Optional or employer preference
ICB Level 2 and Level 3 bookkeeping certificates
ICB (Institute of Certified Bookkeepers); AICB / MICB (its membership grades)
Level 2 leads to ICB Associate membership (AICB); Level 3 to Full membership as a Certified Bookkeeper (MICB). They are professional body grades, not a licence.
- Awarding body
- Institute of Certified Bookkeepers
- Level
- Level 2 (Certificate in Bookkeeping) and Level 3 (Certificate in Bookkeeping and Accounts)
- Where it applies
- UK
- Exams
- 3 exams at Level 2 (A1 to A3) and 5 at Level 3 (M4 to M8)
- Entry
- No formal entry requirements for Level 2 — you register as an ICB student and need basic numeracy and English
- Level 3 needs Level 2 or equivalent
- Also required
- Typical duration: Level 2, 6 to 18 months (120 guided learning hours); Level 3, 9 to 24 months (180 guided learning hours)
Assessment and registration fees
| Fee | Amount | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Student registration (first year) | £76 | Institute of Certified Bookkeepers (ICB) (opens in a new tab)checked 14 Oct 2026 |
| One-off fee on first registration | £34 | Institute of Certified Bookkeepers (ICB) (opens in a new tab)checked 14 Oct 2026 |
| Student renewal (each year after) | £76 | Institute of Certified Bookkeepers (ICB) (opens in a new tab)checked 14 Oct 2026 |
| Bookkeeping exam, Level 2 or Level 3 (each) | £97 | Institute of Certified Bookkeepers (ICB) (opens in a new tab)checked 14 Oct 2026 |
- ICB's fee table is headed 2025/2026 but says it is effective from 6 April 2026 to 5 April 2027. ICB reviews fees each April.
- Fees are non-refundable, and a resit costs the full exam fee. Course fees from training providers are extra.
Official page: Institute of Certified Bookkeepers (opens in a new tab)Checked 14 Oct 2026