Bookkeeping Certification - Is It Essential For A Career In Bookkeeping?

A person interested in a career as an accountant   bookkeeping for lawyers or bookkeeper, will need to become certified within the United States in order to do so. Those individuals that practice bookkeeping for any type of business must pass a certification exam in order to become licensed. Most people will need to complete a bookkeeping course of some type in order to pass the examinations to receive their bookkeeping certification.

What Does Bookkeeping Certification Involve?

In order to become a certified bookkeeper in the United States, a person must meet three main requirements. The individual must pass a national examination; sign the AIPB (American Institute of Professional Bookkeepers) code of ethics, and within 3 years of passing the examination show proof of work as a full-time bookkeeper.

The national certification examination is multiple choice and consists of four parts. The first two parts are given by a proctor and cost $200 to complete. The third and the fourth parts of the examination are done in a workbook and resources can be used. There are over 300 testing centers in the United States that offer the bookkeeping certification examination.

The AIPB code of ethics outlines the professional responsibilities of a bookkeeper. Each individual who passes the bookkeeping examination must then sign this code of ethics before becoming a certified bookkeeper.

After completing the examination and signing the code of ethics, an individual may begin work as a bookkeeper. The final part of becoming certified entails providing proof of working full time as a bookkeeper for a minimum of two years after the examination was complete. A person can also work part time and show proof of working at least 3000 hours as a bookkeeper.

Where to Find Bookkeeping Certification Programs

Currently, there are only two major organizations within the United States that offer certification for bookkeeping. They are the American Institute for Bookkeepers and the National Association of Certified Professional Bookkeepers. These two institutions offer different titles upon completion.

The AIPB is the more well known of the two and a person completing the certification examination through this organization will receive the title "Certified Bookkeeper."

The person who chooses to complete the NACPB examination will receive the title "Certified Professional Bookkeeper."

A Career as a Bookkeeper

A person choosing this career will have a number of jobs to choose from. Almost every company in the country needs a bookkeeper of some type in order to help maintain their business and financial documents. Bookkeepers are needed in each area of industry as well as in the government. Some of the largest number of bookkeeping jobs available will be in the health care industry, with the government, in education, and in payroll services.