START YOUR ACCOUNTING CAREER
ICB Bookkeeping Course in South Africa
Gain practical bookkeeping, payroll and accounting skills with Transcollege. Start with the fundamentals and build the skills you need for a career in bookkeeping and finance.
ICB BOOKKEEPING QUALIFICATION
What Is the ICB Bookkeeping Course?
The ICB Bookkeeping course gives you practical accounting and bookkeeping skills that can be used in businesses across South Africa. It is suitable for beginners, school leavers, working adults and anyone who wants to start a career in bookkeeping or accounting.
At Transcollege, you study the four foundation subjects in the ICB bookkeeping pathway. You will learn Bookkeeping to Trial Balance (BKTB), Business Literacy (BUSL), Computerised Bookkeeping (CBPK), and Payroll and Monthly SARS Returns (PMSR).
BKTB
Bookkeeping to Trial Balance
Bookkeeping to Trial Balance introduces you to the accounting process.
You learn how businesses record and process financial transactions.
Topics include:
- Source documents
- The accounting equation
- Double-entry bookkeeping
- Cash and credit transactions
- Subsidiary journals
- General ledger accounts
- VAT
- Debtors
- Creditors
- Inventory
- Bank reconciliations
- Trial balance
- Basic financial statements
BKTB provides the foundation for the accounting subjects that follow.
BUSL
Business Literacy
Bookkeepers also need good communication and numerical skills.
Business Literacy develops these abilities.
Students learn about:
- Business communication
- Workplace communication
- Business numeracy
- Fractions
- Percentages
- Ratios
- Equations
- Interest calculations
- Analysing workplace information
- Work readiness
These skills support both further studies and employment.
CBPK
Computerised Bookkeeping
Modern bookkeeping is increasingly computerised.
This subject introduces students to the use of accounting and business software.
Students develop skills in areas such as:
- Computerised accounting
- The monthly bookkeeping cycle
- Accounting software
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Word
- Microsoft PowerPoint
The subject helps students connect traditional bookkeeping knowledge with modern workplace technology.
PMSR
Payroll and Monthly SARS Returns
Payroll is an important part of bookkeeping.
PMSR teaches students how payroll transactions are processed and how businesses meet important payroll-related obligations.
Students learn about:
- Payroll calculations
- PAYE
- UIF
- SDL
- EMP201
- IRP5
- IT3(a)
- EMP501
- VAT201
- Basic Conditions of Employment
- Business ethics
This makes PMSR particularly useful for students who want to work in bookkeeping, payroll or finance departments.
PRACTICAL BOOKKEEPING SKILLS
What Will You Learn in the ICB Bookkeeping Course?
The ICB Bookkeeping course develops practical financial and business skills that can be applied in the workplace. Students learn how to record transactions, process payroll, work with accounting systems and understand essential business information.
Record Financial Transactions
Learn how to record day-to-day business transactions using the principles of double-entry bookkeeping.
Manage Debtors & Creditors
Learn how to process customer and supplier transactions and maintain accurate accounting records.
Prepare Bank Reconciliations
Learn how to compare accounting records with bank statements and identify outstanding or incorrect transactions.
Process Payroll & SARS Returns
Learn the fundamentals of payroll calculations and monthly SARS-related payroll returns.
Use Computerised Accounting Systems
Develop practical skills in processing bookkeeping transactions using computerised accounting systems.
Apply Business Numeracy & Communication
Build the numerical, communication and workplace skills needed in a modern business environment.
ICB Bookkeeping Course Requirements
The ICB Bookkeeping course is suitable for beginners and working adults who want to build practical bookkeeping and accounting skills. You do not need previous accounting experience to get started.
What Are the Entry Requirements?
One of the advantages of the ICB bookkeeping pathway is its accessible entry requirements.
You can start if you:
- Are at least 16 years old; and
- Have Grade 10 (Standard 8) or an equivalent qualification.
Do I Need Matric to Study ICB Bookkeeping?
You do not need a Matric certificate to meet the stated academic entry requirement for the National Certificate: Bookkeeping.
A Grade 10 education or equivalent is sufficient for entry into the programme.
This can provide a study pathway for people who have not completed Grade 12 but want to develop bookkeeping and accounting skills.
Do I Need Accounting Experience?
No prior accounting knowledge is required.
Students begin with foundational bookkeeping concepts. These include recording transactions, balancing ledgers and preparing a trial balance.
The programme then develops skills in payroll, SARS returns, computerised bookkeeping and business literacy.
This makes the course suitable for beginners, school leavers and working adults who want to develop bookkeeping skills.
Who Should Study ICB Bookkeeping?
The course may be suitable for:
- School leavers
- Working adults
- Entrepreneurs
- Small business owners
- Junior finance employees
- Administrative employees
- Aspiring bookkeepers
- People changing careers
- Students who want to progress into financial accounting
You do not have to be working in accounting before starting.
What Can You Do After Studying Bookkeeping?
Bookkeeping skills are required in organisations of different sizes and industries.
Your studies can help prepare you for entry-level positions such as:
- Bookkeeper
- Accounts Clerk
- Debtors Clerk
- Creditors Clerk
- Payroll Clerk
- Finance Administrator
- Accounts Assistant
Your bookkeeping studies can also provide a foundation for further financial accounting studies.
COURSE DURATION & STUDY OPTIONS
How Long Does the ICB Bookkeeping Course Take?
The ICB Bookkeeping course is structured to be completed over approximately 12 months. Your actual study period may depend on your subject schedule, study pace and assessment dates.
Transcollege offers flexible study options to support students with different schedules. This makes the course suitable for school leavers, working adults and students who need to balance their studies with other commitments.
12-Month Study Period
Complete the four ICB Bookkeeping subjects over approximately 12 months.
Flexible Study Options
Study through a learning option that suits your schedule and personal commitments.
Plan Your Assessments
Plan your subjects and assessments around the available ICB assessment dates.
COURSE FEES & PAYMENT OPTIONS
How Much Does It Cost to Study ICB Bookkeeping?
Transcollege offers the ICB National Certificate: Bookkeeping with flexible payment options.
The programme fee includes tuition, study materials and ICB exam registration.
Students who prefer to spread the cost of their studies can also choose a structured monthly payment plan.
See our Bookkeeping Courses with Payment Plans in South Africa guide for full fees, monthly instalments and payment information.https://transcollege.co.za/bookkeeping-courses-with-payment-plans-in-south-africa/
Total Course Fee
R18 450
Includes tuition (face-to-face or online), study materials and ICB exam registration fees
Initial Deposit
R1 950
Pay the initial deposit to begin your registration and studies.
Monthly Instalments
R1 375 × 12
Spread the remaining course fees over 12 monthly instalments.
Graduation Fee
R3 800
Graduation is optional and the graduation fee is charged separately from the course fees.
QUALIFICATION & CAREER OPPORTUNITIES
What Can You Do After Completing the ICB Bookkeeping Course?
Completing the ICB Bookkeeping course gives you practical bookkeeping, payroll and accounting skills that can be applied in a range of business environments. It also provides a foundation for further studies in accounting and finance.
Qualification
Earn a Bookkeeping Qualification
Complete the required subjects and assessments towards the National Certificate: Bookkeeping (NQF L3).
Career Opportunities
Build Your Bookkeeping Career
Develop skills for entry-level roles such as bookkeeper, accounts clerk, payroll administrator and finance assistant.
Further Studies
Progress to Further Studies
Continue your studies towards the ICB National Diploma: Financial Accounting (NQF Level 6) or explore other accounting, finance and business qualifications.
START YOUR BOOKKEEPING JOURNEY
How Do I Enrol for the ICB Bookkeeping Course?
Getting started with the ICB Bookkeeping course at Transcollege is simple. Choose your preferred study option, complete your application and begin your journey towards a career in bookkeeping and accounting.
Apply to Transcollege
Complete your application and provide the information required for registration.
Choose Your Study Option
Choose between face-to-face or online classes to suit your schedule and learning needs.
Start Your Studies
Pay your initial deposit, complete your registration and begin your ICB Bookkeeping studies.
WHY STUDY WITH TRANSCOLLEGE?
Why Choose Transcollege for Your ICB Bookkeeping Studies?
At Transcollege, we combine structured learning, practical support and flexible study options to help you work towards your bookkeeping qualification with confidence. Whether you study face-to-face or online, you receive support throughout your learning journey.You can also learn more about ICB qualifications and assessments directly from the Institute of Certified Bookkeepers.https://www.icb.org.za/
ICB Training Provider
Transcollege provides tuition and academic support for students studying towards ICB qualifications.
Flexible Learning Options
Choose face-to-face classes in Johannesburg or online classes to fit your location, work schedule and personal commitments.
Academic Support
Receive guidance from your lecturers as you work through your subjects, assessments and preparation for ICB examinations.
All-Inclusive Course Fee
Your course fee includes tuition, study materials and ICB exam registration, helping you plan your studies with greater certainty.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Frequently Asked Questions About ICB Bookkeeping
Find answers to common questions about studying ICB Bookkeeping at Transcollege, including entry requirements, study options, course duration, fees and progression opportunities.
What are the entry requirements for ICB Bookkeeping?
You can start the ICB Bookkeeping programme with Grade 10 or an equivalent qualification. Previous accounting experience is not required.
Can I study ICB Bookkeeping online?
Yes. Transcollege offers online classes for the ICB Bookkeeping course, allowing you to study from anywhere in South Africa. You receive structured tuition, study materials and academic support while preparing for your ICB assessments and examinations.
How long does the ICB Bookkeeping course take?
The programme can normally be completed in approximately 12 months. Your actual study period may depend on your subject schedule, study pace and available assessment dates.
How much does the ICB Bookkeeping course cost?
The total course fee is R18 450. Students can pay an initial deposit of R1 950, followed by 12 monthly instalments of R1 375.
What is included in the course fee?
The course fee includes tuition through face-to-face or online classes, study materials and ICB exam registration. The optional graduation fee is charged separately.
Can I study ICB Bookkeeping face-to-face?
Yes. Transcollege offers face-to-face ICB Bookkeeping classes in Johannesburg, as well as online classes for students who prefer flexible learning.
What can I do after completing ICB Bookkeeping?
After completing the required subjects and assessments, you can progress in your bookkeeping career and continue your studies towards higher-level accounting and financial qualifications, including the ICB Financial Accounting pathway.
How do I enrol for ICB Bookkeeping at Transcollege?
Complete your application, choose your preferred study option and pay the initial deposit to begin the registration process.