Top 11 Bookkeeper Assistant Certifications

Certifications are a great way for bookkeeper assistants to demonstrate their knowledge and expertise. In the job market, certifications can give job seekers an edge over non-certified candidates. Having a certification shows employers that the candidate has taken the initiative to learn and develop skills necessary to be successful in the bookkeeping field. Additionally, certifications can validate a candidate’s knowledge and provide employers with assurance that they are hiring someone who is knowledgeable in their field. Certifications can also provide bookkeeper assistants with access to resources and networks that they may not have otherwise had access to.

The purpose of this article is to provide an overview of the most beneficial certifications for bookkeeper assistants and how they can help advance their career.

What are Bookkeeper Assistant Certifications?

Bookkeeper assistant certification is a professional credential that demonstrates a person's knowledge and skills in the field of bookkeeping. This type of certification is typically obtained through an accredited training program or by passing an examination. A certified bookkeeper assistant is qualified to provide accurate and efficient services to companies and individuals in areas such as accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll processing, financial statement preparation, cash management, budgeting and forecasting, tax compliance, and other related activities.

The benefits of obtaining bookkeeper assistant certification include increased job opportunities and higher salaries. Professionals who are certified demonstrate their commitment to the profession by having taken the time to obtain the necessary education and skills needed to perform their duties accurately and efficiently. Certified bookkeeper assistants can also take advantage of continuing education opportunities which help them stay current on best practices in the field. Having this credential may also make it easier for professionals to transition into more advanced positions within the accounting or finance departments of organizations.

In addition to increasing job prospects, obtaining bookkeeper assistant certification may lead to improved credibility with clients or employers. By displaying this credential, professionals can demonstrate that they have met certain standards established by a respected organization in order for them to be considered for jobs or contracts related to bookkeeping. Ultimately, having this certification can provide greater security and stability for individuals looking for long-term success in the field of accounting or finance.

Pro Tip: To become a bookkeeper assistant, it is important to understand the various certifications and qualifications available. Consider enrolling in a certification program or online course to obtain the necessary skills and knowledge to become a successful bookkeeper assistant. This will help you stand out from other applicants and demonstrate your commitment to the profession.

Related: What does a Bookkeeper Assistant do?

Top 11 Bookkeeper Assistant Certifications

Here’s our list of the best certifications available to Bookkeeper Assistants today.

1. Certified Bookkeeper (CB)

Certified Bookkeeper (CB) is a professional certification that demonstrates your expertise in accounting and bookkeeping. It is administered by the American Institute of Professional Bookkeepers (AIPB). To become certified, you must pass the AIPB's Certified Bookkeeper Exam, which covers topics such as financial statements, payroll and taxes, accounts receivable and payable, inventory control, cost accounting, and more.

It typically takes about three months to prepare for the exam. You can use online resources or attend classes to help you study for the exam. The AIPB also offers an online practice test to help you assess your readiness for the exam.

The cost of taking the Certified Bookkeeper Exam varies depending on whether you are taking it online or in-person. The fee for taking it online is $199, while the fee for taking it in-person is $299.

Once you have successfully passed the exam, you will receive a certificate from AIPB that verifies your status as a Certified Bookkeeper. This certification is valid for three years and must be renewed every three years to maintain your status as a CB.

2. Certified Public Bookkeeper (CPB)

Certified Public Bookkeeper (CPB) is a professional certification that recognizes individuals who have demonstrated the knowledge and experience necessary to perform bookkeeping services for public companies. The CPB credential is awarded by the American Institute of Professional Bookkeepers (AIPB), which sets the standards for bookkeeping professionals.

To become a Certified Public Bookkeeper, an individual must pass a rigorous exam administered by AIPB. This exam covers topics such as financial accounting, payroll processing, tax compliance, and other aspects of bookkeeping. To be eligible to take the exam, an individual must have at least two years of full-time work experience in bookkeeping or accounting.

The exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions and takes approximately four hours to complete. It is offered twice a year at various locations throughout the United States. The cost of taking the exam is $395 USD.

Upon successful completion of the exam, individuals are awarded the CPB designation and can use it to demonstrate their expertise in public bookkeeping services to potential employers or clients.

3. Certified Professional Bookkeeper (CPB)

Certified Professional Bookkeeper (CPB) is a professional certification program offered by the American Institute of Professional Bookkeepers (AIPB). It is designed to recognize and validate the knowledge, skills, and abilities of bookkeeping professionals. The CPB designation is the only bookkeeping credential that requires continuing professional education and testing for recertification every three years.

The CPB program consists of two parts: an online exam and a practical experience requirement. The online exam covers topics such as accounting principles, financial statements, payroll procedures, tax law, and computerized accounting systems. To be eligible to take the exam, applicants must have at least two years of full-time or equivalent part-time bookkeeping experience.

The practical experience requirement can be fulfilled in various ways including working as a bookkeeper for a minimum of 1 year or completing a minimum of 40 hours of formal training in bookkeeping topics.

The cost to take the CPB exam is $249 USD plus applicable taxes and fees. The cost to maintain certification is $99 USD every three years plus applicable taxes and fees.

4. Accredited Bookkeeper (AB)

Accredited Bookkeeper (AB) is a professional certification designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated the knowledge and skills necessary to provide bookkeeping services. The AB certification is awarded by the American Institute of Professional Bookkeepers (AIPB), which is the only certifying body for bookkeepers in the United States.

In order to become an Accredited Bookkeeper, one must pass a rigorous exam that covers topics such as accounting principles, financial statement preparation, payroll processing, taxes, QuickBooks and other bookkeeping software, and more. The exam consists of 100 multiple-choice questions that must be completed within two hours.

To get started on the path to becoming an Accredited Bookkeeper, you will need to register with AIPB and pay a $150 registration fee. Once registered, you can begin studying for the exam using AIPB’s study materials or other resources available online. You will also need to complete at least 15 hours of continuing education credits each year in order to maintain your certification.

The cost of taking the Accredited Bookkeeper exam varies depending on where you take it, but typically ranges from $250-$400. After passing the exam and becoming certified as an Accredited Bookkeeper, there are no additional fees required for maintaining your certification status.

5. QuickBooks ProAdvisor Certification

QuickBooks ProAdvisor Certification is a certification program designed by Intuit to recognize accounting professionals who have achieved the highest levels of expertise in QuickBooks software. The certification is based on an extensive knowledge of QuickBooks and its related products, as well as the ability to use the software to solve complex business problems.

How long does it take to get it?

It typically takes about 8-10 hours to complete the certification process, including studying for and taking the exam. However, this can vary depending on your prior experience with QuickBooks.

How to get it?

To become a certified QuickBooks ProAdvisor, you must first pass an online exam that covers topics such as setting up and managing accounts, creating financial reports, using payroll features, and more. After passing the exam, you will receive a certificate from Intuit confirming your status as a Certified QuickBooks ProAdvisor.

How much does it cost?

The cost of becoming a Certified QuickBooks ProAdvisor varies depending on which version of QuickBooks you are using. Generally speaking, it costs around $200 USD for the online exam and certification process.

6. Xero Certified Advisor

Xero Certified Advisors are professionals who have completed a Xero certification program and are qualified to advise businesses on how to use the Xero accounting software. They understand the features and functionality of Xero, as well as best practices for setting up and managing an account.

The certification process takes around 8-12 hours to complete, depending on the individual's level of knowledge. It includes completing an online course, taking a series of multiple choice tests, and completing a practical assessment. Once all requirements are met, Xero awards the individual with a certificate that shows they have achieved Certified Advisor status.

To become a Xero Certified Advisor, you must first register with Xero. Then you will need to complete the training course and pass the assessment tests. There is no cost associated with becoming certified; however, you may need to purchase additional training materials or books if needed.

Once certified, you can start offering your services as a Xero Certified Advisor. You can also join the Xero Partner Program which gives you access to additional resources such as marketing materials and discounts on products and services related to Xero.

7. Sage 50 Accounting Certification

Sage 50 Accounting Certification is a professional certification program that validates an individual's knowledge and expertise in using the Sage 50 Accounting software. This certification is offered by Sage, which is a leading provider of business management software for small and medium-sized businesses.

The Sage 50 Accounting Certification Program consists of two levels: Level 1 and Level 2. To achieve Level 1 certification, individuals must complete the Sage 50 Fundamentals course, which covers topics such as basic accounting principles, setting up a company file, creating invoices and reports, working with customers and vendors, managing inventory, and more. To achieve Level 2 certification, individuals must complete the Advanced Sage 50 course which covers topics such as advanced reporting techniques, payroll processing and taxes, budgeting and forecasting, customizing forms and reports, working with multiple companies in one file, data security best practices, multi-user setup and administration tasks.

It typically takes approximately 40 hours to complete both levels of the Sage 50 Accounting Certification Program. Individuals can take the courses online or in person at a local training center. The cost of the program varies depending on whether you take it online or in person; however it typically ranges from $500-$1,000 USD for both levels combined.

Once you have successfully completed both levels of the program you will receive your official Sage 50 Accounting Certification certificate from Sage. This certificate recognizes your knowledge and expertise in using the software and demonstrates your commitment to staying up to date with industry best practices.

8. AIPB – American Institute of Professional Bookkeepers Certification

AIPB – American Institute of Professional Bookkeepers Certification is a professional certification program for bookkeepers that is recognized by the National Association of Certified Public Bookkeepers (NACPB). The AIPB certification verifies that a bookkeeper has achieved a certain level of knowledge and skill in the field. It also provides assurance to employers and clients that the bookkeeper has met the standards set by the AIPB.

The AIPB certification requires candidates to pass two exams: one on general bookkeeping principles and another on specific accounting software. The exams are administered through an online testing platform, and they take approximately four hours each to complete. Candidates must also have at least two years of experience in the field before they can apply for the certification.

In order to get certified, candidates must submit an application form along with proof of their work experience, a copy of their college transcript (if applicable), and payment for the exam fees. The total cost for the AIPB certification is $395, which includes both exam fees and membership dues.

Once all requirements are met, candidates will receive their AIPB certificate within six weeks after passing both exams. This certificate is valid for three years from the date it was issued, after which time it must be renewed by taking additional courses or passing additional exams.

9. MYOB AccountRight Certification

MYOB AccountRight Certification is a professional certification program designed to help individuals demonstrate their proficiency in using MYOB AccountRight software. The certification is awarded by MYOB, an Australian-based accounting and business management software provider.

The certification requires candidates to complete a series of online assessments and tests that cover topics such as setting up the software, creating invoices, entering transactions, reconciling accounts, and producing reports. Candidates must also demonstrate their understanding of the principles of double-entry bookkeeping and how it applies to MYOB AccountRight.

It typically takes between 10-15 hours to complete the entire certification process. To get started, candidates must first purchase an exam voucher from MYOB’s website for $99 AUD (approximately $71 USD). Once purchased, they will be provided with access to the online assessments and tests. After completing all the assessments and tests successfully, they will be awarded with a digital certificate of completion.

The MYOB AccountRight Certification is a great way for individuals to demonstrate their knowledge and expertise in using this popular accounting software. It can also help them stand out from other job applicants when applying for positions that require experience with MYOB AccountRight or other accounting software packages.

10. International Association of Bookkeepers Certification

The International Association of Bookkeepers (IAB) Certification is a professional qualification that demonstrates a high level of competence in bookkeeping. It is an internationally recognized qualification and provides assurance to employers and clients that the holder has the knowledge and skills required to successfully perform bookkeeping tasks.

The IAB Certification takes approximately 12 months to complete, depending on the individual’s prior experience and qualifications. The certification consists of three levels: Foundation Certificate, Advanced Certificate and Professional Diploma. Each level requires completion of exams, which are available online or at an approved test centre.

To get started with the IAB Certification, applicants must first register as a student with the IAB by completing an online registration form. Once registered, students can access study materials for each level of certification, including textbooks and practice tests.

The cost of obtaining the IAB Certification varies depending on the level being studied for – Foundation Certificate costs £250; Advanced Certificate costs £350; Professional Diploma costs £450. Additional fees may apply for exam resits or extensions to course deadlines.

11. National Association of Certified Public Bookkeepers Certification

The National Association of Certified Public Bookkeepers (NACPB) certification is a professional credential that demonstrates an individual’s knowledge and skills related to bookkeeping. It is designed to help bookkeepers demonstrate their expertise in the field and increase their earning potential. The NACPB certification is offered by the National Association of Certified Public Bookkeepers, which is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting the profession of bookkeeping.

To obtain the NACPB certification, individuals must first pass an exam administered by the NACPB. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions covering topics such as accounting principles, financial statement preparation, payroll processing, and tax filing requirements. The exam can be taken online or at one of the NACPB’s testing centers located throughout the United States. To prepare for the exam, individuals can purchase study materials from the NACPB or take courses offered through various educational institutions.

Once an individual has passed the exam, they will receive their official NACPB certification card and have access to member benefits such as discounts on continuing education courses and networking opportunities with other certified public bookkeepers. The certification must be renewed every three years by completing at least 30 hours of continuing education credits.

The cost of obtaining the NACPB certification varies depending on whether you are taking it online or at a testing center. If you take it online, it costs $125 for members and $145 for non-members; if you take it at a testing center, it costs $149 for members and $169 for non-members.

Do You Really Need a Bookkeeper Assistant Certificate?

The short answer to this question is: it depends. If you are looking to gain entry-level work as a bookkeeper assistant, then a bookkeeper assistant certificate can certainly help. It demonstrates that you have the knowledge and skills necessary to be successful in the role. Having a certificate also shows that you are serious about your career and willing to invest the time and effort into learning the necessary skills.

However, it is important to note that not all employers require a bookkeeper assistant certificate. Some may prefer experience over qualifications, while others may accept any combination of education and experience. Ultimately, it is up to you to decide if obtaining a bookkeeper assistant certificate is worth your time and money. If you are confident in your ability to learn on the job or already have some relevant experience, then it may not be necessary for you to obtain an additional certification.

On the other hand, if you are looking for more advanced positions or want to stand out from other candidates during the hiring process, then pursuing a formal education in bookkeeping could prove beneficial. A certification program will provide you with the specific training needed for success in this field and can make all the difference when applying for positions where certifications are preferred or required.

In conclusion, whether or not you need an official bookkeeper assistant certificate will depend on your individual circumstances and goals. Consider your current level of experience and desired career path before deciding if investing in additional training is right for you.

Related: Bookkeeper Assistant Resume Examples

FAQs About Bookkeeper Assistant Certifications

Q1. What is a Bookkeeper Assistant Certification?

A1. A Bookkeeper Assistant Certification is a certification that demonstrates the knowledge and skills required to perform bookkeeping tasks such as data entry, accounts payable/receivable, payroll, and financial reporting. It is often offered by professional organizations or universities and can be taken at various levels of experience.

Q2. How do I become certified as a Bookkeeper Assistant?

A2. To become certified as a Bookkeeper Assistant, you must first complete an accredited training program or course in bookkeeping fundamentals and pass the corresponding certification exam. You may also need to meet additional requirements such as having prior work experience in bookkeeping or accounting-related fields.

Q3. What are the benefits of becoming a Bookkeeper Assistant?

A3. Becoming a Bookkeeper Assistant provides numerous benefits including job stability, higher earning potential, increased knowledge in financial matters, and improved job satisfaction from helping clients manage their finances more effectively. Additionally, certifications can open up career opportunities for advancement within the field of finance and accounting.

Q4. What is the cost of obtaining a Bookkeeper Assistant Certification?

A4 The cost of obtaining a Bookkeeper Assistant Certification varies depending on the program or institution offering it; however, most programs range from $100-$500 USD depending on the level of training offered and the duration of the coursework required to obtain certification.

Q5. How long does it take to complete a Bookkeeper Assistant Certification?

A5 The length of time it takes to complete a Bookkeeper Assistant Certification depends on several factors including the type of program chosen (online vs in-person), how much time you dedicate to studying for your exams, and any additional requirements needed for certification completion (such as work experience). Generally speaking, most programs take between 6-12 months to complete with full-time study commitment; however, this timeline can vary greatly depending on individual circumstances.