Could I have as much advice as possible as I am so confused as what to do when it comes to studying for ICB exams. I achieved my ICB Level 1 a few years ago. Now obviously with the changes in the accreditation I need to achieve level 2 and computerised qualifications. I have purchased the level 2 manual however I have no idea who to purchase the Sage course from. Do I need the Instant Accounts or the Sage 50? Any help gratefully received.
The ICB computerised exams are meant to be doable on any computerised package. I did mine recently on Sage 50 Accounts Professional because I was using that to do Sage Certification too so had the software available, but it is way overpowered for what you need for the ICB L2 and L3 exams - a basic version of Sage (eg Instant Accounts would be fine but it isn't free). I believe you can get free trial versions of some software (eg Quickbooks), then start teaching yourself how to use it (eg "How to...for Dummies" book, built-in help, info on internet, questions on this forum!). Absolute must: once you are comfortable with the software, buy the past exam paper from ICB website (£5 to download) and work your way through it (answers are included so you'll know when you are doing the right things). When you are ready, buy the real exam - the paper is mailed to you, you do the work as instructed in your own time and have 2 weeks in which to return a set of printouts proving you have done the required things.
I don't think you'll have any problems provided you have learned to use the software and have done the past paper to your satisfaction. Obviously you need to know the actual bookkeeping at the required level, aswell as how to use the software, but as you say you are also studying for the L2 Manual exam you should be ok.
Thanks for that Phil. i was starting to worry I had posted something incorrectly as I hadn't had a reply. The basic problem I have is I lack confidence in my ability hence the long gap studying part 2. This is going to sound so stupid and it looks as if I have mislead you but I use Instant Accounts everyday for work and I have a qualification in sage that I did independently at a local college. However because I did it in 2007 the ICB will not accept it as proof I can use computer accounts. Now I know I have to have the qualification I just keep thinking that I must have the manuals and course in case I get asked something that I don't know. I know how stupid and sad that sounds but as I have posted in another thread, I had the manual 1 qualification but when looking for work the blank looks I got when I mentioned the qualification and lack of experience made it very hard to gain employment. I do very much appreciate your reply and know how daft my reply may seem. I do think that it would be a good idea to get the Sage for Dummies.
I know what you mean Lisa, I did AAT 7 years ago but couldn't get a single exemption from ICB exams, so sat them all from L1 up to L3 manual+computerised in just 2 months, passing with distinctions and one merit, with just text book revision, which I think proves I really didn't need to do them!
If you use the software every day at work and have a Sage qualification, then you already know enough, just need to get up to speed on the theory. If I were you, I would have a go at the Level 2 computerised exam past paper now, I think you will be pleasantly surprised at how much you already know, and your confidence will be boosted. You might even want to take the computerised exam for real earlier than you might have expected, and before you take the manual one.
