Forum

• # 77151
• Fri 25 Nov 2011 04:37 PM

Hi guys.

I am just trying to find out the different ways there are to learn bookkeeping, and what the pros and cons of the different methods are.

I am currently teaching myself bookkeeping, I started reading a book a year ago and I got the hang of it pretty quick. I then went on an afternoon course at my local school. I was ill a lot and I missed 1/3 of the lesions but still passed the exam (city and gilds bookkeeping level 1).

After nearly a year out I decided to pick up from where I left off and I had two choices- home learning or enrol on another course. As I work Tuesday to Saturday it would be hard to go to an evening course so home learning it was.

Although im sure there are a lot of good home learning providers out there I decided to “go it alone” I have now passes my level 1 and I will take my level 2s in January. I am teaching myself from two books from the ICB and from the moment I started, to the moment I will pass it has cost me:

                                                £

Books                                   35

Mock Exams                          40

Exams                                  125

Membership                          45          

Total                                      245        

From start to finish (when I can become AICB) it should take about 5 months.

The Pros are:

Its cheaper then any course provider.

I can learn at my own pace

The cons are:

No one to call for help if im stuck on a question

So how did you learn bookkeeping?

• We were all new at one point.
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• # 77154
• Fri 25 Nov 2011 07:31 PM

Hi Lee

I went the expensive route (although not as expensive as some) and learnt through Ideal Schools.  For me it was perfect, a I had someone at the end of the phone (or e-mail ) if I had a problem and the text books were very easy to understand.  I did three courses to AICB in just over 4 months.  

I often wondered if I could have done it as easily with studying by myself but I've always responded better to having someone there to cross-check with (and I hadn't studied for 20+ years).

Good luck - it's so worth it! 

• Debbie
  www.beckcottage.com
  
  

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• # 78339
• Sun 15 Jan 2012 03:05 PM

Hi I have just completed the level 1 manual course and passed with distinction and I am currently doing the level 2 computerised, I am studying with home learning college at the moment but I am thinking about doing the level 2 manual self study, as it is really expensive. What books did you use was it just the 2 on the icb shop for level 2 or did you use more and how did you find doing this. I am also finding it hard to get a part time or full time job in a bookkeepers and wondered if anyone had found it hard.


Kirsty.   

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• # 78344
• Sun 15 Jan 2012 05:06 PM

Hi,

Having also gone the City and Guilds route could I just let you know that the ICB don't accept the qualification as an exemption by exam for any level :(

You will need to sit all the ICB exams. 

Having said all that - makes taking the lv1 computerised exam a doddle :) 

I am also going the home learning route - I study with Ideal Schools and find them very friendly and efficient. I had to take a study break (family life being what it is) and have just picked up again after 6 months. No problems what so ever.

Hope it all goes smoothly for you 

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