Im so glad to have found this forum - I am studying via distance learning and it can feel a bit isolated at times!
Im just starting out on the official ICB route although my past work has meant I am used to dealing with financial accounts and billing (legal services).
I was wondering if anyone can give a vague idea of how long I should expect me to take to get through the courses in order to qualify as an ICB Associate/Member? I have flown through my course material for Basic L1 - but I imagine its going to get more complicated as I go along!
Im used to studying and working, normally putting in about 10 hours a week (previously OU), but need to gauge how long I will need to complete each course and try and have a rough plan for when I will be sitting exams.
If you are experienced through work would say it does not need to take that long.
I did not take any courses just got past papers and a text book Business Accounts by David Cox.
I took Level 1 exam in October 2007 Level 2 I did a revision course in February and took the exam in February 2008 Level 2 computerised bought past paper and took exam in March 2008 Level 3 computerised bought past paper and took exam in April 2008 Level 3 Payroll bought past paper and took exam in October 2008.
Have delayed taking level 3 manual and swapped from ICB to IAB but hope to take this June 2010.
I did the full ICB route with Ideal Schools and found the materials and support really good (I believe Brian from Ideal Schools sometimes adds to the forum). I did my study practically full time and it took me two years to get to MICB CB.dip PM.dip (+Self Assessment). Doing both the full manual and computerised courses and payroll
What took the time was the delay in getting marked assignments returned. I emailed mine and usually got the results back within 7-10 days but occasionally longer and it would be much longer if I had posted them. I had to wait for the marked assignment before I could send the next.
It takes up to 4 weeks to get the results of the level one (although usually quicker) before you can take level2
There are also the delays in the manual exams as they are centre based and held every four months, so to take level 2 (for AICB membership), you need to complete and passed level 1 before 1st january (deadline for applying) to be able to apply for February exam otherwise the next exam slot is June. To get to MICB the earliest I'd say is November next year. It depends how you time the exams.
I started this summer, Levels 1-3 comp and am now looking to do the payroll then self assesment....might possibly look at manual 2-3 next year just to get the set. I have got the bookby David Cox that Alsion mentions but thats all I had, with past papers.
I didnt know you could email the papers Bill, that would save the time waiting I guess, they alwasy say 4 weeks but so far I've had the results in less than 3 for all of them, but that is time that could be spent on the next one, I agree!
Misunderstanding - when I said I emailed my assignments, I meant the distance learning assignments not the ICB exam assignments
Sorry for the confusion.
It's not a bad idea though, being able to email exam assignments. Maybe it should be suggested to them!!
My timing for completion was based on getting manual first, and as these are fixed by the ICB exam schedule it is also a drawback with the distance learning route as the guided learning is mapped that way.
Bill
-- Edited by Wella on Monday 9th of November 2009 03:43:36 PM
I too did ICB I manual and II computerised, I can't comment on the level I manual as I just did mock exam then final as I had previous experience. I would hazard a guess for level II computerised if you are doing 10 hours a week then should take you a couple of 2 - 3 months max depending on how difficult you find the material.
I would be glad to answer any questions you have once you start your course,
I noticed from your profile that you are from Sheffield, I live in Sheffield too. I just wanted to say hello and welcome to the forum. I hope to see you around here
Thanks everyone for the replies and advice - its been a real help.
I was thinking about trying to get some experience at local finance/book-keeping/accountancy firms - is this worth looking at and is it hard to come by?
Hi Terri, its nice to know someone local! Hope to see you around too.
