ICB Level 2 Associate

Who is it for? Adult learner 19+, beginner Qualification: ICB Level 2 Associate Location: Distance Learning Start date: Ongoing Duration: 220 recommended study hours – two years' tutorial support

The perfect starting point for a career in bookkeeping

Every business, no matter how large or small, is required by law to 'keep books'.

Bookkeepers play a vital role within organisations, ensuring records of individual financial transactions are accurate, orderly, up to date and comprehensive.

Our Institute of Certified Bookkeepers (ICB) Level 2 Associate course comprises modules at Level 1 and 2, which are designed to introduce you to the principles of recording financial transactions in a way that enables effective business planning.

Gain a solid understanding of bookkeeping practice

You will learn traditional manual bookkeeping methods – such as the 'Double Entry System' – along with computerised techniques using Excel and Sage, the world’s most popular bookkeeping software.

By the end of the course you will understand how to produce final accounts for sole traders, undertake reconciliations, submit VAT returns, manage and forecast budgets and handle end of year bookkeeping.

Upon successful completion of the course you will receive:

• ICB Certificate in Basic Bookkeeping Level 1
• ICB Certificate in Manual Bookkeeping Level 2
• ICB Certificate in Computerised Bookkeeping Level 2
• Optional Sage Certificate of Competency

By the end of the course you will understand how to manage accounts, undertake reconciliations, submit VAT returns, manage and forecast budgets and handle end of year bookkeeping.

View a short selection of our Course Content and Sample Materials for ICB Level 2 Associate.

Course Snapshot

• Level 2 qualification – comparable to studying at GCSE or higher diploma level
• Accredited by the Institute of Certified Bookkeepers
• Entry requirements: Students should have a keen interest in bookkeeping with an eye for detail. A GCSE, or equivalent, in mathematics is desirable, but not essential
• Seven books containing 17 assignments
• Four exams:
  Level 1 - taken at home
  Sage Competency - taken at home
  Level 2 Manual Bookkeeping – taken at external assessment centre
  Level 2 Computerised Bookkeeping – taken at home
• Approximately 220 recommended study hours – as this is a distance learning course you are in complete control over how much time you commit to your studies each week
• Flexible payment options
• Course Pathway
• Study Progression
• It is essential that you have a PC with the Windows XP operating system or higher

What's Included?

• Two years' unlimited tutorial support
• Bespoke course materials
• Sage Instant Accounts v16 software
• Mock exams
• Exam fees
• Exam booking service
• Two years' ICB membership (required to take the exams)
• 24 hour access to the Home Learning College Virtual Learning Community
  – the UK’s biggest online campus
• Optional NUS card - the definitive student discount card with a range of exclusive discounts
• Optional access to student rewards and career management service

Students should have a keen interest in bookkeeping with an eye for detail. A GCSE, or equivalent, in mathematics is desirable, but not essential.

Before you enrol on a Home Learning College Course, please ensure that you have read and understood the pre-requirements below:

• You have a valid UK address (students outside the UK will receive an additional postage charge).
• You are over the age of 18 or have a third party payee for any financial agreement.
• You have a solid grasp of the English language.
• You have access to a computer and the internet throughout your study period.
• You have basic PC skills in order to navigate our Virtual Learning Community.
• You are fully committed to your studies.

Did you know that one of the most common challenges people face in pursuing education is the cost?

That’s why Home Learning College has developed the most flexible payment terms of any other UK distance learning provider.

Kick Start 2012 with an Achievement Award

To help encourage a successful start to 2012, Home Learning College has set up a fund of £50,000 to encourage and reward new students.

• Make a flying start to your study in 2012, and when you complete your first assignment you will be rewarded with an Official Certificate of Achievement and award of £150 for courses with a selling price over £600 or an award of £50 for courses with a selling price under £600*.
• Plus if you are selected as one of the top five students the full costs of your course will be covered by the fund.
  What more encouragement do you need?

*The Kick Start Achievement awards apply to all courses throughout January 17, 2012 and February 14, 2012.
Kick Start 2012 Terms and Conditions

Speak to one of our course advisers for further details quoting reference KICKSTART2012.

Pathway Option

Designed to help you fast track your career, our pathway packages combine the courses you need to gain the wider job opportunities and higher earning capacity you want.

With our ICB Pathway you can take advantage of ICB Level 2 Associate and ICB Level 3 Professional in one course, allowing you to save money on your studies.

Bookkeeping is a skill you can use in an almost limitless number of industries, allowing you to gain employment in the sector of your choosing. With your new qualification you will be able to apply for a variety of roles, including Accounts Assistant or Bookkeeper, earning up to £30,246*.

View the ICB Bookkeeping career progression pathway .

This course is accredited by the Institute of Certified Bookkeepers (ICB). With over 150,000 students and members spread across more than 50 countries, the ICB is the largest bookkeeping institute in the world.

Passing the exams associated with this course will make you eligible for ICB Associate membership, allowing you to use the letters AICB after your name and to set up as an independent bookkeeper working on behalf of sole traders.

Further benefits of membership include:

• Access to the 'members only' section on the Institute's website
• Notification of bookkeeping job vacancies in your area
• Free technical advice line covering all aspects of bookkeeping
• Free legal advice line for business and personal usage
• Free access to technical and legal downloads
• Free updates on changes in legislation which might affect bookkeeping
• Free advice and guidance on setting up a private practice
• Free information on employment opportunities which arise
• Opportunity to apply for a licence to practise on behalf of sole traders
• Regional meetings
• CPD (continuing professional development) seminars
• Access to ICB Plus - Exclusive offers on professional and everyday products and services

Having gained your Level 2 qualification, you may wish to progress to our ICB Level 3 Professional course which will take your bookkeeping skills to the next level. Upon completion of Level 3 you can also upgrade to full ICB membership, allowing you to use the letters MICB after your name and providing a licence to practise on behalf of limited companies and partnerships.