Equivalent to study further, don’t let that stop you and consider getting your Matric so that you will be able to finish your ICB studies.
The various Levels of study with the ICB
The ICB Bookkeeping Courses Distance Learning and accounting program is divided into different levels. Inside each level can be one or more courses. The programme is divided into 4 levels, as follows:
- Foundation Level
- Intermediate Level
- Upper Intermediate Level
- Advanced Level
As you total each level, you will get recognition from the ICB in the form of an ICB Program Certificate. As you complete the various courses inside the levels, you will get acknowledgment from FASSET through your formal credentials from FASSET.
ICB accounting and accounting Courses
The ICB Financial Accounting Programme includes the following qualifications:
- Foundation level – National Certificate: accounting and accounting (NQF Level 3)
- Intermediate level – FET Certificate: accounting and accounting (NQF level 4)
- Upper Intermediate level – National Diploma: Technical Financial Accounting (NQF level 5)
- Advanced level – National Diploma: Financial Accounting (NQF level 6)
ICB Financial Accounting Modules
The ICB Financial Accounting course is made up of different modules that help you build your skills step by step. Each subject teaches you something new about accounting, like how to record transactions, prepare reports, and understand tax. These modules give you the knowledge you need to work in jobs like bookkeeper, payroll officer, or financial accountant.
Here are the ICB Accounting Course Modules:
- Bookkeeping to Trial Balance
- Payroll and Monthly SARS Returns
- Computerised Bookkeeping
- Business Literacy
- Financial Statements
- Cost and Management Accounting
- Income Tax Returns
- Business Law and Accounting Control
- Corporate Strategy
- Management Accounting Control Systems
- Financial Reporting and Regulatory Frameworks
- Research Theory and Practice (short dissertation; Topic: Financial Accounting)
ICB Office Administration Courses.
The ICB Financial Accounting Programme includes the following qualifications:
- Foundation level – Certificate: Office Administration
- Intermediate level – Greater Certificate: Office Administration
- Advanced level – Diploma: Office Administration
ICB Public Sector Accounting Courses.
The ICB Public Sector Accounting Program consists of the following qualifications:
- Foundation level – National Certificate: Public Sector Accounting
- Intermediate level – Diploma: Public Sector Accounting
- Advanced level – National Diploma: Financial Accounting
ICB Business Management Courses.
The ICB Business Management Programme includes the following qualifications:
- Foundation level – National Certificate: Small Business Financial Management
- Intermediate level – Greater Certificate: Office Administration
- Advanced level – National Diploma: Financial Accounting
ICB Entrepreneurship Courses.
The ICB Entrepreneurship Program includes the following qualifications:
- Foundation level – National Certificate: Small Business Financial Management
- Intermediate level – Higher Certificate: Office Administration
- Advanced level – National Diploma: Financial Accounting
ICB Student Website.
The ICB has a student website for distance learning students. Through the ICB student portal you can access a number of self-service functions. You can also ask your ICB Bookkeeping Courses Distance Learning college to access these functions on your behalf if you do not have web access, or if you have a hard time to use the portal.
A few of the things you can do via the learner portal are:
- View and edit your individual and contact details
- Order a reprint of a certificate you achieved
- Pay your ICB fees (Credit Card)
- Register for Exams
- See your Examination Outcomes
ICB Course Fees
Learn about our ICB Bookkeeping course prices today.
- Annual Student Registration Fee: R500
- Assessment Fee per Subject (PoE + Exam): R915
- Assessment Postponement Fee per Subject: R375
- Late Entry Fee per Subject: R585
- Assessment Re-mark & Examiner’s Report per Subject: R1 350
- Private Invigilator Admin Fee (if approved): R2 200
- Workplace PoE Assessments (Learnerships): R1 800
- RPL/Exemption Application Fee: R600
- RPL/Exemption Fee per Subject (no PoE): R475
- RPL PoE Fee per Subject (PoE required): R1 050
- ICB Certificate Reprint (domestic): R440
- FASSET Certificate Reprint (domestic): R440
- ICB Certificate Reprint (international): R660
- FASSET Certificate Reprint (international): R660
- Certificate Resend Fee (domestic): R220
- Certificate Resend Fee (international): R580
- Results Transcript (Print & Send): R180
Annual Student Registration Fee – R500
This is a once-a-year fee to register as an ICB student. It lets you access your course and take exams. You need to pay this before you start studying.
Assessment Fee for Digital PoE – R915
You pay this fee for each subject. It covers your Portfolio of Evidence (PoE) and your final exam. The PoE helps you show what you’ve learned.
Assessment Postponement Fee – R375
If something comes up and you can’t write your exam on the set date, you can move it. You’ll pay this fee to change the date. It lets you stay on track without losing your chance.
Late Entry Fee – R585
Missed the exam deadline? You can still enter, but you’ll need to pay this extra fee. Try to register early to avoid it.
Assessment Re-mark & Examiner’s Report – R1 350
If you think your exam was marked wrong, you can ask for a re-mark. You’ll also get feedback from the examiner. This helps you understand where you went wrong.
Private Invigilator Admin Fee – R2 200
If you can’t go to a normal exam centre, you can write with a private invigilator. This needs approval, and there is an extra fee. It helps cover the special setup needed.
Workplace PoE Assessments – R1 800
Some courses include work-based tasks. You’ll do activities at your job and send in proof. This fee covers the cost of checking that work.
RPL/Exemption Application Fee – R600
RPL means Recognition of Prior Learning. If you’ve already learned a subject before, you can apply to skip it. This fee is for checking your application.
RPL/Exemption Fee per Subject (No PoE Required) – R475
If your RPL application is approved and you don’t need to submit a PoE, you’ll pay this fee. You won’t have to write the exam. It saves you time and effort.
RPL PoE Fee per Subject (PoE Required) – R1 050
If ICB says you still need to do a PoE, this is the fee you pay. It lets them check that you understand the subject. This way, you can still get credit for what you know.
ICB Programme Certificate Reprint (Domestic) – R440
Lost your certificate? You can get a new one sent to you in South Africa. This fee covers the printing and postage.
FASSET Certificate Reprint (Domestic) – R440
This is for certificates given by FASSET. If you need a reprint, you can get one delivered locally. It’s the same price as the ICB reprint.
ICB Programme Certificate Reprint (International) – R660
If you live outside South Africa, this fee lets you get your ICB certificate posted overseas. It costs more because of the courier service. It’s great for international students.
FASSET Certificate Reprint (International) – R660
This is for FASSET certificates sent outside South Africa. The fee covers the higher cost of delivery. It’s useful if you’re living or working abroad.
Certificate Resend Fee – Domestic – R220
If your certificate didn’t reach you or got lost, you can ask for it to be sent again. This is the fee for delivery in South Africa. It makes sure your document gets to you safely.
Certificate Resend Fee – International – R580
If you’re overseas and need your certificate resent, this is the fee. It covers international shipping. You’ll get your certificate, even if something went wrong the first time.
Results Transcript (Print & Send) – R180
Want a copy of your results? You can ask for a printed version to be sent to you. This helps when applying for jobs or further studies.
ICB Registration.
When you decide to study an ICB credentials, you have to keep in mind a variety of things that kind part of your ICB Registration, being:
- Annual ICB Student Registration
- Registration with a home study college
- ICB Examination Registration
ICB Exams.
The ICB uses 5 examination sessions to home study students in 2025. You should make sure you understand the exam costs. And it is critical crucial that you sign up for your examination, 3 months before you prepare to write the examination.
You can not come to the examination centre and expect a seat and an exam paper if you have actually not registered for that exam.
ICB Bookkeeping Courses Distance Learning in Namibia.
You can likewise study with Skills Academy through distance learning if you live in Namibia. There are some extra costs for the extra couriering. You will discover two examination centres in Namibia, so you do not need to travel to South Africa to compose your examinations.
As qualifications completely identified by the South African Qualifications Authority, these qualifications must likewise be identified by the Namibia Qualifications Authority. Although there is a contract whereby SADEC nations recognised each other’s qualifications, we advise that you inspect the status of a certification prior to you sign up.
| bookkeeping courses in johannesburg
Last Updated: 20 December 2021
Frequently Asked Questions
An ICB Diploma in Accounting is on NQF Level 6. This level shows that the course is recognised as a national qualification in South Africa. You can get this diploma after completing your ICB studies in financial accounting.
The salary of a Financial Accountant can be very good. While it depends on experience, location, and company, skilled accountants are always in demand. As you gain more skills and qualifications like the ICB Diploma, you can earn even more.
You can start learning the basics of accounting in 3 months, but it takes longer to get fully qualified. Most ICB courses last between 12 and 36 months, depending on the level. A full qualification needs time and effort to complete all the subjects and exams.
Financial Accounting is one of the most in-demand areas. This includes working with taxes, business finances, and financial statements. Jobs like bookkeepers, accountants, and tax professionals are needed in almost every business.
Bookkeeping can be busy, but with the right training, it becomes easier to manage. Learning how to use accounting tools and software helps reduce stress. If you enjoy working with numbers and being organised, bookkeeping can be a great job.
Yes, a bookkeeping certificate is worth it—especially if you want a fast, practical way to enter the finance or business field. It equips you with essential, job-ready skills that are always in demand, and it’s a solid first step toward a career in accounting, finance, or office administration.
With a recognised certificate (like from ICB), you can:
- Start working in entry-level finance roles
- Offer freelance bookkeeping services
- Progress to higher qualifications like a diploma or accounting degree
It’s affordable, flexible, and leads to real career opportunities.
The best bookkeeping course depends on your goals and current qualifications, but one of the most recommended options in South Africa is the ICB Bookkeeping Programme. It’s nationally accredited, practical, and ideal for both beginners and those looking to grow in the finance field.
Here’s a breakdown of top choices:
- ICB National Certificate: Bookkeeping (NQF Level 3) – Best for beginners, no Matric needed.
- ICB FET Certificate: Bookkeeping (NQF Level 4) – Builds on the basics, prepares you for more complex roles.
- NATED Financial Management N4–N6 – A good option if you have Matric and want to combine theory with work experience.
- Short Skills-Based Bookkeeping Courses – Ideal for quick upskilling or starting freelance work.
For flexibility and accreditation, the ICB route through colleges like Bellview, Matric College, or Skills Academy is highly recommended.
No, bookkeeping isn’t hard for beginners—especially if you’re organised and comfortable with basic numbers. It involves learning how to record financial transactions, manage invoices, and balance accounts. The concepts are straightforward, and with the right course and support, most students find it manageable.
Start with a beginner-friendly course like the ICB National Certificate: Bookkeeping, which is designed for people with no prior experience
