Certification Program American Institute of Professional Bookkeepers

“While bookkeepers don’t necessarily need advanced degrees, they do need to learn the tools and technologies that make bookkeeping possible,” said Hoelzer. “Those skills are beneficial to employers for which they may be willing to pay higher salaries.” A bookkeeping certification is a professional designation that indicates a person’s skill level in bookkeeping subjects related to managing a company’s financial statements and transactions. Certificates can be earned through colleges or Certified Bookkeeper accredited professional societies. By investing in certification, bookkeepers create opportunities for career growth and financial reward.

Certified Public Accountant vs. Similar Jobs

• Let us know what type of degree you’re looking into, and we’ll find a list of the best programs to get you there.
• Ultimately, your circumstance determines whether a bookkeeping certification would be worth it for you.
• AIPB also has extra courses for sale, such as mastering double-entry bookkeeping.
• For example, NACPB’s initial certification course takes an estimated 13 weeks, but you can complete the material at your own pace.
• Some industry experts believe that not enough bookkeepers are emerging to fill available job openings, indicating opportunities for professionals with the right skills.
• In addition, smaller businesses may use single-entry bookkeeping, while larger businesses are more likely to use double-entry bookkeeping.
• Yes — you can learn bookkeeping on your own by reading material or watching online tutorials.

Start studying early for your bookkeeper certification exam and focus specifically on the material you know will be tested. To that end, review the topics covered on the CPB exam and the concepts included in the CB exam. However, AIPB recommends that candidates develop their knowledge of various bookkeeping proficiencies.

How Can You Prepare for a Bookkeeper Exam?

Click on search button below to see Bookkeeper job openings or enter a new job title here. Salaries in the United States can vary greatly between cities due to factors like cost of living, local economies, and industry presence. Salaries in the United States differ widely between states due to factors like cost of living, local economies, and industry presence.

Specializing in High-Value Services

In terms of cities, the leading destinations for bookkeepers also rank among the largest metro areas in the United States. Notably, Texas has two cities (Dallas and Houston) in the top five employers of bookkeeping, accounting, and auditing clerks among metro areas. Also, note that the degree-related salaries cover all accounting professionals who hold that degree.

Company Size and Industry

While the median pay for bookkeepers is $40,000 a year, professionals who can demonstrate skills in helping employers manage their businesses could earn much more. So while bookkeepers don’t need to earn certification to be employed, investing the time to earn credentials can help by creating job opportunities and expanding earning potential. The differences between certified public accountants and accounting bookkeepers can be seen in a few details. While it typically takes 2-4 years to become a certified public accountant, becoming an accounting bookkeeper takes usually requires 4-6 years.

The Difference Between a Bookkeeper Vs Accountant

With the right skills, bookkeepers can benefit from emerging technologies taking over repetitive tasks and better position themselves as strategic advisors. While automation may handle basic processes, human insight, judgment and an understanding of overall business contexts will remain critical. Bookkeepers who embrace change and upskill appropriately should have abundant opportunities. The bookkeeping profession is experiencing steady growth as more small businesses form and financial regulations become more complex. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment for bookkeepers is projected to grow by 10% from 2020 to 2030, faster than the average across what is a bookkeeper all occupations. Accountants can become a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) by passing the Uniform Certified Public Accountant exam.

Bookkeeping is a critical function for any business or organization because financial health should inform every decision. However, not all bookkeepers have the necessary skill set to interpret data in ways that help businesses drive peak performance. That’s where earning a bookkeeping certification can make a big difference. As of April 01, 2025, the average annual salary for a Bookkeeper in the United States is $43,839. Salary.com reports that pay typically ranges from $40,423 to $48,433, with most professionals earning between $37,313 and $52,616.

Bookkeeping Career at Intuit

If you’re looking to gain a competitive advantage in the world of accounting, look no further than a bookkeeping certification. Skilled bookkeepers provide a valuable service to large and small organizations by keeping meticulous records of all financial transactions. Your credentials show prospective employers that you’re a qualified bookkeeper and you’re willing and able to grow professionally. As a result, certification can lead to advancement opportunities in other areas of accounting, as well as finance and management positions.

Bookkeeping Certifications: CB vs. CPB

CPB and CB certification programs both require candidates to pass rigorous examinations, but the credentials retained earnings balance sheet have different eligibility guidelines. Both AIPB and NACPB require previous bookkeeping experience to qualify for their courses. The answer depends on where you are in your career, along with a few other factors. If you’re just starting out as a bookkeeper, earning a certification can help you stand out from the competition.