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ICB career path but which trainer?

  • 103 posts
  • # 92294

Hi everyone,
I've recently been in touch with several training companies with regard to studying the complete ICB career path (levels 1, then 2 and 3 manual and computer) but as much as I read about each companies results and past customers reviews I am still not sure who to train with.
I have been a very thrifty chap all my life and see no point in spending more than I should on a distance learning course if I am to be studying almost completely alone. I have several minor accounting certificates already, including basic bookkeeping, final accounts and sage line 50 aquired through Pitman Training, so I have no doubts about being able to work mostly alone, even though almost every trainer so far has what appears to be good support facilities and tutor access.
I have finally settled on two training companies, Kaplan and Open Study College. I approached Kaplan since they are recognised by ICB and provide the ICB books. The levels 1 and 2 then level 2 computer (AICB) with Kaplan is just £450, which includes the first years registration and I get Sage software included. I am also considering Open Study College who have recently agreed to match Kaplans price for the the AICB. The inlcuded support and software is almost identical, so I am now looking for something other than the flip of a coin to split them.
Would anyone who has experience of either trainer please be kind enough to give me their opinions?  Or indeed, any other trainer you would recommend. I am sat ready to enroll right now.

Thanks for reading this rather long winded request.

Edited at 16 Jul 2013 07:09 PM GMT

  • Member
  • Practice Licence
  • 22 posts
  • # 92295

Hi, I used Kaplan and am quite happy with them, ICB uses Kaplan books for studies, and the software is Sage instant accounts.

  • Fellow PM.Dip
  • Practice Licence
  • 42 posts
  • # 92302

Hi Martyn,

I enrolled with Ideal Schools for their full ICB Career Path course and I cannot rate them highly enough.  I have not been disappointed with the material or the help provided.  You need this back up support from your Tutor as working alone is very lonely without assistance.

So give Brian and the Ideal Schools team a call and I'm sure that you will be surprised at what they can provide for you.

Good luck with your studies.    

  • Member PM.Dip
  • Practice Licence
  • 742 posts
  • # 92303

I used Premier training and found them excellent, but judging by some of the posts on here, I think Ideal schools would be great too, tutors from both regularly contribute on here which i think says a lot about any company. I was a bit disappointed with the payroll course, as I booked it just as a package without an exam, and felt I could have got it cheaper thought Sage, but having said that, I used it to pass the Diploma in Payroll management so was a lot cheaper than the proper course, and I had full software, not a training version. I would recommend the staff at Premier training, very highly. Hope that helps.

Very best wishes

Lainy xxx 

  • Member PM.Dip
  • Practice Licence
  • 742 posts
  • # 92304

I used Premier training and found them excellent, but judging by some of the posts on here, I think Ideal schools would be great too, tutors from both regularly contribute on here which i think says a lot about any company. I was a bit disappointed with the payroll course, as I booked it just as a package without an exam, and felt I could have got it cheaper thought Sage, but having said that, I used it to pass the Diploma in Payroll management so was a lot cheaper than the proper course, and I had full software, not a training version. I would recommend the staff at Premier training, very highly. Hope that helps.

Very best wishes

Lainy xxx 

  • 103 posts
  • # 92359

Thank you Adam and Lainy for your replies.
 After reading several other very good reviews I did in fact get in touch with Brian at Ideal Schools and was absolutely bowled over at how good the deal for the complete career path was, so much so that I am now eagerly awaiting my Ideal Schools study materials.
I was so impressed by Ideal Schools and Brian that I ended up buying levels 1, 2 and 3 manual, level 2 and 3 comp, Self assessment, pay roll and small business financial control (added as a free bonus - see the website).
If the help and support on the course is as good as the pricing and assistance beforehand I am sure to enjoy my studies.

Fired up and ready to go.

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