How to Become a Certified Bookkeeper

Certified bookkeepers are the best of the best in the profession. The requirements for certification depend upon where you are employed. Certified bookkeepers must have experience in bookkeeping, achieve a passing grade on a certification exam, sign a code of conduct and attend yearly continuing education classes.

1. Experience
   Usually, a minimum two years' of experience is required to become certified. Some certification organizations will allow you to complete your experience requirement after you have taken the certification exam. Check your certification organization about the work experience requirement. Depending on the agency, these requirements can vary, as some require full time professional experience while others will accept  part time employment to fulfill this requirement.


2. Exam
   For those wanting to become certified must sit for an exam at a Prometric test center.  The four-part national exam tests knowledge on adjusting entries, error correction, payroll, depreciation, inventory, internal controls and fraud prevention. All questions are given in a multiple-choice format.  An applicant who does not pass the test may retake it at their convenience. Test study material is available to assist each applicant in passing the certification exam.


3. Code of Conduct
   Applicants will also be required to sign a code of conduct. This is an agreement stating you will conduct bookkeeping skills in an ethical manner and follow accepted accounting procedures.


4. Educational Requirement
   Some certifying agencies require an educational background in bookkeeping.  It is important to check with your certification agency to determine if this educational requirement must be met before or after applying to take the certification exam.

Once you have passed the exam and met the requirements you will have earned the right to use the Certified Bookkeeper (CB) after your name. Certified bookkeepers overall earn a higher salary than their uncertified counterparts.