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• # 72633
• Tue 28 Jun 2011 07:25 PM

Hello James,
You are very popular here :)

I have passed both Level II Certificate in Computerised & Manual Bookkeeping and I am currently waiting for my results for Level III Diploma in Computerised Bookkeeping.
Is it compulsory to have both Level III exams - Computerised and Manual as well or is this applicable only for Level II regarding the new system that's starting in September ?

I'm asking this question because the Syllabuses separate Level II Cert. in Manual and Level II Cert. in Computerised but Level III Diploma in Bookkeeping is quoted as one (gives option - one 'or' the other when you open it) therefore it is not obvious if they are meant as individual exams that must be both taken or if there is the option to take one or the other only - sorry, I hope my point is clear - just look at the list of the syllabuses and you'll see what I mean.

The reason for my concern is, that if both Levels III are compulsory to fulfil the new system, and Diploma in Manual Bookkeeping is available only as Centre-Based Exam, there is NO WAY I can take this exam as I cannot attend a Centre. I have a baby and there is no-one who could look after him while I'm taking an exam.
Would you please provide your professional advice.
Thank you very much.
Olga

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  Abacus, Olga Swain AICB CB. Cert
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• # 72657
• Wed 29 Jun 2011 12:24 PM

Thank you James.
So I could wait couple of years until my baby goes to pre-school? I thought the deadline was September?
My current level will not expire (as long as I pay my fee) and if I pass level 3 Computerised (the one I am awaiting result for) I will still be able to perform the Balance Sheets and Profit & Loss a/cs as having the Computerised Diploma level 3 would enable me to do?
I have just applied for licence to do this work, you see, so I would be devastated if I cannot complete the month/year end reports for customers :(

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  Abacus, Olga Swain AICB CB. Cert
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• # 72768
• Mon 04 Jul 2011 09:51 AM

Thank you James,
Please correct me if I'm wrong.

As I cannot take a centre-based exam, although I have passed (theoretically) Level 3 Computerised, due to the new system I cannot perform the duties related to Level 3 Computerised until I have also passed the Manual one and gained the full MICB grade? That is obviously fair.

For the centre-based exams, the Institute just have no alternative in place? It is simply expected that everyone WILL BE able to attend? - I cannot.
I have passed the Level 3 Manual with the Ideal Schools course provider and they have issued a certificate for me few years ago. Would the Institute, by any chance, accept this to exempt me from the centre-based exam?

If I cannot take the centre-based exam and the exemption is not availabe - in order to be able to perform the tasks up to Level 3 Computerised as self-employed bookkeeper, I would have to leave the Institute or I'd be breaching the deal. What would I have to do to be covered for money-laundry then? Can I work without a governing body and still be covered?

Sorry for all these questions, James, I know I could research all answers on-line, but I simply don't have the time and you already have it all in your clever head :)
Thank you very much,
Olga

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  Abacus, Olga Swain AICB CB. Cert
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• # 72778
• Mon 04 Jul 2011 03:35 PM

Thank you very much, James!

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  Abacus, Olga Swain AICB CB. Cert
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• # 72779
• Mon 04 Jul 2011 04:57 PM

Olga

Your not alone! I can't do a centre based exam until my little one starts school in September. I did a post a while back but no one responded. 
IMHO I think the ICB needs to do more to help working parents with young children do the centre based exams, my husband doesn't get home from work until 7.30pm at the earliest and they don't do Saturdays at my nearest centre. When she's had a play day I can't get an exam booked at such short notice!
James - why can't I upgrade to MICB (comp). I plan to the manual mid September unless I can sneak my little one into a holiday club in August!

Ange 

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• # 72784
• Tue 05 Jul 2011 08:24 AM

James @ ICB said:

“Hi Olga,

Unfortunately both are required for the level 3.

If you have experience you might be able to get exemption from the Level 3 manual, however, the centre examinations are not like they used to be.

They are available Monday to Friday 9-5, some are open Saturdays and some do late evenings too. You book at a time convenient to you. The examination is 2 hours long, you need to arrive 15 minutes before your booking.

Alternatively you can stay as an Associate until such time as you can complete the Level 3.”

• Sarah

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• # 72789
• Tue 05 Jul 2011 09:57 AM

MrsS said:

“

Olga

Your not alone! I can't do a centre based exam until my little one starts school in September. I did a post a while back but no one responded. 
IMHO I think the ICB needs to do more to help working parents with young children do the centre based exams, my husband doesn't get home from work until 7.30pm at the earliest and they don't do Saturdays at my nearest centre. When she's had a play day I can't get an exam booked at such short notice!
James - why can't I upgrade to MICB (comp). I plan to the manual mid September unless I can sneak my little one into a holiday club in August!

Ange 

”

Thank you Ange.
Makes me feel better :)

The main problem I have at this moment is the time. I did the Manual Level 3 few years ago and similarly as SarahH - at that time I only took the manual route. By the end of the course, my employer bought me the Computerised course as they needed me to have the knowledge of Sage so I finished the Manual Level 3 with the course provider but never took the ICB exam as at that time, it was not needed to have both. It is now too long time ago to take the test - I would have to revise properly to refresh all the theory etc. And I simply don't have the time not just to revise, but mainly to attend a centre ?!? My husband leaves home at 5.30am and returns 8-9pm. Weekends are not always free for him either and if they are - that is the only time we have together as a family so EVERY minute is a bonus...  I used to study with ACCA to be Accounting Technician and did all my exams in a London Centre and it never was just to pop-in and out...

I simply cannot see this happening so when it comes to the point that I would be breaching the ICB rules regarding my workload I will cancel my Licence and register with HMRC for money laundry myself. Or I won't renew my membership in September and I suppose this will also invalidate my Licence. Pity - I bought my licence on the 01.06.11 and a month later I realized I will have to cancel it - £75 wasted while still on maternity leave (meaning not really have the cash to waste!).

James,
it is appreciated what ICB has done!
I just find it more friendly to do the home-base exams at this moment - simply because of the time available. It would be fantastic to be able to do them all home-based - dream on I suppose :)
Even writing this appears difficult as Elliott demands my attention 24/7!

Good luck to you all.

Olga

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  Abacus, Olga Swain AICB CB. Cert
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• # 72851
• Fri 08 Jul 2011 07:35 AM

The ICB have done marvels with the availability of exams.  There are, as I understand it, just 2 that are not home based - lv2 and lv3 manual.

Such a shame that these are the particular exams you need to look at....

I hope you find a solution to your problem soon....

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