Bookkeepers may become certified after they meet certain requirements. One does not have to obtain certification to continue working as a bookkeeper, but there are many benefits to certification, including more job opportunities. Certification assures your clients that you have certain minimum skills in regards to keeping their books. Certified bookkeepers earn more compared to their noncertified counterparts (see References below). Use your training and knowledge to certify your bookkeeping skills and grow your business.
Education Requirements
Before you can take the test to certify as a bookkeeper, you must take a college-level, accredited certified bookkeepers course. Accredited means the program meets the guidelines for a bookkeeping program set forth by the American Institute of Professional Bookkeepers, who administers the certification test. Not all schools offer accredited courses, and if you take one that does not meet this requirement you will not be able to sit for the certification exam. You can take the course this at a local community college or at an online school such as Penn Foster (see Resources below).
Experience Requirements
You must have 2 years of bookkeeping work experience in order to become certified. Alternatively, you may meet this requirement with an equal number of work hours from part-time employment. You may meet this requirement through freelance work hours. You will need verification from your employer or clients for this requirement.
Pass the Test Requirement
Once you meet the education and experience requirements, you may sit for the bookkeeping certification exam. The test consists of five parts divided into three tests. According to the American Institute of Professional Bookkeepers, you must pass this exam with a score of 70 percent for each part of the exam (not an overall score of 70 percent). For example, if you take test two and fail the payroll section, you will need to retake payroll and get at least a 70 percent. You do not need to retake any portion of the test in which you received a 70 percent score or higher. While studying for the test is not a requirement, if you obtain a study manual before the test you will know what to expect when you take it.
Post-Test Requirements
After passing the test, the final step in the bookkeeping certification process is to sign a code of ethics. Ongoing requirements to maintain certification include obtaining 60 hours of continuing education over a 3-year period.
Benefits
Once a bookkeeper is certified, he or she can use the term "Certified Professional Bookkeeper" (CPB) as part of his or her title. Certified bookkeepers earn more than their noncertified counterparts do, commanding a higher billable rate. Because certified bookkeepers must attend ongoing education to maintain their certification, they demonstrate to their clients that they keep up with ever-changing bookkeeping methods. This makes the certified professional bookkeeper a sought-after commodity and increases employment opportunities.
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