Studying from home is a great option if you have to work, manage family responsibilities, or balance other time-consuming commitments. In South Africa, you can study ICB courses through self-study or through an accredited training centre, depending on the kind of support and flexibility you need.

ICB currently explains that students can choose between self-study and accredited training providers, with study formats that may include online, distance, or classroom learning.

If you want to study through a college, the safest way to confirm whether a provider is currently recognised is to use ICB’s Where to Study page, which lists accredited training centres. ICB says it has over 500 accredited training providers across Southern Africa.

Examples of distance learning brands that may offer ICB-related study options include:

• Skills Academy– Accredited by FASSET, QCTO, ICB
• Learning Group– Accredited by FASSET, QCTO, ICB
• Home Study College– Accredited by FASSET, QCTO, ICB
• Ember Academy– Accredited by FASSET, QCTO, ICB
• Matric College– Accredited by FASSET, QCTO, ICB
• The Decor School

Because provider accreditation and course availability can change, each college should be checked against ICB’s current training-centre listings before publication. ICB’s own site is the most reliable source for confirming who is currently accredited.

Why Choose Distance Learning?

Have you just finished school and want to start studying, but do not want to travel to a campus every day? Are you working full-time, raising a family, or trying to fit studies around other responsibilities? Distance learning can be a practical solution because it allows you to study more flexibly and build your schedule around your life.

According to ICB, students can choose the study format that suits them best. You can study independently through self-study or enrol with an accredited training centre for more structured support.

How Distance Learning Works with ICB

If you study through a distance learning provider, your college will usually guide you through the learning process, provide support, and help you prepare for your assessments. If you choose self-study instead, you take responsibility for sourcing study materials, preparing for exams, and managing your own progress.

ICB explains that distance and self-study students register themselves online through the Student Portal, while classroom students are usually registered by their training centre.

ICB also explains that:

• student and exam registrations are done online

• exams are held throughout the year

• exams may be written online or paper-based, depending on the setup

• your Portfolio of Evidence (PoE) is completed on MACCI

This means the older wording about sitting exams only at a nearest exam centre on specific months is no longer the best fit for 2026. The current ICB process is more flexible and digital than that.

Why Students Choose ICB

ICB remains a popular option for students who want practical business qualifications. The current ICB site says its qualifications are modular and stackable, which means you can build your knowledge step by step and often earn your first certificate relatively quickly. ICB also states that its three study streams are designed around practical business and workplace skills.

Here are some of the main reasons students choose to study ICB courses:

Flexible Study Options

ICB offers study options through self-study or through an accredited training centre, making it easier for students to fit learning around work and other responsibilities.

Career-Focused Learning

ICB presents its qualifications as practical, career-ready programmes that help students build useful workplace skills in accounting, business, and office administration.

Recognised Study Streams

The current ICB site lists three main study streams:

• Financial Accounting

• Business Management

• Office Administration

Progression Opportunities

ICB states that its qualifications are modular, and that students may progress further by adding more subjects or building on completed learning. The organisation also refers students to progression opportunities and possible exemptions with selected institutions or professional bodies, depending on the route followed.

The Institute of Certified Bookkeepers acts as an examination body and is not in control of  course material. Instead, you can choose a college to study through, such as Matric College.

Get more details on our ICB distance learning courses by clicking the links below.

ICB: Business Management Programme

• ICB National Diploma: Certified Financial Accounting
• ICB Higher Certificate: Office Administration (Certified Senior Office Administrator)
• ICB National Certificate: Small Business Financial Management

ICB: Financial Accounting Programme

• ICB National Diploma: Technical Financial Accounting
• ICB National Certificate: Bookkeeping (Junior Bookkeeper)
• ICB National Diploma: Certified Financial Accounting
• ICB FET Certificate: Bookkeeping (Certified Senior Bookkeeper)

ICB: Office Administration

• ICB National Certificate: Office Administration (Certified Junior Office Administrator)
• ICB Higher Certificate: Office Administration (Certified Senior Office Administrator)
• ICB Diploma: Office Administration (Certified Office Manager)

To find out more about these courses and studying through distance learning you can read Skills Academy’s ICB Distance Learning Courses page. Read more on ICB here.

If you want to find out more about Office Administration then you can read the ICB Office Administration page. You can also read the ICB prospectus page for more information.

Last Updated: 19 March 2026