Which organization and/or certification is best

Hello,
This is the greatest! I discovered this forum today and I am excited beyond belief. You can guess how exciting my life is. There are several organizations and certifications available and I don't know which holds the most weight. I have over twenty years of bookkeeping experience, all self taught, and I would like to expand my knowledge of the field. Is the National Bookkeepers Assoc., National Assoc. of Cert. Bookkeepers, Professional Bookkeepers Assoc., or the American Institute of Professional Bookkeepers the best? Do I want to become a professional bookkeeper, certified bookkeeper or certified public bookkeeper. My mind is swimming with initials. I understand that what I am asking may have to do with individual preference, but are any of the above options clearly better than the others?

[Office Goddess]

I joined AIPB 'cuz I think they have the most bang for the buck! I am working on becoming a Certified Bookkeeper through their program.

[Rebecka Melson]

I am also a member of AIPB. I honestly don't think one designation is better than the other, they all provide the required training. The really is no difference between a "certified bookkeeper" or a "professional bookkeeper".

I would just compare to see which membership provides the most benefits and the most training for the money. It's been a while since I looked into them, but it seems like AIPB had the best prices on training at the time. You also want to make sure they have nationally recognized testing that requires continuing education (CPE credits). If it doesn't then you will just wind up paying all that money for a certificate at the end that doesn't mean squat.

I know I get a 20% discount on my E&O insurance for being a member of AIPB, which basically pays for the cost of the annual membership.

[AHawkins]

I went to the AIPB site and ordered the 23 page book on becoming a CB. It said it was free but once I receive that book in the mail, is there a test that AIPB offers or do I register for a test elsewhere and one more thing, how much is the test? Thanks

[Office Goddess]

You purchase the workbooks, answer the questions and mail the first few back for 'grading.' Then, you take the final tests at a testing center. The AIPB site has all of the info on it regarding costs, etc.

[hbplifestyle]

I just joined AIPB because I wanted something to add to my name and it seemed quite reasonable in price.

[jenkinsde27]

I also posted this in a different thread -- Can someone tell me what AIBP stands for or send me a link?

Thanks!

De

[KimberlyDeaconVA]

American Institute of Professional Bookkeepers
http://www.aipb.org/

[jenkinsde27]

Kimberly,
Thank you very much for the information and the link.
De

[JanineRaj]

Hi. I went through NACPB - National Association of Certified Public Bookkeepers and earned CPB. The reason I picked this over AIPB is because I could do all the training and testing online at home - not have to go to a center for the tests. With four kids and my husbands business, it was easier for me to get certified right at home. Hope this helps, Janine Raj

[MMoreno]

I am a member of AIPB and PB certified through universal accounting. These course were very informative and easy to do right at home

[sbreva]

I'm obviously late to this thread, but is there a distinction between being a "Professional Bookkeeper" and a "Public Bookkeeper"? Or is that the difference between AIPB & NACPB?

[vballiances]

I'm a member of AIPB also and find the membership fee very reasonable. I also like the idea that you can always call them with accounting/bookkeeping questions.

Rebecka, thanks for the reminder in your post that you can get the 20% discount for the E & O insurance. Since I'm just getting started it's something I need to look into.

Sylvia

[Embrace Your Space]

You purchase the workbooks, answer the questions and mail the first few back for 'grading.' Then, you take the final tests at a testing center. The AIPB site has all of the info on it regarding costs, etc.

I couldn't find any info regarding the price for the test on the AIPB website.. I was able to get the book though.

[Annemarie Fox]

I am so glad you guys discussed this...it is so hard to know which way to go when you are just starting out. Filing this away for future reference