This programme is designed for those secondary school leavers who seek either a qualification in order the enhance their employment prospects, or who need a foundation qualification in business studies in order to enable them to progress on to higher business and management programmes.

The course content provides students with a comprehensive overview of business, introduces them to economic theory and also provides knowledge about the manner on which businesses operate and how they are formed and structured. The functions and activities of the different business departments are also covered.

In addition, the course introduces students to business documentation, bookkeeping, accounting and business communication.

Course Structure

The Certificate in Commercial Studies

1. Business Finance & Bookkeeping
2. Business Organisation
3. People in Business
4. The Business Environment
5. The Structure of Business

   (The ICM Certificate in Commercial Studies is awarded on completion of all above subjects)

Programme Objectives
To provide business students with the following:

a) information about the ways in which different businesses are financed, including practical bookkeeping and accounting skills
b) a clear understanding of the legal ways in which different businesses are formed and the manner in which they are structured and organised
c) an understanding of the importance of people in organisations, including the need for motivation, control and communication.
d) an introduction to the principles of economic theory in relation to business activity and an understanding of the environment in which all
businesses operate
e) knowledge about the different business departments and their activities and functions

Learning Outcome
On completion of the programme students will have a comprehensive knowledge of how businesses operate, how they are structured and the
functions and work of individual departments.

Recommended Course Duration
It is recommended that these courses are delivered over a suitable period of time to give learners the best opportunity for success. A standard delivery structure would involve six units per academic year, although 5-8 units per year are acceptable depending on the weekly timetable used.

Examination Grades

Status of Qualification
Professional Vocational Certificate. (Preparation for the World of Work). Students obtaining A & B examination grades will have reached a GCE ‘A’ level equivalent standard.

Examinations
Externally set and marked by the Institute. Examinations are held in March, June, September and December each year.
Candidates may enter for as many or as few subject examinations as they wish at any sitting but all subjects must be completed within one year.

Examination Closing Dates
Candidates entering for examinations must ensure that their completed examination entry forms and fees reach the Institute at least eight weeks before the date of the examinations. Examination timetables indicate the closing date for receipt of entries for each sitting.

Examination Results
These are normally distributed twelve weeks after each examination date.

Subject Exemptions
Students holding relevant recognised qualifications from other professional bodies may apply for exemptions on a subject-for-subject basis. A maximum of three subject exemptions may be claimed.

Entry Requirements
The minimum age for registration is 16 and students should hold the following entrance qualification, or equivalents:

1. Three GCSEs/GCEs at grades A, B or C (or equivalents)
2. Applicants over the age of 17 who do not hold the required entrance qualifications may register for the programme at the sole discretion of individual centres.

Certification
On successful completion of the examinations students are awarded the ICM Certificate in Commercial Studies.

Continuing Education
The Certificate in Commercial Studies enables students to register for a number of the Institute’s higher level programmes such as the Diploma in Business Studies. Those students who pass all the Certificate in Commercial Studies examinations at grade C or above will be granted exemption from Business Management and Marketing in Part 1 of the Diploma in Business Studies.

Study Methods
Your Teaching Centre has been provided with a detailed syllabus and reading list for each subject area. Each subject syllabus clearly defines the areas that you will be required to cover for each subject and your examination questions will be based on the areas and topics detailed for each subject. It is important to ensure that you obtain a copy of each subject syllabus from your Teaching Centre.

Study Material
The complete Certificate in Commercial Studies course content is fully covered by Geoffrey Whitehead’s text book ‘Business Studies’. A former ICM Chief Examiner, Geoffrey Whitehead is the world’s largest selling and most respected author of business and commercial texts with more than 80 titles to his credit.

Published by Heinemann Ltd, ‘Business Studies’ is a comprehensive 500 page book. It is distributed free of charge to all students undertaking the programme on receipt of the registration fee.