Certified Public Bookkeeper CPB: Licensing, Certification & Training Programs 2025

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. It’s also helpful to see where bookkeeping certifications fit in relation to accountant credentials. Most often, you’ll need at least a bachelor’s degree in accounting or finance just to get an entry-level job.

• The U.S. Career Institute is an online educational institute established for more than 35 years now.
• You will get your test results immediately after completing parts 1 and 2 at the Prometric Test Center.
• This expanded knowledge equips them to handle diverse financial scenarios confidently and accurately.
• Online bookkeeping certification programs cover the fundamentals of bookkeeping and accounting software you need to land an entry-level role.
• This course provides fundamental QuickBooks Online education and is required to obtain QuickBooks Online Certification.
• That’s where earning a bookkeeping certification can make a big difference.

Gaining a Competitive Edge in the Job Market

An online bookkeeping certification course can enhance your professional profile, making you more competitive in the job market. QuickBooks ProAdvisor It allows you to develop the skills needed to advance your bookkeeping skills, from handling financial statements to dealing with tax regulations and more. Certification also adds credibility to your résumé, assuring employers that you’ve met specific standards and are qualified to perform bookkeeping tasks accurately and efficiently. Beyond formal certifications, knowing your way around bookkeeping software is a big plus. Many jobs will specifically ask for experience with popular programs. Getting certified in specific software, like QuickBooks, can really make you stand out.

Nationally recognized licenses provide the following benefits:

The US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) predicts the job market for bookkeepers to decline by about 3% between 2020 and 2030. However, it’s not all gloom, as the report also predicts 170,200 new bookkeeping, accounting, and auditing job openings every year over the decade. So I’ve been a bookkeeper for about a year and a half now, through two different jobs, one part time, nacpb vs aipb current full time. I’ve been told I should be looking to get certified, or at least quickbooks certified.

AIPB Certification Compared to CPB

Taking courses related to bookkeeping such as accounting, math, computer science, and English will go a long way to ensure that you become a good bookkeeper. To qualify, you need to complete a 2-page application and have at least two years of working experience. You should also pass the four-part exams, agree to abide by the work ethics, and complete the required 20 hours of CPE yearly. The only requirements for entry-level are basic computer and math skills. Knowledge in using bookkeeping software and spreadsheets is also essential. Another qualification necessary is the practice license to run bookkeeping as a business legally.

Certified Public Bookkeeper License

It employs the six workbooks we described before and depending on the course, it may meet once or twice a week. It is taught at the UCSD campus in San Diego, and the cost is $1,995, which includes all six workbooks as well as the test costs for parts 1 and 2 of the exam, comparable to Ed2go. Whether you’re new to accounting or a seasoned pro, we urge that you study and prepare for the test to ensure your success. There are a variety of alternatives accessible to you depending on your learning style.

The tables below highlight states and metro areas that pay the highest salaries for bookkeeping, accounting and auditing clerks. Accounting technicians and bookkeepers (NOC 1311) usually earn between $16.00/hour and $38.69/hour in Canada. To understand the training materials, you should be a working bookkeeper or have 1 year of college accounting or the equivalent. However, getting a degree in your field of interest gives you an advantage over other candidates.

Both provide you an advantage over other candidates when applying for jobs or seeking freelancing work, which is why we advocate them above other courses and certifications. After completing a certification program that will differ for a certified public bookkeeper vs a certified bookkeeper, it’s also pertinent that you get an accounting software certificate. Most bookkeeping tasks can now be done with software, saving you hours, and improving your work efficiency. By getting certified, you will have a better understanding of how to use these digital tools in your own business.

• The certification process typically involves coursework and exams covering essential accounting principles and practices.
• Because of the program’s style, students may work at their own speed.
• 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.
• Bookkeeping certification enhances credibility, showcases expertise, and distinguishes your business from competitors, helping attract clients and instill confidence in potential customers.
• Building a good understanding of these core ideas is key to handling the tricky parts of accounting.
• Members get a 20% discount on courses, certifications, training and programs.

This usually includes videos that break down complex topics, interactive exercises to help you practice what youve learned, and hands-on activities. These are super important for seeing where you stand and what you need to work on more. Some courses even include study card sets specifically made to help you review and stay on track for the AIPB Certified Bookkeeper exam.

• On the other hand, getting a certificate opens the door to more opportunities.
• NACPB provides the certified bookkeeping professional (CPB) license, while AIPB offers the certified bookkeeper (CB) designation.
• It shows you’re really good at what you do and follow ethical rules.
• If you opt to become a member, you will have access to various free study resources.
• While not a mandatory requirement, obtaining certification offers a range of benefits and advantages.

Bookkeeping Certifications (CPB and CB)

You must be proficient in bookkeeping software and spreadsheets as well as understand foundational accounting principles. 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. Are you a visual learner who benefits from videos, or do you learn best by doing?

Section 100 – Principles of Professional Conduct

As bookkeeping tasks become automated in the coming years, bookkeepers may focus more on analytical tasks related to financial data. If you want to earn more money as a bookkeeper, consider becoming a certified bookkeeper. Salaries for bookkeepers can vary significantly depending on location. Depending on the state or metropolitan area you work in, you can earn about $16,000 more a year than https://sample.glancewebsolutions.com/normal-account-balance-definition-and-meaning/ the national median for bookkeepers.