Are bookkeeping certifications worth it?

So, you need to decide exactly what type of credibility you’re seeking. Do you want to be more credible across bookkeeping in general or just for a particular software program, like QuickBooks or Xero? This will assist in determining the best type of certification for you.

Is it worth getting NACPB certified to become a bookkeeper?

“Those skills are beneficial to employers for which they may be willing to pay higher salaries.” Unlike the AIPB and NACPB certifications, you won’t earn the certified bookkeeper or certified public bookkeeper distinction when you complete these courses. However, you’ll receive a certificate from an accredited institution that shows you have the knowledge and skills to perform the duties required of a bookkeeper. After successfully passing the exam trial balance and meeting all of the requirements, you’ll receive a certificate of completion. You’ll also be able to put the letters “CPB,” which stands for certified public bookkeeper, behind your name. You can include this in your email signatures and on business cards, social media sites, and all of your marketing materials to promote your achievement.

Top Bookkeeper Certifications

Before jumping straight into either exam, you must first take a series of courses. Prior bookkeeping experience does not exempt you from these preparatory courses. Completing courses and workbooks can help you prepare for and pass your bookkeeping exam. The first step to becoming a certified bookkeeper is ensuring you’ve met all professional and educational requirements. Regardless of whether you are pursuing credentials through AIPB or NACPB, your supervisor or a former employer must validate your experience hours. Forbes Advisor’s education editors are committed aipb vs nacpb to producing unbiased rankings and informative articles covering online colleges, tech bootcamps and career paths.

Have any of you gotten the AIPB certification?

Professional certification is administered by organizations within a given field. For example, the most widely-recognized certification in the bookkeeping industry is the Certified Public Bookkeeper (CPB) certification offered by National Association of Accounting Security Certified Public Bookkeepers. There’s no educational or certification requirement to work as a bookkeeper. However, there are certain situations in which you may want to consider getting a bookkeeping certification, or at least taking a course to buff up your skills. In fact, we ranked remote bookkeeping as one of the best online jobs, thanks to its combination of scalability, flexibility and earning potential. For example, a certified bookkeeper may have a competitive edge over non-certified applicants when applying for positions such as senior accountant or financial analyst.

It’s important to examine the details for each to determine if the program fits your individual needs. Overall, the Intuit Academy Bookkeeping Professional Certificate is a good option if you are new to bookkeeping and want to learn the basics, especially if you plan to use QuickBooks. However, if you are aiming for a broader bookkeeping career or want a more recognized credential, this may not be the best option. While recognized by Intuit, this certification may not hold the same weight as more established industry certifications, like the CB or CPB.

The Accounting with QuickBooks Online Accountant course is free to pro members. Evaluate whether you currently have the knowledge to be an efficient bookkeeper or the formal education or equivalent experience that could be applied toward certification. While there is one gold standard accounting certification in the United States (CPA), there isn’t a bookkeeping equivalent.

• While specific requirements may vary depending on the certifying organization, below is a quick overview of general requirements.
• To maintain the CB credential, you must fulfill 60 continuing education credits every three years.
• The main advantage the CB has over the CPB is that it doesn’t require previous education, such as a specific degree or the completion of preparatory courses.
• That said, they’re not necessary to get started or even make decent money.
• That’s where earning a bookkeeping certification can make a big difference.

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Cecilia is a freelance writer, content marketing strategist and author covering education, technology and energy. She is a current contributor to the Forbes Advisor education vertical and holds a summa cum laude journalism degree from California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo. Meghan Gallagher is a Seattle-based freelance content writer and strategist. In Marketing Management and a background in digital marketing for healthcare, nonprofit, and higher education organizations.