Top 11 Full Charge Bookkeeper Certifications

Certifications are important for a full charge bookkeeper in the job market because they demonstrate to potential employers that the individual has specialized knowledge and expertise in accounting and financial reporting. The certifications prove that the bookkeeper is skilled in managing all aspects of accounting, from day-to-day record keeping to financial analysis and reporting. They also show employers that the bookkeeper is committed to staying up-to-date on industry trends, best practices, and regulations. Therefore, having certifications gives bookkeepers an edge in the job market as it allows them to stand out from other candidates who may not have the same level of expertise or qualifications.

This article reviews some of the most beneficial certifications for Full Charge Bookkeepers and explains how they can help to advance a bookkeeper's career.

What are Full Charge Bookkeeper Certifications?

Full charge bookkeeper certification is a professional designation that recognizes individuals who have demonstrated advanced knowledge in the field of bookkeeping. This certification is offered by various organizations, such as the National Association of Certified Public Bookkeepers (NACPB) and the American Institute of Professional Bookkeepers (AIPB). By obtaining full charge bookkeeper certification, individuals demonstrate their commitment to excellence and demonstrate proficiency across a wide range of topics related to bookkeeping and accounting.

The primary benefit of full charge bookkeeper certification is that it can help professionals gain recognition in the industry as well as make them more marketable for job opportunities. It also helps ensure that employers know they’re hiring someone who has been trained to handle all aspects of the job, from recording financial transactions to preparing financial statements. With this certification, professionals are expected to stay up-to-date on best practices and regulations, which can give them an edge over other candidates when applying for jobs.

Overall, full charge bookkeeper certification can be extremely beneficial for those seeking a career in bookkeeping or accounting. It demonstrates their commitment to professionalism and gives them an advantage when competing for job opportunities.

Pro Tip: When considering full charge bookkeeper certification, make sure to research the requirements for each certifying body and compare them against your current knowledge and experience to determine which is the best fit for you. Additionally, consider taking additional courses or seminars to ensure that you are up-to-date on all of the latest bookkeeping practices.

Related: What does a Full Charge Bookkeeper do?

Top 11 Full Charge Bookkeeper Certifications

Here’s our list of the best certifications available to Full Charge Bookkeepers today.

1. Certified Professional Bookkeeper (CPB)

Certified Professional Bookkeeper (CPB) is a professional certification offered by the American Institute of Professional Bookkeepers (AIPB). It is a voluntary certification program designed to recognize bookkeepers who have demonstrated the knowledge, skills and abilities necessary to perform bookkeeping services in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles.

The CPB exam consists of 120 multiple-choice questions and takes approximately four hours to complete. The exam covers topics such as financial management, payroll processing, accounts receivable/payable, taxation, and computerized accounting systems. The exam must be passed with a score of 70% or higher in order to receive the CPB designation.

To become certified as a CPB, you must first meet the eligibility requirements set forth by AIPB. These include having at least two years of full-time bookkeeping experience within the past five years or three years of part-time bookkeeping experience within the past five years. You must also be an active member of AIPB and have completed at least 40 hours of continuing professional education related to bookkeeping during the two years prior to applying for certification.

The cost for taking the CPB exam varies depending on your membership status with AIPB. For non-members, it costs $225 USD while members pay $175 USD. After passing the exam, you will need to pay an annual fee of $125 USD in order to maintain your certification status.

2. Certified Public Bookkeeper (CPPB)

Certified Public Bookkeeper (CPPB) is a professional designation that is awarded by the American Institute of Professional Bookkeepers (AIPB). It is a voluntary certification program that recognizes the knowledge, skills, and abilities of bookkeepers who have achieved a high level of proficiency in the practice of bookkeeping.

To become certified, you must meet certain criteria, including having at least two years of experience as a bookkeeper or related field; passing an exam administered by AIPB; and completing continuing education requirements. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions covering topics such as accounting principles, financial statements, payroll processing, and tax regulations.

The process to become certified typically takes three to six months from start to finish. This includes studying for the exam, taking the exam itself, and completing any required continuing education courses.

The cost to become certified varies depending on your specific circumstances. Generally speaking, it will cost around $500-$700 to take the exam and complete all necessary requirements.

3. Certified Bookkeeper (CB)

Certified Bookkeeper (CB) is a professional certification offered by the American Institute of Professional Bookkeepers (AIPB). The CB designation is a mark of excellence that recognizes bookkeepers who have achieved a high level of competency in the field. To become certified, bookkeepers must demonstrate their knowledge and skills through an examination process.

The CB exam consists of two parts: the Core Knowledge Exam and the Advanced Knowledge Exam. The Core Knowledge Exam covers topics such as financial statements, payroll, taxes, accounting principles, and other related topics. The Advanced Knowledge Exam focuses on more specialized topics such as auditing and cost accounting. Both exams must be passed with a score of 75% or higher to earn the CB designation.

The CB exam can be taken online or in-person at AIPB-approved testing centers around the world. It typically takes about four hours to complete both parts of the exam.

The cost for taking the CB exam varies depending on your location and whether you take it online or in person. Generally speaking, it costs between $300-$500 USD to take both parts of the exam.

4. Certified Accounting Technician (CAT)

Certified Accounting Technician (CAT) is a professional qualification offered by the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA). It is designed to give individuals the skills and knowledge needed to work in accounting and finance roles. The CAT qualification is suitable for those who are looking to gain a broad understanding of accounting principles, as well as those who are already working in an accounting role and want to develop their skills further. It can also be used as a stepping stone towards becoming a fully qualified ACCA member.

The CAT qualification consists of three levels: Foundation, Professional and Advanced. Each level requires completion of exams, practical experience and an ethics module. The Foundation level is designed for those with no prior accounting knowledge or experience, while the Professional and Advanced levels build on this knowledge base. The exams are held twice a year in June and December.

In order to become a Certified Accounting Technician, you will need to complete all three levels of the CAT qualification within five years from your first registration date. You will also need to have gained at least two years’ relevant practical experience during this time period in order to qualify for the Advanced Level exam.

The cost of studying for the CAT qualification varies depending on which route you choose – self-study or tuition provider – but typically ranges from £1,000 - £3,000 per level. This includes exam fees and any additional materials such as textbooks or online resources that you may require during your studies.

5. Accredited Business Accountant/Advisor (ABAA)

Accredited Business Accountant/Advisor (ABAA) is a professional designation that recognizes individuals who have achieved a high level of education and experience in the field of accounting. The ABAA designation is awarded by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) and is designed to recognize those professionals who have demonstrated expertise in the areas of accounting, finance, taxation, business planning, and consulting.

It typically takes three years to become an ABAA. This includes completing at least 150 hours of college-level coursework in accounting or related fields, passing all four parts of the AICPA Uniform CPA Exam, and having two years of professional experience as an accountant or advisor.

In order to obtain the ABAA designation, you must first become a Certified Public Accountant (CPA). After becoming a CPA, you can then apply for the ABAA designation through the AICPA website. During your application process you will need to provide evidence that you meet all of the requirements set forth by the AICPA including passing all four parts of the CPA exam and providing proof that you have completed at least 150 hours of college-level coursework in accounting or related fields. You will also need to provide documentation showing that you have two years’ worth of professional experience as an accountant or advisor.

The cost for obtaining the ABAA designation varies depending on where you live and what type of services are offered by your state's Board of Accountancy. Generally speaking, it should cost between $500-$1,000 to obtain this designation.

6. Chartered Global Management Accountant (CGMA)

Chartered Global Management Accountant (CGMA) is a professional designation awarded by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) and the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA). It recognizes individuals who demonstrate expertise in financial management, strategic planning, risk management, and business performance.

The CGMA program is designed for experienced finance professionals who want to advance their careers and become global leaders in the field. It takes approximately three years to complete the program, including passing all four exams.

To get your CGMA designation, you must first meet certain eligibility requirements. These include having a bachelor's degree or higher from an accredited college or university; having at least three years of professional experience in accounting or finance; and passing four exams: Financial Accounting & Reporting (FAR), Business Analysis & Valuation (BAV), Strategic Business Leadership (SBL), and Global Management Accounting Principles (GMAP).

The cost for the CGMA program varies depending on which exam you take first. The FAR exam costs $1,000 USD, BAV costs $750 USD, SBL costs $500 USD, and GMAP costs $250 USD. There are also additional fees associated with each exam such as registration fees and late fees.

7. QuickBooks Online ProAdvisor Certification

QuickBooks Online ProAdvisor Certification is a certification program offered by Intuit that recognizes experienced QuickBooks Online users who have achieved a high level of proficiency with the software. It is designed to help ProAdvisors become more knowledgeable and proficient in using QuickBooks Online to manage their clients’ financial data.

The certification process consists of three parts: an online course, an online exam, and a hands-on assessment. The online course is self-paced and covers topics such as setting up QuickBooks Online, managing customers and vendors, creating invoices and reports, and troubleshooting common problems. The online exam tests your knowledge of the material covered in the course. Finally, the hands-on assessment requires you to demonstrate your ability to use QuickBooks Online by completing tasks such as entering transactions, creating invoices, and running reports.

The entire process typically takes between 10 to 20 hours to complete depending on your existing knowledge of QuickBooks Online. You must also pass all three parts of the certification process with a score of 80% or higher in order to become certified.

The cost for becoming certified varies depending on which package you choose; however, it typically ranges from $299 - $499 USD for the full certification package which includes access to all three parts of the certification process as well as additional resources such as webinars and support forums.

8. Xero Certified Partner

Xero Certified Partner is a program offered by Xero, a cloud-based accounting software provider. It is designed to help accounting professionals and bookkeepers become experts in the Xero platform. To become a Xero Certified Partner, you must complete an online course that covers all aspects of the Xero platform, including setting up accounts, managing invoices and payments, creating reports, and more. The course takes approximately 8 hours to complete and costs $199 USD. Once you have completed the course and passed the exam with a score of 80% or higher, you will receive a certificate of completion from Xero. This certification shows potential clients that you are knowledgeable about the Xero platform and can provide them with quality services.

9. Sage 50 Certified Consultant

Sage 50 Certified Consultant is a certification program offered by Sage, the world’s leading provider of business management software. The certification is designed to recognize individuals who have achieved a high level of proficiency in the use of Sage 50 Accounting Software.

The certification process involves passing an exam that tests knowledge and skills related to the installation, configuration, and troubleshooting of Sage 50 Accounting Software. To become certified, you must pass the exam with a score of 80% or higher.

The exam typically takes about 2 hours to complete and can be taken either online or at a testing center. To get started, you'll need to register for the exam on the Sage website. The cost for taking the exam is $179 USD.

Once you've passed the exam and become certified, you'll receive a certificate from Sage that verifies your expertise in using their software. You'll also be listed as a certified consultant on their website and will have access to exclusive resources such as webinars, training materials, and support services.

10. MYOB Advanced Certified Consultant

MYOB Advanced Certified Consultant is a certification program designed to help individuals become experts in the MYOB Advanced platform. This certification program is offered by MYOB, an Australian-based accounting software provider. It is designed for individuals who are looking to gain expertise in the areas of financial management, business intelligence, and analytics.

The MYOB Advanced Certified Consultant program consists of two parts: a self-study course and an exam. The self-study course covers topics such as financial management, business intelligence, analytics, customer relationship management (CRM), reporting and more. It takes approximately 40 hours to complete the self-study course. After completing the self-study course, participants must pass an exam that tests their knowledge of the material covered in the course.

To become a MYOB Advanced Certified Consultant, you must have at least three years of experience working with MYOB products or services and have completed the self-study course and passed the exam. The cost of the self-study course is $495 USD and the cost of taking the exam is $395 USD. Once you have successfully completed both parts of the program, you will be awarded a certificate from MYOB that recognizes your achievement as a certified consultant.

11. Intuit ProAdvisor Program

The Intuit ProAdvisor Program is a professional certification program for accounting and bookkeeping professionals who use QuickBooks software. The program is designed to help ProAdvisors become more successful by providing them with the tools, resources, and support they need to grow their practice.

To become an Intuit ProAdvisor, you must first complete the online application process. This involves submitting your professional credentials, such as a valid CPA license or other accounting-related certifications. Once your application has been approved, you will be given access to the ProAdvisor portal where you can take advantage of all the benefits available to members.

The cost of joining the Intuit ProAdvisor Program varies depending on which plan you choose. There are three different plans: Basic ($99/year), Enhanced ($199/year), and Premier ($299/year). Each plan includes different levels of access to QuickBooks products and services, discounts on training materials, and exclusive offers from Intuit partners.

Once you have completed the application process and paid any applicable fees, it typically takes about two weeks for your membership to be activated. After that, you will be able to take full advantage of all the benefits that come with being an Intuit ProAdvisor.

Do You Really Need a Full Charge Bookkeeper Certificate?

The answer to this question depends on the individual's goals and ambitions. For those who are interested in a career in accounting or bookkeeping, it is highly recommended that they obtain a full charge bookkeeper certificate. This certificate is an important credential that can help individuals demonstrate their knowledge and skills to potential employers.

A full charge bookkeeper certificate shows potential employers that the applicant has been trained in the fundamentals of accounting and bookkeeping, as well as being proficient in more advanced topics such as financial statement preparation, payroll systems, and other related topics. It also demonstrates that the individual has taken the time to invest in their education and training, which is a valuable asset for any employer looking for qualified candidates.

Furthermore, obtaining a full charge bookkeeper certificate can open up new opportunities for advancement within an organization or even provide access to better job opportunities at other companies. As technology advances, there will be more demand for individuals with specialized knowledge and skills, so having a full charge bookkeeper certificate could make all the difference when it comes to competing for jobs.

In short, it is beneficial for individuals who are interested in pursuing a career in accounting or bookkeeping to obtain a full charge bookkeeper certificate. Doing so will provide them with an edge over other applicants and demonstrate their commitment to professional development.

Related: Full Charge Bookkeeper Resume Examples

FAQs About Full Charge Bookkeeper Certifications

Q1: What is a full charge bookkeeper certification?

A1: A full charge bookkeeper certification is a credential that demonstrates an individual's knowledge and understanding of the principles and practices of accounting and bookkeeping. It also shows proficiency in financial reporting, payroll processing, accounts receivable/payable, tax preparation, and other related areas.

Q2: How do I obtain a full charge bookkeeper certification?

A2: To obtain a full charge bookkeeper certification, you must have at least 2 years of experience in the field of accounting or bookkeeping as well as complete an accredited course. You may also need to pass an exam to demonstrate your knowledge and expertise.

Q3: What are the benefits of obtaining a full charge bookkeeper certification?

A3: Obtaining a full charge bookkeeper certification can help you increase your salary potential, stand out from other job applicants, gain credibility in the industry, and open up career opportunities.

Q4: Are there any prerequisites for obtaining a full charge bookkeeper certification?

A4: Yes, most certifications require individuals to have at least two years of experience in the field of accounting or bookkeeping before they can take the exam. Additionally, some organizations may require candidates to complete an accredited course prior to taking the exam.

Q5: How long does it take to get certified as a full charge bookkeeper?

A5: The amount of time it takes to become certified depends on how much experience you have in accounting or bookkeeping and whether you decide to take an accredited course prior to taking the exam. Generally speaking, it typically takes around six months for individuals with no prior experience in accounting or bookkeeping to become certified.