Bookkeeping and Payroll Accounting Certification

While most employers do not require certification, bookkeepers and payroll accountants may wish to pursue certification from an industry organization to enhance employment and promotional opportunities. Most certifications require an initial exam and some require continuing education credits in the accounting field in order to renew/maintain the credential (these credits can be earned by attending various seminars, workshops, or course work in the field). Some credentialing organizations may require a minimum amount of experience in order to qualify for the exam.

Graduates of the Herzing University Bookkeeping and Payroll Accounting Diploma program will have met the education requirement for the following certification opportunities:

• American Payroll Association (APA)
• Fundamental Payroll Certification (FPC) – This exam is for entry-level payroll professionals who wish to prove basic payroll competency. Examinees are given three hours to complete the 150 multiple-choice question electronic test. Upon passing, the credential is good for three years and requires continuing education credits to re-certify. These credits can be earned by taking courses, attending APA industry seminars and programs, or retaking the exam.
• Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) – For professionals who have some field experience in payroll, the CPP is the highest credential offered by the APA. This is a four-hour exam that is given electronically.

• ADP Software Company
• ADP Certified Payroll Specialist in ADP PC/Payroll – This exam measures knowledge of ADP payroll software products and their application. Anyone is eligible to sit for the exam, however ADP highly recommends a formal training course and some experience in the field in order to test successfully.

• National Association of Certified Public Bookkeepers (NACPB)
• Certified Public Bookkeeper (CPB) – The Uniform CPB Examination is broken into three sections of 50 multiple choice questions. The open-book test is taken electronically and must be started and completed within the same 24-hour period.

• The American Institute of Professional Bookkeepers (AIPB)
• Certified Bookkeeper (CB) – This four-part exam includes two proctored sections and two open-book sections. At least 2-years experience is required or the part-time freelance equivalent, however candidates can accumulate this experience before or after passing the examination. Candidates must also sign a Code of Ethics in order to hold the Certified Bookkeeper credential.