Hi I am after some advice on whether to start ICB levels 1 to 3. I have passed OCR level 1 in book keeping and OCR level 2 in Accounts. I went to start ICB level 3 and was told I would need to start from the beginning. I currently work as a book keeper/payroll for a small business and also for my husband. Any advice? Thanks
I was in a similar position in September 2007. Had around 13 years bookkeeping experience. Looked at the courses and purchased the level 3 as it seemed the right level. I was told that I would either need to get exemption from level 1 and 2 which could only be done by a chartered accountant saying that I had the right level of experience to be exempt and you also had to pay for exemptions or to take the exams.
I took the level 1 straight away but bought a past paper so I knew what to expect. Level 2 I bought past paper and attended a revision seminar. I got level 1 and 2 manual and level 2 and 3 computerised and level 3 payroll without paying for course just past papers. I am now onto the course I originally purchased in September 2007 - level 3 manual.
If you have got a chartered accountant who can sign you an exemption letter and you pay for exemptions then you could start the level 3, I personally found it better taking the exams partly because it gave me more confidence and partly because I had not done an exam for 13 years and being exam conditions quite daunting after so many years and easier to cope with level 2 in that situation then level 3 which from the people in the same room as the level 2's who were doing level 3 seemed very stressed with the amount of questions to get through in the timescale.
Hi, You might find that an alternative route would be to aim for the OCR level 3 qualification in Accounts. This qualification would be equivalent to the level of ICB level 3. It is also a very well recognised and valuable qualification. Since you have level 2 OCR you would be able to go directly to OCR level 3. It will probably be less expensive to go for OCR level 3 because with ICB you will almost certainly have to pay student registration fees in addition to paying for their level 1,2 and 3 exams. Just another point, the IAB (International Association of Bookkeepers) certainly recognise the OCR qualifications so it might be worthwhile looking at that option. You have some good qualifications so I don't see why you should have to start from scratch again.
