Hi there, just wanted to introduce myself; I have been following this forum for a few weeks now and read some great advise!
I have been driving myself mad whether to do self study (with own books) or join with a training provider.
I have finally (hopefully) decided to go with Ideal Schools on their ICB Career Path (As I am thinking about setting up own business).
Their course includes; if paid up in full before end of Feb 10, Small Business Financial Control Diploma and Sage Instant accounts cert (which I guess is just the basic one that shows that you can navigate around etc). This also includes Dip in Payroll Management which is approx £400 on its own (from training providers)
Have done many calculations and I reckon this is a pretty good deal, as you do get support if like me am lacking in a little confidence with studying on own. I do believe however the exam fees are extra??
Price of course is £1,099.
Once again have found this forum very helpful and I am always pleasantly surprised with people's honesty and generosity and the sharing of their knowledge !!
Look forward to getting to know you all. Best regards, Angela
think that you've made a good call with Ideal. Not heard a bad word against them. Wish more people read this site before signing up with HLC for half the course for twice the money.
Just before you part with your money though think long about where you want to be. If it's working for yourself then ICB is a good home for you.
If you want to work for someone else (with the option to work for yourself) then think seriously about whether AAT would be a better long term option for you.
Whatever route you take, just want to wish you the best of luck and hope you have lots of fun getting there.
talk soon,
Shaun.
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Shaun
Responses are not meant as a substitute for professional advice. Answers are intended as outline only the advice of a qualified professional with access to all relevant information should be sought before acting on any response given.
I am a graduate of Ideal Schools and did the career path courses, found them to be excellent value for money, even though you do have to allow extra for the exams (I believe they now include the student membership as well). Unfortunately they didn't have Finacial Control Diploma included when I signed up and will cost another £200 for me to do it with the exemptions.
Good luck with your studies and feel free to ask questions
I am studying with Ideal Schools at the moment and wish that I had found them before shelling out on my first two courses (Level 2 Computerised and Manual which cost around £1400)
If you feel comfortable with self-study and learn well that way I would seriously consider it before parting with £1099. The advice given here freely is as good as tutor support from a training provider.
I'd concur with the other answers here. If you want to have a training provider you seem to have chosen a good one. The most economical route would be to self tutor but if you don't have the confidence to do that then the Ideal career path option looks the best value.
Cheers
Neil
-- Edited by Neil on Thursday 11th of February 2010 09:17:48 AM
Oh gawd ! Change of plan, have ordered some text books and going to self study through I and II, I have a good background in accounts and probably know more than I think.
Training providers on hold at the moment - you have probably save me hundreds! Will buy everyone a virual beer with the cash I have saved (or not spent!)
