Barbara provides support services to colleges and universities that give the Certified Bookkeeper course. This course is completely online, so there’s no need to show up to a classroom in person. You can access your lectures, readings and assignments anytime and anywhere via the web or your mobile device. Completing the Professional Certificate will enable you to feel ready and confident to embark on the job search to find a suitable bookkeeping role at an organization with your new skill set. Practice interpreting and analyzing financial statements to make key business decisions. I didn’t go to what felt like the traditional route of going to a Big Four accounting firm.

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This makes bookkeeping a popular choice for those without degrees or those ready for a career change. The bookkeeper job description entails maintaining the general ledger and accounts, recording transactions, posting debits and credits, running payroll and creating invoices. Bookkeepers earned a median wage of $47,440 in 2023, according to the BLS. Professionals can increase their earnings potential by obtaining a certification, gaining experience, or pursuing a specialization. Bookkeepers can focus on specific fields or industries to learn niche knowledge. Professionals with a unique industry understanding may have additional advancement opportunities.

Why Pursue a Bookkeeping Certification?

CB-certified individuals can maintain their certification by completing at least 60 CPE credits every three years beginning on their initial certification date. Although there’s no renewal fee, AIPB charges a per-credit registration fee of $3. A candidate must pass all parts of the CB exam to successfully complete the credential’s exam requirements. To apply for CPB licensure, NACPB requires at least one year or 2,000 hours of bookkeeping experience.

QuickBooks Online Accountant

You can also complete additional certifications to demonstrate your proficiency in advanced subtopics related to bookkeeping. You can take any of these as standalone courses, but you’ll be best prepared to take the Intuit Academy Bookkeeping exam after you complete the full Professional Certificate. qualified bookkeeper Learn how to work through the phases of the accounting cycle to produce key financial statements. While no degree is required, you should possess strong analytical and mathematical skills. After much deliberation and a large salary cut, I moved to a startup and fell in love!

Mastering Correction of Accounting Errors Online Course

Another way to get valuable bookkeeping experience and on-the-job training is through an internship. You can then learn how to use multiple accounting software programs and work tools on the job. Internships can also provide ways for you to get your foot in the door with a specific organization.

What skills or experience do I need before taking this course?

• AIPB suggests taking parts one and two in order, but test-takers can complete each section in any order they’d like.
• For example, perhaps you can be flexible about cost but need a certificate that you can complete relatively quickly.
• Earning your credential is going to take time, effort and patience, but the career advantages you’ll gain are well worth the effort.
• You can access your lectures, readings and assignments anytime and anywhere via the web or your mobile device.
• You will need access to spreadsheet software (Excel, Google Sheets, Numbers or the equivalent) for some activities in this course.

Earning a bookkeeping certification involves weeks of studying, hours of test preparation and a significant financial investment. Additionally, maintaining a bookkeeping certification from NACPB or AIPB requires continuing professional development. When you complete this course, you’ll gain a foundational understanding of accounting principles and an introduction to QuickBooks Online. Bookkeepers within this sector typically report to accountants and senior management. Corporations may task these professionals with bank reconciliation, financial report writing, and/or governmental accounting.

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Aspiring CPBs must complete NACPB-required courses — payroll, bookkeeping, accounting, and QuickBooks — before registering for their respective exams, although they can complete them in any order. Candidates with relevant education may forgo a course by requesting a transcript review. AIPB doesn’t require a specific degree or education level to earn a CB credential.

Is a bookkeeping certification worth it?

• If you’re a seasoned bookkeeper, however, a bookkeeping certification may not be worth it.
• A typical bookkeeping certification course takes several weeks to complete.
• To qualify for the CPB license, you need to accumulate 2,080 hours or one year of experience in the field.
• Make sure to bring proper identification and any required materials on exam day.
• Compare this to the expected 126,500 annual openings for accountants and auditors (BLS).
• Think about each factor and prioritize the ones that are most important to you.

AIPB offers a series of six self-paced classes and accompanying workbooks, all of which are part of AIPB’s CB preparatory course. AIPB also has extra courses for sale, such as mastering double-entry bookkeeping. A bookkeeper certification tells employers that you have all the skills and expertise required for advanced bookkeeping.

After completing part one of the CB exam, repeat this process to take part two. Note that NACPB’s bookkeeping certification is different from its CPB license. The first step to becoming a CB or CPB is making the decision to do so.