Are you looking for a comprehensive ICB list of short courses?
Short courses cover an extensive range of topics and can typically be completed within three months to a year. One of the greatest advantages of the ICB system is its flexibility: you can complete any single ICB topic as a standalone short course. You will receive credit for the subjects you pass, which can be applied toward a full qualification later.
ICB List of Short Courses in Office Administration
Here are the individual subjects available within the Office Administration stream:
Business and Office Administration 1, 2, and 3
Bookkeeping to Trial Balance
Business Literacy
Marketing Management and Public Relations
Business Law and Administrative Practice
Cost and Management Accounting
Human Resources Management and Labour Relations
Economics
Financial Statements
Management
You can do any ICB single topic as a short course. Then get credit for the subjects you have actually passed when you want to finish a full credentials later.
ICB Office Administration Program Structure
The following list demonstrates how individual short courses fit into the full ICB Office Administration qualifications.
Foundation Level: Certificate in Office Administration
NQF Level: L5 (SAQA ID 23618, 120 credits)
Subjects:
Business and Office Administration 1 (BOA1)
Bookkeeping to Trial Balance (BKTB)
Business Literacy (BUSL)
Marketing Management and Public Relations (MMPR)
Business Law and Administrative Practice (BLAP)
Cost and Management Accounting (CMGT)
Intermediate Level: Higher Certificate in Office Administration
NQF Level: L5 (SAQA ID 23619, 240 cumulative credits)
Subjects:
Business and Office Administration 2 (BOA2)
Human Resources Management and Labour Relations (HRLR)
Economics (ECON)
Advanced Level: Diploma in Office Administration
NQF Level: L6 (SAQA ID 35958, 360 cumulative credits)
Subjects:
Business and Office Administration 3 (BOA3)
Financial Statements (FNST)
Management (MGMT)
Why Choose the ICB Office Admin Program?
Become an Indispensable All-Rounder
This program is ideal for those who want to balance bookkeeping skills with comprehensive office knowledge. By understanding the elements that contribute to a smooth-running workplace, you will be equipped to assist in almost any department.
Increase Your Knowledge and Responsibilities
As you progress through these 12 subjects, you move from Foundation to Advanced levels. The knowledge gained in each qualification builds upon the last, allowing you to take on essential roles and increased responsibility within your organization.
Entry Requirements
You can enter the ICB Office Admin program if you have passed Grade 12. However, the ICB also considers:
Prior training and work experience.
Age and educational background.
English proficiency (as all study materials are in English).
Understanding the ICB and ICBA
The Institute of Certified Bookkeepers (ICB) is a professional body established in 1931. In 2015, to comply with South African regulations, the ICB split into two distinct entities:
The Academic Body (ICB): Focuses exclusively on academics and quality assurance. It is a Quality Assurance Partner of FASSET (the SETA for Finance and Accounting). Currently, FASSET falls under the oversight of the QCTO (Quality Council for Trades and Occupations).
The Professional Body (ICBA): The Institute of Certified Bookkeepers and Accountants. Recognized by SAQA, the ICBA registers professional designations on the NQF. Students can apply for membership based on their qualifications and work experience.
What are the Tasks of an Office Administrator?
Office administrators are vital to both government and private sectors. Their responsibilities include:
Coordinating office activities to ensure compliance with company policies.
Managing agendas, travel arrangements, and appointments for upper management.
Supporting budgeting and bookkeeping procedures.
Maintaining databases and records (financial, personnel, etc.).
Managing office supply stocks and correspondence.
Studying via Distance Learning
Distance learning is the most flexible and affordable way to study while receiving college support. When you register with a distance learning college, they provide all the necessary tuition materials.
Flexibility: Study at your own pace, anywhere.
Support: Access helplines and tutor support structures.
Exams: Sit for your final exam at the ICB examination center nearest to you.
Assessment: The Portfolio of Evidence (PoE)
The ICB assessment methodology is designed to move beyond simple memorization, ensuring you develop a deep, practical understanding of your coursework.
The PoE Components
Once you register for an exam, the ICB will send you a personalized Portfolio of Evidence (PoE). This arrives approximately 3–4 weeks after your exam entry is processed.
The Portfolio Administration Guide: This is your essential roadmap. it explains exactly how to complete your PoE, detailing every step you need to take before your exam day.
Assignments and Tests: For every subject, the ICB sets three assignments and two tests. If you are a distance learner, these are included in your PoE for you to complete at home. Classroom-based students will have their tests administered by their lecturers.
The 30/70 Split: Your PoE activities (assignments and tests) make up your Formative Assessment, contributing 30% to your final grade. The remaining 70% comes from your Summative Assessment (the final exam).
Submission and Marking
Final Checklist: A few days before your exam, use the checklist in your Administration Guide to ensure every document and form is included.
The Exam Hand-in: You must bring your completed PoE to the exam venue. After finishing your final exam, you will insert your exam question and answer papers into the PoE folder and hand the entire package to the invigilator.
Marking: For distance learners, the ICB marks the entire PoE. For classroom students, the college provisionally marks the tests, which are then moderated by the ICB to ensure national standards are met.
Results and Career Progression
Completing an ICB list of short courses is the first step toward a globally recognized career.
Accessing Your Results
Results are released approximately 7 weeks after your examination date. You can check the ICB exam calendar for specific release dates. Results are made available via:
The Student Portal: Your private online dashboard.
Email: A formal notification sent directly to your inbox.
Professional Body Membership
Upon completing a full qualification, such as the National Diploma, you are eligible to join professional bodies that validate your status in the industry:
ICBA (Institute of Certified Bookkeepers and Accountants): As the sister body to the ICB, the ICBA provides professional designations (e.g., Certified Senior Bookkeeper or Financial Accountant) based on your level of study and work experience.
SAIT (South African Institute of Taxation): If you wish to practice as a Tax Professional, SAIT recognizes specific ICB qualifications for membership, allowing you to register as a tax practitioner.
Global Pathways and Credit Transfers
Your ICB qualifications are highly portable. International bodies recognize the rigor of the ICB curriculum and offer “exemptions” (credits) toward their own designations:
ACCA (Association of Chartered Certified Accountants): If you hold the National Diploma: Financial Accounting (NQF 6), you can apply for exemptions for papers F1 through F6, significantly shortening your path to becoming a Chartered Certified Accountant.
CIMA (Chartered Institute of Management Accountants): Depending on the specific ICB level you have achieved, CIMA grants credits toward their management accounting subjects.
Chartered Secretaries Southern Africa: This body also grants exemptions for specific ICB subjects, particularly those focused on business governance and law.
Employment Opportunities
Through a partnership with CareerJunction, the ICB provides a dedicated job portal. Graduates can browse and apply for roles specifically seeking ICB-qualified candidates in fields like:
Financial Accounting and Bookkeeping
Office Management and Public Relations
Human Resources and Labour Relations Support
Management Consulting
To find out more about distance learning and the different ICB courses that are available, you can read Skills Academy ICB Distance Learning Courses page.
Business Management Short Courses |
Last Updated: 5 March 2026