
These sections reflect the higher education courses (bookkeeping, payroll, and QuickBooks Online) that future test-takers must complete. The certification signifies that a bookkeeper meets industry standards, has a thorough understanding of bookkeeping practices, and can handle Certified Bookkeeper various financial tasks with accuracy and integrity. She has written about higher education and career development for various online publications since 2016. She earned a master’s degree in urban studies from Portland State University and a master’s degree in library and information science from the University of British Columbia. In addition to her experience with professional writing and editing, she has worked in museums, libraries, universities, and in the historic preservation field.

NACPB’s Bookkeeping Certification
- According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, there are a lot of jobs for bookkeepers, and the job outlook is expected to remain relatively constant through 2026.
- Depending on the certification, the amount required ranges from six months to two years.
- In addition to her experience with professional writing and editing, she has worked in museums, libraries, universities, and in the historic preservation field.
- Before committing, research costs, requirements, and credential values to decide if a bookkeeping certification aligns with your career aspirations.
- This certificate can be completed in four months, so for many learners, it costs around $160 USD.
- The BLS reports that these professionals earn a median annual salary of $49,210 as of May 2024.
It is even possible that you could work remotely from home for one or more organizations at a time. Most bookkeepers work 40 hours per week, though some do work part-time. As a professional bookkeeper, you may need to work overtime during certain periods of the year, such as closing out the fiscal quarter and/or year, as well as during tax season.
Bookkeeping Course Online: How to Become a Bookkeeper
AIPB does not have an equivalent option, though it does allow candidates to meet professional experience requirements before or after passing the exam. Bookkeepers often pursue certified professional bookkeeper retained earnings balance sheet (CPB) or certified bookkeeper (CB) credentials. The National Association of Certified Public Bookkeepers (NACPB) offers the CPB certification program, and the American Institute of Professional Bookkeepers (AIPB) administers CB certification. If this sounds like something you might want to pursue, use our guide for an in-depth explanation of how to become a certified professional bookkeeper.
Mid-Market Businesses
- The program aims to enhance and fortify the basic accounting skills of the participants.
- To understand the training materials, you should be a working bookkeeper or have 1 year of college accounting or the equivalent.
- With over 30,000 courses across 190 countries, the Knowledge Academy is one of the world’s largest providers of training courses globally.
- And AIPB instructional bookkeeping course workbooks are self-teaching.
- Develop your bookkeeping, payroll, and QuickBooks Online knowledge.
- To schedule an exam, click “Schedule an Exam” above, complete the form, and click “Confirm”.
Upon enrollment in the course, if you do not like the course, you can receive a full refund minus the costs of materials. If you do not meet the experience requirement for the exam, we recommend waiting to take the exam or enrolling in our entry-level Professional Bookkeeping with QuickBooks course. The first is looking for job opportunities listed as “Remote,” which offer the possibility to work virtually. Second, you can work for yourself as a freelance bookkeeper and market yourself as a virtual or “remote” bookkeeper. Either credential can broaden your appeal to prospective employers.
Depending on what is a certified bookkeeper the certification, the amount required ranges from six months to two years. As a bookkeeper, you record day-to-day financial transactions, maintain records, prepare financial statements, and ensure finances are accurate. Though bookkeeping roles do not always require certification, obtaining a credential can help demonstrate your skills and expertise to employers. As a bookkeeper, you will be in charge of keeping accurate financial records for one or more financial organizations. You will be responsible for using bookkeeping software like QuickBooks to record transactions, produce reports, and check financial information for accuracy. You will handle expenses, receipts, payables, and accounts receivable.
Bookkeeping certifications validate advanced skills in financial reporting, payroll management, and taxation. These optional credentials can build your credibility and help you qualify for higher-paying jobs. Obtaining a bookkeeping certificate can open doors to job opportunities in various industries, allowing you to contribute to financial management with confidence. For anyone interested in advancing their career in bookkeeping, becoming a CB (Certified Bookkeeper) can provide a competitive edge.

To maintain a CPB license, you must complete at least 24 hours of continuing professional education (CPE) each year. To qualify for the CPB certification exam, you must complete NACPB courses in accounting, payroll, and Intuit QuickBooks fundamentals. You can bypass these requirements by submitting academic transcripts that show you have already completed comparable coursework at an accredited postsecondary institution. While CPB and CB credentials are recognized nationally in the United States, many other countries have bookkeeping certification programs. Keep this in mind if your career goals include international job placements. Requirements vary by employer, but becoming a bookkeeper does not involve formal qualifications.

Certification Program
Bookkeepers can boost their career prospects by certain degrees and certifications. Learn which qualifications help the most when it comes to securing a higher salary. The following subsections explore educational and experience requirements in further detail. The CB exam covers essential bookkeeping topics and is challenging but manageable with adequate preparation, relevant experience, and thorough study.
- Whether you’re interested in working as a bookkeeper or would like to learn about fundamental bookkeeping processes, a bookkeeping certification can be a worthwhile credential to earn.
- Aspiring CPBs must first complete NACPB’s proprietary training program, which includes coursework and applied components.
- The examination will validate your knowledge, skill and experience in bookkeeping.
- This unique, comprehensive online bookkeeping certification course is designed for professional bookkeepers.
- You qualify to register for the CPB exam after completing NACPB’s required prep courses.
- QuickBooks offers a two-day mastering QuickBooks class, this class is the stepping stone towards QuickBooks certification.
Professional Bookkeeper Certification Course
To that end, review the topics covered on the CPB exam and the concepts included in the CB exam. However, AIPB recommends that candidates develop their knowledge of various bookkeeping proficiencies. According to AIPB, more than 1,000 postsecondary institutions offer courses that prepare students for the CB exam. CPB and CB certification programs both require candidates to pass rigorous examinations, but the credentials have different eligibility guidelines.
