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?

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.

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.

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

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

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

Thanks!

De

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

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

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

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

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?

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

Originally Posted by 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.

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

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

Originally Posted by 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

Hi, I am soo glad you brought up Universal Accounting. I was looking into their program myself. How did you like the training program? I cannot decide between them or Penn Foster. Penn Foster is cheaper. Does Universal Accounting live up to their advertising?

Originally Posted by Embrace Your Space

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

Sorry to highjack your message, I too am trying to figure this all out myself. I also went to AIPB website, and I can't find anything on testing pricing or location info. I was able to get the free booklet?

I, too, just joined the AIPB and I have over 25 years experience. I am also 2 classes away from obtaining my MBA in Accounting but I love doing the books for others; i.e. companies, small or medium, and personal. I thought the AIPB was the best in overall coverage of the information and the price for the 3 years was not that bad either. I believe they still have a special going on where all yearly memberships are 1/2 price. They also have many continuing educations books that, once you become a member, you get at a discounted rate. I bought one for starters and will probably buy all once I get more funds. One more thing I would like to mention, Universal Accounting has a very good Bookkeeping learning process and you can also get their Tax and QuickBooks learning books too. The price is NOT cheap but the quality of the books are fantastic!! Hope this helps!