Online Certified Bookkeeper from University of New Mexico Albuquerque

The topics covered in the CB and CPB certification exams are similar and cover various areas of bookkeeping. It is important to note that the exams for both bookkeeper certifications may be updated from time to time, and these topics are subject to change. Earning a bookkeeper certification can increase a bookkeeper’s credibility and job prospects, as it signifies a commitment to ongoing professional development and adherence to ethical standards. Various professional organizations typically offer these certifications, such as the AIPB and the NACPB. The BLS notes that job prospects for bookkeeping, accounting and auditing clerks are expected to decline by 6 percent between 2019 and 2029. The projected job growth trend for all occupations combined is expected to grow by 4 percent, in comparison.

The coursework includes exercises and quizzes to ensure that you have mastered the material. After you have completed everything, you’ll schedule the certification exam. A certified bookkeeper is someone who has demonstrated that they have the knowledge, skills, and work experience to perform the duties required of a bookkeeper. Clients often look certified bookkeeper at certifications to verify a level of experience and expertise when selecting a bookkeeper. You must pass the bookkeeping, payroll, QuickBooks and accounting certification exams before qualifying for CPB licensure. If you do not pass one of the certification exams, you can retake it for a fee of $50 for NACPB members and $75 for nonmembers.

Certified Bookkeeper Certifications (CPB and CB) for 2023

As a bookkeeper, you can choose to obtain different certifications through private companies. I want to walk you through how to be certified as a bookkeeper and give you eight different options on classes or resources that will help you start and grow your bookkeeping business. There are five major parts to the accounting process, and they include recording, interpreting, classifying, analyzing, and reporting financial information. Bookkeeping is the first foundational part of the accounting process — recording financial transactions. However, bookkeeping is a great first step into an accounting career, and with additional education, you use this as a way to gain experience and become an accountant in the future. Wade Lindenberger is a CPA with over 20 years of financial accounting and management experience in public accounting and private industry.

Training is also available through NACPB, which includes free bookkeeper webinars, courses, and videos. Other free resources include bookkeeper news and updates, a dictionary of terms, and a bookkeeper support video knowledge base. You’ll receive instructions via email about how to best prepare and set up your test-taking environment at home, a local library or another place with an internet connection. Once you’ve met all of your chosen credential’s requirements and completed your preparatory courses, it’s time to take the exams.

What Are The Most Popular Bookkeeping Certification Programs?

Conversely, CB candidates need at least two years of full-time bookkeeping experience. CB candidates can complete the required experience before or after the certification exam. According to Xero, a bookkeeper ensures that the financial documents of a business are up to date so that accountants and business leadership understand how the business is https://www.bookstime.com/ performing. Core duties for a bookkeeper include data entry, which involves balancing books and recording all financial transactions of a business. They also do bank reconciliations, comparing their books to bank statements to ensure accuracy and completeness. Bookkeepers may also be required to produce monthly reports of the business’s finances.

As a bookkeeper at a smaller company, you’ll keep track of all credits and debits, prepare financial statements and generally complete banking transactions for the company. At a larger company, you may have more specialized tasks, such as managing payroll or working with only select accounts for the company. Bookkeepers who are certified have earned voluntary credentials to demonstrate that they are proficient in a wide range of bookkeeping functions. Becoming a certified bookkeeper can offer a range of benefits to those in the bookkeeping and accounting industry.

Step 4: Choose Your Bookkeeper Certification Program

It is not mandatory to be a certified bookkeeper, however a certified bookkeeper has the necessary skills required to manage companies’ books of accounts effectively. Moreover, it also adds a credential to your list of professional accomplishments. You will understand all the daily bookkeeper tasks in real-life training. The disadvantage to this is that you won’t have the flexibility you’d want or expect as an entrepreneur starting your own business.

Plan to invest at least 12 to 16 hours of study time to prepare for the exam, which consists of 80 questions. You must receive a passing score of 80 percent or better, and you can take it up to three times if you don’t pass on your initial attempt. For more information, read our article about how to become certified as a QuickBooks ProAdvisor. QuickBooks is the most popular accounting software used by small businesses. There are many benefits that come with this program, such as a ProAdvisor certification badge that you can include on marketing materials like your business cards and website. In addition, you’ll be listed on the Find-a-ProAdvisor website so that small businesses that need to hire a QuickBooks Pro can find you.