How To Become a Certified Bookkeeper

Moreover, both the CB and CPB credentials are respected in the bookkeeping field and can help you stand out to employers. You’ll receive instructions via email about how to best prepare and set up your test-taking environment at home, a local library or another place with an internet connection. Annual renewal applications cost $25 for NACPB members and $50 for nonmembers. Membership also gives you access to resources that can help you prepare to become a CPB. To score discounted fees, consider becoming a member of the organization of your choosing before registering for any courses and exams. To qualify for the CPB license, you need to accumulate 2,080 hours or one year of experience in the field.

Similar to AIPB’s bookkeeper certification program, NACPB’s requirements to obtain licensure include accounting or bookkeeping experience, passing an exam, and maintaining the license by completing CPE credits. Once you have successfully met all certification requirements, you’ll receive a certificate of completion, and you also can put the letters “CB,” which stands for certified bookkeeper, after your name. You can then use this in your email signature, on your business cards, social media sites, and other marketing materials. This will let potential clients know that you’re qualified, which will generate new leads and allow you to negotiate higher billing rates. Mr. Gary Yau is currently the Principal of Hong Kong School of Commerce, who joined the school in 2022 in the capacity of Executive Director.

industry-recognized bookkeeping certifications and certificates

Then, kickstart your bookkeeping career by signing up for an  Intuit Bookkeeping Certification. Even so, the BLS still projects more than 170,000 annual openings for bookkeeping, accounting, and auditing clerks from 2020 to 2030. Accounting programs offer the most direct training for a career in bookkeeping. However, students majoring in other business- or math-related subjects can also qualify for these positions. Detailed knowledge of accounting principles and best practices is essential. To become a certified Zoho Pro, you just have to complete a one-hour webinar.

Quizzes included throughout the workbooks help ensure information mastery. To register for AIPB’s CB exam, candidates must fill out and mail an application, allowing four weeks for processing. qualified bookkeeper The application asks for contact information, date of birth, and work experience details. The first two parts of AIPB’s exams require in-person scheduling at Prometric testing centers.

Mastering Correction of Accounting Errors Online Course

Janet was appointed CEO of the IAB and its affiliated body the IAAP (International Association of Accounting Professionals) in 2018. She brings a wealth of experience in both running her own and managing businesses within different sectors, working in the UK and internationally. From 2024, Janet will begin her new role as IAB Group Global President.

Plan to invest at least 12 to 16 hours of study time to prepare for the exam, which consists of 80 questions. You must receive a passing score of 80 percent or better, and you can take it up to three times if you don’t pass on your initial attempt. For more information, read our article about how to become certified as a QuickBooks ProAdvisor. If you pursued a postsecondary degree or certificate, you will likely have career center resources to help you find a bookkeeping job.

Can you make a career out of bookkeeping?

Your credentials show prospective employers that you’re a qualified bookkeeper and you’re willing and able to grow professionally. As a result, certification can lead to advancement opportunities in other areas of accounting, as well as finance and management positions. A bookkeeping certificate can help you find a bookkeeping role, either as an in-house bookkeeper or as a freelancer. Bookkeeping lays the groundwork for many accounting processes, so you can use your experience and knowledge as a stepping stone to becoming an accountant. However, you will likely need to complete a degree program and other certifications to be an accountant or move beyond a bookkeeping role. A business must have bookkeeping processes and policies that keep company records up-to-date and accurate.

Bookkeepers must acquire at least 60 credits of continuing professional education every three years to retain CB certification. Professionals must complete 24 hours of approved continuing professional education each year. The cost to become a CPB includes four courses and their respective exams. If you purchase these materials as a bundle, they cost $1,276 in total for members, and $1,596 for nonmembers. Another difference to note between the CPB and CB credentials is cost.

Is Bookkeeping Certification Worth It? Salary And Job Growth

The Accounting with QuickBooks Online Accountant course is free to pro members. Time and money are valuable resources, and you want to spend both wisely. Think about how much time you have available on a weekly basis and during the duration of the course, and whether a self-paced or structured schedule is best for you. Also worth considering is whether the exam itself is scheduled online or in person, and how often it’s administered.

This is a great way to gain real-world experience as you become a bookkeeper and, potentially, a bookkeeping business owner. Previous work experience makes finding clients as a bookkeeping business owner much easier. CPB candidates receive one year from the date of purchase to pass each exam section. CB candidates must pass all exam sections within three years of registration. Candidates must pay an additional $98 to purchase the two workbooks, which contain the exams for parts three and four.