Course Overview
The ideal first step towards a career in finance or self-employment, this ICB qualification equips you with essential bookkeeping expertise.
Whether you’re looking to build a career in finance, start your own bookkeeping business, or simply manage your personal finances more confidently, the ICB Level 2 Certificate in Bookkeeping is the perfect place to start.
This nationally recognised qualification covers double-entry bookkeeping, trial balances, ledger accounts, and more. You’ll gain a clear understanding of day-to-day bookkeeping tasks, develop accuracy with financial data, and learn how to record transactions in line with current practices.
Designed for beginners, this course is fully online and self-paced, allowing you to learn when and where it suits you. It’s also a great option if you’re returning to study, reskilling, or looking to progress to higher-level ICB qualifications. As an NEC student, you’ll benefit from expert tutor support and a course designed to help you succeed.
-
1:1 tutor support
ICB Level 2 Certificate in Bookkeeping at a glance
Institute of Certified Bookkeepers
There are no essential set texts, as all of the information you need to succeed in the course is included in the course materials.
Complete at your own pace – enrol anytime and take the assessment as soon as you’re ready.
Approx. 120* hours plus time for completing assignments per level
*This is an estimate. Everyone is different and learns at a different pace. Your study time will not only include reading the online course materials and doing the online activities, but also completing assignments and preparing yourself for the assessment.
Internet access
Computer operating system and browser to support learn@nec
You must be registered with ICB in order to book your exams. This should be done at the time of enrolment.
Online learning with support from a personal tutor
No formal qualifications are required for this course
An ability to read and write in English
Basic knowledge of maths
Introductory assignment – ‘Getting to know you’ session with your tutor. This can be arranged with your tutor to take place by telephone, video call or email
6 assignments – these do not contribute towards your final grade
3 online exams which you can take at home when you are ready with remote invigilation, no need to wait or travel to an exam venue.
Institute of Certified Bookkeepers
No formal qualifications are required for this course
An ability to read and write in English
Basic knowledge of maths
Online learning with support from a personal tutor
Complete at your own pace – enrol anytime and take the assessment as soon as you’re ready.
Approx. 120* hours plus time for completing assignments per level
*This is an estimate. Everyone is different and learns at a different pace. Your study time will not only include reading the online course materials and doing the online activities, but also completing assignments and preparing yourself for the assessment.
Internet access
Computer operating system and browser to support learn@nec
You must be registered with ICB in order to book your exams. This should be done at the time of enrolment.
There are no essential set texts, as all of the information you need to succeed in the course is included in the course materials.
Introductory assignment – ‘Getting to know you’ session with your tutor. This can be arranged with your tutor to take place by telephone, video call or email
6 assignments – these do not contribute towards your final grade
3 online exams which you can take at home when you are ready with remote invigilation, no need to wait or travel to an exam venue.
Institute of Certified Bookkeepers
There are no essential set texts, as all of the information you need to succeed in the course is included in the course materials.
Complete at your own pace – enrol anytime and take the assessment as soon as you’re ready.
Approx. 120* hours plus time for completing assignments per level
*This is an estimate. Everyone is different and learns at a different pace. Your study time will not only include reading the online course materials and doing the online activities, but also completing assignments and preparing yourself for the assessment.
Internet access
Computer operating system and browser to support learn@nec
You must be registered with ICB in order to book your exams. This should be done at the time of enrolment.
Online learning with support from a personal tutor
No formal qualifications are required for this course
An ability to read and write in English
Basic knowledge of maths
Introductory assignment – ‘Getting to know you’ session with your tutor. This can be arranged with your tutor to take place by telephone, video call or email
6 assignments – these do not contribute towards your final grade
3 online exams which you can take at home when you are ready with remote invigilation, no need to wait or travel to an exam venue.
Why study ICB Level 2 Certificate in Bookkeeping
Future opportunities
- Skilled bookkeepers are vital to accounting departments in all sectors
- Working as a self-employed bookkeeper.
- Progressing your career in finance to become a qualified accountant, a financial supervisor, analyst or manager
- Running your own business
- Once you get the level 2 qualification you can become an associate member of ICB and use the letters AICB after your name to show your professional status. ICB membership provides support through strong on-going professional support, technical, legal and tax advice and training events.
Flexible payments and financial help
- As an education charity dedicated to helping independent learners achieve life-changing qualifications we want to keep fees affordable. All of our course fees are clear and transparent to help you plan for any additional costs.
- NEC’s fees offer some of the best value on the market, with multi-buy options, special offers, personal discounts and affordable finance options.
- Used responsibly, finance is a great way to spread the cost of your course. We’ve teamed up with Omni, one of the UK’s leading finance specialists.
- Depending on your own circumstances, there are a number of possibilities for getting help to fund your course.
Visit our Fee information page or
Study now, pay your way
It’s your choice: you can pay in full at the point of enrolment, or you can spread the cost over monthly instalments with our finance offer. We offer a choice of six or 12 monthly repayment plans, with 0% APR as standard.
To pay in instalments you will need to enrol by telephone.
The National Extension College (NEC) work with finance company OMNI. For more information on our relationship with OMNI and replayment plans see our Fee Information page.
| Course fee | £419 (excl. registration fee) |
| Deposit | £41.90 |
| Amount of credit | £377.10 |
| Monthly payment | £31.43 |
| Duration | 12 months |
| Total repayment | £419 (excl. registration fee) |
| Cost of credit | £0.00 |
| Rate of interest | 0% APR representative |
Talk to one of our course advisors
Unsure whether online distance learning is right for you?
Our friendly Course Advice Team are here to help answer your questions and take you through your options.
- Book a call and someone will get back to you at a convenient time.
- Or contact us today by phone or email.
We’re waiting to help you get ahead and achieve your goals, your way.
Frequently asked questions
Your common questions and concerns answered. Read more FAQs.
NEC offers flexible, online GCSEs, A levels, and vocational courses that you can study anytime, anywhere. When you enrol, you’ll receive a welcome email with login details for learn@nec, our virtual learning platform.
You’ll be supported by a qualified subject tutor who provides feedback on your assignments and helps guide your progress. Our expertly designed courses include engaging materials, interactive learning activities, and selected online resources — all created by experienced teachers, examiners, and learning designers.
Our courses are designed to let you study at your own pace — all within a clearly defined enrolment period to help keep you on track. Many courses let you study your way, with flexible assignment deadlines to suit your schedule. Others may include set dates — especially for things like exams or NEAs (Non-Exam Assessment) — to help you stay on track.
Yes! You can connect with other learners in your course’s online forum. Many students find discussing topics with peers helps reinforce their learning — and helps them feel part of a wider learning community.
Yes. Most NEC courses, including all GCSEs and A levels, lead to qualifications awarded by major UK exam boards such as AQA, Edexcel, OCR and Cambridge International. You’ll earn exactly the same qualification as students in school or college.
We’re also approved to offer CMI qualifications for management, as well as TQUK-accredited courses and Functional Skills qualifications in English and Maths. These nationally recognised qualifications are designed to help learners build practical skills and are ideal for both personal development and career progression.
Some short courses, like those in the arts, are for personal development and enjoyment but don’t lead to formal accreditation.
Yes, NEC is a JCQ-approved exam centre, which means we can support your exam entry, provide verified access arrangements, and oversee non-exam assessments (NEAs) — essential for subjects like English, Science and Geography.
Yes. Many students complete a one-year fast track option, especially if working towards university or career deadlines. You’ll need to commit regular study time and plan carefully around assignment deadlines and exams.
If you’re unsure whether fast track is realistic, we’ll advise you.
Yes. You can enrol any time and begin studying when it suits you. However, if your course involves an exam, you’ll need to complete all assignments and assessments (also known as coursework or NEA — Non-Exam Assessment) in time for set exam dates — so don’t leave it too late!
If you’re planning to apply to university, please also be aware of UCAS deadlines. For example, to receive predicted grades through our UCAS Application Service, you’ll need to have completed a certain number of assignments by specific dates.
Check the individual course pages for guidance, or book a call with an advisor to discuss your timeline and study plans.
Yes — NEC is ideal for international students. Many of our courses are available worldwide, but there are a few things to check before enrolling:
Exams: You’ll need to arrange a local exam centre. AQA does not offer international exams, so you’ll need to travel to the UK for those.
Qualification recognition: Ensure your chosen qualification is recognised in your country.
Our team is happy to help you explore your options.
