Hi there, im new to this site so im not sure if anyone might be able to help. I have done ICB level 1 and passed now awaiting to do level 2 i was wondering as im not working in accounts can i still do peoples books upto TB and if so do i need a practising cert, eventually after level 2 i plan to set up bookkeeping services just not sure what to do in the mean time. please advice
I was under the impression from doing the bookcert course, that you didn't need qualifications to practice as a bookkeeper? I understand that the ICB won't give you a practising certificate until you pass the level 2 exam in manual bookkeeping but I only have a level 1 certificate and I am starting to advertise my bookkeeping services within the next few weeks up to Trial Balance.
You can apply for a practicing cert from ICB once you have passed either level 2 manual or computerised.
The only thing to look out for is that if you pass manual level 2 before your computerised, the ICB will only allow you to state you are a manual bookkeeper. If you pass computerised before manual, you will be allowed to state you are a computerised bookkeeper.
If you pass both, well I think you know the answer !
So, if like me u have level 1 manual and level 2 computerised with the ICB, I'd only be allowed to do computerised bookkeeping, but not be able to do manual up to trial balance stage?
If you were to use ICB as a marketing tool to advertise your services, then you would only be allowed to state that you are ICB computerised member.
I only did manual level 1, then moved onto the computerised levels - therefore on my letterhead /marketing flyers etc., I can only use the ICB crest with my membership number underneath with `computerised` next to it.
However, there is nothing to stop you providing manual bookkeeping, you just cannot state your association with ICB to gain clients who want a manual bookkeeping service !
So, if like me u have level 1 manual and level 2 computerised with the ICB, I'd only be allowed to do computerised bookkeeping, but not be able to do manual up to trial balance stage?
Hi Wesker
Perhaps we should get together...I did the level 1 followed by level 2 manual before finding out that I couldn't then offer computerised services!
I was a little disappointed in the lack of clarity over the issue, not least because I'm now in a positon of having to buy the next course seperately when it would have been cheaper to buy them all as a package deal.
If it's any help, the manual level 2 doesn't necessarily take as long to complete as it says on the tin.