I passed my level 2 manuall bookeeping with IAB this year. My local college has just informed me that the level 3 course is cancelled and so I am now left with a couple of choices. a) Distance learning level 3 with IAB or b) distance learning with ICB level 3.
My question - is the qualification given by either body any better than the other? I had a look at ICB and some of the material covered in level 2 was not covered with IAB (e.g. trading profit and loss account). This leads me to believe that perhaps ICB sets a higher standard. Does anyone have any experience with this? If I decide to jump ship to ICB I have to sit a skills test in order to get an exemption.
Of course the other alternative is to complete AAT.
My goal is to become a self employed bookeeper so is there any need to do AAT or would it cover everything I need. I assume I would have to do a separate course for payroll regardless of what course I take.
Arrrrh! I can't make a decision. All suggestions greatly received.
I studied with ICB for level 1 and 2 manual and level 2 and 3 computerised and level 3 payroll. Had purchased level 3 course but because of I did not like the way ICB treated me (long story) I changed to IAB as of 1st October. I had started level 3 ICB course and had good look through all units and now have paid for past paper of level 3 of the IAB, the IAB looks to be of a higher level then the ICB. How I was planning to do this is the IAB have sent me a letter about the different text books they sell per level for think £25, that with the past papers, Business Accounts by David Cox text book, previous experience I am going to attempt to self teach then find out where I can sit the exam even though the exam costs more for not being a member of that college.
I wonder what made you decide that the IAB is of a higher level? Of course it would make my life easier if I were to continue with IAB but I wondered if anyone else has any knowledge on this.
I am trying to get as much info and opinions as possible before I make my decision.
Does it make a difference in the quote for indemnity insurance depending on qualification. For instance would the premium be a little cheaper if I had an AAT qualification.
I spoke to a tutor at Ideal Schools Distance learning and he seems to think that ICB is a better qualification than IAB and my old tutor never heard of ICB so now I am completely confused. I must add that they both said AAT is the better qualification but if im only interested in bookeeping then is there any need to do AAT.
Is there anyone out there who has completed AAT and what was your experience with studying etc (i.e. did you study distance learning).
I compared what the syllabus was on ICB to IAB and the 9 part course that I purchased through Ideal School that I looked at all parts did not include as much content as what the past paper of IAB covers, and there is more accounting content with the IAB rather then just bookkeeping, also IAB I believe have a level 4 exam when ICB stop at level 3.
I have been told that ICB or IAB are fine if you want to be a self employed bookkeeper, but if you want to get employment within accounts departments or for accountants they ideally look for AAT.
I could be wrong but think with IAB exams you can get exemptions for some of AAT because they have accounts based questions as well as bookkeeping in the level 3 and level 4. That is the route I am hopefully taking.
I've decided to go down the AAT route now which involves more study time but I think it will be worth it. I would like to get more experience and so I think having an AAT qualilfication would open more pathways to allow me to work for an accountant on a voluntary basis so that I can get experience and then start working as a self employed bookeeper.
Of courseit will take a little longer to get the full qualification but I'm in no hurry.
Thanks for all the advice. I really love this forum.
