Bookkeeping forms the backbone of every organization’s need to carefully account for its financial activities. It accounts for sales, purchases and payments that flow through an entity. Bookkeepers are crucial to every organization and certified bookkeepers are the elite of their profession.
- In each section, test-takers must answer 37 out of 50 questions correctly to receive a passing grade.
- Skilled bookkeepers provide a valuable service to large and small organizations by keeping meticulous records of all financial transactions.
- AIPB Testing Information – Learn more about the tests offered by Prometric by visiting the AIPB Web site.
- Both the AIPB and the NACPB support the bookkeeping profession, offer membership benefits, and provide professional development opportunities.
- Annual renewal applications cost $25 for NACPB members and $50 for nonmembers.
You can then use this in your email signature, on your business cards, social media sites, and other marketing materials. This will let potential clients know that you’re qualified, which will generate new leads and allow you to negotiate higher billing rates. Becoming certified in accounting software, such as QuickBooks, Xero, or Zoho Books, is a wise decision, especially when the majority of your clients use that particular software. Although you won’t earn a more general bookkeeping certification, you’ll receive access to free resources such as software, tech support, and a free listing in member directories. QuickBooks ProAdvisors will also be able to use a certification badge on all marketing materials. After successfully passing the exam and meeting all of the requirements, you’ll receive a certificate of completion.
The best way to prepare for the certified bookkeeper exam is by studying early and thoroughly. Take advantage of practice exams, study workbooks, and other online resources to brush aipb certification test up on your bookkeeping skills and knowledge. You must pass the bookkeeping, payroll, QuickBooks Online and accounting certification exams before qualifying for CPB licensure.
Online and Extended Programs
If you want to retake either of the first parts of the CB exam, the fee is $60. The first step to becoming a CB or CPB is making the decision to do so. Earning your credential is going to take time, effort and patience, but the career advantages you’ll gain are well worth the effort. To qualify for the CPB license, you need to accumulate 2,080 hours or one year of experience in the field.
How many times can I take the bookkeeper certification exam?
Test-takers redoing the first or second part of the AIPB exam must wait 30 days between attempts. Qualified applicants receive an “authorization to test” letter and any study materials they purchase in the mail. Using the eligibility ID included in the letter, bookkeepers can schedule the first and second parts of their exam with Prometric. The first two parts of AIPB’s exams require in-person scheduling at Prometric testing centers. Test-takers complete their exam on a computer and receive a printout of their final score before leaving the center. Read on to learn about eligibility, examination, and continuing education requirements for CPB or CB certification.
Make sure to bring proper identification and any required materials on exam day. After completing part one of the CB exam, repeat this process to take part two. Prior to earning either designation, you must prove that you have sufficient bookkeeping experience. The primary difference between the AIPB’s certification and NACPB’s license is the resulting title. Those credentialed by AIPB earn the Certified Bookkeeper (CB) designation. Those who earn licensure through NACPB gain the Certified Public Bookkeeper (CPB) title.
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CPB licensure lasts one year, after which you must demonstrate that you completed all necessary continuing education credits and pay an annual membership fee. CPB credentials require 24 hours of continuing education per year of licensure. If you’re looking to gain a competitive advantage in the world of accounting, look no further than a bookkeeping certification. Skilled bookkeepers provide a valuable service to large and small organizations by keeping meticulous records of all financial transactions.
Prepare for the Bookkeeper Certification Online
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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. Annual renewal applications cost $25 for NACPB members and $50 for nonmembers.
Bookkeeping Certifications: CB vs. CPB
Both are nationally recognized and well-regarded by accounting professionals. When you become a Certified Bookkeeper (CB), you will have the advanced bookkeeping skills and bookkeeping knowledge that can do wonders for your bookkeeping career. And AIPB instructional bookkeeping course workbooks are self-teaching.