ICB test centre exams - The Book-keepers Forum (UK)

Chris G · Member

RE: ICB test centre exams

Peasie · Expert

I'm the same as you - waiting for someone else to do it first.
If it is in the same format as level 1 it will be a mixture of multiple choice, drop down answers and you having to fill in amounts.
I did my mock exam for level 1 as a paper based type then when I went for the real thing it was sprung on me it would be done online. I think it may even have been the first day of the new type exam.

BackOfficeGroup · Guru

I do think its a cheek that you only have 1 go!!

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Peasie · Expert

BackOfficeGroup wrote:

I do think its a cheek that you only have 1 go!!

P

Well it is meant to be a mock of the real thing and you only get one attempt at that.

BackOfficeGroup · Guru

yes but a practice paper is also just that - one to practice on until you get it right and understand etc. Its like paying for a course at college and you only getting one chance at the mock, no retakes resits etc etc and then having to pay again to take another mock paper, its supposed to be a learning tool not a money maker - oh ICB does it again it seems!

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Peasie · Expert

I get the impression the report with your result will have the answers (unlike the real thing where you are just told which questions you got wrong).

BackOfficeGroup · Guru

oh, I thought it was just like the real thing, only get told about the wrong answers. You still can't just go back to it at your leisure though like a normal test run.

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Amy8n · Veteran Member

I believe that at the end of the mock exam you get a full report detailing the questions and the answers. This would enable us to go over all of the answers at our leisure and seems a fairly sensible approach to me. I can't really see what we would gain from sitting exactly the same exam over and over.

I'm also eagerly awaiting feedback from anyone who has taken it already!

Peasie · Expert

Amy8n wrote:
I can't really see what we would gain from sitting exactly the same exam over and over.

It would be better to buy a couple of the paper versions for £10 if anyone failed the online mock.

BackOfficeGroup · Guru

ok just did it and you get a report of the answers in full, not the questions to go with them.

I have queried a question as I think its badly worded, but it was ok, lots of filling boxes and some multiple choice...its the same as the paper just on the screen.

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Peasie · Expert

How long did the exam actually take you.....and how did you get on?
Something tells me you will say "none of your business" - I'm just nosey.

BackOfficeGroup · Guru

it took me 55 mins and I got 94%, so not bad!

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Amy8n · Veteran Member

Well done; that's excellent!

It's not very helpful that the report doesn't contain the original questions though!

Chris G · Member

I agree with Amy great mark well done. I have bought some past papers from the ICB for June 2009, October 2009 etc do you think the questions are on the same format as these past papers. I have booked my exam for 30 July 2010 cost £55, I hope I get it right.

Peasie · Expert

BackOfficeGroup wrote:

it took me 55 mins and I got 94%, so not bad!

P

Congratulations.
Hope you get a similar or better result in the real thing.
The reason I was curious about the time is when I did the level 1 exam I printed the questions/answers I gave as I went along. Maybe I'll do the same this time.
I'll just need to remember this time when I put the answer via a radio button this does not print.

BackOfficeGroup · Guru

The exam is the same as the paper ones except that you put the answers on the screen. If you have done a paper mock, you will find the questions are of the same standard and about the same things, just with a few more multiple choice questions thrown in.

You can do a screen print and paste into a Word doc as you og along, save paper too!

P

Chris G · Member

I have just completed the mock paper got 98%, took me about an hour to complete the paper, then I spent another 20 mins checking, I hope the real live exam is in the same format.

BackOfficeGroup · Guru

well done you.

I lost a couple of points for not adding up correctly!! I did rush it though as was at work, but pleased anyway.

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ICBUK · Guru

Amy8n wrote:

Well done; that's excellent!

It's not very helpful that the report doesn't contain the original questions though!

Hello all,

The report does contain all the questions, the answers you have given and the correct answer.

There is more information here: http://bookkeepers.org.uk/examinations/mock%20examinations

If you have already completed a mock online you can get your report by visiting the Results section of MyICB.

BackOfficeGroup · Guru

Welcome ICB to the forum!

No doubt you will now be bombarded with questions and comments from the members on here who are not happy with the way things have been handled lately, such as:
bad communication about the membership changes
what you actually need to be a member
what you can do with your practising certificate
who recognises the ICB qualifications
why the prices just seem to be going up with no added benefits

It would be nice to have someone on here that can answer these questions and to be included in the discussions, as much of the info on here is word of mouth and can differ from the truth somewhat sometimes....

P

Peasie · Expert

BackOfficeGroup wrote:
what you can do with your practising certificate

I think I know the response one particular member may give to that question. smile

BackOfficeGroup · Guru

nearly fell off my chair!!!!!!!

and don't we all.....

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ICBUK · Guru

Thank you,

I will answer your questions as put:

Bad communication about the membership changes:

Membership changes have been talked about for over 2 years and formally set last year, at which point we wrote news articles, had a special section at the national conference and added a section on the website. We ran 26 regional seminars, from Aberdeen to Exeter where the majority of the morning was about the new membership structure.

Since then all renewal letters contain information, when you log onto the website there is a big banner highlighting it, and there have been other news articles in the monthly newsletters.

However, I do know that members are busy running their business and cannot read everything we send, and you yourself P have admitted that you don't always read everything we send, so it is possible there are members who do not know fully about the changes. But please do not blame the ICB for not trying; how else do we get the message across?

What you actually need to be a member

The minimum requirement to obtain membership is the Level I Certificate in Basic Bookkeeping at which point you can join as an Affiliate.

To become an Associate (the minimum requirement for the Practice Licence) before September 2011 you need to meet the requirements of Affiliate and also complete either the Level II Certificate in Manual Bookkeeping or the Level II Certificate in Computerised Bookkeeping.

After September 2011 to become an Associate you would need all three (Level I in Basic Bookkeeping, the Level II in Manual and Computerised Bookkeeping).

For a Full Member (Certified Bookkeeper) you need to meet the requirements of Associate Member and also complete the Level III in either Manual or Computerised bookkeeping. After September 2011 you will need both Manual and Computerised bookkeeping

What you can do with your practising certificate

Are you asking about what bookkeeping work you can carry out? In short, everything mentioned in the syllabuses for the qualifications you hold. If you would like further information please do not hesitate to call the ICB on 0845 060 2345. For information on the syllabus please visit http://bookkeepers.org.uk/Syllabuses

Who recognises the ICB qualifications

The Level I certificate in Basic Bookkeeping and the Level II Certificate in Computerised bookkeeping are recognised by Ofqual (Office of Qualifications, government body for UK qualifications).

The other qualifications we offer are industry led and recognised. In 2008 the Institute students took nearly 10,000 qualifications and that number continues to grow. This figure is significantly higher than many other bodies and why Ofqual is keen to have the ICB under its wing. However, the ICB will not lower its standards just to fit in. We firmly believe that our qualifications equip a bookkeeper - you can't be part qualified. Ofqual wants everything in credits which means you can gain several credits but also miss some out. The ICB believes you need the full qualification before you can call yourself a bookkeeper. Again this was covered at the National Conference and regional seminars.

Why the prices just seem to be going up with no added benefits

I assume you are referring to the Level II and Level III Centre examinations?

All awarding bodies are having to increase their prices. Examination fees have to cover development of the qualification, writing, printing, issuing, marking, moderation, certification and centre costs. The centre costs, over the last few years, have risen enormously, mainly because our students were not attached to a college. Colleges were very reluctant to accept 'outside' students. This came down to an insurance issue and we had to take out insurance cover for each student. The ICB was paying up to £175 in some cases to get a student to their examination. This is obviously not right. Ofqual advice is that awarding bodies need to charge a fair examination fee which includes factoring in the development of the qualification. The ICB does its best to keep its fees fair. If you compare other awarding body fees you will find the ICB is very good value. Not that I want you to think of the ICB as the cheap option, but more that with the large volume of students the ICB has, the price per student is kept lower.

However, this is not without benefits, you can now choose which day and time you want to sit (subject to availability), you get your results instantly (3 month average wait for other professional bodies), within 24 hours a Free report is available from the MyICB section so you can see where you lost marks (used to cost £20 from the ICB, other professional bodies charge as much as £120)

I don't think I have ever met anyone who has sat examinations with another body who has not mentioned how preferable the ICB experience is.

Wow that turned out to be quite a response.
Hope this helps

kjmcculloch · Guru

Wow! I'm almost speechless.

I've only read the first point so far, but very defensive.

My understanding is that you as a professional association are there to support us the members. Perhaps I'm wrong, but if I spoke to my clients like they were stupid passing all the blame onto them for not reading everything I wouldn't last in business long.

I think your reply typifies the reasons for the frustrations felt by the membership and the reason many on here will be turning our backs on ICB when our membership ends.

Secondly, I don't think reading Philips post he was asking the questions, it was more a heads up for the sort of questions that will/may be asked.

Kris

-- Edited by kjmcculloch on Thursday 15th of July 2010 02:03:22 PM

kjmcculloch · Guru

Well, after my comments I've just had a nice conversation with James at the ICB who I don't think was terribly impressed by them.

It's a real pity that my first meaningful communication with the ICB was over this.

Kris

Rhianrach · Expert

Hooold on, first theres someone backing the ICB up to the hilt, now theres another bod (bot) officially backing them up, whats going on here, is this some new method of marketing for ICB? Does this forum really hit them so hard?

Heres an advertisement for AAT

kjmcculloch · Guru

Don't do it Steve. Not if your a member or the phone call will come shortly.

Anyway, I bit the bullet and did the mock. Made some silly mistakes but still managed to get a merit, which makes me happy

I think I need to revise control accounts before I part with cash.

Kris

BackOfficeGroup · Guru

Steve

so if I sign up to AAT, do I get the girl???

P

attilabenko · Guru

Hi Phil,

Congratulations to your Guru title ( you got it just recently at 500, didn't you?)
- you got the girl with your new title (as it is a virtual forum, the girl is virtual as well...)

Good ICB is here. Good to know I can do everything what is in the syllabuses, that really was a confusing matter to me. I would ask (from ICB) the other question what came up recently if we have to register with ICO for data protection matters or not let's say if doing bookkeeping only and if doing bookkeeping and payroll...

-- Edited by attilabenko on Friday 16th of July 2010 03:28:17 PM

-- Edited by attilabenko on Friday 16th of July 2010 03:29:08 PM

BackOfficeGroup · Guru

Thanks Attila, 500 is the magic number! Not sure what's next though, even Shaun is still at the Guru level.

This ICO stuff is very confusing but if you want to get one of these online checking things for MLR, then you have to be registered, so I guess even if you don't need it to do the job, you do need it to do the stuff you need to do, to do the job!

P

BackOfficeGroup · Guru

Attila

Here is why you are not required to register:

Exemptions are possible for the following.
Data controllers who only process personal information for:
staff administration (including payroll);
advertising, marketing and public relations (in connection with their own business
activity); and
accounts and records.

Some not-for-profit organisations.
Processing personal information for personal, family or household affairs
(including recreational purposes).
Maintenance of a public register.
Processing personal information without an automated system such as a computer.

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BackOfficeGroup · Guru

but then they say:

Data controllers who are unlikely to be exempt include accountants, barristers,
consultants, dentists, doctors, employment and recruitment agencies,
estate agents, financial advisers, schools, solicitors and businesses using personal
information obtained from a credit reference agency.

Confused yet?

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margo · Member

I think many people read this forum even if they don't often post. I think it would be great if the AAT came on and explained why their course is set up so you need a course provider when other courses e.g. ACCA etc can be done by self study.

Peasie · Expert

BackOfficeGroup wrote:
This ICO stuff is very confusing but if you want to get one of these online checking things for MLR, then you have to be registered, so I guess even if you don't need it to do the job, you do need it to do the stuff you need to do, to do the job!

P

Which brings up another question (to the ICB) - is doing this online check enough or do you still need to do the checks as regards taking copies of passport, driving licence, due diligence etc. ? If it is enough I would have thought the £35 fee to be registered and the £5 per report was a good deal.

Rhianrach · Expert

BackOfficeGroup wrote:

Steve

so if I sign up to AAT, do I get the girl???

P

You don't i'm afraid however there is half a chance you could meet her, I like how the picture showed her boobs, thought it was a nice touch biggrin

attilabenko · Guru

That's the point. If I have to have copies of passports,etc. for MLR (not willing to pay for online checks) it is another reason for possible registration with ICO. But still do I have to actually register or I just have to follow Data Protection Act and so?

Rhianrach · Expert

margo wrote:

I think many people read this forum even if they don't often post. I think it would be great if the AAT came on and explained why their course is set up so you need a course provider when other courses e.g. ACCA etc can be done by self study.

Because they can would be the answer to that, also originally they had assessments that needed to be assessed by a tutor and now they have assignments that have to be assessed by a tutor.
I could be wrong and get shot down here but i also think the AAT is a non-profit organisation but as said I could be wrong.
It would be nice to study without the expense of a tutor but hey ho the extra money is still worth it for a more recognisable qualification, in my opinion. smile

attilabenko · Guru

Ok. Bookkeeping and payroll are exempt. I just phoned the ICO and spoke to the registration team.

attilabenko · Guru

Hi Steve,

I have to argue on this one. You can get the girl by right click, save picture as.. ;)

Rhianrach · Expert

attilabenko wrote:

Hi Steve,

I have to argue on this one. You can get the girl by right click, save picture as.. ;)

But if you become a member and attain MAAT status you get to see the other pictures of her, biggrin

Peasie · Expert

attilabenko wrote:

Hi Steve,

I have to argue on this one. You can get the girl by right click, save picture as.. ;)

Which browser are you using?
When I use Internet Explorer to "save picture as" I'm told I must join the AAT in order to save the picture. I'll need to try Firefox.

EDIT : Just tried using Firefox - it says "unable to save this image, you're not her type".

-- Edited by Peasie on Friday 16th of July 2010 04:26:20 PM

Peasie · Expert

attilabenko wrote:

Ok. Bookkeeping and payroll are exempt. I just phoned the ICO and spoke to the registration team.

But if you want to use the online checks the website requires you to be registered.

Rhianrach · Expert

Peasie wrote:

attilabenko wrote:

Hi Steve,

I have to argue on this one. You can get the girl by right click, save picture as.. ;)
Which browser are you using?
When I use Internet Explorer to "save picture as" I'm told I must join the AAT in order to save the picture. I'll need to try Firefox.

Oh dear, you need to join then and collect a vast library of hot AAT members to look at when your bored evileye

Rhianrach · Expert

Peasie wrote:

attilabenko wrote:

Hi Steve,

I have to argue on this one. You can get the girl by right click, save picture as.. ;)
Which browser are you using?
When I use Internet Explorer to "save picture as" I'm told I must join the AAT in order to save the picture. I'll need to try Firefox.

EDIT : Just tried using Firefox - it says "unable to save this image, you're not her type".

-- Edited by Peasie on Friday 16th of July 2010 04:26:20 PM

Hmmm she never struck me as being picky, to show solidarity I shall tell her that I'm not her type, that will show her evileye

BackOfficeGroup · Guru

you guys are so shallow!

attilabenko · Guru

Have you got a bigger photo of her? It is very pixely when i try to make it to desktop background :)
Oops, don,t worry wife just said she would not like this photo to be the background on the pc :(

Peasie,
About data protection and MLR, I do not use online checks I found it unnecessary expense with the size of business I have got so I have not got to register either. I can just get copies of ID ( I asked ICO about this as well, and they said it's fine, keeping copies for MLR purposes does not require registration)and visit the client premises, it should be enough. My potential clients are not criminals and money launderererererers ( I hope). I just follow the instructions I got from ICB ( they sent me MLR manuals).
If I would have lots of clients and they would pay me lots of monies I would use online checks but at the mo. I just have to keep all costs down to make a bit more than zero money out of my business. You see just to pay for insurance and ICB membership I have to work for free for three months to one client if I charge £45-50 per month. Software costs are another very significant amount,etc.
MLR is not that big deal, don't worry, you just have to make sure you don't help anyone with laundering(sic!) and report it to SOCA if you notice anything suspicious. You must be able to prove at any time you did every reasonable step to notice suspicious activities and you ID your clients. At the end of the day this is just more paperwork. If all your paperwork is ok, anything goes wrong that paper will be the proof you did everything right.
Hope it makes sense...

Rhianrach · Expert

BackOfficeGroup wrote:

you guys are so shallow!

Boobs

attilabenko · Guru

Hey Phil,

You must admit she is fit ;)

I know you are a guru, phisical reality does not matter anymore lol

attilabenko · Guru

Boobies are not shallow

Even James at ICB should admit that she looks better than Prince Michael.
One of the very basic marketing strategies is to sell a product with fit girls in the advertisement. I think I am changing my home page photos to calendar girls...

-- Edited by attilabenko on Friday 16th of July 2010 05:16:56 PM

BackOfficeGroup · Guru

Hey, I can admit that she is fit and would look great as background on my work pc.....is she looking for a job, I have one going....

P