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Membership by Examination
The examination syllabus covers both manual and computerised bookkeeping and assesses competence in carrying out the work of a bookkeeper.
The core bookkeeping qualifications are awarded at three levels: Level I covers double-entry bookkeeping to trial balance, Level II covers the preparation of final accounts for a sole trader, and Level III covers drafting final accounts for Limited Companies and the preparation of accounts for a wider range of businesses.
In addition to the core bookkeeping qualifications, the Institute awards qualifications in Payroll Management, Small Business Financial Control, the Completion of Self Assessment Tax Returns and, most recently, a Level IV qualification for more senior bookkeepers covering Management Accounting, Drafting Financial Statements and both Personal and Business Taxation.
The detailed syllabus can be found on the Syllabuses page.
You must register as a Student before you can book in for any examinations. Once you have passed the Level I and Level II examinations you will be eligible for Associate Membership. Once you have passed the Level I, II and III examinations you will be eligible for full Membership with the designation Certified Bookkeeper.
If you are an experienced bookkeeper and are seeking or need a formal qualification, you may apply to sit the examination without any formal training. Please note however, that the examinations must be taken in 'level order'.
Examination Dates
There are no set examination dates and all examinations are available on-demand throughout the year.
Examination Centres
The Level II Certificate and Level III Diploma in Manual Bookkeeping are completed in examination centres, and all other examinations are completed at home.
There are 5,200 examination centres available around the world for candidates to choose from. Eligible candidates can book their own examination sitting for a date and time convenient to them and according to availability at their nominated centre. There are no booking deadlines but cancellation fees may apply.
Which Examinations?
For information on booking examinations, and which examinations are required for membership click here
What Type of Study?
There are a number of different ways in which you can study towards the Institute's examinations:
At a college: Most local colleges offer courses in bookkeeping. This will probably be the lowest cost way to study but remember that you may have to commit yourself to attending a college for at least one whole academic year. Check that the course you are considering covers the Institute's syllabus. Some colleges will pay your student registration and examination fees for you.
By distance learning: With a distance learning course you will purchase course instruction books which you will work through at home. You will normally have access to a personal tutor by telephone or email. It is likely that this type of course will be more expensive because they are run by private companies and are therefore not government subsidised. However, distance learning courses, or correspondence courses, offer maximum flexibility and should be considered by anyone who does not wish, or is unable, to commit to attending college every week. Most ICB bookkeeping students study by distance learning.
By open learning: This type of study is a combination of college study and distance learning. You will normally study at a centre but there will be additional homework that will form part of the course. With some course providers you will attend the college only at the beginning and end of the course whilst with others you will attend more regularly as you complete the course.
Private college: A number of private colleges offer short courses in bookkeeping. These can be anything from a few weeks to several months in duration. These can be expensive because you may be studying in a small group or possibly even on a one-to-one basis. However, for anyone needing to qualify quickly, this could be the best option.
Where to Study?
The Institute accredits a wide range of training providers, a complete list of which can be found 'here'. If you are considering training with an organisation that is not listed, or should you require additional information or clarification please call the Institute on 0845 060 2345.
Register as a Student
Any person wishing to take the Institute's examinations must be a Registered Student with the Institute. This will normally take place on commencement of a course of study, or candidates can register directly with the Institute using the online registration form here.
"I'm amazed to read such wonderfully helpful and supportive posts on the forum and can clearly see that the ICB will be a useful tool in the future."
Mrs Gina Westwell ICB Student
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