Becoming a certified bookkeeper can make you stand out in the job market. Bookkeepers monitor how much money is coming in and going out of the enterprise they work in. These accountants keep tabs on and document financial transactions. Additionally, they update internal documents and compare bank statements with financial information for the business. Payroll management, accounts payable, and receivable management are frequently handled by bookkeepers. This guide provides comprehensive information on the process for those who are interested in earning a bookkeeping certification. Discover tips for job searching, career advancement, and educational options. Membership benefits, industry support, and opportunities for continuing education are all provided by both the AIPB and the NACPB. The American public recognizes and values the CPB and CB credentials equally.
Certified Bookkeeper
Bookkeepers are in charge of managing the day-to-day financial operations of their clients. They keep track of, record, and organize each payment that comes in and goes out for a specific account. The primary goal of bookkeepers is to preserve the soundness and stability of their client’s finances. Additionally, they safeguard their customers by ensuring that all financial transactions adhere to all applicable laws and regulations at the federal level. Bookkeepers can work as salaried employees or independent contractors for businesses or people. Frequently required renewals are required for the majority of professional certifications.
Every year on December 31, CPB licenses come to an end. Every year, professionals are required to complete 24 hours of approved CPE.
For every three years that they hold their CB certification, bookkeepers must complete at least 60 credits of continuing professional education. Registering for continuing education with AIPB costs $3 per credit.
Why Become a Certified Bookkeeper?
#1. Excellent Credential
Any bookkeeper can gain from certification, regardless of experience level or whether they work independently. Candidates for CB and CPB must have a minimum of 3,000 hours of work experience, respectively.
#2. Develops National Credibility
Every state in the United States recognizes the CPB and CB credentials. For employers across the country, these certifications demonstrate mastery of fundamental bookkeeping principles and abilities. A Lewis & Clark 2019 survey found that the majority of CBs agree that certification has boosted their confidence.
#3. Enhances Job Security
Professional certification boosts a job candidate’s resume in any industry. The CPB and CB certifications reassure prospective customers and employers that you are competent to carry out necessary tasks. Because of the proof of your competence that these credentials provide, you have a higher chance of getting hired by a client or employer than someone who isn’t certified.
#4. Increases Salary Potential
The likelihood of earning more money is typically correlated with having more skills and experience. A raise was given to almost 60% of certified CBs who were already working. About 75% of those bookkeepers stated that certification was a major factor in their pay increase. Once you have earned your certification as a bookkeeper, you can bargain for lower fees.
#5. Affordable Career Development
Getting CPB or CB certification is an affordable way to advance your career and improve your skills. A few hundred dollars will only get you the required reading and exam fees. Comparatively speaking, an advanced degree is a costly option for accounting professionals looking to advance their careers.
#6. Possibility of Joining a Community
It is not necessary to join NACPB or AIPB to become certified in bookkeeping, but doing so has many benefits of its own. Discounts on educational supplies like courses, workbooks, and certification exam fees are available to NACPB and AIPB members. Members also have access to business news, networking events, and opportunities for continuing education.
How to Become a Certified Bookkeeper
Both the American Institute of Professional Bookkeepers (AIPB) and the National Association of Certified Public Bookkeepers (NACPB) provide certification in bookkeeping. Both NACPB and AIPB grant the Certified Bookkeeper (CB) designation, while NACPB offers the Certified Bookkeeping Professional (CPB) license.
Many bookkeepers hold undergraduate degrees because hiring managers frequently favor applicants with a college education.
Higher education is not, however, a requirement for all employers when hiring bookkeepers. In some cases, relevant experience and accounting knowledge may carry more value than educational background.
How Do You Qualify for CPB or CB Certification?
For both the CPB license and the CB credential, applicants must fulfill comparable eligibility requirements. Both certifications require candidates to pass a four-part multiple-choice exam, provide documentation of their training and work experience, and commit to upholding a set of ethical standards.
Educational Requirements
Candidates for CPB certification must hold an accounting associate’s or bachelor’s degree. Completing the subsequent NACPB courses will also make those without a college degree eligible:
- Principles of Accounting
- Accounting Principles
- Payroll Fundamentals
- QuickBooks Fundamentals (Desktop) or QuickBooks Online Fundamentals
If you’re not a NACPB member, each self-paced course will set you back $499. Some courses can be combined by candidates to get a discount.
There is no minimum educational requirement to obtain CB certification from AIPB. However, candidates may profit from enrolling in an associate’s or certificate program in accounting.
Professional Requirements
Candidates for the CPB certification must have a minimum of 2,000 hours or one year of experience in accounting or bookkeeping. Forms attesting to the candidate’s work are required from employers or clients.
Candidates for CB certification must demonstrate at least two years of full-time bookkeeping experience or 3,000 hours of part-time or freelance experience. Bookkeepers may complete this experience up to three years after passing the bookkeeping certification exam, whichever comes first.
Certified Bookkeeper Online
Both the NACPB and AIPB offer exams for bookkeeper certification, and both have four sections and multiple-choice questions. Participants take the test in four parts, each of which they must complete independently.
The CPB exam from the NACPB has four online components. The first two sections of the AIPB CB exam must be finished in person at a Prometric testing facility. The final two sections can then be completed at home in a workbook by candidates. The exam sections can be taken in any order by bookkeepers, but AIPB advises scheduling part one of the CB exam before part two.
Scoring the Exam
Every exam question contributes equally to the section’s overall score. The range of passing marks for the NACPB and AIPB exams is between 70% and 75%, depending on the test and the sections taken.
Scores are automatically calculated for NACPB’s online exams, and results are shown right away. To pass, test-takers must correctly respond to 37 of the 50 questions in each section.
Arrangements must be made in person at Prometric testing locations for the first two of the AIPB exams. On a computer, test takers finish the exam, and they are given a printout of their results before leaving the testing facility.
Certified Bookkeeper Salary
The average salary for a bookkeeper in the United States is $17.73 per hour. The national salary distribution ranges from $7.25 to $35.15. These numbers reflect the average paycheck for a bookkeeper who works on a company’s payroll. Freelance bookkeepers set their rates and often charge an hourly rate of $40-60. If a freelance bookkeeper has multiple clients and works full-time, they frequently earn more than the salaried bookkeeper’s $35,000 to $56,000 per year.
While the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects that bookkeeping jobs will decline by five percent between now and 2031, the agency still anticipates around 197,000 openings for bookkeepers each year [1]. In short, there’s still demand for this line of work. According to Payscale, people in the US with a bookkeeping certification can earn, on average, $56,000 per year
Is a Bookkeeping Certificate Worth It?
A business cannot function without a bookkeeper. They typically oversee a company’s financial operations and keep thorough records. A bookkeeping certification can be a valuable credential to obtain, regardless of your interest in becoming a bookkeeper or in learning about the fundamental procedures involved.
A bookkeeping certification can be a valuable credential to obtain, regardless of whether you want to work as a bookkeeper or just learn about the fundamental procedures.
What Does It Mean to Be a Certified Bookkeeper?
A certified public bookkeeper is prepared to have a significant impact on your company. Any owner of a business would be wise to hire a certified bookkeeper. A CPB can assist you in managing your money, coming to wise financial decisions, and comprehending your taxes.
An individual who has earned the title of “certified bookkeeper” has proven they possess the expertise, training, and work background necessary to carry out the tasks associated with the position.
You can obtain a professional certification in bookkeeping to attest to your knowledge of the subject and your proficiency in it. It frequently entails finishing a bookkeeping-heavy curriculum, and may also demand passing an exam and ongoing course enrollment to keep pertinent skills current.
How Much Do Certified Bookkeepers Make a Year?
As of May 16, 2023, the average yearly wage for a Work From Home Bookkeeper in the US is $56,740. (ZipRecruiter) The typical hourly wage for a bookkeeper in the US is $20.57. In the US, a bookkeeper typically earns $40,337 annually. The average yearly pay for a bookkeeper is between $30,000 and $56,000. Salary ranges can differ significantly based on a variety of significant factors, including education, credentials, additional skills, and the length of time you have been in your profession.
Is the Certified Bookkeeper Exam Difficult?
It’s important to note how challenging the bookkeeping certification test is. Candidates should make every effort to prepare for the exam, even though it is unquestionably less challenging than the CPA exam. The certification exams for bookkeepers are rigorous and comprehensive as necessary.
How Hard Is the Certified Bookkeeper Exam?
Exams for becoming a certified bookkeeper are suitably demanding and comprehensive. The exams assess knowledge of important subjects like adjustments and error correction, payroll, inventory, and fraud prevention using multiple-choice questions. It is recommended to study for exams.
When Is the Certified Bookkeeper Exam Administered?
Exams for certified bookkeepers are offered year-round by both NACPB and AIPB. The CPB exam sections must be completed by candidates one year after the date of purchase. Within three years of registering, CB candidates must pass each section of the exam.
Conclusion
Every decision should be based on the financial health of the company or organization, making bookkeeping a crucial function. However, not all bookkeepers possess the expertise needed to analyze data in a way that promotes optimum performance in businesses. A bookkeeping certification can significantly improve your situation in this regard. A certification course in basic accounting principles is offered by the Certified Bookkeeper program. The program aims to strengthen and improve the participants’ foundational accounting skills. Employers and clients can rest easy knowing that certificate holders have the skills, knowledge, and morals required to provide bookkeeping services.
Related Articles
- BOOKKEEPER: Meaning, Services & Software
- BOOKKEEPER CERTIFICATION: What It Is & How to Earn a Certification
- FREELANCE BOOKKEEPING: Freelance Bookkeeping Jobs in 2023 With Salaries
- BOOKKEEPING SERVICES FOR SMALL BUSINESS: Top Best for Small Business in 2023
- BOOKKEEPING BUSINESS: What Is It, How to Start One, Cost & Salary
References
