MARCH 2012 UPDATE: ICB Level IV qualifications have been released for the first two modules:
Drafting Financial Statements and Management Accounting
These examinations can be booked via telephone or website shop. The entry requirement is ICB bookkeeping qualifications to Level III.
ICB has released practice mock papers for the first two modules, Drafting Financial Statements and Management Accounting. These are available for you to purchase for £10.00 each in the online shop, which also sells textbooks for all four modules of the Level IV qualification.
The syllabus is based upon the latest National Standards in Accounting at Level IV that were designed by the Financial Sector Partnership (FSP), formerly the Financial Sector Skills Council (FSSC). The standards become effective on 1st July 2011.
ICB Director of Education, Philip Dunn, worked alongside consultants on behalf of the FSSC in the spring of 2009.
The ICB's strategy is to test the knowledge and skills required in the work place and these are reflected in the units designed by the FSP and the ICB syllabus which is based on such.
Each of the four modules will be assessed in the form of an online, home-based case study. The online testing platform has been developed by ICB IT Director, James Carter, and has been used to deliver Level I examinations and mock simulations since April 2010.
The ICB recommends at least 60 hours of directed reading for each module, consolidated with self-testing using test questions like those provided in the ICB's Level IV textbooks. Some experienced members may already have the knowledge and skills required to be competent at this level.
Each module will be certificated and the Diploma will be awarded if all modules are completed within two years.
The Level IV, described by one education professional recently as 'the missing link that will propel the profession into the major league' is based on the Financial Services Skills Council (FSSC) Occupational Standards. The Institute was called upon to contribute to the standards during development stage in 2009. The Level IV qualification comprises four stand-alone modules which will be assessed individually.