ICB Practice Licence requirements - The Book-keepers Forum (UK)

Michele · Member

ICB Practice Licence requirements

Quentin Pain · Senior Member

Michele, you are already an MICB, I cannot believe they would want you to re-qualify. But maybe James from the ICB will let you know.

-- Edited by Quentin Pain on Sunday 21st of November 2010 06:35:22 PM

Peasie · Expert

They want people to have passed both the manual and computerised exams by September 2011.

luther parker · Veteran Member

Hi there,

I believe that you need to do Manual level 2, by sometime in 2011 and all this is a small test or exam which cost about £30 from ICB, which you can download from the internet.
I'm not a 100% but someone may correct me if i'm wrong.

Luther.

Quentin Pain · Senior Member

Peasie, are you saying that you think they could strip away someone's MICB status and demote them to AICB?

ICBUK · Guru

Hello,

Well it's no longer Manual, its Practical :)

The qualification names are to be changed next year.

Michele sorry you did not receive a response from your email, I have just found it in the inbox and will get the membership team to respond.

However, if you have been working for a few years you could apply for exemption if you could provide references, or if you have taken other relevent qualifications or CPD.

With regards to demoting someone, I don't think that has been finalised yet. There is an advisory council meeting next year when they will look at the stats as to how many people have upgraded, if anyone is having trouble etc. So far, most seem to be going through and there is quite a bit of time left.

Michele · Member

Thank you everyone for your replies.

My reason for asking is that although I've had a practice licence for over a year, I have never had any clients and so am trying to keep my costs down! It feels like a chicken and egg scenario - I have to pay for ICB membership, then buy insurance, then pay for a practice licence, then advertise for clients - but so far, not one solitary, single enquiry! (I'm obviously doing something wrong!!)

I spent over £1000 on my training and the levels 2 and 3 computerised exams last year, so having now to pay out another £55 for the level 2 manual exam and £75 for the level 3 manual exam is too much. Therefore I would like to know if 'just' passing level 2 manual would enable me to keep my practice licence (understandably, I wouldn't be insured to offer the full range of bookkeeping services). If so, then hopefully if/when I get some clients and some money coming in, I will be able to afford the level 3 exam and to get back to the full membership level.

luther parker · Veteran Member

Hi there,

Speak to ICB, that's what they are there for, they will help you and put you on the right track, don't knock yourself down, speak to other accountants and see if they can pass their clients that are in need of a good book-keeper over to you..I know it's hard but they will come..ok.
Make some leaflets up and go around to these industrial estates and drop them in, again you'll never know, or even advertise in the local shops - they normally charge about £1 per week..goodluck!

Luther.

Michele · Member

Thanks for the tips, Luther!

I've tried all those things unfortunately, but no joy......so the only thing to do is keep on trying!

luther parker · Veteran Member

Ok, have a chat with James on this forum, I'm sure he may help or guide you as hes very professional when it comes to the ICB info, i'm sure many would agree or try Quentin...
...Hope you guys don't mind me putting your name forward!

Keep at it michele!!

luther.

kjmcculloch · Guru

Hi Michele,

If you want to bounce around marketing ideas feel free to drop me an email at kris@kmbookkeeping.co.uk. I am working on a guide for bookkeepers but business has been a bit busy lately so it, and this forum, have had to go on a back burner.

Kris

Michele · Member

Hi Kris

Thank you very much for your offer, I will certainly keep it in mind. I'm going to sit myself down and have a good think about who my target customer might be and how to go about contacting them.

I've now heard back from the ICB (thank you James for chasing this up), but unfortunately I'm now more confused than ever. I've asked for clarification and will report back.

ES · Veteran Member

I'm so confused too, seem to be told different things everytime I speak to them!! Previous 2 calls was told I had to do manual 3 by September 2011 and then today I was told only level 2 by September, which I''m doing next week. Was also told I had to level 3 computer and turns out that's not the case but its done now.

ICBUK · Guru

Hello,

The minimum you need is Level 2 Computerised and Level 2 Manual (soon to be called practical).

However, if you are a Full Member, you would need both Level 3 Computerised and Level 3 Manual, or you could just renew as an AICB, but talk to the ICB about it first.

Also don't forget that if you have other qualifications, experience or CPD that are relevant contact the ICB as you may be able to upgrade without doing an examination.

luther parker · Veteran Member

Hi ICBUK,

That's interesting, I didn't realise if you have qulifications from another company, that ICB may upgrade...I'll keep that in mind...
...Thankyou.

Luther.

luther parker · Veteran Member

....Sorry, thankyou James.

Quentin Pain · Senior Member

Michelle, do you have a website yet?

James, thanks for the clarity. If someone can fast track due to experience that is a good thing.

Michele · Member

Hi Quentin,

Yes, my website is www.mlofficeservices.co.uk

I am listed with various free business directories and people4business, etc, etc.

I'm hoping to add Self Assessment returns to my list of services, as soon as I pass the ICB's exam (any day now, hopefully!!)

I'd just like to add that I've now received a personal response from the ICB and I've been very impressed this week by their level of service.