Overview of Bookkeeper Certification in NYC
Bookkeepers create, keep, and validate financial records for individuals and organizations. Typically, employers seek applicants with postsecondary education on accounting and related fields; the bookkeeping profession does not call for a license. However, if a bookkeeper wants to possess evidence of his/her competency, certification is one way to do so. Organizations like the National Association of Certified Public Bookkeepers (NACPB), the National Bookkeepers Association (NBA), and the American Institute of Professional Bookkeepers (AIPB) offer both certification and preparatory programs for aspiring bookkeepers.
Certification prep programs are available online to NYC residents. Both the certification agencies and NYC schools offer preparatory coursework. No work or educational experience is required to avail of the certification prep programs, but users must achieve a number of requirements before they can obtain their certifications.
Bookkeeper Certification Requirements
Depending on the certification, bookkeepers might need to meet minimum educational or work experience requirements. All certifications require passing an exam. While most certification prep programs can be completed online, some certification exams are at testing centers.
Information and Requirements
Commonly, the requirements for bookkeeper certification are:
- Successful completion of the exam
- Postsecondary education (related associate or bachelor's degree) or education alternative, as specified by the certification provider
- At least 2000 hours of bookkeeping experience (except for NBA)
- Adherence to ethical standards
Certification prep courses are self-paced. Study materials come in many forms that offer comprehensive learning of bookkeeping concepts, including video lectures and audiovisual resources. Practice tests are also available to help users prepare for the actual certification exam.
To access the study materials and the online exam, users need a laptop or desktop PC and a stable, high-speed Internet connection. Bookkeeping software like QuickBooks should be installed in the PC. Prep course fees are generally inclusive of both the course and exam fees.
Additional Requirements
Bookkeeping certification is valid for one to three years. To renew, users must submit a renewal application form and attach proof of the 24 to 60 (depending on the certification) continuing professional education (CPE) credits earned.
List of Organizations that Offer Online Bookkeeper Certification in NYC
Certification preparatory programs offer training on the central aspects of bookkeeping: accounting principles, payroll and depreciation, and the maximized use of accounting software. The multiple-choice certification exam also focuses on these topics and may be divided into four parts. Since the courses are designed to be self-paced and self-study, the training does not have any specific duration.
National Association of Certified Public Bookkeepers (NACPB)
NACPB training for the Certified Public Bookkeeper credential includes video instruction, a textbook, study guides, assessments, and more. The program fee includes the certification exam, but bookkeepers may also take the exam without completing the program. For certification, they must pass the four-part exam (with a 75% score), possess a postsecondary degree and have 2000 hours of bookkeeping experience. The exam is open-book and applicants may take a total of eight hours to finish. To renew, users must comply with the annual 24-CPE-credit requirement.
National Bookkeeping Association (NBA)
NBA's bookkeeper certification requires completion of a course in accounting fundamentals and passing an exam. NBA offers the online preparatory course via its website; it includes videos, workbooks, assessments, and more. The New York Institute of Career Development in NYC also offers training for the NBA exam. Through this course, users can avail of one-on-one mentorship sessions, video training, and practice tests. The Uniform Bookkeeper Certification Examination is taken online and requires answering 75% of the multiple-choice questions correctly. Like the NACPB certification, users need to obtain 24 CPE credits within a year to recertify.
American Institute of Professional Bookkeepers (AIPB)
The AIPB certification exam is taken onsite, but exam preparation for the Certified Bookkeeper credential can be done online. The AIPB offers six essential workbooks (with a total price of $314) that can guide and educate users, with quizzes after each workbook section. The exam is divided into four parts: Parts I and II span two hours each, while users may take as long as they need for Parts III and IV. The Certified Bookkeeper title is valid for three years. Renewal requires 60 CPE credits.
While not all certification programs are 100% online, NYC bookkeepers still have a good number of programs from which to choose. These programs help bookkeepers prepare for certification exams, but are not generally required in order to take the exams.
