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Membership by Exemption
If a bookkeeper wishes to join the Institute in membership using 'Accredited Prior Learning', they are welcome to apply for exemptions from our examinations and obtain membership using this method.
There are two instances where exemptions are awarded:
- the applicant has bookkeeping qualifications dated within the last two years and corresponding to the ICB syllabus
- the applicant has been working as a bookkeeper for at least the last two years
Please note that this is not a 'fast track' route into membership and the exemption process can take three months. If your practice requires supervision under the Money Laundering Regulations during the application process, please let us know.
All applicants applying for exemptions are required to complete the Membership Entrance paper covering bookkeeping at Levels I to III. The paper is forwarded to applicants to complete at home in relative leisure over a period of two weeks.
Exemptions using qualifications
The Institute recognises qualifications awarded by other institutes, examination boards, and awarding bodies that adhere to strict standards and that comply with the Institute's Code of Conduct.
If applying solely on the basis of qualifications, please bear in mind your certificates must be dated within the last two years. Qualifications awarded by other awarding bodies are accepted only where they correspond to the Institute's syllabus.
Please ensure you forward copies (not originals) of qualification certificates - we will not be able to grant exemptions based on results slips.
Please note that the Institute is unable to advise by telephone, email, or letter whether exemptions will be granted. You will be required to make a formal application for exemption, and the decision will be made by the Admissions Panel based on your application as a whole.
Exemptions using work experience
Exemptions may be granted to those who have been working as a bookkeeper for a minimum of the last two consecutive years. You should provide the names, telephone numbers and postal addresses for two chartered accountants who are familiar with work you have been completing for at least the last two years.
The referees would need to have worked with you in a professional capacity and cannot be relatives, or be in a personal relationship with you. The Institute will send a detailed specification to each referee asking them confirm which areas of the syllabus they have working knowledge of your competency.
Referees are required to sign the specification and confirm their own qualification which will be verified with the relevant institute before the reference is processed.
Making Your Application
If applying for membership by exemption, please submit the following by postal mail or email:
- Application Form - to be downloaded here
- £45.00 non-refundable Application Fee (cheques to be made payable to 'ICB')
- An up-to-date CV or cover letter detailing work experience and study to date
- Copies of relevant qualification certificates
- Full contact details for two referees
- Copy of passport and/or driving licence
- Details of your company and any staff members, and the services you are/will be offering if applicable
- Details of your MLR Supervision if applicable
Once you have applied with the correct documentation, your referees have responded where applicable, and you have passed the Membership Entrance Paper, your application will be submitted to the Admissions Panel for consideration.
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