Bookkeeping Associations

[Gems Virtual Office]

I'm debating with myself about joining a bookkeeping association.....either National Bookkeepers Association or American Institute of Professional Bookkeepers

Does anyone either belong or have additional information on either that would help me decide between the two?

[Office Goddess]

What type of info are you looking for?

[Office Goddess]

After looking at both websites, I think I will join AIPB myself. The primary reasons being that 1) their certification process is a nationally administered test while NBA does an on-line, open book test , 2) the continuing education component looks better at first glance, 3) the "help desk" option appears to be a valuable resource for bookkeepers , and 4) the AIPB annual membership fee is a third of NBAs but offers as much, if not more, value for the money.

Thanks for the resource - I hadn't considered membership in a bookkeeping association but it makes sense since I am a bookkeeper for a living

[Gems Virtual Office]

I hadn't considered it either until I stumbled upon one of the sites while I was looking for additional training sites for QB. And it made sense to me too

Was already leaning in same direction that you are but wanted to make sure I wasnt missing something. Thanks Lily

[Office Goddess]

FYI - I requested their bookkeepers test and the certification booklet. Sad to say, but after reading the bookkeepers test I still have A LOT to learn ('course I have never worked with a company that does accrual basis, depreciation, or inventory )

I will be studying and learning to take their certification test. This is STRICTLY for me, not to increase my income, but because I like to keep my brain sharp with continuing education. And, knowledge IS power

[Gems Virtual Office]

Good for you Lily, I'm sure I have alot to learn too Good Luck

I just finished going over both sites again

The one thing that interested me about the NBA site is that they offer alot of Quickbooks training at a discount for members which AIPB does not, but I do prefer the other membership benefits that AIPAB has, not to mention the cost

I suppose there are positives to both of them.

[Office Goddess]

There is a link somewhere on this forum (Tess?) for a free QB certification test through Intuit - not sure if it's still available, but that's how I got certified...

[MaryH]

This is a great thread as I will want to look into this once I go through my classes and get some bookkeeping experience under my belt. Thanks you guys for all the information!

Also, I think the QuickBooks certification is still available but has a fee with it. I will see if I can find the link too.

[Gems Virtual Office]

I don't think its free anymore...and I've taken and passed that already This site just seems to have alot of advanced QB training.

I think I'll join the AIPB for now, and then down the road when I have the extra cash I'll join the other for the discount on trainings.

[Tess]

Deb, please do post back with your impressions once you've joined and had a chance to get to know the association, etc.
I wish you the best in this and hope it provides all that you're expecting!

[lanelt]

Deb -- did you end up joining AIPB? I've been a member there for years but haven't utilized it much. Just wondering what you've thought.

After seeing the NBA I might try them out to see what they have to offer me.

[Office Goddess]

I joined AIPB and have been really happy with the E&O discount and the monthly newsletter (I have already gotten some good tips out of it). I intend to buy their books and get their bookkeeping certification; my understanding is that they are the only ones in the US doing a certification program.

[lanelt]

I really need to look more at what I can get out of my membership with them. I just renewed my membership and got the 3 or 4 year membership and got a bunch of free books. I figured I'd look through those to see if I like their textbook style before I invest in any books. If/when you get some please share your thoughts on them.

[Office Goddess]

Glad to! The books I will be getting are for the certification test...

[Gems Virtual Office]

Yes Lanel I did join AIPB and have been quite happy with it. The newsletter they send via email is very informative. I haven't looked into the certification yet, but that's next. I probably don't utilize the site as much as I should, but these days its seems I don't have as much time as I'd like to work on my business