Top 11 Bookkeeping Clerk Certifications

Certifications are important for bookkeeping clerks in the job market because they demonstrate that a bookkeeper has met the necessary qualifications and is knowledgeable in their field. They also provide employers with assurance that the bookkeeper has the skills and experience needed to accurately manage their financial records. Furthermore, certifications can help bookkeepers stand out from other applicants and make them more attractive to potential employers. Finally, having a certification can give a bookkeeper an edge when negotiating salary or other benefits.

This article reviews some of the best certifications for Bookkeeping Clerks and explains how they can help advance a bookkeeper's career.

What are Bookkeeping Clerk Certifications?

Bookkeeping clerk certification is a professional designation that demonstrates an individual's knowledge and proficiency in bookkeeping. It is designed to help individuals become more proficient in their roles as bookkeepers, accounting clerks, and other financial positions. Certification can be obtained from several different organizations, including the American Institute of Professional Bookkeepers (AIPB) and the National Association of Certified Public Bookkeepers (NACPB).

The certification process for bookkeeping clerks typically involves passing a written exam that covers topics such as accounting principles, financial reporting, payroll processing, auditing procedures, tax preparation, and computerized bookkeeping systems. Upon successful completion of the exam, individuals receive a certificate or diploma indicating their certified status.

Having a certification can benefit individuals in various ways. It provides recognition of one's knowledge and skills in the field and shows employers that they are competent enough to handle financial tasks with accuracy and efficiency. Additionally, having a certification may make it easier to find employment opportunities or get promotions within one's current company. Furthermore, it may result in higher salaries given the increased level of expertise required for certain roles. Finally, some states require bookkeepers to have certifications before they can practice professionally.

Pro Tip: When considering bookkeeping clerk certification, be sure to look for programs that offer hands-on training and experience. This will help you gain the skills and knowledge necessary to become a successful bookkeeper. Additionally, many certifications require continuing education credits to maintain your certification status, so be sure to research the requirements of each program before enrolling.

Related: What does a Bookkeeping Clerk do?

Top 11 Bookkeeping Clerk Certifications

Here’s our list of the best certifications available to Bookkeeping Clerks today.

1. Certified Bookkeeper (CB)

Certified Bookkeeper (CB) is a professional certification program offered by the American Institute of Professional Bookkeepers (AIPB). The CB designation is a mark of excellence that demonstrates to employers and clients that you have the knowledge, skills, and experience necessary to be an effective bookkeeper.

The AIPB Certified Bookkeeper program requires applicants to pass two exams: the Computerized Bookkeeping Exam and the Comprehensive Bookkeeping Exam. Both exams are administered online and must be completed within one year of starting the program.

To become certified, you must first meet certain eligibility requirements, including having at least two years' experience in bookkeeping or accounting, or having completed an approved course in bookkeeping or accounting. You must also pass both exams with a score of 70% or higher.

The cost for the Certified Bookkeeper program varies depending on your location and whether you choose to take the exams online or in person. Generally, it costs around $400-$500 for both exams.

2. Certified Professional Bookkeeper (CPB)

Certified Professional Bookkeeper (CPB) is a professional designation issued by the American Institute of Professional Bookkeepers (AIPB). It is an internationally recognized certification that shows employers and clients that a bookkeeper has met the highest standards in the field. The certification requires a combination of experience, education, and passing a comprehensive exam.

It typically takes around six months to complete all of the requirements for CPB certification. To get certified, you must have at least two years of full-time bookkeeping experience or equivalent part-time experience within the past five years. You must also complete an approved course in bookkeeping fundamentals and pass the AIPB’s Certified Professional Bookkeeper Exam.

The cost for taking the CPB exam varies depending on which testing center you choose to take it at, but generally ranges from $200-$300. Additionally, if you are not already a member of AIPB, there is an annual membership fee of $99.

3. Certified Public Bookkeeper (CPPB)

Certified Public Bookkeeper (CPPB) is a professional certification for bookkeepers. It is awarded by the American Institute of Professional Bookkeepers (AIPB). The CPPB certification demonstrates a high level of professional competency and knowledge in accounting principles, financial record keeping, and reporting.

It takes approximately three to six months to complete the process of becoming a Certified Public Bookkeeper. To become certified, you must first pass an exam administered by the AIPB. The exam tests your knowledge of accounting principles, financial record keeping and reporting, as well as other aspects related to bookkeeping. After passing the exam, you must also meet certain experience requirements set forth by the AIPB.

The cost of becoming a CPPB varies depending on the amount of time it takes you to complete all of the necessary steps. Generally speaking, it can cost anywhere from $300-$500 USD for registration fees and study materials. Additionally, there may be additional costs associated with taking the exam such as travel expenses or hotel stays if applicable.

Once you have passed both components of the certification process (the exam and experience requirements), you will receive your official CPPB certificate from the AIPB. This certificate will serve as proof that you are a qualified Certified Public Bookkeeper and can be used when applying for jobs or promotions in bookkeeping or accounting fields.

4. National Association of Certified Public Bookkeepers (NACPB)

The National Association of Certified Public Bookkeepers (NACPB) is a professional organization that provides certification to qualified bookkeepers. The NACPB offers the Certified Public Bookkeeper (CPB) credential, which is designed to demonstrate a bookkeeper’s knowledge and proficiency in the field. This certification is recognized by employers, clients, and other industry professionals as a mark of excellence in the bookkeeping profession.

In order to obtain the CPB credential, individuals must pass an exam administered by the NACPB. The exam consists of three parts: financial accounting and reporting, cost accounting and managerial accounting, and auditing. Candidates must pass all three sections in order to be certified.

The exam fee for the CPB credential is $150 for members of the NACPB and $200 for non-members. Additionally, there is an application fee of $50 for both members and non-members. The entire process from application to certification typically takes about 6 weeks.

To apply for the CPB credential, individuals must submit an application form along with proof of their educational background or work experience in bookkeeping or accounting. They must also provide two letters of recommendation from professional references who can attest to their qualifications as a bookkeeper or accountant. Once these requirements have been met, applicants will receive an email with instructions on how to register for the exam online.

Once a candidate has passed all three sections of the exam, they will receive their official CPB certificate within 4-6 weeks after passing all exams. The certificate is valid for 5 years and can be renewed every 5 years by submitting evidence of continuing education credits earned during that time period.

5. American Institute of Professional Bookkeepers (AIPB)

The American Institute of Professional Bookkeepers (AIPB) is a professional organization that provides certification for bookkeepers. It was established in 1987 to ensure the highest standards of bookkeeping practice and to promote the professionalism of bookkeepers.

In order to become certified, applicants must pass an exam that covers topics such as accounting principles, financial statements, payroll, taxes, and other related areas. The exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions and takes approximately four hours to complete.

To qualify for the exam, applicants must have at least two years of full-time bookkeeping experience or equivalent part-time experience within the last five years. They must also submit proof of their education and experience.

The cost of taking the AIPB exam is $250 USD plus any applicable taxes and fees. Once an applicant passes the exam, they will receive a certificate from AIPB indicating they are a Certified Bookkeeper (CB). This certification is valid for three years before needing to be renewed.

AIPB also offers additional certifications such as Certified QuickBooks ProAdvisor and Certified Bookkeeper Advanced (CBA). These certifications require additional exams with different requirements and fees associated with them.

6. QuickBooks ProAdvisor Certification Program

QuickBooks ProAdvisor Certification Program is an online certification program offered by Intuit that provides training and resources to help QuickBooks users become more proficient in using the software. The program is designed to help users develop a better understanding of QuickBooks features, functions, and best practices. It also provides resources to help them troubleshoot common issues and answer questions about the software.

The QuickBooks ProAdvisor Certification Program consists of four levels: Basic, Advanced, Expert, and Master. Each level requires a different amount of study time and includes a variety of topics related to QuickBooks use. To earn each level of certification, you must pass an online exam at the end of your coursework.

The Basic Certification requires approximately 10 hours of study time and costs $99 USD. The Advanced Certification requires approximately 20 hours of study time and costs $199 USD. The Expert Certification requires approximately 40 hours of study time and costs $299 USD. The Master Certification requires approximately 80 hours of study time and costs $399 USD.

To get started with the QuickBooks ProAdvisor Certification Program, you must first create an account on Intuit’s website. Once your account is set up, you can purchase the appropriate certification level for your needs and begin studying for the exam. After completing all required coursework, you can take the online exam to receive your certification status from Intuit.

7. Xero Certified Advisor

Xero Certified Advisor is an official certification program provided by Xero, a cloud-based accounting software. It is designed to help advisors gain the skills and knowledge they need to become experts in using Xero’s features and services.

The certification process takes approximately 8-10 hours to complete. The first step is to register for the program, which requires you to provide your contact information and answer some questions about your experience with accounting or bookkeeping. Once registered, you will be able to access online training materials and practice tests that will help you prepare for the certification exam.

The exam itself consists of 40 multiple choice questions covering topics such as setting up Xero accounts, managing invoices, bank reconciliation, reporting and more. You must score at least 70% on the exam in order to receive your certification.

The cost of the Xero Certified Advisor program varies depending on which country you are in but typically ranges from $300-$400 USD. This fee covers all of the training materials and exams required for certification.

Once certified, you will be listed on Xero’s website as an official advisor and receive access to exclusive resources such as marketing materials, discounts on products and services, invitations to events and more.

8. Sage 50 Accounting Certification

Sage 50 Accounting Certification is a professional certification program offered by Sage, the world’s leading provider of business management software. The certification is designed to demonstrate proficiency in the use of the Sage 50 Accounting software and provide assurance that the user has the knowledge and skills necessary to maximize the potential of this powerful accounting system.

The Sage 50 Accounting Certification exam consists of multiple-choice questions that assess an individual's understanding of basic accounting principles, as well as their ability to navigate and use features within the Sage 50 software. The exam is administered online through a secure website and takes approximately two hours to complete.

In order to obtain a Sage 50 Accounting Certification, individuals must first register for an exam with Sage or one of its authorized test centers. Once registered, candidates must pay a fee which varies depending on location. After passing the exam, individuals will be awarded a certificate from Sage that they can display online or in print.

The cost for taking the Sage 50 Accounting Certification exam ranges from $150-$250 USD depending on where you take it. Additionally, some employers may offer reimbursement for those who pass the certification exam as part of their employee benefits package.

9. MYOB AccountRight Certification

MYOB AccountRight Certification is an online training program designed to help users become proficient in using the MYOB AccountRight accounting software. The certification is offered by MYOB, a leading provider of business management solutions. It covers a range of topics including setting up and managing accounts, invoicing, payroll and reporting.

The certification consists of four modules which can be completed at your own pace. The modules are: Introduction to MYOB AccountRight; Setting Up & Managing Accounts; Invoicing & Payroll; and Reporting & Analysis. Each module takes approximately two hours to complete and includes interactive exercises and assessments to test your knowledge.

To get certified, you need to complete all four modules and pass the final assessment with a score of 80% or higher. Once you have successfully completed the program, you will receive a certificate from MYOB confirming that you have achieved the required level of proficiency in using the software.

The cost for completing the MYOB AccountRight Certification program varies depending on where you purchase it from. It is typically available for around $99 USD.

10. International Association of Bookkeepers (IAB) Diploma in Accounting and Finance

The International Association of Bookkeepers (IAB) Diploma in Accounting and Finance is a professional qualification which provides an excellent foundation for those wishing to pursue a career in accounting and finance. It is suitable for both those who are new to the field, as well as those with some experience.

The IAB Diploma consists of seven modules, covering topics such as financial accounting, management accounting, taxation, auditing and business law. The course typically takes around nine months to complete and can be studied either full-time or part-time. It is assessed through a combination of online tests and assignments.

To get the IAB Diploma in Accounting and Finance you must first register with the IAB website. You will then be able to purchase the course materials from their online store. Once you have purchased the materials, you will need to complete all seven modules within nine months in order to receive your diploma.

The cost of the IAB Diploma in Accounting and Finance varies depending on how you choose to study it. If you choose to study it part-time, then it will cost around £1,000 for the entire course including all materials and assessments. If you choose to study it full-time then it will cost around £2,500 for the entire course including all materials and assessments.

11. AAT Foundation Certificate in Accounting

AAT Foundation Certificate in Accounting is an entry-level qualification designed to give learners the essential knowledge and skills required to work in accounting and finance. It is a great way for those who are new to the industry, or those looking to gain an understanding of basic accounting principles, to get started.

The AAT Foundation Certificate in Accounting takes approximately 200 hours of study time over a period of 6 months. The course consists of three core units:

• Bookkeeping Transactions
• Bookkeeping Controls
• Elements of Costing

In addition, two optional units can be taken from a range of topics such as Spreadsheets for Accounting, Computerised Accounting, Business Taxation and Credit Control.

To get the AAT Foundation Certificate in Accounting you will need to register with the Association of Accounting Technicians (AAT). Once registered you can then choose which provider you would like to study with. Most providers offer online courses as well as classroom-based options.

The cost of the AAT Foundation Certificate in Accounting varies depending on which provider you choose and whether you opt for online or classroom-based learning. Prices typically start at around £400 but can go up to £1,000 or more depending on the provider and type of course chosen.

Do You Really Need a Bookkeeping Clerk Certificate?

The answer to this question depends on the individual's career goals and the specific job they are seeking. For some people, having a bookkeeping clerk certificate can be beneficial in order to demonstrate their knowledge in the area and gain an edge over other applicants when applying for jobs. Having a certificate can also open up opportunities for higher paying positions or more desirable roles within a company.

On the other hand, if someone is looking for a part-time or entry-level position that does not require any formal qualifications, then having a bookkeeping clerk certificate may not be necessary. In this case, it may be more important to focus on gaining hands-on experience with bookkeeping software or completing internships or apprenticeships in order to acquire relevant skills and knowledge.

Ultimately, it is up to the individual to decide whether they need a bookkeeping clerk certificate or not. Depending on their career aspirations, they may benefit from having one, while others may find that their current skill set is sufficient enough without it.

Related: Bookkeeping Clerk Resume Examples

FAQs About Bookkeeping Clerk Certifications

1. What certifications are available for bookkeeping clerks?

Answer: The American Institute of Professional Bookkeepers (AIPB) offers the Certified Bookkeeper (CB) certification, the National Association of Certified Public Bookkeepers (NACPB) offers the Certified Public Bookkeeper (CPB) certification, and the Institute of Certified Bookkeepers (ICB) offers the International Diploma in Bookkeeping.

2. How do I become certified as a bookkeeping clerk?

Answer: To become certified as a bookkeeping clerk, you must demonstrate your knowledge and skills by passing an exam administered by one of the three certifying organizations mentioned above. You must also meet certain educational and experience requirements to be eligible to take the exam.

3. How much does it cost to get certified?

Answer: The cost varies depending on which certification you pursue, but generally ranges from $200-$500 USD plus any applicable taxes or fees.

4. How long is a bookkeeping clerk certification valid?

Answer: A bookkeeping clerk certification is typically valid for five years before needing to be renewed or recertified.

5. What are some benefits of becoming a certified bookkeeping clerk?

Answer: Benefits include increased job opportunities, higher wages, greater job security, and improved professional credibility among employers and clients.