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I am interested to in joining the ICB for the following reason.
I want to gain bookkeeping knowledge in order to be able to work for someone as a bookkeeper. I'm not interested in being self-employed and have come across the idea that the ICB is more for self-employed individuals - is this true? Another one of my queries is that having done a search for bookkeeping jobs, all require some form of experience which I won't have even after course completion so how credible is it if I complete the following (Level I Certificate in Basic Bookkeeping, Level II Certificate in Manual Bookkeeping, Level II Certificate in Computerised Bookkeeping) and then try to apply for bookkeeping jobs?
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To try and take each bit in order....
ICB qualifications will mean you are qualified to become a salaried bookkeeper - self employment is not for all! There are specific sections of the forum for self employed licence holders and for those in full time employment. Once you have that coverted practice licence (having the licence does not mean you have to be self employed) there is a section on the main site within the members section which contains adverts for work - there are as many full time posts as part-time.
Experience, that is the sticky catch point! You need to look at everything you have done to date - from as simple as running your household to a budget, being an AVON lady (loads of bookkeeping there), being treasurer of something - maybe the school PTA? Everything - and sort of... twist it. Not lying - never, ever lie! But describing what you have done in a favourable light.
So - "I've been a housewife for the last 15 years" becomes "I have spent the last 15 years calculating and maintaing the household budget, planing for future expenditure (the new hall carpet) and allowing for expected expenses (the kids pocket money)" If you think about it for a moment both statements do say the same thing! Just one sounds better if you are looking for work :)
Above all - be positive! Don't tell yourself this is hard - accept the work of gaining the qualifications as a necassary step and the process of job hunting as an experience in interview technique and letter writing.
Best of luck.
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Hello.
Sorry for jumping in the topic.
I would like to ask if the ICB offers practical support for their memebers.
I only have 4 months of experience in bookeeping and I want to ask if can start my own practice based on the support I get along the way from ICB. Is there a telephone line to call and ask questions or an email ?
Many thanks,
Adrian
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Hi Adrian,
There is a help line number members get where we can phone in and ask questions so I would say yes, there is a practical support element available. Equally one can email in, response time is good - I got an in depth answer in around 24hrs from an email.
You would need to phone the ICB about membership via exemption - your AAT exams should count for some, if not all, of what is needed.
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Thank you very much Theresa,
This is very good news for me.
Have a lovely day :)
Adrian
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Hi, I am new to the forum and I am also considering joining ICB. I currently hold an HND in Accounting and Finance which I gained 6 years ago. I am looking to do the complete course to enable me to become self-employed but also as a refresher course. I have look at two course providers but can not seem to decided between the two. I initially looked at Training Link and this appealed because if I am correct all exams can be submitted online? I also looked at Ideal Schools but could anyone clarify if exaare with this provider can be submitted online and are the exam papers included in the course price?
sorry to have rambled on a bit but any help would be much lay appreciated.
Laura
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- Companion
- Accredited Training Provider IS
- 435 posts
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Hi Laura,
Our course fees include assignment marking (submitted via email), past papers and online practice papers where relevant. As with most colleges exam fees are not included and these would be payable at the time applying for each exam, direct to ICB. Exam fees can be found at the following link: http://www.bookkeepers.org.uk/Membership/Fee%20Structure
Good Luck with whichever study route you take; with your previous knowledge you should move through your qualifications very quickly.
Kind regards
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Hi Brian,
Thank you for your reply. Just about to sign up for the ICB950 course but was just hoping you could confirm for me that if I pay for the course monthly does this mean I can still finish the course sooner than the 15 months which the payment plan runs for?
Many Thanks
Laura
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- Companion
- Accredited Training Provider IS
- 435 posts
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A pleasure, Laura.
Our T&C's state that pace ofstudy and payments are not connected and you will be able to complete the course as quickly as you are able. The record so far is 4 months......gives you a target 
Kind regards
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Hi Brian,
Thank you again for the quick response. I am now signed up for the course and I am really looking forward to getting started. I aint sure i can complete in 4 months but will give it my beat shot lol!! Do you know how long I will wait for the materials to arrive?
Thank you again for answering all my questions.
Many Thanks
Laura
Edited at 04 Aug 2013 12:05 PM GMT
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- Companion
- Accredited Training Provider TL
- 115 posts
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Brian
Not sure if you have answered Laura's question correctly here and it might be missleading to readers.
The exams are not provided by the training provider, they are provided by the ICB. There is a mixture of Online home based and Pearson Vue centre based exams where you get an instant result plus assignment style exams that have to be submitted to the ICB for marking.The results for these can take a number of days to come through as they are manually marked.
I think you might confuse people by stating what you do in relation to mock exams of which you clearly stated here only last week: http://my.bookkeepers.org.uk/Forum.aspx?type=&cid=0&tid=86680&lp=0&page=1&sort= that you only provide one past paper and one online for the Level 2 Manual course . Have you now changed this policy as your coment " past papers and online practice papers where relevant" The plural reference suggests this and where relevent is unclear.
Perhaps it might be clearer if you list exactly what a student will get with each course you provide as we know that some courses do not have online mock exams and some do. I'm sure it wont be seen as advertising or plugging because you have been doing this sort of thing on the forum for years and nothing has been said or done about it yet.
BR
Gary
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- Companion
- Accredited Training Provider IS
- 435 posts
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Gary,
From some of the phrasing within Laura's question I took it that she was asking re the submission of assignments, rather than the exams. Laura later thanked me for the information and did not ask for further clarification, which would suggest I took the correct line when answering.
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If it is any consolation Brian, I read and re-read this thread and can not see where there is any confusion in what you said.
Garys additions do however leave no doubt as to who is responsible for what. 
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- Companion Fellow PM.Dip
- Practice Licence
- 1137 posts
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Moderator.
Can I ask both Gary and Brian to contact the ICB in the morning. Gary you clearly feel there is an issue in relation to advertising here. I do not know all the details. I do however ask as a moderator that this is dealt with off the forum and if you could both speak to either James or Gary Carter to resolve this issue.
It will be the ICB office in London that will decide if there is a breach of advertising.
As a moderator I am trying to be fair to both parties.
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- Companion
- Accredited Training Provider IS
- 435 posts
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Hi Laura,
Sorry, I missed your previous question. Your study materials wil be scheduled for dispatch on Tuesday for you to receive on Wednesday. I hope that's ok.
Hi Martyn,
Thank you for your comments, much appreciated.
Hi Sarah,
Your intervention is most welcome. I had planned on contacting ICB tomorrow anyway.
Regards to all
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Keenan81said:
“Hi Brian,
Thank you again for the quick response. I am now signed up for the course and I am really looking forward to getting started. I aint sure i can complete in 4 months but will give it my beat shot lol!! Do you know how long I will wait for the materials to arrive?
Thank you again for answering all my questions.
Many Thanks
Laura
Edited at 04 Aug 2013 12:05 PM GMT”
Hi Laura,
My names Simon, i'm a complete newbie to this site and im interested in the ICB (and the IAB) still a bit undecided which is best for me to be honest  .. if i do go for the ICB i will do it via Ideal Schools becuase the whole package offer really interests me... ive recently passed my AAT level 2 (june 2013) and due to certain circumstances i will be covering a bookkeeping course asap!
I hope you dont mind the message but im curious to hear how you're finding the course so far..
Have a good day.
Simon.
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sirow24said:
Hi Laura,
My names Simon, i'm a complete newbie to this site and im interested in the ICB (and the IAB) still a bit undecided which is best for me to be honest .. if i do go for the ICB i will do it via Ideal Schools becuase the whole package offer really interests me... ive recently passed my AAT level 2 (june 2013) and due to certain circumstances i will be covering a bookkeeping course asap!
I hope you dont mind the message but im curious to hear how you're finding the course so far..
Have a good day.
Simon.
”
Hi Simon,
I can offer some input here.
I recently began the career path with Ideal Schools and even though it is just a few weeks I am very happy. The course content is clear and concise, I have no problems understanding and implementing it (I even got 100% on my first assignment and this is a complete career change for me).
I am off on holiday in a couple of weeks and wanted to continue my studies while there but did not want to take my hard copy materials. I sent an email to Ideal Schools on Saturday and first thing Monday morning Shiela had sent me a PDF version of the course attached to her reply. Suffice to say, I am very impressed.
Hope that helps and I wish you the very best of luck in whatever you decide to do.
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Hi Simon,
I chose ICB with Ideal Schools as the complete course appealed to me. I have previously stuided an HND in accounting and finance although I did this a good number of years back.
I received the course materials within a few days and having only had them for 2 weeks I am one assignment away from completing the level 1 manual bookkeeping. I have found the course materials very easy to follow. The tutors ( especially Brian) have been quick in answering any queries I have had. They have also mark my assignment and have given me feedback in a speedy manner. So all in all I am really enjoying the course and would highly recommend Ideal Schools if you choose to go down the route of ICB.
If you have anymore questions do not hesitate to get back in touch and I hope this helps you in making your decision. I would like to wish you all the best with your future studies.
Laura
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Hi Laura, thanks for the response, and apologies for the late one :) I have just signed up for the Career path option just waiting for the materials now.. I'm hoping in a slight naive way to sail through levels 1 & 2 because i have only just finished the AAT level 2 and pretty much all of it i covered in that.. but i'm looking forward to starting the course :)
I have had a bit of luck i'd say becuase im currently shadowing a bookkeeper/Accountant who's retiring soon and im hoping to take over from him (his client list is 150+) which would be a lot of work but call me mad but im looking forward to it :) Im pretty sure ill annoy you over time with questions but ill do my best. :)
Hope you're well Laura
Kind regards
Simon.
@Martyn... Thanks for your response.. Ideal Schools did seem the best way to go for me.. they've been really helpful with my queries etc.. thanks for the pressure already.. 100% !! well done :) I hope to follow in your steps.
Hope you're getting on ok with your course
Kind Regards
Simon
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Best of luck Simon, I am sure you will do well. If you get stuck or have questions there are lots of helpful people here as well as at Ideal Schools.
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Hi Simon
Glad to hear you have made your decision. I have just completed the mock assessment for level 1(gaining 100%). I am going back to scotland for a week now so I am waiting till I get back before booking my exam. I am sure you will breeze through the first and second levels in no time!! Wish you the best of luck with your studies and look forward to hearing of your progress.
Laura
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Hi Laura, How are you? Its been a while since i was on here! Just wondering how your studies are going? I'm pressing through them now, got my level 1,2 and level 2 computerised one (Just got the result today) so i plan on upgrading status and moving on through Level 3 and beyond!
I hope you're well and look forward to hearing off you soon.
Simon
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Hi Simon
How are you? I am glad to hear your studies are going well!! Very well done to you on passing your level 2.
I am well. Not doing as good as you with the studies unfortunately. I keep putting off sitting my level 2 manual as I get really nervous under exam conditions and I am unsure what to expect. I have 2 more assignments in the level 2 computerised to do but I have really struggled with this part of the course and I even thought about giving up at one point.
I wish you all the luck with the rest of your studies although it doesnt sound like you need it.
Laura
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Hi Laura, thanks for the reply,
I'm doing very well thanks, started my level III today! 1st assignment is going ok although i'm convinced there's a part in the 1st assignment that has'nt been covered yet they still pose the question... (Assignment 1 Question 3) but on the whole its all good :)
I'm sorry to hear about the struggles, the level two exam is'nt as tough as you'd expect... After so many years of not being in a 'test' enviroment and at (8am one cold morning) i had my test...as long as you remember to breathe you'll be fine.. Promise :)
I'm a bit of a Computer 'nerd' so i really enjoyed the computerised side of things...which part are you stuck on?? I'm more than happy to lend some help if you need it... Plus.. If you're studying with Ideal Schools ask Leisa about any discrepancies you have.. she's a superb teacher with bags of patience... trust me, i tested that at a few points! lol
Don't give up on anything.. stick with it and you'll be fine!
Kind Regards
Simon :)
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- Companion
- Accredited Training Provider IS
- 435 posts
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sirow24 said:
“
Hi Laura, thanks for the reply,
I'm doing very well thanks, started my level III today! 1st assignment is going ok although i'm convinced there's a part in the 1st assignment that has'nt been covered yet they still pose the question... (Assignment 1 Question 3) but on the whole its all good :) Hi Simon, That control account question is a beauty, but control accounts were covered in LII. Some info is left out but use the control account to calculate the missing figures. Any questions drop us an email. You'll be well tested in LIII to ensure you are ready for the exam.
I'm sorry to hear about the struggles, the level two exam is'nt as tough as you'd expect... After so many years of not being in a 'test' enviroment and at (8am one cold morning) i had my test...as long as you remember to breathe you'll be fine.. Promise :) Couldn't agree more.
I'm a bit of a Computer 'nerd' so i really enjoyed the computerised side of things...which part are you stuck on?? I'm more than happy to lend some help if you need it... Plus.. If you're studying with Ideal Schools ask Leisa about any discrepancies you have.. she's a superb teacher with bags of patience... trust me, i tested that at a few points! lol Again, couldn't agree more
Don't give up on anything.. stick with it and you'll be fine!
Kind Regards
Simon :)
”
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Hi Simon
Thank you for the reply. I have managed to get through assignment 7 with 98% pass. I am hoping now that I am back on track with the computerised part lol. Thanks for the offer of help and I will keep that in mind if I start to struggle again. I am studying with Ideal Schools and have to agree Leisa and Brian have been great. I have finally booked the Level 2 manual but unfortunately it aint for 4 weeks but gives me time to study for it. 
Hope your Level 3 studies are going well. I recieved my folder on friday but havent opened it yet as I think I will concentrate on the other before starting it.
Laura
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Hi Laura, Hope you're well.. congratulations on the latest assignment :) It's nice to hear that you're studying with Ideal schools, I agree Jo, Brian and Leisa are awesome tutors (Dont let that go to your head Brian) :)
Im glad you've booked your level 2.. it'll go well im sure of it - study little and often was my trick .. keep me informed of your progress, if i can be of any assistance i'll be glad to help.
My Level 3 is underway.. I 'Think' I've finished the first 3 assignments so far, the 4th is annoying me but i'll defeat it eventually :)
Anyways, I hope the Computerised one is going well, it'll be nice to hear your success in the exam
Kind regards
Simon
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Hi Simon
Thanks for the reply. I contacted ICB on the advice of Leisa and was allowed to sit the Level 2 Computerised as the first appointment I could get for the Manual was 4 weeks away. I submitted the exam on Monday, now its the anxious wait for the results!! How long did it take for you to get your marks back?
I am glad Level 3 is going well for you. Sounds like you will be sitting the exam soon.
Laura
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Hi Laura, Nice to see that you've taken it.. when i did mine it took them about 3 days to get back to me with the results, so i think that you should hear something by today/tomo or fri... Ill keep my fingers crossed for you.. (even though you wont need it)
I've parked level 3 for the time being as i want to get started on the level III self assessment course as it will benefit me in my current position.
Keep me posted on your results.. hopefully you wont have to wait too long
Kind regards
Simon Lewis AICB.Cb.Cert
Lol.... never in a million years would i expect to have letters after my name!! its outrageous !! :)
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