ICB exam info

WHAT IS A BOOKKEEPER?
Book keeping is a growing profession - it is demanding, exciting, challenging and above all, rewarding. It is about understanding how a business works and then providing accurate figures that enable the business to know exactly how well it is doing. For men and women of all ages and from all backgrounds it provides outstanding career opportunities.

A CAREER IN BOOKKEEPING
Every business, no matter how large or small, is required by law to 'keep books'. This involves the recording of the financial transactions of a business, whether manually into ledgers or by entering everything onto a computer. So, if you are well organised and methodical, like working through documents and enjoy seeing a set of figures add up properly, book-keeping could be the career for you.
People of all ages are becoming bookkeepers: Young people fresh from school or college can achieve a professional qualification that opens up a whole new world of business to them or may become the first step to becoming a qualified accountant. More mature people bring years' of experience to their role and are in great demand from businesses who want a safe pair of hands. Many are mothers wanting to find a well-paid career running a book-keeping business from home whilst still bringing up their family.

YOU AND THE INSTITUTE
The Institute of Certified Bookkeepers was established to provide a series of professional qualifications that reflect the needs of Business and the aspirations of people wanting to enter the profession. It exists to represent Bookkeepers at all levels and to promote the professionalism of Bookkeepers to business, government and the general public.
Becoming a member of the institute is like joining a club. You will receive strong on-going support from a team of qualified professionals. You will have access to free legal and technical advice. You will have the opportunity to meet other Book-Keepers and to update your skills through continuing professional development seminars.
The institute has more than 150,000 students and members spread across more than fifty countries, making it the largest BookKeeping institute in the world.

The ICB (Institute of Certified Bookkeepers) is committed, not only to setting the standards for bookkeeping and helping individuals to achieve formal qualifications,
but also to maintaining those standards and continuing to provide members with full support once they have qualified.

• Professional letters after your name
• Membership certificate sealed by the Institute
• Membership card
• Access to the 'members only' section on the Institute's web site
• Notification of Bookkeeping Job Vacancies in your area
• Free Technical advice line covering all aspects of bookkeeping
• Free legal advice line for business and personal usage
• Free access to technical and legal downloads
• Free updates on changes in legislation which might affect bookkeeping
• Free advice and guidance on setting up a private practice
• Free information on employment opportunities which arise
• Regional meetings
• CPD (continuing professional development) seminars
• Up to 40% off Private Medical Care with the HMCA