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Top 10 Accounts Receivable Coordinator Certifications

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Brenna Goyette
Certified Professional Resume Writer, Career Expert

Updated 18 min read

Certifications are important for an accounts receivable coordinator in the job market because they demonstrate a level of expertise and knowledge in the field. They show potential employers that the candidate has taken the initiative to learn more about their profession, as well as prove their abilities and commitment to staying up-to-date on best practices and trends. Certifications can also help differentiate a candidate from other applicants by showing that he or she is dedicated to honing their skills and increasing their value. Certifications can also provide opportunities for networking with other professionals, which can lead to additional career development opportunities.

The purpose of this article is to review top certifications for Accounts Receivable Coordinators and explain how they can help build a successful career in the field.

What are Accounts Receivable Coordinator Certifications?

Accounts receivable coordinator certification is a professional certification that demonstrates an individual’s expertise in accounting principles, procedures and practices related to accounts receivable. The certification is designed to provide individuals with the knowledge and skills needed to manage accounts receivable functions within an organization. It also provides employers with assurance that their employees have the necessary training and experience required for successful performance of their duties.

Accounts receivable coordinator certification can help individuals increase their job prospects, as well as demonstrate a commitment to professional development. Individuals who possess this credential are seen as having a higher level of knowledge and experience in the field than those without it. This can give them an edge when applying for positions or looking for promotions within their current job. Furthermore, having this certification may qualify individuals for certain roles that might otherwise be out of reach due to lack of experience or education.

In addition, accounts receivable coordinator certification can help employers ensure they have qualified personnel on staff to handle accounts receivable tasks efficiently and accurately. Having certified employees on staff can reduce errors and improve accuracy while also streamlining processes and improving customer service. Ultimately, this can lead to increased profitability and customer satisfaction levels, which are both essential elements of success in any business.

Pro Tip: Consider getting certified as an Accounts Receivable Coordinator. This certification will give you the skills and knowledge to effectively manage accounts receivable processes, ensuring accuracy and timely payments from customers. The certification also provides a valuable credential that can help open doors for career advancement.

Related: What does an Accounts Receivable Coordinator do?

Top 10 Accounts Receivable Coordinator Certifications

Here’s our list of the best certifications available to Accounts Receivable Coordinators today.

1. Certified Accounts Receivable Professional (CARP)

Certified Accounts Receivable Professional (CARP) is a certification program offered by the National Association of Credit Management (NACM). The CARP designation is designed to recognize individuals who demonstrate a high level of knowledge and proficiency in accounts receivable management.

In order to obtain the CARP designation, applicants must meet certain eligibility requirements and pass an exam. Eligibility requirements include having at least two years of full-time experience in accounts receivable management or related fields, such as collections or credit analysis.

The CARP exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions that cover topics such as accounts receivable processes, legal issues, credit policies, collection techniques, and financial statement analysis. The exam takes approximately three hours to complete and must be taken at a proctored testing center.

The cost for the CARP certification program varies depending on your NACM membership status. Non-members pay $450 for the application fee plus $400 for the exam fee. Members pay $350 for the application fee plus $300 for the exam fee.

2. Certified Accounts Receivable Manager (CARM)

Certified Accounts Receivable Manager (CARM) is a professional designation offered by the National Association of Credit Management (NACM). It is designed to recognize individuals who demonstrate expertise in the field of accounts receivable management. This certification is ideal for those who manage accounts receivable, collections, and credit functions within an organization.

To obtain the CARM credential, applicants must meet certain eligibility requirements, including a minimum of three years of experience in an accounts receivable or credit management role and completion of a comprehensive exam. The exam covers topics such as legal aspects of credit and collections, financial statement analysis, customer service and communication skills, and best practices in accounts receivable management.

The CARM exam can be taken at any NACM-approved testing center. The cost for the exam is $350 USD for members of NACM or its affiliates ($450 USD for non-members). After passing the exam, applicants will receive their official CARM certificate within 4-6 weeks.

In addition to passing the exam, applicants must also complete continuing education credits every two years to maintain their certification status. The cost for continuing education credits varies depending on the type of course taken.

3. Certified Accounts Receivable Technician (CART)

Certified Accounts Receivable Technician (CART) is a professional certification program that provides individuals with the knowledge and skills to become successful accounts receivable technicians. The CART program is offered by the National Association of Certified Accounts Receivable Technicians (NACART). It is designed for individuals who are already working in the field of accounts receivable or those who want to enter the profession.

The CART program consists of three courses: Introduction to Accounts Receivable, Advanced Accounts Receivable, and Professional Practices in Accounts Receivable. Each course requires approximately 20 hours of study time. Upon successful completion of all three courses, students will receive their CART certification.

To get started with the CART program, you must first register with NACART and pay a registration fee of $100 USD. Once registered, you will be provided with access to online course materials and resources. You can then begin studying for your CART certification at your own pace.

Once you have successfully completed all three courses, you will need to take an exam in order to obtain your CART certification. The exam fee is $150 USD and it can be taken either online or in-person at an approved testing center. After passing the exam, you will receive your official CART certificate from NACART.

In total, it typically takes about two months to complete the CART program and obtain your certification. The cost of obtaining your CART certification is $250 USD ($100 registration fee + $150 exam fee).

4. Certified Credit and Collections Professional (CCCP)

Certified Credit and Collections Professional (CCCP) is a professional certification program designed to recognize individuals who have achieved the highest standards of excellence in credit and collections. The CCCP certification is administered by the National Association of Credit Management (NACM).

To become a Certified Credit and Collections Professional, applicants must meet certain eligibility requirements and pass an exam. The eligibility requirements include having at least two years of full-time credit and collections experience, or one year of full-time credit and collections experience plus a college degree or equivalent education. Applicants must also agree to abide by the NACM Code of Ethics.

The CCCP exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions covering topics such as credit analysis, collection procedures, legal issues, consumer protection laws, bankruptcy law, financial management, accounts receivable management, dispute resolution, customer service skills, and more. The exam takes about 3 hours to complete.

In order to take the CCCP exam, applicants must register with NACM and pay a fee of $395 for members or $495 for non-members. Once registered for the exam, applicants will receive study materials from NACM that can help them prepare for the test. After passing the CCCP exam with a score of 70% or higher, applicants will be awarded their certification as Certified Credit and Collections Professionals (CCCP).

5. Certified Accounts Receivable Specialist (CARS)

Certified Accounts Receivable Specialist (CARS) is a certification program offered by the National Association of Credit Management (NACM). The certification is designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated knowledge and expertise in the field of accounts receivable management. CARS certification is intended to provide an industry standard for excellence in accounts receivable management, and it is awarded to those who demonstrate a mastery of the principles, practices, and processes of accounts receivable management.

To become certified as a CARS, applicants must first meet certain prerequisites including having at least two years of experience in accounts receivable management and completing a minimum number of continuing education hours. Once these requirements are met, applicants can then take the CARS exam which consists of multiple-choice questions covering topics such as credit terms and conditions, legal issues related to accounts receivables, collection procedures, customer service, financial statement analysis, and more.

The exam takes approximately three hours to complete and costs $375 USD. Upon successful completion of the exam, applicants will receive their CARS certification which is valid for three years. After three years, recertification will be required for continued recognition as a Certified Accounts Receivable Specialist.

6. American Institute of Professional Bookkeepers Certification (AIPB)

The American Institute of Professional Bookkeepers (AIPB) Certification is a professional certification program designed to recognize the knowledge and expertise of bookkeepers. It is the only nationally recognized certification program for bookkeepers in the United States. The AIPB Certification is a voluntary program that demonstrates a commitment to professionalism and excellence in bookkeeping.

To obtain the AIPB Certification, you must pass an exam that covers topics such as accounting principles and procedures, financial statement preparation, payroll processing, and taxation. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions and takes approximately three hours to complete.

You must also meet certain eligibility requirements to take the exam, including having at least two years of experience as a full-charge bookkeeper or equivalent education or experience in accounting or related fields. You must also be able to demonstrate your knowledge through work samples or other evidence of proficiency.

The cost of taking the AIPB Certification Exam varies depending on where you take it; however, it typically costs between $250 and $350. Additionally, you may need to pay an annual membership fee if you are not already a member of the AIPB.

Once you have passed the exam and met all eligibility requirements, you will receive your official certificate from the AIPB within four weeks. This certificate will serve as proof that you have achieved professional recognition as a Certified Bookkeeper.

7. National Association of Credit Management Certification (NACM)

The National Association of Credit Management (NACM) is a professional association that provides education, certification, and resources to credit professionals in the United States. NACM offers several certifications designed to enhance the knowledge and skills of credit professionals.

The NACM Certified Credit Executive (CCE) designation is the most prestigious certification offered by NACM. It requires a minimum of five years of credit-related experience, as well as successful completion of a comprehensive exam. The CCE program consists of two parts: an online course and an in-person assessment. The online course covers topics such as financial analysis, risk management, legal issues, and customer service. The assessment is administered at a testing center and includes multiple choice and essay questions.

The NACM Certified Professional Credit Manager (CPCM) certification is also available for those with less than five years of experience in credit management or related fields. This certification requires successful completion of an online course followed by an assessment at a testing center.

The cost for both certifications varies depending on whether you are a member or non-member of NACM. For members, the CCE program costs $1,295 while the CPCM program costs $995. For non-members, the CCE program costs $2,195 while the CPCM program costs $1,495.

In order to get either certification you must submit an application to NACM along with proof of your work experience and educational background. Once approved, you will be given access to register for the appropriate online course and assessment. It typically takes 4-6 weeks from application submission to receiving your results from the assessment center after taking both courses and assessments combined.

8. Institute of Financial Operations Certification in Accounts Receivable Management (IFO-ARM)

The Institute of Financial Operations Certification in Accounts Receivable Management (IFO-ARM) is a professional certification program designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated proficiency in the management of accounts receivable. It is designed to provide a comprehensive understanding of the principles, processes and best practices related to accounts receivable management.

It typically takes between six months and one year to complete the IFO-ARM certification program, depending on the individual's prior experience and knowledge. The program consists of five core modules that cover topics such as financial statement analysis, accounts receivable operations and collections, credit risk management, dispute resolution and legal compliance.

To get certified by IFO-ARM, individuals must first complete an online application form and submit their resume for review. Once approved, they will be required to pass an exam with a minimum score of 70%. After passing the exam, applicants must also demonstrate their knowledge through a series of practical exercises.

The cost for the IFO-ARM certification program varies depending on the number of modules taken and other factors such as course materials fees. Generally speaking, it costs around $2,000 for all five modules.

9. International Association of Credit and Collection Professionals Certification in Accounts Receivable Management (IACC-ARM)

The International Association of Credit and Collection Professionals (IACC) offers a certification program in Accounts Receivable Management (ARM). This certification is designed to recognize the professional achievements of credit and collection professionals who have demonstrated a high level of knowledge, skill, and experience in accounts receivable management.

To obtain the IACC-ARM certification, applicants must meet certain requirements, including having at least three years of full-time accounts receivable management experience. They must also pass an examination that covers topics such as credit risk analysis, collections policies and procedures, dispute resolution, legal compliance, customer service, and financial statement analysis.

The IACC-ARM exam consists of 125 multiple choice questions that must be completed within two hours. The cost for the exam is $250 USD. After passing the exam, applicants are required to pay an additional $50 USD fee to receive their official certificate.

Once certified, IACC-ARM holders are eligible to use the ARM designation after their name and remain certified for three years. To maintain certification status after this period, they must complete continuing education activities or retake the exam every three years.

10. Society for Human Resource Management Professional in Accounting and Finance Certification (SHRM-PAF).

The Society for Human Resource Management Professional in Accounting and Finance Certification (SHRM-PAF) is a professional certification that recognizes individuals who have the knowledge, skills, and abilities to effectively manage accounting and finance activities within an organization. This certification is designed for those who are currently working as HR professionals or those looking to enter the field.

The SHRM-PAF certification is offered by the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM). It is a comprehensive program that covers topics such as financial management, accounting principles, budgeting and forecasting, internal controls, financial reporting, auditing and taxation. The program also includes modules on legal issues related to accounting and finance.

The SHRM-PAF certification requires candidates to pass an exam that consists of 150 multiple choice questions. Candidates must also complete a minimum of 30 hours of continuing education credits over a three year period in order to maintain their certification status.

In order to obtain the SHRM-PAF certification, applicants must first apply online through the SHRM website. Applicants must meet certain eligibility requirements such as having at least two years of experience in human resources or finance/accounting roles. Once accepted into the program, applicants will receive study materials and can begin preparing for the exam.

The cost of obtaining the SHRM-PAF certification varies depending on whether you are an existing member of SHRM or not. For non-members, it costs $499 USD to register for the exam; however members only pay $399 USD. In addition to this fee, there may be additional fees associated with taking continuing education courses required for maintaining your certification status after passing the exam.

Do You Really Need a Accounts Receivable Coordinator Certificate?

No, you do not need an Accounts Receivable Coordinator Certificate to become an accounts receivable coordinator. However, having a certificate can demonstrate your commitment to the field and help you stand out from other candidates. It can also provide you with additional knowledge and skills that may be beneficial in the workplace.

Having a certificate is not essential for becoming an accounts receivable coordinator, but it can give you an edge over other job applicants and provide you with a better understanding of the processes involved in this role. Additionally, having a certificate will show employers that you are serious about your career and have taken the initiative to gain further knowledge in the field.

Overall, while holding a certificate is not necessary to become an accounts receivable coordinator, it may be beneficial if you want to demonstrate your dedication to the field or acquire more detailed knowledge about the job.

Related: Accounts Receivable Coordinator Resume Examples

FAQs About Accounts Receivable Coordinator Certifications

1.What is an Accounts Receivable Coordinator Certification?

Answer: An Accounts Receivable Coordinator Certification is a professional certification for individuals who want to demonstrate their knowledge and skills in the field of accounts receivable. The certification is designed to verify that individuals have the necessary knowledge and experience to work as an Accounts Receivable Coordinator.

2. What are the requirements for obtaining an Accounts Receivable Coordinator Certification?

Answer: The requirements for obtaining an Accounts Receivable Coordinator Certification vary depending on the certifying organization, but typically include completing courses related to accounts receivable, having relevant work experience, and passing an exam.

3. How long does it take to obtain an Accounts Receivable Coordinator Certification?

Answer: The amount of time it takes to obtain an Accounts Receivable Coordinator Certification depends on the certifying organization, but typically ranges from 6 months to 2 years.

4. What are the benefits of obtaining an Accounts Receivable Coordinator Certification?

Answer: Obtaining an Accounts Receivable Coordinator Certification can provide several benefits, including increased job opportunities and higher pay, improved job security, greater credibility with employers, and recognition as a knowledgeable professional in the field of accounts receivable.

5. Is there a cost associated with obtaining an Accounts Receivable Coordinator Certification?

Answer: Yes, there is usually a cost associated with obtaining an Accounts Receivable Coordinator Certification, which can include registration fees, course fees, and exam fees.

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Brenna Goyette

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Brenna is a certified professional resume writer, career expert, and the content manager of the ResumeCat team. She has a background in corporate recruiting and human resources and has been writing resumes for over 10 years. Brenna has experience in recruiting for tech, finance, and marketing roles and has a passion for helping people find their dream jobs. She creates expert resources to help job seekers write the best resumes and cover letters, land the job, and succeed in the workplace.

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