Bookkeeping Certification

According to the Bureau of Labor and Statistics, demand for bookkeepers is expected to remain strong due to the large size of the occupation. And those bookkeepers who can perform more duties will be in even higher demand.

One way to boost career prospects is to obtain a bookkeeping certification. Not only will the training be beneficial, but the certification itself will make the candidate more attractive to potential employers.

Fortunately, programs that offer bookkeeping certifications are readily available and usually quite affordable. They are offered by a variety of sources, both online and in traditional classroom settings.

A number of online schools and universities offer either their own bookkeeping certification or preparation for one of the certifications offered by the bookkeeping organizations. These classes are offered almost exculsively online.

Two major bookkeeping organizations offer bookkeeping training and certification programs.

The National Association of Certified Public Bookkeepers offers four certifications in the following areas: Bookkeeping, Quickbooks, Payroll, and Excel. The certifications are earned by completing self-study and a series of exams.

The American Institute of Professional Bookkeepers offers a program that results in a Certified Bookkeeper designation. Candidates must pass a four part exam (study materials are available through the AIPB) and also have two years of full-time work experience (or the part-time equivalent) in order to obtain the certification.

Many community colleges around the country are offering bookkeeping certficates as part of their curriculum. Usually a series of entry level bookkeeping and accounting courses is required.

Increasingly these programs are being offered as online bookkeeping classes as well as in traditional classrooms. Instructors are usually professionals in the bookkeeping and accounting fields. This means that a student doesn't need to be in the geographic area of the college in order to enroll.

Earning a bookkeeping certificate from a community college is one of the most cost-effective ways of obtaining this designation.

1. Go to aipb.org. This is the website of the American Institute of Professional Bookkeepers. Scroll about halfway down the page and click on 'Bookkeeping Tips E-Letter".
2. Enter your email address in the box provided and click 'Sign Up!'.
3. Each week you will receive a free e-letter in your email inbox. It will contain one bookkeeping tip that will take about three minutes to read.
4. Once you've signed up for the e-letter, go back to the sign up page to read through previous bookkeeping tips.

Should you decide that you would like more education, AIPB offers low-cost bookkeeping certification and continuing education courses. They also offer a low-cost membership that will provide you with many benefits.