How to Become a Certified Bookkeeper in 4 Steps
You can be a bookkeeper as soon as you graduate from high school; however, doing so limits your chances of getting better jobs. On the other hand, getting a certificate opens the door to more opportunities. Cecilia is a freelance writer, content marketing strategist and author covering education, technology and energy. She is a current contributor to the Forbes Advisor education vertical and holds a summa cum laude journalism degree from California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo.
Certified Public Bookkeeper vs Certified Bookkeeper – Is There A Difference?
- A high school diploma is a minimum requirement needed to become a certified bookkeeper.
- An example is Ed2go; the Ed2go program offers students more relevant material than you can find in the workbook.
- A bookkeeper certification tells employers that you have all the skills and expertise required for advanced bookkeeping.
- The two-page application is the initial step toward becoming AIPB-certified.
- You must also produce an official transcript(s) demonstrating that you have completed the educational requirements.
Although there’s no renewal fee, AIPB charges a per-credit registration fee of $3. To apply for CPB licensure, NACPB requires at least one year or 2,000 hours of bookkeeping experience. For the CB credential, a candidate must have at least two years of full-time experience in bookkeeping or 3,000 hours of part-time or freelance work.
What Are The Most Popular Bookkeeping Certification Programs?
Each of the four segments of the certification test has its own study course. A pre-assessment exam, on-demand video training, a textbook, workbook, and a number of additional study resources are included in each course. You also get access to an instructor who can answer any questions you may have. Certification applicants seeking the work experience route must have two years (4,000 hours) of bookkeeping or accounting experience. Training is available through the NACPB, which includes free bookkeeper webinars, courses, and videos. Other free resources include bookkeeper news and updates, a dictionary of terms, and a bookkeeper nacpb vs aipb support video knowledge base.
- There is no cost for materials or the exam aside from the Coursera fee.
- Overall, the Intuit Academy Bookkeeping Professional Certificate is a good option if you are new to bookkeeping and want to learn the basics, especially if you plan to use QuickBooks.
- Franklin University’s Accounting Data Analytics Certificate equips bookkeepers to succeed in their current jobs and present opportunities for advancement.
- You do not need to complete the minimum working experience before you submit your application.
- After passing the AIPB’s certification exam, you will be recognized as a certified bookkeeper.
Writing and Passing a Four-Part Certification Exam
The U.S. Career Institute is an online educational institute established for more than 35 years now. They offer online bookkeeping training designed specifically for distance learners. After completion of the course, you are given a bookkeeping specialist certificate that you can use to work in many places. On the application form, you are required to provide some personal information answers and your normal balance contact information, such as email address, mailing address, and phone number. As in the AIPB Certified Bookkeeper Application, you are also required to provide a list of clients or employers that you have worked for and also the number of hours you worked.
Because the course is self-paced, the certificate can be completed within a couple of months depending on how much time is available in your schedule. There is no cost for materials or the exam aside from https://www.bookstime.com/ the Coursera fee. Once you have received your certification, there are no further fees or memberships required. The next step of the CPB licensure process requires you to sign and agree to the code of professional conduct of the National Association of Certified Accounting Paraprofessionals. It also includes the duties that a bookkeeper has to clients, employers, the public, and fellow bookkeepers and accounting professionals. After the requirements have been met and the application has been submitted, the exam is the next stage of obtaining the CPB license.
As earlier discussed, there are five steps that you need to take to become a certified bookkeeper. The AIPB certification is essential if you have not gone to any formal bookkeeping school and you want to be more relevant in your career. It is also good if you have been working as a bookkeeper before or you aspire to start a bookkeeping business. Bookkeepers who invest in continuing education and certification increase their marketability in the industry. Employers seek the best talent, and certification signals a commitment to the profession and continuing excellence.
