To obtain a bookkeeping certification, you must complete four steps: obtain a postsecondary education, gain bookkeeping experience, pay the association fees, and take the certification exam. A bookkeeper is in charge of keeping track of a company’s accounting records. They can handle all aspects of accounting for a small to medium-sized business, from payroll processing to the preparation of monthly financial reports.
The American Institute of Professional Bookkeepers offers a bookkeeping certificate (AIPB). The certificate is created and maintained by this organization as a professional standard for its members. The certificate’s purpose is to reassure potential employers that the candidate has completed a certain level of training and experience.
To get a bookkeeping certificate, you must first complete a post-secondary education program in bookkeeping. These programs typically last eight to twelve months and are offered by a variety of community and career colleges. Accounting, math, and English courses in high school are required for admission.
A specific amount of work experience is one of the qualification requirements for a bookkeeping certificate. This experience can be backed up with letters from employers or accounting firms that audited the books you were in charge of. It’s crucial to have a certain level of experience and responsibility. Before applying for certification, make sure to read the experience requirements thoroughly.
Membership dues are required to complete the certification process. Membership provides access to towering opportunities, training seminars, and annual conferences in addition to professional certification. Discounts on commonly used services, such as automobile or business insurance, are frequently arranged by professional associations.
There are four parts to the bookkeeping certificate exam. The exam’s first two parts are multiple choice and must be taken at a Prometric Test Center. The exam’s final two sections are open book and can be completed at home. The AIPB frequently hosts exam preparation seminars in advance of the examination.
The exam preparation seminars are optional, but reviewing the exam preparation materials well before the exam is a good idea. Make a note of the registration deadline for the preparation seminar and use that as your study deadline. Begin your study plan as if the examination date is the study deadline.
Write and grade a mock examination by the study deadline. Continue with your own study program if your grade is high enough to meet the passing requirement of 75%. If not, you still have time to enroll in the preparation course, which should help you improve your final exam score.