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Which course...
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Wed 18 Jan 2012 01:59 PM
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emlyric
Affiliate
2 posts
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I am completely new to this forum, but I am keen to being studying the ICB exams - I am currently a stay at home mum but with the eldest heading to school in September I am keen to find a career which can be flexible enough to work around the kids.
I want a home learning course, and found an associate level course through the Open Study College, currently offering 60% off which is very tempting. http://www.openstudycollege.com/courses/icb-bookkeeping-complete.html
Does anyone have experience of studying with them? They are ICB recommended which I know is a good start, but I don't want to be lured in by a good deal if their support and courses aren't the best.
All recommendations gratefully received!
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Fri 23 Mar 2012 11:17 AM
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hazydaze
Student
10 posts
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Hi, I am in a similar predicament as you, and am yet to make a decision on which training provider to use. I would have a look at Ideal Schools and Training Links, both of which have good comments with the odd bad one, but they both offer all 3 courses to become AICB. I am yet to decide which one. Good luck in your course.
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Fri 23 Mar 2012 12:04 PM
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Spark
Associate CB.Cert
96 posts
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Hi, I have been studying with Open Study College. I have just passed my Level one and have now started my level 2.
Sadly I have never been with another company to compare with.
Anyway going by my experience so far and from the feedback I have been reading about on this forum.
Open Study doesn't have it's own forum like some do, although I just use this one.
My tutor has been very helpful up to about 3 weeks ago (I'm wondering if she's have personnal problems).
There have been a few errors in the folder provided by Open Study, but then, as I have read on here so are others.
Also like other providers (or so I have read on here) the folder provided is not enough to get you through an exam. Frank Woods business accounting 1 & 2 are great reads for extra help.
I hope this is of help. I certainly don't think the Open Study College is bad, but having read from this forum other companys do have alot of excellent feedback.
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Fri 23 Mar 2012 12:27 PM
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Kara
Member CB.Dip
Practice Licence
67 posts
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Hey!
I replied similarly to another post on the forum;
For level 1, 2 and 3 manual you can buy Kaplan study books from the ICB shop along with revision kits. To be honest, I think this is enough materials to get you through the level 1 &2 (at least) without the use of a training provider. It would save you a few hundred quid! Using the Kaplan books, revision kits, the mock tests available here and another reference book called 'Mastering Bookkeeping' by Dr Peter Marshall should be enough, everyone on the forum is always really helpful when someone is struggling or has a question! Also print a copy of the syllabus for each exam off from the home page so you know what you need to study!
You could then buy the computerised course alone and it would probably save you a fair bit of money!
Don't feel pressured into buying quickly becuase of the 60% off offer.... They've had 60% off since January!
Edited at 23 Mar 2012 12:30 PM GMT
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Kara 
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Fri 23 Mar 2012 06:48 PM
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Questimate
Student
63 posts
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Hey, emlyric - excuse me asking but how come you're a student member and you haven't even started studying yet?
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Tue 03 Apr 2012 09:09 PM
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emlyric
Affiliate
2 posts
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Thanks all, I have actually started studying now, hence the Student label!
I went with Ideal Schools in the end and I am very pleased I did - their course material and service has been excellent so far (Open Study put the hard sell on me which put me off). I would definitely recommend them - everything is very well explained and although I've only completed my first few assignments I have had them back within a day or so and with handwritten comments which makes it all seem quite personal. I also know they are just at the end of the phone should I ever need to chat anything through with anyone.
Hazydaze have you made any decisions yet?
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Thu 12 Apr 2012 02:28 PM
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Dannie
Student
5 posts
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emlyricsaid:
“I am completely new to this forum, but I am keen to being studying the ICB exams - I am currently a stay at home mum but with the eldest heading to school in September I am keen to find a career which can be flexible enough to work around the kids.
I want a home learning course, and found an associate level course through the Open Study College, currently offering 60% off which is very tempting. http://www.openstudycollege.com/courses/icb-bookkeeping-complete.html
Does anyone have experience of studying with them? They are ICB recommended which I know is a good start, but I don't want to be lured in by a good deal if their support and courses aren't the best.
All recommendations gratefully received!”
Hi emlyric,
I'm in exactly the same situation like you did a course with Homelearning College and they are very good. Completed my Level 1 manual and Level 2 Computerise Bookkeeping with Distinction. You have tutor support and everone is very helpful I strongly recomend them. I don't know how much Open Study College charge but I didn't pay a lot and you get free ICB membership and all your exams paid for. Have a look at them and good luck. I did it and now looking forward to do more studies with them and hopefully a career one day :).
Kind Regards,
Dannie
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Tue 17 Apr 2012 06:27 PM
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Maria
No Membership
1 post
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Hi!
I am new to the world of ICB too and here I am making my first forum contribution! Currently looking after the books of the company I own with my husband. I have decided to do the ICB Associate to give me a better understanding of what I am doing and bridging the gaps in my knowledge, but am having difficulty settling on the course provider.
I have been very impressed with the service of the Home Learning College, who have helped me decide on the right course but the cost is way higher than all the other providers.
Kaplan, although initially I had problems getting through to someone, have also been extremely helpful. Their course seems to offer the same but almost half the price!
I would be extremely grateful if anyone has had any experience of either of these two providers. I am particularly interested in the tutor quality and time taken for assignments to be returned and other "during the course" information.
I am sorry that I can't offer any advice to all you other people new to ICB but hopefully any answers I get will benefit you too.
Thank you.
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Tue 17 Apr 2012 07:05 PM
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D.S
No Membership
11 posts
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I am disappointed with Open Study college, I regret the amount of money I paid for, but there is no way back now...
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Wed 18 Apr 2012 07:22 AM
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Spark
Associate CB.Cert
96 posts
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Hi D.S. sounds like you're in the same boat as me. I've been waiting for an assignment to be marked since 21st March. I hope open study college sort them selves out soon. I bought the complete package of 4 courses and im only on the 2nd.
Sue
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Thu 19 Apr 2012 10:58 AM
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hazydaze
Student
10 posts
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emlyricsaid:
“Thanks all, I have actually started studying now, hence the Student label!
I went with Ideal Schools in the end and I am very pleased I did - their course material and service has been excellent so far (Open Study put the hard sell on me which put me off). I would definitely recommend them - everything is very well explained and although I've only completed my first few assignments I have had them back within a day or so and with handwritten comments which makes it all seem quite personal. I also know they are just at the end of the phone should I ever need to chat anything through with anyone.
Hazydaze have you made any decisions yet?”
Hi emlyric, sorry havent logged on for awhile, I think I am going to go with Training Links other than Ideal Schools, only because they offer you a free self assessment course as well, hoping to start by the end of this month!
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Thu 19 Apr 2012 02:54 PM
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Jo T-W
Member CB.Dip PM.Dip
Practice Licence
2 posts
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Hi Hazydays
I studied with Ideal Schools and I have to say they were/are fantastic. I nearly discounted them coz I thought another provider was offering more but turns out everything was included, just depends on what package you want.
I was on their website today and noticed that they have 15% off all ICB packages during April - Kind of gutted that wasn't around when I studied but great for all new students
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Best Regards
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Mon 23 Apr 2012 02:16 PM
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hazydaze
Student
10 posts
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Jo T-Wsaid:
“Hi Hazydays
I studied with Ideal Schools and I have to say they were/are fantastic. I nearly discounted them coz I thought another provider was offering more but turns out everything was included, just depends on what package you want.
I was on their website today and noticed that they have 15% off all ICB packages during April - Kind of gutted that wasn't around when I studied but great for all new students
”
Hi Thanks for that, I will look into it
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Thu 31 May 2012 12:59 PM
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Ismat
No Membership
4 posts
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Hi, I just wanted to know how is Training Links course material for Bookkeeping, as I can't decide whether to go with Ideal School or Training Links both their offers are more or less same. I did my course Payroll course with Home Learning College- I know they are good but bit expensive. Do let me know your experience.
Ismat
hazydazesaid:
“emlyricsaid:
“Thanks all, I have actually started studying now, hence the Student label!
I went with Ideal Schools in the end and I am very pleased I did - their course material and service has been excellent so far (Open Study put the hard sell on me which put me off). I would definitely recommend them - everything is very well explained and although I've only completed my first few assignments I have had them back within a day or so and with handwritten comments which makes it all seem quite personal. I also know they are just at the end of the phone should I ever need to chat anything through with anyone.
Hazydaze have you made any decisions yet?”
Hi emlyric, sorry havent logged on for awhile, I think I am going to go with Training Links other than Ideal Schools, only because they offer you a free self assessment course as well, hoping to start by the end of this month!
”
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Ismat Meeajaun
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