Do you wish to study Business Management short courses via distance learning?

Individuals who study business management short courses via distance learning are offered the opportunity to learn how to manage organizations of different sizes. They also learn about the relationships between businesses and the communities they serve. Studying a business management short course can help you on your way to becoming a leader in the business environment.

The ICB offers a fully accredited business management program. You can find out more about Business Management courses and other available ICB Distance Learning courses through our dedicated program pages

Available Business Management Short Courses

Here is a list of the Business Management short courses you can choose from:

• Business Management 1 (BMT1)

• Bookkeeping to Trial Balance (BKTB)

• Business Literacy (BUSL)

• Office and Legal Practice (OLPR)

• Business Management 2 (BMT2)

• Marketing Management and Public Relations (MMPR)

• Financial Statements (FNST)

• Human Resources Management and Labour Relations (HRLR)

• Business Management 3 (BMT3)

• Financial Management and Control (FMCL)

• Financial Reporting and Regulatory Frameworks (FRRF)

• Research Theory and Practice (RTAP)

Understanding the Institute of Certified Bookkeepers (ICB)

The Institute of Certified Bookkeepers is a professional body that has existed since 1931. In South Africa, the functions of professional bodies used to incorporate both professional membership and education/training. However, recent academic regulations required these bodies to split those functions.

Consequently, the historical ICB was divided into a Professional Body and an Academic Body in 2015. The educational body continues under the name Institute of Certified Bookkeepers.

The “new” ICB, which solely handles academics, is a recognized Quality Assurance Partner of FASSET (the Sector Education and Training Authority for Finance, Accounting, Management Consulting, and other Financial Services). This means the ICB is authorized by FASSET to certify training providers and serve as the examination body for ICB courses.

The Role of the QCTO and FASSET

Currently, the QCTO (Quality Council for Trades and Occupations) is in the process of taking over responsibility for all SETAs. This means FASSET now falls under the QCTO, which may impact future accreditation details. Both FASSET and the QCTO are statutory bodies established by Acts of Parliament.

Professional Membership and the ICBA

The Professional Body is known as the Institute of Certified Bookkeepers and Accountants (ICBA). The ICBA is recognized by SAQA as a professional body for the registration of seven professional designations on the National Qualifications Framework (NQF).

Typically, a student completes ICB qualifications and, based on those qualifications along with work experience and adherence to professional guidelines, applies for membership. The primary goal of the ICBA is to provide professional membership to Accounting Professionals, Financial Accountants, and Office Administrators. As an ICB student, you can apply for Trainee Membership with the ICBA.

Career Opportunities: Where Can I Work?

All organizations require qualified individuals in management. Common examples of where you can apply your skills include:

• Production and manufacturing services

• Service organizations and retailers

• Logistics and supply chain management

• Financial institutions

• Entrepreneurship (starting your own business)

• Consultancy and compliance roles

What are the Benefits of Studying Business Management Short Courses?

Management involves a broad skill set that benefits you in any workplace. Key advantages include:

• Gaining a firm grasp of the realities of the business world.

• Learning the importance of teamwork and how to manage people.

• Understanding entrepreneurship and the mechanics of running a business.

• Combining management knowledge with other specialized skills to pursue diverse career paths.

• Improving professional communication and organizational understanding.

Discover the best ways to make a business prosper!

This program is just the ticket if you have ambitions of managing a business and its finances.

Great business management is critically important for a business’s business success. In this ICB program, you’ll learn about business and financial management best practices, office and legal practice, human resource management, computer system literacy, worldwide business strategy and research methods in commerce.

ICB Business Management Program Levels

Foundation Level: National Certificate in Small Business Financial Management

• NQF Level: Level 4 (SAQA ID 48736, 120 credits)

• Duration: 9 months

• Entry Requirements: Grade 11 (Std 9) or equivalent

Subjects:

1. Business Management 1 (BMT1)

2. Bookkeeping to Trial Balance (BKTB)

3. Business Literacy (BUSL)

Potential Job Titles: Assistant or administrator in HR, office management, legal administration, PR, marketing, sales, or customer relations.

What You Will Be Able To Do: Demonstrate an understanding of financial transactions, interact effectively with stakeholders, and operate basic office computer systems.

Intermediate Level: Higher Certificate in Office Administration

• NQF Level: Level 5 (SAQA ID 23619, 240 cumulative credits)

• Duration: +15 months

• Entry Requirements: National Certificate: Small Business Financial Management

Subjects:

1. Office and Legal Practice (OLPR)

2. Business Management 2 (BMT2)

3. Marketing Management and Public Relations (MMPR)

4. Financial Statements (FNST)

5. Human Resources Management and Labour Relations (HRLR)

Potential Job Titles: Senior Office Administrator, Secretary, General Office Manager, HR Supervisor, or Department Manager.

What You Will Be Able To Do: Apply marketing, law, and economics concepts to business; draw up and interpret financial statements; and work effectively with HR departments.

Advanced Level: National Diploma in Financial Accounting

• NQF Level: Level 6 (SAQA ID 20366, 280 cumulative credits)

• Duration: +12 months

• Entry Requirements: Higher Certificate: Office Administration

Subjects:

1. Business Management 3 (BMT3)

2. Financial Management and Control (FMCL)

3. Financial Reporting and Regulatory Frameworks (FRRF)

4. Research Theory and Practice (RTAP)

Potential Job Titles: Financial Accountant, Accounting Officer, Business Analyst, or Management Consultant.

What You Will Be Able To Do: Handle management information systems, prepare a business for internal/external audits, and apply strategic thinking in a global business environment.

Everything You Need to Know About Exams

Wondering how your Business Management short courses will be graded? The process is straightforward but requires consistent effort.

Your final grade is split into two parts:

1. 30% Formative Assessment: This comes from the activities, assignments, and tests you undertake during your course. These are collected in your Portfolio of Evidence (PoE).

2. 70% Summative Assessment: This is your final exam. You must achieve at least 50% in this final exam to pass the subject, regardless of how high your total mark is.

Exam Dates and Venues

• Classroom Students: Most colleges hold exams on-site monthly. You should check your specific college’s internal schedule for dates.

• Distance Learning Students: You can enter ICB exams in February, May, July, September, and November. These exams take place at ICB-approved assessment centers across Southern Africa.

Entering for an ICB Exam

Classroom students will typically handle registration through their colleges. Distance learning students must enter via the ICB Student Portal online. You will first select your qualification, then choose your subjects, exam dates, and preferred locations. Once you have submitted your entry and paid the required fee, you will receive a confirmation email.

Pro Tip: Pay your registration and assessment fees as early as possible. This ensures your PoE is sent to you quickly, providing you with an essential tool to guide your studies.

The Portfolio of Evidence (PoE)

What is the PoE and why is it important?

The ICB learning experience is unique. The PoE is a folder issued to you once you have registered for an assessment. It is not just a collection of papers; it is a structured program designed to give you a deep understanding of your course material so you can use your skills in a job from day one.

What’s inside my PoE?

When your PoE arrives (usually 3–4 weeks after the ICB receives your exam entry), it will contain:

• The ICB Portfolio Administration Guide: This is your “map” for the subject. It explains how to complete the PoE and includes necessary forms.

• ICB Tests and Assignments: For each subject, the ICB sets three assignments and two tests to evaluate your progress.

• Answer Books: Blank books where you will write the answers to your tests and assignments.

How to manage your PoE

1. Check your details: Ensure the personal information on the cover is correct. Contact the ICB or your college immediately if there is an error.

2. Follow the steps: Work through the Administration Guide step-by-step.

3. Submission: A few days before your final exam, use the checklist in your guide to ensure everything is included. Make a backup copy of your entire PoE for your records.

4. The Final Step: Take your completed PoE to your final exam. After finishing the exam, insert your exam question and answer papers into the folder and hand everything in together.

Postponements and Re-assessments

Sick on exam day or missed your exam?

If you are ill, you can apply for a medical postponement. You will need to provide a valid medical certificate. If you simply miss your exam without postponing it in time, you will unfortunately have to start the subject over by re-entering and obtaining a new PoE.

What happens if I fail an ICB exam?

If you are assessed as “not yet proficient,” don’t panic. You have the opportunity for one re-assessment.

• The re-assessment is a supplementary final exam.

• The pass mark is 60%.

• The exam counts for 100% of your grade (no PoE required).

• You must complete this re-assessment within 12 months of your original exam date.

Professional Body Membership and Career Growth

Once you have completed your Business Management short courses and earned a full qualification, you can unlock professional opportunities.

Registering with a Professional Body

You can apply to join the ICBA (the sister organization of the ICB). They offer various membership levels based on your qualification and work experience. They also recognize foreign qualifications, provided they have been evaluated by SAQA.

If you wish to become a Tax Practitioner, you can join SAIT (South African Institute of Taxation). SAIT recognizes the ICB FET Certificate: Bookkeeping and the National Diploma: Technical Financial Accounting.

Further Study with CIMA and ACCA

Your ICB National Diploma (NQF 6) is a gateway to international prestige:

• CIMA: You can apply for up to six exemptions toward management accounting qualifications.

• ACCA: You can receive up to six exemptions toward becoming a Chartered Certified Accountant.

Finding a Job

In association with CareerJunction, you can search for financial and administrative positions specifically suited to ICB graduates at icb.org.za/careers.

| Diploma in Business Management careers

Last Updated : 5 March 2026