A free course from ICB
A realistic introduction to what bookkeepers actually do. Free, self-paced, around 1–2 hours to complete.
Curious about bookkeeping but not sure what the job really involves? This free e-learning course gives you a realistic introduction to the profession, and helps you decide whether a future in bookkeeping could be right for you.
Bookkeepers keep businesses running smoothly by recording daily transactions, reconciling accounts, and making sure the numbers always tell the right story. No two days are the same, and you will help clients stay organised with calm financial clarity.
If my children or my family need me, I can be there, and I can also do a fantastic job for small businesses at the same time.
Lisa Pirie MICBAC Bookkeeping
Free e-learning course
Self-paced and free to access, it takes around 1–2 hours to complete. No obligation, you’re not signing up to ICB membership, just getting a genuinely useful free thing.
Check your inbox for your link to the free Bookkeeping Discovery course, sent from “Reach 360 Notifications”. If it’s not there in a few minutes, take a look in your spam folder.
You do not need to be great at maths! You do need to have attention to detail, good organisation, clear communication, and confidence using digital tools. If you like solving problems and keeping things tidy, you'll thrive.
Once you're qualified, you can do bookkeeping work from wherever you are in the world.
Ami CopelandCEO, ICB
When you can build your own wealth, you can control it. You can be as big as you want.
Sam Wai MICB
The cost of qualifying as a bookkeeper depends on how you choose to study. If you self-study, you’ll need ICB student membership (£110 for the first year), textbooks (£57 per module) and exam fees (£97 per exam). Training providers are usually more expensive but often include membership, exams, mocks and tutor support in one package. As a guide, Level 2 training costs around £900 all in, with Level 3 costing a similar amount again.
I was pleasantly surprised, it's very client-facing. You become part of so many different teams.
Millie Goubert MICB PM.Dip
This depends on how quickly you study, what level you want to reach and what else you have going on in your life. On average:
Many students fit their studies around work, family and other commitments, so you can progress at a pace that works for you.
Already got experience in finance? There may be a route to join using your previous experience or qualifications.
Start with our free Bookkeeping Discovery course to explore what the profession is really like, then register with ICB as a student when you’re ready. No prior experience is required.
Yes. There are no entry requirements. Register with ICB as a student and take your first exam straight away.
With focused study you could become a Certified Bookkeeper in less than a year. Most learners complete Level 2 in 6–18 months.
This depends on how you study. Training provider packages typically start from £900+ for Level 2 and 3 qualifications. Student membership is £110 for the first year.
Yes. Once you achieve full membership through Level 3 you can apply for a Practice Licence straight away.
ICB is the Institute of Certified Bookkeepers, the UK's professional membership body for bookkeepers. We are here to support your journey to become a bookkeeper and beyond! We encourage a community of bookkeepers to collaborate and support each other to deliver essential services for the nation's small businesses.
Take the first step towards a flexible, rewarding career in bookkeeping. Free, self-paced, around 1–2 hours.
Get the free course