ICB Affiliate Certificate in Bookkeeping (Level 2)

The syllabus centres around the three assessments you must take before receiving your Level 2 ICB Certificate in Bookkeeping. Based on the course's five key topics, each assessment will test your bookkeeping knowledge and skills. These topics include:

• Underpinning knowledge

• Prepare business documents

• Accounting for VAT

• Entering transactions

• Reconciliation and reporting

On average, the Level 2 ICB course can be completed within 6 to 12 months. We provide you with 12 months of access to the course so you can study the qualification at your own pace.

Format

The ICB Level 2 Certificate consists of three online assessments: A1, A2, and A3. The exams should be taken in numerical order, starting at A3.

A1 and A2 assess your knowledge of the double-entry bookkeeping system, while A3 assesses your bookkeeping knowledge in a computerised system. We'll provide the materials and resources needed to help prepare for your exams. (See Additional Benefits tab)

Upon completing the three assessments, you'll receive the Level 2 ICB Certificate in Bookkeeping and can upgrade your member status to ICB's associate membership. You'll then receive the designatory letters, AICB, for your bookkeeping profession.

A1 – Basic double-entry bookkeeping to trial balance

A1 covers and assesses aspiring bookkeepers with the fundamental concepts of double-entry bookkeeping and guides you through creating a trial balance. Some of the basic principles involved are:

• Underpinning knowledge including:

  • Knowledge of the legal differences between the business types that exist

  • Terms in bookkeeping (assets, liabilities, etc.)

  • Banking procedures and security

  • Understanding the different categories of VAT (standard, reduced, zero, exempt, outside the scope)

  • Understanding the format of the accounting equation

  • Understanding the different categories of discounts (trade, bulk, prompt payment, etc.)

  • Understand the difference between financial and management accounts

  • Understand the concept of reporting on a cash basis for income tax purposes

• Calculation of the value of the capital investment for a sole trader

• Performing opening entries in the journal

• Creation of business documents, including how to calculate and correctly account for VAT

• Understanding the effect of entering transactions into a bookkeeping system for sales, purchases, overheads, capital items, returns, personal items, etc.

• Recording the effect of making and receiving payments, including bank, cash and petty cash transactions

• Calculation of relevant account balances

• Production and explanation of a trial balance

A2 – Further double-entry bookkeeping to trial balance

A2 assesses your understanding of the advanced concepts in double-entry bookkeeping, recording financial transactions and preparing a trial balance. The key concepts that A2 will assess you are:

• Underpinning knowledge including:

  • Professional Ethics

  • Legislation relevant to the bookkeeper

  • Accounting concepts

• Further double entry includes the following:

  • Topics from A1 papers

  • The content of control accounts

  • Understanding and posting discounts allowed/received

  • Writing off a bad debt

  • Construction Industry Scheme (CIS)

  • Posting non-sole trader entries (subscriptions, donations, drawings of partners, directors’ loan accounts, etc.)

• Performing journal entries (payroll journal calculation, bad debt expense, etc.)

• Calculation of the value of a suspense account in a system that does not balance

• Reconciliation of debtors, creditors and bank balances

• Understanding the treatment of imports and exports

• Correction of errors that do not affect the trial balance

• Production and explanation of a trial balance

A3 – Data entry to trial balance using software

A3 assesses your bookkeeping knowledge and skills in accounting software that you would need in today's modern bookkeeping world. Here, the assessment will test how you efficiently record transactions and generate trial balances using accounting software programmes. Some of the key concepts you'll learn to apply in accounting software are:

• Opening of entries

• Entry of cash and credit transactions

• Production of a trial balance

• Production of reports for debtors, creditors, banks, VAT and the audit trail

• Bank reconciliations

• Correction of errors

Duration

Once you've started an exam, you must complete it within the exam duration. Remember to complete and submit your exam within 14 days of booking to avoid the assessment becoming void. Here are the duration for each exam at this level:

• A1 – Basic double-entry bookkeeping to trial balance: 2 hours

• A2 – Further double-entry bookkeeping to trial balance: 2 hours

• A3 – Data entry to trial balance using software: 24 hours

Availability

All three assessments are available on-demand, so you can book an exam once you've completed all the course materials for a particular assessment. We'll assist you with the process and additional instructions for booking and registering for an exam.

You'll need an active student registration or membership to take your exams online. While we provide the exams in the course, annual student registration is separate from the course price.

If you want to earn a living through bookkeeping, this course is for you. The Level 2 ICB Certificate in Bookkeeping is available to individuals from various industries and educational backgrounds.

This Level 2 Certificate in Bookkeeping has no formal entry requirements and is beginner-friendly for those who want to start a bookkeeping career or change careers. Completing this bookkeeping course can help you land a position in finance.

To study the ICB Level 2 Certificate in Bookkeeping, we recommend that you:

• Are at least 16 years old (or have the consent of a parent or guardian).

• Have a solid understanding of the English language.

• Have basic numerical skills.

• Have access to a PC or laptop (This course is compatible with both Mac and Windows).

• Have access to a secure internet connection.

Most comprehensive course training at the most affordable price.

ICB designation: Receive your AICB designation awarded by the Institute of Certified Bookkeepers after you complete this level.

Comprehensive eLearning platform: Access an industry-leading eLearning platform that contains all the support and learning materials you need and has a user-friendly interface for easy navigation.

Responsive tutor support: Request unlimited support from award-winning tutors who aim to assist you with your learning and respond to you within 24-48 hours.

Interactive course content: Our interactive course content, consisting of engaging slides, videos, animations, and more, can help you engage with the lessons better. It can be found on our eLearning platform.

Fully accredited ICB courseware: Gain additional learning insights as we provide ICB-accredited learning resources, including pocket revision kits, practice papers, question banks, and exam preparation guides.

Flexible learning: Study independently as you can access the course in our eLearning platform for 12 months.

Free Accounting Software: Learn computerised bookkeeping practices as we provide you with free accounting software such as Sage and Xero Accounting during your study of our course.

Sage Certificate included: Enhance your professional credibility and earn your Sage certification as an addition to your professional toolkit.

Mock exam papers: Our mock exam papers help you simulate and get a feel for the actual examinations, helping you prepare for your ICB exams.

Interest-free payment options: Our payment options make your education more accessible so you can study the course and start your learning journey without worries.

Available ICB courses: Continue learning with our ICB Level 3 Certificate in Bookkeeping and Accounts.

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