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Hi All
I have just joined your forum - looking to do the ICB Associate level as a change in career.
I wanted to ask your advice on which distance learning company to use? Would anyone be able to recommend one to me? They seem to differ hugely in price for as far as I can tell the same course? Some seem to include exams and others not.
Any advice would be really appreciated,
Thanks
Emma
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- Companion
- Accredited Training Provider IS
- 435 posts
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Hi Emma,
This is a common question, but one in which only by emailing or speaking to the providers directly can you get a feel for what you would most benefit from.
You have obviously done a bit of homework and if you have not yet picked up the phone to a provider, then I would advise that you do so. There are also many, many students within the forum that would be happy to share their own experiences, I'm sure. Some charge less, but offer little by way of assignment marking and tutorial support. Others provide an extensive program to ensure that you are as fully prepared as you possible can be.
I am certain that by speaking to any college that you'll get the feeling that they are the one for you. I wish you well in your search and hope that you can go on to be successful in your exams.
Good luck!!
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Hi Emma,
I would be delighted to recommend Ideal schools. Their material is really thorough and certainly gets you ready for the exams.
Having gained 100 % on both Level 2 exams and 99 % on both level 3 Bookkeeping exams, I am certainly happy with how they prepared me for them.
I enrolled on the career path with Ideal schools which covers level 1, level 2 and all level 3 (including payroll and self assessment). If memory serves me right I believe thay offer a course with or without the exam fees included, but don't quote me on this. (EDIT) They do have other individual options, not just the path that I chose!
Perhaps you should give them a call and see if they can tailor to your requirements.
Good luck with your studies.
Kind regards,
Kerry
Edited at 06 Dec 2011 08:51 AM GMT
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I can't advise you who to use, but I can advise who not to use... Home Learning College. THe courses are expensive, the support is poor, and the course advisors are pushy sales folk.
Kris
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- Companion
- Accredited Training Provider TL
- 115 posts
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Hi Emma
Brian is correct in saying you should shop around as there is a general view that a course is a course and it should be the same. All colleges have to provide their own course material and support services and this is where there are some differences. Some are little more than a book with a bit of part time support.
The best way to decide is check what each training provider can offer you in terms of material, response times and level of tutor and general support. For price comparisons most include student membership and some include exam fees. Dont be afraid to arm yourself with a list of questions and make a decision based on which package best suits your needs.
Good luck with everything and maybe we will see you at next years conference as a qualified bookkeeper.
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> Hi Emma
I cannot comment as I have not used any of the course providers.
I would point out that Kaplan won training provider of the year and Angie from Training link won tutor of the year at the ICB awards last month. These awards were voted for by the membership so that might be a good place to start.
Kind regards
Stuart
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Hi Emma
I can only speak for myself but highly recommend you call Training Link. I enrolled for the full MICB qualification and have not looked back! Their customer care, course materials and tutor support, in my opinion, are faultless. I achieved distinctions in almost all the exams and am now in the process of furthering my bookkeeping studies with them (at the same time as running my own practice).
The course materials are extremely well written and presented; they have a fast-track study option which means you can do the course and exams at your own pace and, should you run into any problems, tutor support is excellent.
As for exam fees, I'm not sure these were included in the cost but this is a good question to ask all providers you may contact.
The best advice I can give is to phone the providers you have on your shortlist and see how you feel when speaking with them. Don't be afraid to ask any question that comes to mind - I had hundreds of questions and TL answered them all without batting an eyelid which is why I opted to train with them.
Good luck in your search
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Hi emma,
I have to agree with infinate - I am currently studying with training link, the course is very well presented and easy to work through at your own pace, my personal tutor is Stephen Capeling - I have never had to wait longer than a few hours for a reply to any query or for an assignment to be marked - the support given really is fantastic, I would highly reccomend them.
Steve
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Thanks everyone thats been really helpful. I spoke to the Home Learning College yesterday which prompted my post really as their courses seem extremely expensive in comparason to others. I have spoken to Kaplan and Training Link today so just trying to make a decision and get started asap.
Thanks again
Emma
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Hi Emma
I appreciate your dilema in trying to choose the right school that will suit you. It is good that you are seeking advice.
The distance learning schools listed on the ICB website are all top of the range schools. In fact students who study by distance learning, as opposed to attending a classroom setting, the ICB find that the exams results are in most cases always higher from distance learning schools than classroom teaching. Testimony to the virtues of distance learning over face-to-face learning.
What I would recommend is that you contact various schools and try and get a feel for each one. Look for the one that you feel most comfortable with. You can even ask to speak with a tutor and request a sample lesson - this can be very helpful. Price is not an indicator of quality or support in this instance.
The hallmark of any good distance learning institution is the level of support offered by the administration and tutor. Support will no doubt vary from school to school. This is an important factor to look for. Also, the tutors experience and qualifications need consideration as well. Whatever school you choose from the ICB list - you won't be dissappointed.
Good luck with your search.
Daryl Tempest-Mogg
Career Advisor
ADL - Academy for Distance Learning
www.adlhomestudy.co.uk
Info@adlhomestudy.co.uk
Tel: 01227 789 649
Tel: 01227 789 649
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- Member PM.Dip
- Practice Licence
- 115 posts
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Cakeysaid:
“Hi emma,
I have to agree with infinate - I am currently studying with training link, the course is very well presented and easy to work through at your own pace, my personal tutor is Stephen Capeling - I have never had to wait longer than a few hours for a reply to any query or for an assignment to be marked - the support given really is fantastic, I would highly reccomend them.
Steve”
I totally agree with Infinate and Steve, I never had to wait more than a couple of hours either at weekends or at night!
Course materials are very good as is the support.
Good luck
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- Fellow PM.Dip
- Practice Licence
- 7 posts
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Hi Emma
I would recommend Ideal Schools. Their level of support is second to none. Particularly grateful to Brian for his expert advice.
All the best with your studies.
Helen McCartney-Smith
HMS Bookkeeping Services
www.hmsbookkeepingservices.co.uk
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