What is the ICB?
The Institute of Certified Bookkeepers is the world's largest bookkeeping institute — promoting and maintaining professional standards through recognised qualifications and membership grades.
The Institute of Certified Bookkeepers (ICB) is fully dedicated to the bookkeeping profession. It promotes and maintains standards through relevant qualifications and grades of membership that recognise academic attainment, working experience and competence.
As a membership body, ICB provides ongoing support so members stay knowledgeable, up to date with legislation, mindful of ethical obligations, and best-placed to deliver a trusted service to business.
With annual conferences, regional branches and regular networking events, you'll have everything you need to stay informed and connected in this thriving industry — whether you aim for employment or self-employment.
Visit the Official ICB WebsiteWorld's Leading Institute
The largest bookkeeping institute in the world — trusted by professionals and businesses globally.
Recognised Membership
AICB, MICB and FICB grades recognise your qualifications, experience and professional standing.
Built for Bookkeepers
A body fully dedicated to bookkeeping — practical skills that employers and clients value.
Clear Career Pathway
From Level 2 entry through to Level 4 specialist options and full professional membership.
ICB Bookkeeping Qualifications
A practical pathway from entry-level bookkeeping to full membership and specialist services — ideal for employees and aspiring self-employed bookkeepers.
Certificate in Bookkeeping
Associate Membership Pathway
- Manual & computerised bookkeeping
- Double-entry principles
- Journals & trial balance
- Sage or Xero options
Certificate in Bookkeeping & Accounting
Full Membership Pathway
- Adjustments & final accounts
- Sole traders & partnerships
- Draft management accounts
- Self-employment ready skills
Advanced Certificates & Diploma
Specialist & CPD Options
- Self-Assessment Taxation
- Financial Statements
- Corporation Tax
- Business Insight
Payroll Management
Stand-alone or Combined
- In-depth payroll functions
- Computerised payroll (Sage or BrightPay)
- Valuable client service add-on
- Employee or self-employed routes
Self-Employment Packages
Build a Complete Practice
- Combined Level 2 & 3 pathways
- Optional payroll & tax add-ons
- Flexible study around family life
- Earn on your own schedule
All pathways can be studied via home study with iDEAL Schools — hard copy or online materials, tutor-marked assignments, mock exams and personal support every step of the way.
Why Train with Structured Support?
Certified Bookkeeper status can unlock career and self-employment opportunities — great training is what gets you there with confidence.
Exceptional Pass Rates
Comprehensive materials, tutor-marked assignments and every official ICB mock exam as standard help you walk into assessments prepared.
Expert Tutorial Team
Direct telephone and online support from experienced tutors — not a call centre. Real guidance when you need it.
Study Around Your Life
Home study fits family and work commitments. Progress at your own pace with hard copy or online course formats.
Self-Employment Potential
ICB pathways support flexible careers — potentially earning up to £40 per hour while setting your own schedule.
Software Skills Included
Computerised bookkeeping and payroll options (Sage, Xero, BrightPay) so you're job- and client-ready from day one.
Never Study Alone
Virtual campus support and private social groups mean community and encouragement throughout your journey.
" Achieving Certified Bookkeeper status with the ICB can unlock countless opportunities — especially if self-employment is your goal. With the right training, that future is closer than you think.
Where an ICB Qualification Can Take You
From entry-level bookkeeping roles to running your own practice — ICB opens doors across employment and self-employment.
Meet iDEAL Schools
iDEAL Schools specialises in home-study training in bookkeeping and accounting. Our courses and personalised support create a flexible, empowering environment that fits your life — with direct access to an experienced tutorial team.
ICB Pathway Specialists
Full coverage of ICB bookkeeping, payroll, tax and self-employment packages designed around real careers.
Expert Tutor Support
Telephone and online support from people who understand the challenges and rewards of this path.
Hard Copy or Online
Study materials in the format that suits you, plus a virtual campus so you never feel isolated.
Mocks & Marked Assignments
Tutor-marked assignments, internal mock exams and official ICB mocks included as standard.
Affordable & Practical
Qualifications designed to set you apart — without unnecessary complexity or hidden barriers.
Consistently 5-Star Rated
Students rate iDEAL Schools highly on Trustpilot for support, materials and results.
How to Get Started
From first conversation to qualification — your journey to becoming an ICB certified bookkeeper is simpler than you think.
Talk to Tutors
Explore your options with the tutorial team — no pushy sales, just experienced advice on the right pathway.
Choose Your Course
Select Level 2, Level 3, payroll, Level 4 CPD options or a self-employment package that matches your goals.
Study & Get Support
Work through materials at your pace. Submit assignments and get personalised feedback from your tutors.
Sit Your Assessments
Use mocks and tutor guidance to prepare, then complete your ICB assessments with confidence.
Qualify & Progress
Gain membership grades, expand into payroll or tax, and build the career or practice you want.
ICB Bookkeeping FAQs
Clear answers about the Institute of Certified Bookkeepers qualifications and studying with iDEAL Schools from home.
What is the ICB Bookkeeping qualification?
The Institute of Certified Bookkeepers (ICB) offers professional bookkeeping qualifications at Level 2, Level 3 and Level 4, plus Payroll Management. ICB is the world's largest bookkeeping institute and awards membership grades such as AICB (Associate), MICB (Member) and FICB (Fellow) that recognise academic attainment, experience and competence.
Can I study ICB Bookkeeping from home?
Yes. iDEAL Schools specialises in ICB home study (distance learning). You can study at your own pace with hard-copy or online materials, tutor-marked assignments, mock exams, telephone and online tutor support, and a virtual campus community.
What is the difference between ICB Level 2 and Level 3?
ICB Level 2 Certificate in Bookkeeping is the entry-level pathway (towards AICB) covering essentials of manual and computerised bookkeeping. ICB Level 3 Certificate in Bookkeeping and Accounting (towards MICB) covers final accounts and is widely regarded as the minimum requirement if you want to become a self-employed bookkeeper offering comprehensive client services.
Is ICB good for self-employment as a bookkeeper?
Yes. Many students choose ICB specifically for self-employment. Level 3 skills support full bookkeeping services for clients, and packages can add payroll and tax options. Self-employed bookkeepers may earn up to £40 per hour depending on experience, location and services offered, while setting their own schedule.
What jobs can I get with an ICB qualification?
ICB qualifications can lead to roles including Bookkeeper, Self-Employed Bookkeeper, Accounts Payable/Receivable, Payroll Administrator, Finance Administrator, tax support services, practice support roles, and broader client bookkeeping services.
Do I need prior experience to start an ICB course?
No prior experience is required to start at ICB Level 2. It is designed as an entry-level qualification for people beginning a career in bookkeeping. The tutorial team at iDEAL Schools can advise if you already have experience and may be suited to a different pathway.
Does ICB training include software like Sage or Xero?
Yes. ICB Level 2 bookkeeping pathways with iDEAL Schools typically include computerised bookkeeping options such as Sage or Xero. Payroll Management covers computerised payroll systems such as Sage or BrightPay, so you gain practical software skills alongside theory.
Who provides ICB home study training?
iDEAL Schools (Ideal Schools) provides home study training towards ICB qualifications. Students receive expert tutor support, marked assignments, internal and official ICB mock exams, and flexible study materials. Enrol and course details are available at www.idealschools.co.uk.
Ready to Start Your ICB Journey?
Your career in bookkeeping starts with a single step. Join iDEAL Schools and get the expert tutor support you need to achieve Certified Bookkeeper status — from the comfort of your own home.