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Accounting Certification: Certified Bookkeeper

You will have the best prospects for a bookkeeping job if you become a Certified Bookkeeper, according to The Bureau of Labor Statistics' Occupational Outlook Handbook . The Certified Bookkeeper designation demonstrates the ability to handle full-charge bookkeeping for a company of up to 100 employees. Get it @ CBT in Miami Fl.

• Add to your market value
• Increase your importance to company or clients.
• Show professional status with "CB" after your name.
• See how employers and CPAs value Certified Bookkeepers (Require: Acrobat Reader)
• Certified Bookkeepers report how certification has helped them (Require: Acrobat Reader)

Requirements

• Experience: At least 2 years' full-time experience or the part-time or freelance equivalent.
• Examination: Candidates must pass a national examination given at Sylvan test centers nationwide.
• Code of Ethics: Applicants must sign a Code of Ethics.

The Certification Examination

Test 1

Part 1: Adjusting entries. 1 hr. (approx. 37 questions, 15%-20% of exam). From the unadjusted trial balance through the adjusting entries (accruals and deferrals) to the adjusted trial balance.

Part 2:
Error correction. 1 hr. (approx. 36 questions, 15%-20% of exam). Reconciling the bank statement and finding and correcting errors on the trial balance.

Test 2

Part 1:
Payroll. 1 hr. (approx. 30 questions, 15%-20% of exam).

Part 2: Depreciation. 1 hr. (approx. 24 questions, 20%-30% of exam). Calculating and recording depreciation, for book or tax purposes, including vehicles.

Test 3

Inventory. 2 hrs. (27 questions, 15%-20% of the exam). How to cost out and record merchandise inventory.

Format of the certification exam
All questions are multiple choice.

Passing Scores and Retests
The passing score for each part of each test is 75%. An applicant who gets a lower grade can schedule a retest.

Preparing for the certification exam
We offer self-teaching workbooks that prepare you for each part of the exam. Each workbook drills you with questions like those on the certification exam.

 Market Value

From the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2002-03 Edition :


"Bookkeepers, particularly those who handle all the recordkeeping for companies, may find it beneficial to become certified."

(From page 388 in hard copy version. To see this quote on line, visit http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos142.htm , scroll down to "Training, Other Qualifications, and Advancement," then down 5 paragraphs")

"Demand for full-charge bookkeepers is expected to increase as they are called upon to do much of the work of accountants. Those with several years of accounting or bookkeeper certification will have the best job prospects."

(From page 391 in the hard copy version. To see this quote on line, visit http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos144.htm , scroll down to "Job Outlook," and go to end of 2 nd paragraph.)