I have just finished a distance learning course for manual bookkeeping and will be taking the ICB Level II Manual Bookkeeping exam in October. I would like to gain a grounding/qualification in computerised bookkeeping. Are the Sage self study packs a good way to go? Would it be sufficient to get Sage certification in Instant accounts or should I aim for Sage 50? (Amazon do a good deal for a level 1, 2 and 3 Sage 50 self study pack bundle.) What is the difference between having the ICB qualification in computerised bookkeeping and having Sage certification? Is there a benefit in having either or both?
I apologise for all the questions but I did my distance learning course through the Home Learning College and I think with hindsight it was quite expensive. I worked through the course material quite easily and did not need any assistance from my tutor. All my assignments were 'A' grade.
I feel I can self study without paying extra for any sort of tutor support, plus there are always lots of helpful people on this forum.
Any help or advice will be gratefully received. Many thanks!
I did ICB levels II and III computerised bookkeeping and later completed all the Sage 50 levels via the self study way, mainly because I used Sage in my job, and I thought gaining certification in Sage would round off the experience I had using the software.
I thought the self study packs were excellent and easy to follow. Also, the fact that I had completed the ICB manual and computerised levels made it easier for me to understand how Sage works. If anything, having both the ICB and Sage certificates provides you with a good base for manual / computerised accounts and you will come across both if you intend to go self employed.
Just and idea, before committing yourself to another distance learning provider or indeed buying the Sage study packs, look at the ICB website and buy a copy of level II past paper. This will come with the answer sheet and cd for you to practice on. From this you should be able to make your mind up about what way to go !
I was so impressed with the study packs that I have just bought the Sage Payroll.
You need to get hold of a demo / trial version of Sage, the cd that comes with the mock exam will need to be restored onto existing Sage unfortunately.
I was a little sneeky and did the exam paper when my boss was away on holiday, using the companies Sage software.
