ICB 'The Complete Associate Package' - The Book-keepers Forum (UK)

Markus · Veteran Member

ICB 'The Complete Associate Package'

Peasie · Expert

The ICB is more geared towards those wanting to set up as self-employed rather than those looking for a job.

Markus · Veteran Member

Thanks for the reply, would you have any recommendations?

meldowie · Veteran Member

I am a member of the ICB. They are one of the examining "bodies" for the bookkeeping profession. Usually if you find a course online or otherwise it will either offer IAB or ICB exams so you can take their courses and look for a job once you are qualified. Which ever Institute you choose to study through you will have to register as a student to write the exams to officially qualify as a bookkeeper. I recommend doing the training through Clever Cloggs Training (www.clevercloggstraining.co.uk).

If you are switching careers I would guess that you may not have any practical experience in bookkeeping? In my experience once you qualify it may be difficult to find work without it as most people looking for bookkeepers would require at least 2-3 years experience. This is one of the biggest struggles with people training as bookkeepers without having worked in the industry before and one that I don't support the ICB on.

One way I try and help is I offer newly qualified bookkeepers in this position with practical experience. I have trained 4 bookkeepers so far one who just got a job with one of the top Accountancy firms in the Country so I'm pleased with that result. They volunteer at my practice however it does take time out for me to train them but I love it so I'm happy to do it if they are happy to volunteer. It is really valuable to them because they can transfer this experience onto their CV so when they apply for jobs it helps.

I also offer a mentoring service (very early days, trying to work out the logistics of this) which will also offer support to those wanting to go self employed so they at least have a pool of bookkeepers with experience whom they can call upon for support.

My advice would be pursue the bookkeeping qualification but try to connect with an experienced local bookkeeper in your area and ask whether you can volunteer to gain the practical experience either whilst you study or after you have completed the exams.

If ever you want to talk it through more please don't hesitate to email me mel@mndbookkeeping.co.uk.

Markus · Veteran Member

Thanks for the info Mel

Markus · Veteran Member

Has anyone else studied with ICB? Also, does anyone have any feedback on the IAB qualifications?

ICBUK · Guru

Hi Markus,

I think your question is: has anyone studied with Kaplan? The ICB doesn't offer training itself.

There are many training providers who offer ICB courses, you can find a list here: http://www.bookkeepers.org.uk/Where%20To%20Study

You should call a few and ask around. All ICB training providers have a monthly review so their results are all very good.

The IAB / ICB qualifications are much of a muchness, they both cover bookkeeping and payroll. If you do one, you should be able to get exemptions from the other.

Did you want distance learning or college study?

If you wanted college study then IAB will have more options and probably best to go that route. Or AAT (better if you want to be employed rather than self employed).

If you wanted distance learning then ICB has more options, and works out much more cost effective and is more flexible.

Markus · Veteran Member

I was looking to do Distance learning so its sounds like ICB might be the best choice for me.

Has anyone here got the ICB qualifacations & gone on to have a succesful career as a self employed Book-Keeper?

Markus · Veteran Member

'The ICB Complete Associate Package' from Kaplan includes Level 1 & 2 in both Manual & computerised book-keeping, it also comes with Sage instant accounts software. Does this sound like a good place to start?

ICBUK · Guru

Yes it meets the new 2011 requirements so sounds great, also saves you buying the software.

There are quite a few ICB members on this forum, perhaps I will leave it to them to respond about their careers.

Markus · Veteran Member

Would love some feedback from some ICB members on here about what its done for them career wise

ES · Veteran Member

I finally decided to set up at the end of last year, so really started trading on the 10th Jan this year and with no advertising have 6 clients. When I did buy a training course I used training-link, really good answers to emails within hours even at weekends. It was the guys at training link who encouraged me to set up, was going to do it when my children are both at school in September, its been great so far.

Markus · Veteran Member

Thanks for the reply ES. 6 clients with no advertising? Thats great, how did you manage to get them? And how much was your course at the training link?

Markus · Veteran Member

Ive just booked my Course :) ICB manual level 1 & 2 and Computerised Level 2. Does anyone recommend any books i could buy to help me with my course?

ICBUK · Guru

Hi Markus,

Your course text books should be enough, however,

The ICB have their own books, you can buy them here: http://www.bookkeepers.org.uk/Shop/Category/Text_Books

They also accredit, Dr Peter Marshall's books, you can get them from Amazon: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Dr.-Peter-Marshall/e/B0034OG2FQ

Good luck with your new course

-- Edited by ICBUK on Monday 4th of April 2011 10:06:27 AM

Markus · Veteran Member

Ive seen quite a few people on here mention Peter Marshalls books so i think im gonna give them a go, thanks.

ghis · Senior Member

Hi

I have purchased the ICB package from Kaplan.

They send you a box with level 1 & 2 manual a sage manual and software (training) plus 2 mock exams per level and answers plus beginners/ intermediate book and a book kit.

I felt slightly overwhelmed with it all, just working my way through level 1.

The books are good and quite easy to follow. I have called them for some assistance and they are helpful.

However i hear that ideal training are more scheduled. they send you assignment which you have to do and send back. which personally i would have preferred that.

I hope this helps.. Good luck

Markus · Veteran Member

Yeah i got all that stuff too. Im also working through level 1 now atm, upto chapter 8 i think. I havent called for assistance yet but im glad to hear you had a good experience when you did. Thanks

ghis · Senior Member

Hi Markus

So did you decided to go with Kaplan.

How are you finding it so far? I've got to chapter 15 however i know i'll have to go over the last few chapters again for it to really sink in.

I'm suppose to do my 1st mock on the 22nd. ( Yikes )

Good luck anyways

Markus · Veteran Member

Yeah i went with Kaplan. The dates to do your mock exams are just guidelines arnt they? You can do them whenever you want so dont rush it, do them when your ready. How are you finding it all so far? easier or harder then you expected?

ghis · Senior Member

Yes the mock exam dates are just guidelines, i have been trying to push myself to get there however i don't feel ready yet.

I found it o.k until they started introducing all the other books/ ledgers there are so many i wasn't expecting there to be so many different books.

How about you, how are you finding it?

Markus · Veteran Member

Im exactly the same, i found the 1st few chapters fairly easy but as soon as they introduced things like the Sales Day Book & the returns books, im having trouble taking it all in. I guess it'll come to us in time.

You'll have to let me know how you get on with your 1st mock.

ghis · Senior Member

Yes will do. I'm not sure when i'll take the Mock exam yet. I'm just going through the Kit book for some practical now.

Let me know how you get on with it all

ghis · Senior Member

Hi

I just want to know how your getting on, as your in the same boat as me. I'm thinking of taking my exam very soon. how about you

Markus · Veteran Member

Hi Ghis

Im getting on ok, i attempted a Level 1 mock exam yesterday, just have to send it off now to get marked, i think i did ok though.

How are you getting on? I take you've done the mocks then if your thinking of taking the exam? You'll have to keep me updated.

Thanks for getting back to me, GOOD LUCK! :)

ghis · Senior Member

ive also sent off for the mock, but i had a cheeky look at the answers before sending it off. but before i take the exam i will take the mock online to give ma a feel for the real thing.

ghis · Senior Member

ive just taking the mock exam on line and got 94% very pleased with that.

Donna CBK · Senior Member

Hi- just joining in.
I changed many years ago from IAB to ICB. I found there was a more flexible approach to ICB regards to additional qualifications. IAB at the time were geared to sitting exams at an exam centre which was difficult for me.

I would recommend anyone following either ICB or IAB even if they are looking to venture into employment rather than self employed. I personally have taken the qualifications and would employment competent people in this area.

Have just looked at IAB website and they have since added find a bookkeeper area however it is not as user friendly. I have also tried to find their fees and not seen them yet.

geek84 · Senior Member

Hi ES

I read on one of your messages on one the forums that you have started a book keeping self employed business, and that you already have a few clients without even advertising!

I too want to start up a book keeping business. Could you be kind enough to give me any guidelines of how to attract clients to the business?

Thanks in advance for your response.

Markus · Veteran Member

94% is excellent, well done Ghis :)

Is the online mock exam on the ICB website? Think im gonna have to give it a go too before i go for the real thing.

ghis · Senior Member

Hi yes you can purchase the mock on the ICB website do it online download it you can do it straight away and it tells you, your score. Great practice.

I've passed level 1, didn't get as good score for the real thing but a pass is a pass i guess. Now working towards level 2

Good luck with the Mock. smile

Markus · Veteran Member

Yeah a pass is a pass :) congrats!

Whats the percentage you need to get a pass?

ghis · Senior Member

The percentage is 85% to pass.
when are you going to take yours

Markus · Veteran Member

85% is pretty high for a pass, im abit worried now haha.

Im gonna do the online mock within the next day or 2, if i pass that then i'll go for it.

ghis · Senior Member

Your'll be fine, not as bad as you think it will be.

Let me know how you get on.

Good Luck

Markus · Veteran Member

Ive just finished my online Mock & i got 94% too so im gonna be doing the real thing very soon :)

ghis · Senior Member

Well done!

It's a great feeling isn't it.
Good luck with the real one

Markus · Veteran Member

I did my level 1 today & got a distinction, so im pretty pleased with that :)

How are you finding Level 2 so far Ghislane?

-- Edited by Markus on Monday 6th of June 2011 08:47:17 AM

ghis · Senior Member

Well Done :)

Level 2, gets more tricky with bank reconciliation, balance sheet and Trading, Loss and Profit. But slowly getting my head round it all. I think i will take my time before i go for the exam. I think i rushed level 1.

Have you started level 2 yet? if so how are you finding it?

What are your plans after level 2 manual and computerised?

Markus · Veteran Member

Thanks :)

No i havent started my Level 2 yet but im gonna get cracking on it this week. Yeah im definitely gonna take more time on Level 2 cos the exam is gonna be alot harder being at a test centre.

Not sure what im gonna do after the course, probably try applying for a few jobs to see if i get any feedback about how companies see the ICB qualification... might do the Level 3 too.

How bout you?

ghis · Senior Member

Depending how level 2 goes u might consider doing level 3 and maybe payroll. Not to sure. Would like to get work experience but my overall goal will be to become self employed. But one step at a time.. Good luck with your studies keep me informed with how your getting on. :)

polotom · Newbie

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-- Edited by Shamus on Wednesday 27th of July 2011 10:54:35 AM

ICBUK · Guru

As far as I am aware the ICB does not produce wedding dresses, perhaps a potential new revenue stream? biggrin