How to Get Bookkeeper Certification: A Step-by-Step Guide

Bookkeeping is an essential function for businesses of all sizes. As a bookkeeper, you record day-to-day financial transactions, maintain records, prepare financial statements, and ensure finances are accurate. Though bookkeeping roles do not always require certification, obtaining a credential can help demonstrate your skills and expertise to employers.

This guide will explain the benefits of bookkeeper certification, the steps to earn it, and the top credentials to consider.

Why Get Bookkeeper Certification?

Here are some of the main advantages of getting certified as a bookkeeper

• Validation of skills – Certification provides third-party validation that you have the necessary bookkeeping competencies. This can give you a competitive edge for bookkeeping jobs.

• Higher earnings – Certified bookkeepers can typically command higher salaries. One study found certified bookkeepers earn 30% more than their non-certified peers.

• Advanced career opportunities – Certification can open doors to senior level bookkeeping and accounting roles. It shows you have advanced beyond entry-level skills.

• Enhanced credibility – Certification establishes you as a reputable finance professional clients and employers can trust. This can help win new business if self-employed.

• Professional development – The certification process allows you to strengthen and broaden your bookkeeping knowledge.

• Sense of achievement – Earning a bookkeeping credential provides a sense of personal accomplishment and greater confidence in your abilities.

Steps to Earn Bookkeeper Certification

If you’re interested in pursuing bookkeeper certification, here are the typical steps:

1. Evaluate the certification options

• Research the prominent national certification bodies and the specific bookkeeping credentials offered by each.

• Compare exam content, eligibility requirements, cost, and other factors to determine the best fit for your goals.

2. Review exam content

• Thoroughly examine the exam topics and skills assessed to target any knowledge gaps to fill.

3. Study required material

• Obtain exam prep materials or training courses offered by the certifying body. Self-study or take a class to refresh and gain competencies.

4. Meet eligibility requirements

• Certifications typically require a high school diploma or GED and a minimum amount of bookkeeping experience (often 2 years).

5. Schedule the exam

• Reserve a seat for the test and pay the exam fee. Tests are given at authorized testing centers.

6. Take and pass the exam

• Exams often include 100+ multiple choice questions testing a range of accounting and financial skills. A passing score is usually 75% or higher.

7. Meet ongoing requirements

• Some certifications must be renewed every 1-2 years through continuing education and paying a renewal fee.

Top Bookkeeping Certifications

If you want to boost your accounting career through certification, here are some of the most valuable and reputable bookkeeping credentials:

Certified Bookkeeper (CB)

Offered by the American Institute of Professional Bookkeepers (AIPB).

Exam: 4-part national certification exam testing over 100 bookkeeping topics.

Requirements: High school diploma or GED. 2 years bookkeeping experience or qualified educational equivalent.

Certification period: Renewable every year.

Registered Bookkeeper (RB)

Administered by the American Institute of Professional Bookkeepers (AIPB).

Exam: National certification exam on accounting principles and financial reporting.

Requirements: High school diploma or GED. Minimum of 3 years bookkeeping experience.

Certification period: Renewable every 3 years.

Professional Bookkeeper (PB)

Offered by the American Academy of Professional Bookkeepers (AAPB).

Exam: Comprehensive 4-part exam covering over 100 bookkeeping concepts.

Requirements: High school diploma or GED. Minimum 2 years full-time bookkeeping experience.

Certification period: Renewable every year.

QuickBooks Certified User (QBCU)

Provided by Intuit’s QuickBooks software.

Exam: Assessment confirms skills using QuickBooks accounting software.

Requirements: None. Available to all QuickBooks users.

Certification period: Renewable every 2 years.

Certified Public Bookkeeper (CPB)

Issued by the National Association of Certified Public Bookkeepers (NACPB).

Exam: National proctored exam testing accounting, business, and finance principles.

Requirements: High school diploma or GED. Minimum 2 years full-time bookkeeping experience or a degree.

Certification period: Renewable every year.

Is Bookkeeper Certification Necessary?

While voluntary, certification can benefit bookkeepers in many ways. Still, it is possible to build a successful bookkeeping career without certification. Experience, work samples, client referrals, and business reputation also demonstrate expertise.

Some bookkeepers choose to forgo certification out of:

• Cost concerns – Exam and renewal fees can get pricey, especially to maintain multiple certifications.

• Time constraints – Participating in continuing education and tracking renewal deadlines takes time.

• Lack of reward – Some bookkeepers feel certification provides minimal benefits for their career or business.

Overall, the value of certification differs for each bookkeeper. Assess your own goals and needs to decide if it is worth the investment. While not universally required, certification remains one of the clearest ways to communicate your skills and commitment to the profession.

Is There a Bookkeeping License?

Bookkeeping itself does not require a license. The term “certified bookkeeper” comes from voluntary certifications, not a mandatory state license. Confusingly, some U.S. cities and states do require business licenses for bookkeeping services. But these are occupational licenses to provide bookkeeping services professionally, not proof of bookkeeping competency. They focus on tax compliance, not accounting expertise.

Do Bookkeepers Need to be Certified?

Legally, bookkeepers do not need to be certified or licensed to perform bookkeeping services. certification provides outside validation of skills but is not obligatory. However, more and more employers and clients see value in a certified bookkeeper. Credentialed bookkeepers typically have a competitive edge in job opportunities and career advancement.

Many bookkeepers choose to get certified for the benefits it provides:

• 67% of bookkeepers say clients care if they are certified
• 75% of bookkeepers believe certification improves career prospects
• Certified bookkeepers earn nearly one-third higher pay

So while voluntary, certification is increasingly valued and rewarded.

Can a Bookkeeper Become an Accountant?

With the right experience and education benchmarks, bookkeepers can progress to become accountants over time.

Many bookkeepers leverage their knowledge base and work experience to sit for the CPA exam. CPAs command higher salaries and leadership roles.

With further accounting education, a bookkeeper may also pursue CMA or CIA certifications. These demonstrate advanced expertise in financial and managerial accounting.

Bookkeeper certification can support this professional transition. Just be sure to also obtain qualifying accounting education and hands-on experience.

Is Bookkeeper Certification Worth It?

While optional, bookkeeper certification offers many potential benefits that make it worth considering:

• Gain a competitive edge for bookkeeping job opportunities
• Increase earning potential
• Validate and communicate specialized skills
• Build credibility with employers and clients
• Expand your professional knowledge
• Pursue higher level accounting roles
• Experience a sense of achievement

Before committing, research costs, requirements, and credential values to decide if a bookkeeping certification aligns with your career aspirations. With dedication and focus, you can attain this meaningful milestone.