Am I right in thinking I can apply for ICB membership by exemption with the above qualifications? I have looked on their website but could not find a great deal of info as to which particular qualifications are acceptable for the exemption, would like to know before paying the fee. I have recently gained these diplomas and am desperate for some work experience as I am currently working in a totally different field, is it even worth me registering with the ICB at this point? I would eventually like to be self employed but that is a long way off. Many thanks.
In short No. I had Level 3 with OCR when I applied last year and was told I would have to take all there exams as a student before I could register as a member after doing all 3 levels again with them. If you are wanting experience try the AAT as there are some apprecance schemes.
OCR qualifications are modular so it depends on what modules you have done, and what grades you have. In short you need all modules in all sections with high grades.
Best thing to do is email ICB with details of the modules you have completed.
I think NicolsonAndCo mean apprentice scheme, but you would most likely be covering the same ground you have already done.
For gaining employment, membership is an extra tick in the box, but it isn't essential. Your OCR qualifications should be fine for getting work experience with. Membership bodies do have many benefits though which you should consider.
OCR do not award grades for their modular assignments - it is pass or fail. However, their marking criteria is quite strict - you are only allowed two errors in each category - numerical, contextual and textual. So if you make three spelling mistakes or input the wrong amount and then the balances are out, you fail.
I have personally emailed ICB about this twice now and neither time have I actually had a reply.
Level two extended (manual and sage) covers:
Preparing and recording financial documentation
Maintaining and Reconciling the Cash Book
Processing Ledger Transactions and Extracting a Trial Balance
Maintaining Control Accounts
Maintaining the Journal
Level one extended we did:
Preparing and processing book-keeping documents Recording credit transactions Making and receiving payments Recording receipts and payments Maintaining Petty Cash Records
Record Routine Bookkeeping Transactions using a Computerised System Prepare and Record Sales and Purchase Documents using a Computerised System
As a course advisor for a Training Provider this is the most common question I am asked and my answer is always the same, contact the ICB with details of the qualifications and dates attained. It has always been a grey area but as I understand it regardless of if exemption is given you will still have to sit an entrance paper which is equivalent to the cost of the exam for the level you are being offered exemption for?
ICB offer mock exams you can take without even being a member, so if you have gained qualifications from another body you can test what you have learnt by just applying to the ICB for a mock exam which I believe costs around £10, this is a lot less that having to go through a training provider via purchasing a course or even going down the self-study route.
Hope this helps and have a very Happy Christmas.
Dave
Ps Oh and a profitable 2013.
Sorry for the edits I am a brummie middle aged male in need of a Lobotomy and need several goes lol.
HAPPY HOLIDAYS
-- Edited by TRAINING LINK on Friday 21st of December 2012 08:41:19 PM
-- Edited by TRAINING LINK on Friday 21st of December 2012 08:43:30 PM
I can see 1 of your emails, I will get a response out, we just need a bit more information from what you said in the email but I have pointed them to this post.
OCR do grade some of their qualifications, as I am not in the examinations department I don't fully understand OCR, it is one of the more complicated awarding bodies we deal with.
IAB - will give associate membership (level 2) for OCR level 2, they say it is like for like. No entrance exam needed, just send copies of certificates and exemption fee.
ICB - not got a complete answer from yet. They have said they will offer 'some' exemptions but need to see certificates before stating what. My guess is it will be level one only - as far as I am aware the same process occurs, you send copies of certificates with exemption fee, no exam needed.
