College degrees and professional certifications can help make bookkeepers stand out. A 2019 survey by the American Institute of Professional Bookkeepers (AIPB) asked AIPB-credentialed bookkeepers if they would recommend certification to others. If you have more work experience than you do education as a bookkeeper or accountant, then you should apply for your license through the work experience path.

• I was also surprised that what I came to build wasn’t already built.
• Demonstrating a high level of proficiency can reassure employers that you’re equipped to take on greater responsibility, significantly raising your earning potential.
• The Certification assures employers of your bookkeeping knowledge and skill.
• That way, you can take on real-world business challenges effectively and remain competitive in the job market.
• A bookkeeper certification tells employers that you have all the skills and expertise required for advanced bookkeeping.

The first step to becoming a certified bookkeeper is ensuring you’ve met all professional and educational requirements. Regardless of whether you are pursuing credentials through AIPB or NACPB, your supervisor or a former employer must validate your experience hours. A bookkeeping certification not only adds value to your skill set but also helps you stay on top of the latest trends and technological advances in the industry. Read on to learn what you need to know about becoming a certified bookkeeper.

How To Become A Certified Bookkeeper: Certification And Requirements

However, certified professionals may enjoy advantages in the job market. An undergraduate degree will take 2-4 years and can pursue higher-paying positions in the field than those without a credential. Professionals who learn through on-the-job training can grasp essentials after about six months in entry-level roles.

Some provide free and low-cost resources, while others may be more expensive but provide more knowledge. The Certified Bookkeeper (CB) program from the AIPB requires you to be a working bookkeeper or have at least one year of accounting education. The program includes self-teaching workbooks that prepare you to pass the CB exam. The BLS projects a 3% decline in the number of bookkeeping jobs between 2020 and 2030.

What are some of the most rewarding aspects of working as a bookkeeper? Some of the most challenging aspects?

The process of maintaining certification can help you keep your skills sharp over time as well. To renew your certification, you must complete continuing coursework, attend professional development programs and take part in training workshops. While these requirements may sound tedious, they could benefit your career in the long term. Additionally, your employer might be inclined to promote and offer higher salaries to certified bookkeepers.

• Barbara Regotti, General Manager, Educational Support Services Supervisor.
• If you’re looking for a cloud-based bookkeeping software that doesn’t require hours of training, try FreshBooks.
• I gained a ton of experience and enjoyed the journey, but I knew something was missing.
• Regardless of which bookkeeping certification you pursue, we recommend taking a preparatory course.
• Larger companies or public organizations may hire payroll bookkeepers as a separate role.
• They ensure that business financial records are up-to-date and accurate, and this helps companies make financial decisions and focus on growing their business and focus on growing their business.

For example, a certification from California State University, Fullerton costs $2,195. As for certification from AIPB, members pay $479, and nonmembers pay $574. The price of this certification includes the cost of enrollment, workbooks and the four-part national certification exam. After passing the AIPB’s certification exam, you will be recognized as a certified bookkeeper. QuickBooks is the most popular accounting software used by small businesses.

What was the job search like after graduating with your degrees?

There are several additional bookkeeper courses and certification programs that will provide certification. One benefit to this type of study is that you’ll have access to instructors while you learn. Available courses include UCLA Extension’s Bookkeeping Specialization program and U.S. This is a self-paced program that requires discipline to study and learn the course material on your own. If you thrive in this type of environment, then you’ll enjoy the flexibility of learning on your own time.

• Unlike accountants, bookkeepers mainly keep track of financial data, rather than analyzing it to make decisions.
• Dr. Nasr holds a PhD in Educational Psychology and communications as well as a degree in International Humanitarian Law.
• Bookkeepers must acquire at least 60 credits of continuing professional education every three years to retain CB certification.
• Your Intuit Certified Bookkeeping Professional badge can be used to show any employer or client that you have an understanding of bookkeeping and accounting.
• A bookkeeping career focusing on payroll duties involves time tracking, benefits management, and wage distribution.

Follow the steps below to figure out how to find the best option for your goals. Mostly every business could find value in having someone look after their financial books and records. Learning how to become a bookkeeper is also a great career choice if you like the idea of working remotely. Bookkeepers seeking the CPB license must complete all portions of the exam online. Those seeking the CB credential must schedule in-person appointments at a Prometric testing center.

Once you’ve met all of your chosen credential’s requirements and completed your preparatory courses, it’s time to take the exams. Before jumping straight into either exam, you must first take a series of courses. Prior bookkeeping experience qualified bookkeeper does not exempt you from these preparatory courses. Completing courses and workbooks can help you prepare for and pass your bookkeeping exam. For preparatory courses and workbooks, AIPB charges $254 for members and $314 for members.