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Best accounting bookkeeper certifications
The best certifications for an accounting bookkeeper are Bookkeepers Certification, Certified Management Accountant (CMA), and International Accredited Business Accountant (IABA).
Accounting bookkeeper certifications demonstrate your competency as an accounting bookkeeper to employers. However, not all accounting bookkeeper certifications provide the same value.
Below is a list of the best accounting bookkeeper certifications. Obtaining an accounting bookkeeper certification will give you a leg up when you apply for jobs and increase your potential salary.
5 best certifications for accounting bookkeepers
| Rank | Accounting bookkeeper certification | Organization |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Bookkeepers Certification | NBA |
| 2 | Certified Management Accountant (CMA) | IMA |
| 3 | International Accredited Business Accountant (IABA) | ACAT |
| 4 | Certified Public Accountant (CPA) | AICPA |
| 5 | Certified Resume Specialist: Accounting and Finance (CRS+AF) | CDI |
5 best accounting bookkeeper certifications
1. Bookkeepers Certification
The National Association of Certified Public Bookkeepers' (NACPB) Uniform Certified Public Bookkeeper Examination (Exam) is the exam administered to candidates who want to obtain a Certified Public Bookkeeper (CPB) license. The license and Exam are developed and maintained by NACPB.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? No
- More than two years of work experience required? No
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required?
2. Certified Management Accountant (CMA)
The CMA (Certified Management Accountant) is the advanced professional certification specifically designed to measure the accounting and financial management skills that drive business performance.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
- More than two years of work experience required? Yes
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? Every 1 year(s)
3. International Accredited Business Accountant (IABA)
ACAT seeks to ensure that all accredited individuals possess both the theoretical knowledge and the practical knowledge necessary to be successful practitioners. For that reason, candidates for accreditation must satisfy an experience requirement before becoming fully credentialed: three years of related work experience, up to two of which may be satisfied through college credit. Related work experience includes verifiable experience in accounting, financial services, or other field requiring a practical and theoretical knowledge of the subject matter covered on the ACAT Comprehensive Examination for the International Accredited Business Accountant. Those who pass the exam but who have not met the experience requirement may market themselves as having passed the ACAT Comprehensive Examination for International Accredited Business Accountant, but are not entitled to use the IABA designation.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? No
- More than two years of work experience required? Yes
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? No
4. Certified Public Accountant (CPA)
Certified Public Accountant candidates must pass a national exam certifiying that they are eligible to be licensed in the state(s) of their choosing. Information about state licensing requirements is made available in the Licensed Occupation tool.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? No
- More than two years of work experience required? No
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required?
5. Certified Resume Specialist: Accounting and Finance (CRS+AF)
The CDI Certified Industry Resume Specialist allows you to gain certification in your chosen industry.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? No
- More than two years of work experience required? No
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? Every 5 year(s)
What is the best certification for an accounting bookkeeper?
The best accounting bookkeeper certification is Bookkeepers Certification. The Bookkeepers Certification is awarded by the National Bookkeepers Association. This certification is great to have as it shows an improvement in your competency to perform your role. You can earn this certification at the beginning of your career, as it often doesn't require a minimum education level and work experience.
Here's a bit more background on how to obtain this accounting bookkeeper certification:
- To become a certified Bookkeepers Certification, you need to pass the exam.
- Lucky you - certification doesn't require more than two years of work experience.
- Renew certification every year.
What certifications can impact an accounting bookkeeper career and salary?
The Certified Management Accountant certification will help you to secure an bookkeeper position, which will increase your pay and career trajectory. An bookkeeper's average salary is $38,487 whereas accounting bookkeepers make an average salary of $51,406.
The most common combination of accounting bookkeeper certifications include: Bookkeepers Certification, Certified Management Accountant (CMA), and International Accredited Business Accountant (IABA).
Online courses for accounting bookkeepers to earn certifications
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5. Accounting & Bookkeeping Masterclass - Beginner to Advanced
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6. Financial Accounting & Excel-Comprehensive Accounting Course
Comprehensive accounting course to learn the accounting cycle in a practical way and pick up critical Excel fundamentals...
7. Financial Accounting-Adjusting Entries & Financial Statement
Master Adjusting Entries & Financial Statements: A Comprehensive Guide for Accurate Accounting and Reporting...
8. Financial Accounting-Debits & Credits-Accounting Transaction
Masterclass: Learn Accounting Principles, Financial Statements, Transactions & More in this Comprehensive Course...
9. Xero Bookkeeping & Accounting, w/ Set-up & Reporting
From Set-up to Bookkeeping, Accounting, Reporting, & Financial Statements in Xero with a Certified Xero Advisor...
10. Excel Accounting Problem
Learn How to Create an Accounting Worksheet Using Microsoft Excel from a Certified Public Accountant (CPA)...
11. Financial Bookkeeping and Accountancy: Complete Accounting
A Complete Course on Book-keeping & Accounting Course For Level 1 & 2 aspirants...
12. Introduction to bookkeeping and Accounting
Introduction to Bookkeeping and Accounting, Assets, liabilities, I & E and the Accounting equation...
13. Quickbooks Online in 90 Mins - For Bookkeeping & Accounting
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14. Payroll Accounting: Laws, Calculations, and Journal Entries
Master the complex world of payroll with practical examples, legislation insights, and comprehensive problems...
15. Financial Accounting: The Complete Introductory Crash Course
Learn the Basics of Financial Accounting: Financial Statements, Debits and Credits, The Accounting Cycle and More!...
16. Financial Accounting - Subsidiary Ledgers & Special Journals
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17. Accounting basics, create financial statements easily
Discover, develop, practice your financial information and explore the world of accounting...
18. Principles of Financial Accounting
Learn the complete accounting cycle -recording business transactions to presenting the Balance Sheet & Income Statement...
19. Accounting Made Easy: A Quick Guide to Financial Accounting
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Fund accounting-governmental accounting-General Fund & government-wide activity transactions-modified accrual method...