Bookkeeper Certification

I 'm from Puerto Rico and also looking for a certification in bookkeeping. Please help us with this matter.

Raúl

I haven't done either certification, but based on the comments I've heard from many others here is my impression:

AIPB is a very reputable organization which has been around for a long time (maybe 20+ years?) and has a certification program which includes take a couple of the tests at Prometric test centers (ie they're proctored).

NACPB is a relatively new organization which seems to have a lot of useful resources and materials. They're certification is strictly open book and not as widely known or recognized. There have been numerous negative comments about their marketing tactics and aggressiveness.

Again, I have not personally taken the certification from either organization. So, I suggest you do your homework and research to reach your own conclusions. Also, what is your goal? Is this for a job or to start your own business? What would a potential employer want you to have?

I am a member of both AIPB and NACPB, but have the certification from only NACPB. Yes, the NACPB has a pretty strong marketing approach, but I have appreciated their many training guides which have helped me tremendously in areas I felt lacking. Whereas, the material I ordered through AIPB seemed dated and less applicable to hands-on, day-to-day bookkeeping. Of course, this is just my personal opinion.

I have been working in bookkeeping and accounting for 15 years. I was trained by a CPA. A couple of years ago I decided to become certified by AIPB after reading about it on the the DOL's website. I thought it would be a breeze and give me more marketability, but it is very hard and requires a lot of self-discipline. The first two tests (Corrections/Journal Entries, Payroll/Depreciation) are done at testing centers and I just passed the second one (Yay). A solid understanding of accounting is needed to pass these tests; they are short so there is little room for error.

The last tests are open book and I am about to begin study on those (Inventory/Internal Control). While I am glad I am doing this, had I known how hard it was, I don't think I would have pursued it. I know that doesn't sound very good, but I have not been able to enjoy any holiday weekends for a year and a half. It has been study, study, study (I am not good at taking tests). Continuing Education is required after obtaining the certification.

I don't know anything about NACPB so I can offer no info on that.

Upside is I have an even better understanding of bookkeeping now and feel more confident. Downside is no one has heard of AIPB, in Texas anyway.
 

Hi Rebecca89,

Michelle brings up some good questions you should ask yourself. "What is your goal? Is this for a job or to start your own business? What would a potential employer want you to have?".

I am a CPB (Certified Public Bookkeeper), member of NACPB, and own my own bookkeeping business. If you plan to have or do have a bookkeeping business, the CPB license and resources provided by NACPB will help you significantly.

If you haven't already, I would call both NACPB and AIPB and allow them to explain to you each association's membership and certification benefits.

Melissa Smith, CPB
Certified Public Bookkeeper
Member: National Association of Certified Public Bookkeepers
 

I just attended a webinar by Smith Young University, which seems to be in partnership with NACPB, since I was directed to this presentation through the NACPB website.  I was put off by the tone of the presentation.  SYU is actually a bookkeeping business, and they pride themselves on being the Walmart of the bookkeeping business world, comparable to McDonalds (these are their own words).  The emphasis was on speed and volume, also taking advantage of bookkeeping students by charging for training and then using their interns for free.  They were attempting to recruit "managers" to open offices, essentially franchises, making money largely by paying very low salaries.  This, in my opinion, discredits NACPB. 

Hi Rebeccachr,

I also attended the Smith Young University free training and I have a complete different take on it. I thought the presentation was well done and very informative. I may not agree with everything presented, but I learned a lot from the presentation and appreciate the perspective.

The presenter started the presentation by introducing SYU and the fact that it is a division of Smith & Young Certified Public Bookkeepers. Can you explain to me what is wrong with being a Walmart bookkeeping business? Can you explain to me what is wrong with speed and volume? I don’t recall the presenter telling you to take advantage of bookkeeping students and I don’t recall the presenter telling you to make money by paying very low salaries. At least not in the spirit you attempt to communicate.

Rebeccachr, do you have a personal agenda here? So, you’re telling us that since you attended a free presentation and disagree with the presenter, you felt compelled to share your discontent on a public discussion forum? Are you out to discredit an organization I have greatly benefited from? I don’t buy it. Shame on you!

Melissa Smith, CPB
Certified Public Bookkeeper
Member: National Association of Certified Public Bookkeeper

Hey Melissa,

What is the name of your bookkeeping business, where is it located and what is your company's website (as we all know NACPB and SYU teach that all bookkeeping businesses should have a website)?

I would love to send some client referrals your way, but alas, you have included no contact information here or in your profile, what's up with that?

I recommend people do their due diligence about these things.  Before you 'sign up' with any company or organization -- google the company or organization name along with the words 'reviews, comments, complaints, scams, etc.' to see what people have to say about them.  Asking others for their opinions and viewpoints is also a good idea.  Then, based on the information you can make a more informed decision to choose which is right for your personal circumstances and goals.   Some are more reputable than others, some are cheaper than others, some offer different things than others, so you need to decide which one best meets your needs.

Here is what I found about Smith Young School of Bookkeeping

www.scaminformer.com/scam-repo...