I am thinking of maybe starting a bookkeeping service, do i really need to do the ICB course if i am AAT Qualified and studying to towards ACCA? If i dont need the ICB certificate is there any certificates i would need?
I recently joined ICB myself and am taking exam route. I initially raised an email query with ICB and got a good long reply, which included:
"Please note that Associate Members are covered to complete work for sole traders and small partnerships, whereas to complete bookkeeping for limited companies up to Final Accounts, full Member status would need to be achieved".
You need a Practice Licence and supervision under Money Laundering Regulations to practice legally, also professional indemnity insurance which you can get at a discount vis ICB when qualified. To get PL and MLR sup'n via ICB you need to be at least an Associate member, you get that by passing ICB Level 2 exams or by exemption based on existing qualifications and experience. Fullmember status is achieved by passing ICB Level 3 exams or by exemption.
I suggest you have a look at ICB website (www.bookkeepers.org.uk) as it has a section explaining about exemptions from exams as well as loads of other useful info. Then ring or email them for specific advice.
