I'm not to sure about the ICB course because I ended opting for the AAT bookkeeping certificate. I think they have quite alot of centres to sit exams. I'm about 3 weeks into it and enjoying it. It seems to cover everything. I looked into doing the ICB but after reading up on here and a lot of googleing AAT seems to be well recognised. I'm hoping it sit my exam in June.
I'm currently studying the ICB Manual Bookkeeping course for levels 1 & 2 and am finding them really helpful in my understanding of bookkeeping. I work as a Finance assistant as well so it is good to be able to link the theory with the practice.
I decided against studying the AAT qualification because I intend to do the ACCA (after I've finished ICB) and felt that I would be covering the same stuff twice over. The manual bookkeeping gives you a better idea of what the computer systems do (e.g. Sage) instead of just entering in a bunch of numbers and letting the computer do it itself (which is how I felt before the study).
Although it is true that the AAT is more widely recognised, a few people have told me that the study style does not prepare you well for ACCA and was described to me like the jump from GCSEs to Alevels.
I have just completed my level 2 ICB exam. The level 1 is quite easy going but gives you a good grounding. The home exam is very relaxed - you have reference to your notes etc if you need them and can take your time over it. ..up to 14 days if memory serves me well. If you have a good grip onthe subject however, you'll have it done in a couple of hours.
I done ICB Practical Book-keeping Course about 9 years ago, now self employed and working from home. It gives you good basic knowledge of book-keeping. I enjoyed it, gives you good knowledge of the double entry system. If you are going to use sage software I would also recommend a computerised course also.
