Overhaul of ICB qualifications

The Institute of Certified Bookkeepers has completed a major redevelopment of its Level 2 and Level 3 bookkeeping qualifications, which will be taught for the first time in January 2027.

ICB’s head of learning, Vanessa Aradia, told PQ magazine the review was evidence-led and researched with employers, with feedback from training providers and learners. The whole process was then validated through extensive AI-assisted deep research into emerging themes across bookkeeping, finance and technology.

The result is, says Aradia, a curriculum built around how bookkeepers work today: MTD quarterly reporting, VAT as it operates now, cyber security, and professional judgement.

Crucially, ICB’s Level 3 remains a licence to practise – once qualified you can open your own supervised practice immediately.

Later in 2027, Level 4 will undergo the same evidence-led redevelopment, and ICB will introduce a Level 5 qualification, a first for the profession.

Find out more on page 18.