While most bookkeepers work with businesses, some Most bookkeepers work with businesses, though some individuals hire them to manage personal finances. A bookkeeper’s main responsibility is to accurately record income and expenses, but the role sometimes extends into compliance and day-to-day financial management. Before pursuing certification, it’s essential to understand what a bookkeeper does.
NACPB Member Benefits
The payroll certification bundle includes Payroll Fundamentals course and Payroll what is a certified bookkeeper Certification exam and certificate. In addition to tuition, you’ll need to budget for textbooks and other expenses, which add to the total cost of your degree. You can also apply for financial aid to cover costs, including federal student loans, scholarships, and grants. Prioritize scholarships and grants over loans, which you’ll have to repay after finishing your certificate. While undergraduate admissions often ask for SAT or ACT scores, letters of recommendation, and a minimum GPA, you may not need these requirements for certificate programs.
Prerequisites and Requirements
It can take anywhere from four months to more than two years to become a certified bookkeeper, depending on which certification you pursue and how quickly you complete its requirements. To get a grasp on bookkeeping basics, prospective bookkeepers can also explore free online online bookkeeping bookkeeping courses. Forbes Advisor’s education editors are committed to producing unbiased rankings and informative articles covering online colleges, tech bootcamps and career paths. Our ranking methodologies use data from the National Center for Education Statistics, education providers, and reputable educational and professional organizations. An advisory board of educators and other subject matter experts reviews and verifies our content to bring you trustworthy, up-to-date information.
- While CPB and CB credentials are recognized nationally in the United States, many other countries have bookkeeping certification programs.
- The bookkeeping certifications distinguish you from your competition, build credibility, and validate knowledge.
- It’s important to note here that if you become a Diamond VIP member, you will get access to every self-paced course offered by QuickBooks.
- The terms “certificate” and “certification” are often used interchangeably, but they’re not the same.
- A certified bookkeeper has earned professional certification credentials to demonstrate their competency in managing a company’s finances.
Obtain a Degree
- Bookkeepers can advance their skills, knowledge, and marketability via the self-study professional education offered by AIPB to both members and non-members.
- Learn about the best certificate programs to prepare for bookkeeper or accounting clerk careers.
- Research.com has ranked NACPB’s bookkeeping certification program number 1 in their 2025 Best Bookkeeping Certificate Programs.
- Or looking for a way to break into the finance industry without a four-year degree?
- For Parts 1 and 2, which occur at Prometric Test Centers, you will automatically receive your grade immediately after the test ends.
The time allotted for completion law firm chart of accounts has been calculated based on the number of course hours. Certified Bookkeepers meet the high standards of the American Institute of Professional Bookkeepers (AIPB). The official designation of Certified Bookkeeper (CB) from the AIPB allows you to put the initials CB after your name, which adds to your market value and professional status.
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Also, NACPB allows certification candidates to substitute the official bookkeeping experience program for one year of paid professional experience. 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 (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. The National Association of Certified Public Bookkeepers is also a national membership group for professional bookkeepers.