CPB (Certified Public Bookkeeper)
Lower-cost, lower-barrier bookkeeping credential; positioned for small-business and self-employed bookkeepers who don't need CPA/EA scope.
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Visit Official Site →Founded
2009
HQ
Walla Walla, WA, USA
Target Audience
Bookkeepers and small-business accounting practitioners not pursuing the CPA path; self-employed bookkeeping professionals.
Key Features
- Four exams: Bookkeeping (3 hours, 60 MCQ), Payroll (3 hours, 60 MCQ), QuickBooks (3 hours, 50 MCQ), Bookkeeping with Excel (3 hours, 60 MCQ)
- Each exam: online proctored, 75% passing score
- Required: associate degree in accounting OR 2 years of bookkeeping experience
- 24 hours of CPE annually for renewal
- Lower-tier credential than CPA/EA; positioned as a 'public bookkeeper' alternative to unlicensed bookkeeping practice
- Smaller community than CPA/EA (~10,000+ NACPB members)
How to Get This Certification
Prerequisites
Associate's degree in accounting OR 2 years bookkeeping experience + NACPB-approved education courses.
Why Get Certified — ROI
Salary Impact
Median US CPB total compensation: $45,000-$70,000; self-employed CPBs vary widely based on client base.
Career Benefits
- What makes this stand out
- Lower-cost, lower-barrier bookkeeping credential; positioned for small-business and self-employed bookkeepers who don't need CPA/EA scope.
- Industry recognition
- NACPB proprietary.
Who Should Get This Certification
Ideal for:
- Bookkeepers and small-business accounting practitioners not pursuing the CPA path
- self-employed bookkeeping professionals.
Consider alternatives if:
- Limited career mobility — most accounting-firm hires still prefer CPA-track candidates
- Weaker brand recognition than CPA/EA
Pricing
Pricing varies.
Weaknesses
- Limited career mobility — most accounting-firm hires still prefer CPA-track candidates
- Weaker brand recognition than CPA/EA
- Annual $250 NACPB membership is recurring cost
- Cannot provide IRS representation, audit, or attest services
Markets Served
US
Disclosure: This page contains affiliate links.
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