However, a bookkeeper’s salary varies depending on their education, location and level of experience. In addition to the factors above, you’ll also need to determine what certification or licensing you want to pursue. Two major credentialing bodies that offer nationally recognized certification or licensure are the NACPB and the AIPB. This guide explores six options for earning a bookkeeping certification online and illustrates how earning a certification can set you up for a rewarding career of working with numbers. Once you’ve met all of your chosen credential’s requirements and completed your preparatory courses, it’s time to take the exams. CPB licensure lasts one year, after which you must demonstrate that you completed all necessary continuing education credits and pay an annual membership fee.

What Does a Certified Bookkeeper Do, and Do You Need One?

Certification also adds credibility to your certified bookkeeper résumé, assuring employers that you’ve met specific standards and are qualified to perform bookkeeping tasks accurately and efficiently. If you’re an analytical thinker with numerical aptitude who loves working with spreadsheets, a job in accounting and finance might be the perfect fit. The demand for bookkeepers is also rising, so pursuing a bookkeeping certification online could be a great way to level up your career. A Certified Bookkeeper is a bookkeeping professional who has completed a certification program, demonstrating expertise in bookkeeping principles and practices.

They typically manage a company’s financial accounts and maintain accurate records. 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. The NACPB requires you to complete four bookkeeping certifications to obtain the CPB license.

Bookkeepers with CB credentials are highly skilled in areas like managing financial records, reconciling accounts, processing payroll, and ensuring accurate financial reporting. You may be able to get on-the-job training through a bookkeeping job that only requires a high school diploma, such as an internship or training placement. You may also pursue certification programs or use online courses to become a self-taught bookkeeper. A master’s degree in accounting, for example, may help you pursue leadership positions in your field or organization. A graduate degree can also help prepare you for the certified public accountant (CPA) credential from the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA).

How To Become A Certified Bookkeeper: Certification And Requirements

NACPB also offers a Certified Public Bookkeeper license, which takes several months. You’ll learn an introductory understanding of basic accounting practices, including how to set up and maintain payroll records. You’ll also receive access to virtual academic advising and tutoring along with library and technical support services.

Mt. San Antonio College

Researching and selecting a program explicitly mentioning exam preparation for the specific certifications you’re interested in pursuing is essential. This will ensure that you’re adequately prepared for the exams required by the NACPB, AIPB and other agencies. Find out more on bookkeeping accounting skills, how to earn accounting degrees and bookkeeping certifications, getting jobs, salary expectations, and more.

Is a Bookkeeping Certification Worth It?

The American Institute of Professional Bookkeepers offers certification for experienced bookkeepers. You will learn how to record costs, value inventory, calculate depreciation, analyze financial statements, and use software programs. The courses cover bookkeeping, Microsoft Excel, business math, and payroll administration.

• This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site.
• Instead, schools aim to make their bookkeeper training programs accessible by lowering this barrier of entry.
• Meghan Gallagher is a Seattle-based freelance content writer and strategist.

Certification is generally worth it for individuals who are committed to building a career in bookkeeping, as it enhances their qualifications and opens doors to a range of opportunities. You can work with other bookkeepers and tax experts to share and expand your knowledge. To become a Certified Public Bookkeeper (CPB) from the NACPB, you must complete the Accounting Fundamentals course and pass the Uniform Bookkeeping Certification exam. NWTC offers a no-interest monthly installment plan for tuition payments, which includes a $30 enrollment fee.

Is bookkeeping hard for beginners?

Read more below to learn about bookkeeping, typical responsibilities, how to become a bookkeeper, and remote bookkeeping opportunities with Intuit working on QuickBooks Live in the U.S. 50 states. Then, kickstart your bookkeeping career by signing up for an Intuit Bookkeeping Certification. Certain aspects of bookkeeping may be difficult for some, requiring familiarity with the record-entry process and accounting software. The job also requires an eye for detail, organization, and some basic math skills.

Experienced bookkeepers, on the other hand, may not see a significant return on investment. If you opt to pursue certification through a college or university, check with your chosen school’s admissions office to verify the length of the program. Some programs are asynchronous, meaning you’ll pace yourself throughout the course, and you don’t have to log in at any particular time. Accountants, on the other hand, take the data generated by bookkeepers and turn it into actionable insights. Accountants analyze financial trends and provide companies with a strategy for maintaining their financial health. CB-certified individuals can maintain their certification by completing at least 60 CPE credits every three years beginning on their initial certification date.