New ICB Exams - The Book-keepers Forum (UK)

Mike · Veteran Member

New ICB Exams

Peasie · Expert

I sat the level 1 Manual online recently which was a new thing. I guess the "on demand" exams will be similar in order for you to obtain your mark on the spot. There are drop down answers to choose from. Also there are some questions where you put the figures in. I can't see there being any questions involving narrative. At least I hope there is not.

EDIT : Less than one month surely? Don't they start at the beginning of June?

-- Edited by Peasie on Monday 3rd of May 2010 01:43:42 PM

Ann-marie · Senior Member

Hi,

I just wondered if there was any news yet on the manual exams? I have done both computerised exams and need to start thinking about the manual ones but there doesn't seem to be any information on the ICB website about what's happening. I want to think about getting these booked in but I'm not sure what the process is for this and you don't seem to be able to even book them through the ICB site - Help, i'm feeling rather confused.

Thanks
Ann-marie

Peasie · Expert

http://www.bookkeepers.org.uk/Examinations/Examination%20Process%20in%20Detail

The next available centre-based examinations will be taking place from July 2010, at which point students will be able to choose from a network of 5,200 centres worldwide. A list of UK and Irish centres is available here.

RuthA · Senior Member

I asked about it when I rang for another reason recently. Apparently the exams will be in the places that do driving theory exams, but that was all I learned.

BackOfficeGroup · Guru

exams are available from July 2010 at over 5200 centres, the website has been updated, although I do not know when, but I just looked!

P

Marky65 · Guru

Hi

Attended regiona seminar today and the new exams are to start in July with online registration starting the middle of June.

The exams will be held in Pearson View Centres, these are the same ones that hold the theory driving test.

Mark

Julies bookkeeping · Veteran Member

I was at the same Seminar.

Are you gona start a regional regular meet?

Marky65 · Guru

Hi Julie

I didn't realise that was you. It would have been good to have a proper chat with a member from here.

What did you think of the day.

I am not sure about being the one in charge of starting the regular meeting but would certainly be prepared to help in whatever way I could.

Regards

Mark

BackOfficeGroup · Guru

Mark

Do we know the format of the new exams? and are they any test papers being compiled?

Thanks.

P

Marky65 · Guru

Hi Philip

They will take place in these centres which you will be able to book online in advance via the ICB website. They will be two hours in length and a mixture of multiple choice and longer written answer questions which will be completed on the computer.
You will not be allowed to take anything into the exam room as you will be expected to use the computer for everything, including calculator shoudl you need it.
I think there is a mock online paper being prepared but the advice is to study the current paper mock as this will still provide much of the basis of the new exam.

Think that is all but if I have forgotten anything I hope Julie will add it.

Mark

Peasie · Expert

Marky65 wrote:

They will be two hours in length and a mixture of multiple choice and longer written answer questions which will be completed on the computer.

I was under the impression that the test result was given as soon as you finished the exam? How would the computer be able to mark an answer if it is a long written answer? I'm confused.

Julies bookkeeping · Veteran Member

I am not looking forward to more exams, I am to old, busy and it is more money, I am a bookkeeper not a accountant, lol

The day was okay, I thought it was better than last years, but I am still of the opinion I should have gone AAT seeing I had to resit exams I did many years ago to join ICB and now 3 years later doing even more.

Mark which of the guys where you?

We could do with a regional I do not mind helping, but I am not sure if we would get enough support, after all there were only 10 of us.

Instead of pencil and paper will be online, Garry made a big thing of not having to do any rulings.

We are apparently not alowed to take anything into the exam room, I hope they have lockers for handbag etc.

Marky65 · Guru

Hi Julie

I was the taller & younger one of the two.

I agree that it would be good to get a regional meeting going but as you say if only 10 were able to make this it does look good for future events.

Regards and hopefully see you soon.

Mark

Julies bookkeeping · Veteran Member

It would be nice to try to get a regional meeting in place.

Did you go to the conference last year if so what did you think? is it worth the expense?

Marky65 · Guru

No I didn't go and you question about the expense would be one I would want to know about.

Not sure if any of the other guys on here went.

Julies bookkeeping · Veteran Member

the conference itself was forgotten exact approx £500, train going £35 coming back £160 hotel for the 2 nights £250 -£300, new frock etc for fancy do which costs £175 though included in conference price £175 for 1 meal I do not think so.

I reckon about a grand and loss of 2 business days. My kids to old for child care but at age I will come back to a mess/party etc they would not want to come with me.