When was the ICBA Started?
The Institute of Certified Bookkeepers (ICB) is an external examination body that was started in 1931. The ICB focusses on the training, the testing, and the certification of accountants and bookkeepers. However, in 2012 the ICB was split into two separate parts and the Institute of Certified Bookkeepers and Accountants (ICBA) was created during this split. The ICBA became a separate professional body that is focussed on professional membership while the ICB remained focussed on training. This means that once you finish an ICB course you can register to be a member of the ICBA.
What Does the ICBA do?
The ICBA certifies the qualifications that you get after completing an ICB course. The ICBA also awards its members with various designations. Designations are the letters behind your name to show your level of professional certification in a certain field. These designations are earned after completing any one of the ICB courses and gaining a specific amount of practical work experience.
What Designations are There?
You can earn a designation after any of the ICB courses, not only the finance or accounting courses. The designation you can use depends on your qualification and work experience. The table below shows you all the designations and how much experience you need.
| Title | Designation | Amount of Work Experience Needed |
| Certified Junior Bookkeeper | CJBIcba(SA) | 6 months |
| Certified Public Accounts Administrator | CPAAIcba(SA) | 12 months |
| Certified Senior Bookkeeper | CSBIcba(SA) | 12 months |
| Certified Technical Financial Accountant | CTFAIcba(SA) | 24 months |
| Certified Technical Public Accountant | CTPAIcba(SA) | 24 months |
| Certified Junior Office Administrator | CJOAIcba(SA) | 24 months |
| Certified Senior Office Administrator | CSOAIcba(SA) | 24 months |
| Certified Financial Accountant | CFAIcba(SA) | 36 months |
| Certified Office Manager | COMIcba(SA) | 36 months |
Is it Worth Being a Part of the ICBA?
If you are a part of the ICBA you will receive many different benefits. Some of these benefits include:
- Using the ICBA logo on your business cards
- An annual tax booklet that will be updated every year
- Discounts on training
If you are a member of the ICBA you are also much more employable meaning that you have more job opportunities.
Last Updated: April 2, 2019