Certified Bookkeeper (Exam Cost Included)

This unique, comprehensive online bookkeeping certification course is designed for professional bookkeepers. It reinforces key bookkeeping concepts, definitions, and calculations you have likely encountered in your bookkeeping education and career and prepares you for the American Institute of Professional Bookkeepers (AIPB) national certification exam. Throughout this bookkeeper training, you will have access to resources such as videos, interactive activities, and hands-on exercises that will solidify your grasp of critical information necessary to your success as a bookkeeper. We will also use these and other tools to prepare you for the exam, including practice quizzes, exams, and strategies for conducting your preparation leading up to and encompassing the exam day.

We have assembled this online bookkeeping course to help you successfully complete the AIPB exam because the AIPB certification is a high professional standard. Becoming a Certified Bookkeeper™ (CB) can increase your earning potential, enhance your professional status, and give you a decisive edge in the job market. Parts 1 and 2 of the exam are offered at any of over 300 Prometric test centers nationwide. Parts 3 and 4 of the exam are open-book tests that come with your workbooks. CBs are to bookkeeping what Certified Public Accountants (CPAs) are to accounting: the cream of the profession.

The Certified Bookkeeper course includes prepaid vouchers with enrollment that provides access to sit for the AIPB certification exams—making it a leader among other certified bookkeeper courses. Detailed instructions regarding the certification application, exams, and the use of the vouchers at any Prometric Test Center are available within the course.

Please note: The Certified Bookkeeper course is designed for experienced bookkeepers who want to prepare for national certification. To succeed in this course, you must have at least two years of experience as a bookkeeper before enrolling. The books, materials, and exam fees are non-refundable upon registration.

What you will learn

• AIPB CB designation eligibility requirements, code of ethics, and maintenance requirements
• How to apply the concepts of accrual accounting to transactions that span fiscal periods and trace the effect of accrual and deferral transactions
• How to master the adjustment of entries, identify and correct accounting errors, and reconcile bank accounts
• How to complete book and tax depreciation, including various methods of calculating depreciation for book and tax purposes
• The basics of payroll, from paying wages to depositing and reporting taxes
• How to value inventory, record costs, make entries, and report inventory on financial statements
• How to use basic internal controls to prevent theft, embezzlement, or check and credit card fraud by employees, customers, or vendors

How you will benefit

• This product includes many videos showing concepts and bookkeeping scenarios with plenty of examples
• Interactive scenarios allow you to practice calculations and concepts described in the textbooks and lesson materials
• Upon completion of the course, you will be prepared to sit for the American Institute of Professional Bookkeepers (AIPB) exam
• You may take the exam at any Prometric Test Center

1. Getting Started
2. Pretest
3. Adjusting Entries
4. Correction of Accounting Errors
5. Payroll
6. Depreciation
7. Inventory
8. Internal Controls and Fraud Prevention
9. AIPB Exam Preparation
10. Final Exam
11. Resources

Requirements:

Hardware Requirements:

• This course can be taken on either a PC, Mac, or Chromebook.

Software Requirements:

• PC: Windows 10 or later.
• Mac: macOS 12 or later.
• Browser: The latest version of Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox are preferred. Microsoft Edge and Safari are also compatible.
• Microsoft Word Online
• Microsoft Excel (not included in enrollment).
• Adobe Acrobat Reader .
• Software must be installed and fully operational before the course begins.

Other:

• Email capabilities and access to a personal email account.

Instructional Material Requirements:

The instructional materials required for this course are included in enrollment. The AIPB provides the six workbooks that are required for this course:

• Mastering Adjusting Entries
• Mastering Correction of Accounting Errors
• Mastering Payroll
• Mastering Depreciation
• Mastering Inventory
• Mastering Internal Controls and Fraud Prevention

In addition to the six workbooks listed above, you will also receive:

• Two exam vouchers that cover the full cost of part one and part two of the Certified Bookkeeper exam

Books/Materials/Exam Fees are non-refundable upon registration.

Note: Due to the high cost of these items, books will not be shipped until 10-days after the student's start date. Students may request an earlier shipment by contacting their Student Advisor but will be required to acknowledge the fees involved are non-refundable.

Prerequisites:

The Certified Bookkeeper course is designed for experienced bookkeepers who want to prepare for national certification. To succeed in this course, you must have at least two years of experience as a bookkeeper before enrolling.

If you do not meet the experience requirement, we recommend our Professional Bookkeeping with QuickBooks course, which is designed for entry-level bookkeepers.

Certification Exam Prerequisites:

To earn your Certified Bookkeeper designation, you must pass the AIPB certification exams and be able to submit proof of at least two years of full-time - or 3,000 hours of part-time - experience. Learn more about the requirements for the AIPB Certification exam.

Wade Lindenberger

Wade Lindenberger is a CPA with over 20 years of financial accounting and management experience in public accounting and private industry. He is currently Director of Finance and Administration for New Children's Museum. Before his current position, he worked as the National Finance and Accounting Service Line Leader for Premier Alliance Group, a national professional services firm. Wade was also Director of the Finance and Accounting service line for the San Diego office of a global, publicly held professional services firm. Before becoming a consultant, Wade was Divisional Controller for one of the leading health and fitness club chains in the world. He has also been Internal Audit Manager and Divisional Controller for a division of a Fortune 500 global energy project management company. He began his career with Coopers & Lybrand, predecessor to PricewaterhouseCoopers, one of the "Big Four" CPA firms. He has previously served as an instructor for courses at Coopers & Lybrand and at the University of California at San Diego for the Extension Course and is currently an adjunct professor at the University of San Diego School of Business. He is a member of the American Institute of Certified Bookkeepers' Advisory Board.

Helene K. Liatsos

Helene K. Liatsos is a consultant for small businesses, travel agencies, and home-based business startups with more than 25 years of experience. Along with a successful career in the travel industry, working with airlines, hotels, and travel agencies, Helene established her own business management company, Home Office Management Experts, and was awarded the 2004 Home-Based Business of the Year by the U.S. Small Business Administration. As a QuickBooks Certified Advisor, she provides bookkeeping, payroll and QuickBooks training services. She holds a Bachelor of Arts from Fairleigh Dickinson University.

Sherida Habersham

Sherida Habersham is an accomplished professional from Georgia at the intersection of technology, education, and service. She started her career as a software developer specializing in human resource management (HRM), payroll, and quality systems. Over her extensive career in education, Sherida has held several roles, including program lead, college professor, and division dean for business and information systems.

Sherida holds a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in educational psychology, a Master of Science in computer science, and a Master of Business Administration in business. With expertise in curriculum development, business systems, and instructional leadership, she is dedicated to promoting learning and development. Additionally, she has over a decade of experience as a bookkeeping and tax expert, assisting small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) in streamlining their operations with comprehensive bookkeeping and tax support.

What is the average salary of a bookkeeper?

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median bookkeeper salary is $45,560 annually. However, bookkeepers can increase their earning potential through years of experience, certification, or starting your own bookkeeping business.

What is a Certified Bookkeeper?

Certified Bookkeepers meet the high standards of the American Institute of Professional Bookkeepers (AIPB). The official designation of Certified Bookkeeper (CB) from the AIPB allows you to put the initials CB after your name, which adds to your market value and professional status. This is an elite credential in the world of bookkeeping much like the CPA designation in accounting.

What do bookkeepers do?

As a bookkeeper, you will be in charge of keeping accurate financial records for one or more financial organizations. You will be responsible for using bookkeeping software like QuickBooks to record transactions, produce reports, and check financial information for accuracy. You will handle expenses, receipts, payables, and accounts receivable. In addition, you may also help with payroll, purchasing, and outstanding accounts. The role of a professional bookkeeper can vary widely depending on the size of the organization you work for, but you can be sure that you will play an important role in the financial stability and success of your company.

How do I become a bookkeeper?

To become a bookkeeper, you need a background in accounting and specialized knowledge in payroll and taxation. You can gain this knowledge through a course or on-the-job training in an accounting department or working underneath an experienced bookkeeper. You will also need to gain experience with bookkeeping software.

Are bookkeepers in demand?

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, there are a lot of jobs for bookkeepers, and the job outlook is expected to remain relatively constant through 2026. Understanding how to efficiently use bookkeeping software like QuickBooks will make you a more desirable candidate as more and more businesses turn to technology to perform basic accounting tasks.

How do I become a Certified Bookkeeper?

To become a Certified Bookkeeper, you must sit for and pass the AIPB Certified Bookkeeper exam.

How do I become a virtual bookkeeper?

There are two paths to becoming a virtual bookkeeper. The first is looking for job opportunities listed as "Remote," which offer the possibility to work virtually. Second, you can work for yourself as a freelance bookkeeper and market yourself as a virtual or "remote" bookkeeper.

How do I earn the certified bookkeeper (CB) designation?

In order to earn the Certified Bookkeeper (CB) from the American Institute of Professional Bookkeepers, you are required to pass a four-part, multiple-choice examination and obtain at least 2 years of full-time bookkeeping experience. It is possible to take and pass the exam before you have obtained your 2 years of experience. You will also be required to sign a Code of Ethics.

Do I need a degree to become a bookkeeper?

You do not need an advanced degree to become a bookkeeper. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, you will need to have your high school diploma or equivalent to pursue a career as a professional bookkeeper. Many bookkeepers get started with an online course like this Professional Bookkeeping course. However, in order to stay competitive and open up even more job opportunities down the road, you may want to think about earning an associate degree in bookkeeping or accounting at some point in your career.

Is a bookkeeper the same as an accountant?

Not exactly. There are five major parts to the accounting process, and they include recording, interpreting, classifying, analyzing, and reporting financial information. Bookkeeping is the first foundational part of the accounting process — recording financial transactions. However, bookkeeping is a great first step into an accounting career, and with additional education, you use this as a way to gain experience and become an accountant in the future.

What kind of hours do bookkeepers work?

Most bookkeepers work 40 hours per week, though some do work part-time. As a professional bookkeeper, you may need to work overtime during certain periods of the year, such as closing out the fiscal quarter and/or year, as well as during tax season.

Where do bookkeepers work?

Most bookkeepers work in an office environment for a typical 9 to 5 hours and spend a large amount of their time in front of a computer. As a professional bookkeeper, you will usually be working alone but may have a few people from other areas of accounting work alongside you. It is even possible that you could work remotely from home for one or more organizations at a time.

Do bookkeepers do the taxes for a company?

No, bookkeepers do not do company taxes. Taxes are done by an accountant. However, bookkeepers play an important role in making sure that financial transactions are recorded in a timely and accurate manner. This ensures that the financial information for a company is easy to read and use once it is time for an accountant to take over and do the taxes.

Is a bookkeeping certificate worth it?

Yes. A certificate of completion signifies to a potential employer that you have completed the coursework in the area of bookkeeping. Still, it can vary widely depending on where you get that education and training. Upon completion of this course, you will receive a certificate of completion. Certification, such as Certified Bookkeeper, demonstrates competency based on a national and industry-recognized standard. It also allows you to include the "C.B." designation after your name, signifying that you have met the demanding requirements to earn this credential.

What if I don't have the two years of full-time experience required to sit for the exam?

If you do not meet the experience requirement for the exam, we recommend waiting to take the exam or enrolling in our entry-level Professional Bookkeeping with QuickBooks course.

Is the certification exam given online, or do I have to take it in person?

You must go to the Prometric Test Center to take the exam on a computer. The tests are taken on a computer at the testing facility.

Will the books and materials be shipped?

Yes, the books will be shipped. You should expect to receive them within 7-10 business days.

How soon after I pay can I start the course?

Once payment is made, you will gain access to the course in 24-48 hours.

Is there a way to try out the course before you pay the full amount?

We currently have a 10-day refund policy. Upon enrollment in the course, if you do not like the course, you can receive a full refund minus the costs of materials.

Is the cost of the exam included in the enrollment cost?

Yes included in the program are two exam vouchers for Part one and Part two of the exam. There are no fees associated with Part three and Part four of the exam.

I am a veteran, what are my options for paying for and enrolling in the course?

To learn about funding options for veterans, please contact us via chat or phone to discuss options that may be available to you.

Is there an internship or externship offered with this course?

At this time, there is not an internship or externship included in this course, but nothing is stopping you from securing these options on your own.

Do you offer job placement assistance?

At this time, we do not offer any job placement assistance. However, the AIPB website does provide a job board where you can search for employment opportunities, both remote and near you.

I am Canadian, can I take this course?

This course is based on U.S. accounting rules and regulations, as is the Certified Bookkeeper exam, so it may not be the best option if you are Canadian.

Does this course prepare you for a certification?

Yes. This online course will prepare you for the four-part Certified Bookkeeper Exam to earn your American Institute of Professional Bookkeepers (AIPB) certification. You will have one year (365 days) from enrollment in the Certified Bookkeeper course to submit the Application for Certified Bookkeeper Designation form to The American Institute of Professional Bookkeepers. Please note that you will receive two exam vouchers, as two of the four exams are no-cost exams. Detailed instructions regarding the certification application, exams, and the use of the vouchers at any Prometric Test Center are also available within the course. Please refer to The Certified Bookkeeper™ (CB) Designation handbook for more information.

When can I start this course?

This course is open enrollment, so you can register and start the course whenever you are ready. Access to your course can take 24-48 business hours.

How long does it take to complete this course?

After you register, you will receive _ months to complete the course. The time allotted for completion has been calculated based on the number of course hours.

What if I don't have enough time to complete the course within the time frame provided?

The time allotted for course completion has been calculated based on the number of course hours. However, if you are unable to complete the course, contact the student advising team to see what options you may have available to work out a suitable completion date. Please note that an extension fee may be charged.

What kind of support will I receive?

Our courses are designed to accommodate various learning preferences. Depending on the course structure, you may get different forms of support. Self-paced courses are designed to be user-friendly and independent, minimizing the need for external support. In courses with instructors, our direct platform support feature includes opportunities for questions, discussions, and remediation, with email and phone support available for select courses. Our student advising team is available to guide you on program requirements and administrative requests, but they do not provide assistance with course content. Our goal is to provide you with the necessary support for success, whether it's through self-paced exploration, direct communication, or guidance from our advising team.

What happens when I complete the course?

Upon successfully passing the final exam, you will be awarded a certificate of completion from the school or organization that you registered through.

Am I guaranteed a job?

Hope Training Academy courses will help you gain the skills you need to obtain an entry-level position in most cases. However, you should always research the job market in your area before enrolling.

Can I get financial assistance?

Hope Training Academy courses are non-credit, so they do not qualify for federal aid, FAFSA, and Pell Grant. In some states, vocational rehab or workforce development boards may provide funding to take our courses. Additionally, you may qualify for financial assistance if you meet certain requirements. Learn more about financial assistance.

How can I get more information about this course?

If you have questions that are not answered on our website, representatives are available by phone. You can also call us at 1-855-532-7642 during regular business hours to have your questions promptly answered. If you are visiting us during non-business hours, please send us a question using the "Contact Us."

I thought that it really met the needs of a bookkeeper. I learned a lot.

The course was in depth and thorough in examples which was helpful. The support from Wade my facilitator was very helpful…he was always available.

I am very happy with this experience. My facilitator Wade Lindenberger was helpful to solve difficulties in timely manner. I appreciated everyone’s support.

My facilitator was understanding and professional. The online course allowed me to work at my own convenience. The support I received was timely and helped me to navigate through the course.

This course was very challenging and informative. My facilitator was always available to answer questions or concerns in a timely manner. Great facilitator and great support!

I enjoyed the layout of the course, as well as the fact that it was move at your own pace. I had a family emergency and spent a week in the hospital but it did not affect my homework because I was able to catch right up!

I was able to work at my own speed. When things came up with family or that I needed to take care of, I was able to focus on them and then get back to my course.