Bookkeeping certificate programs provide critical career skills to aspiring bookkeepers and accounting professionals. Bookkeepers provide a valuable service to their clients by managing ledgers, balancing the books, and tracking income and expenditures. These professionals often take on different titles in their careers like administrative assistant and financial clerk.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects a 5% decline in job growth from 2021-2031 for bookkeeping, accounting, and auditing clerks. The BLS cites a shift toward automated bookkeeper programs and cloud computing as reasons for the decline.
However, these workers develop broad skills for similar accounting or finance occupations through bookkeeping certificate programs.
Bookkeepers now require more adaptable skills in the workforce. Earning a certificate can also prepare enrollees to pursue a bachelor's degree, which could improve their employment prospects.
Bookkeeping certificate programs train students in the latest industry software and emphasize soft skills to prepare graduates for entry-level employment.
Continue reading to learn what to expect from bookkeeper programs, including application requirements, costs, and common courses. Our annually updated list (below) ranks the nation's best bookkeeping certificate programs.
Why Get a Bookkeeping Certificate?
Bookkeeper programs can lead to stable careers in business and finance. Students who pursue bookkeeping courses online can earn a certificate in less time than it takes to earn a degree, and often at a lower cost. Bookkeeping certificate programs prepare learners for professional roles as bookkeepers, bill collectors, financial clerks, bank tellers, and administrative assistants.
- Higher Earning Potential: Bookkeepers earned a median annual salary of $45,560 as of 2021.
- Broader Job Prospects: While employment projections indicate that the field will decline by 5% from 2021-2031, certificate programs prepare students for career opportunities beyond the field. Graduates can pursue similar roles that require analytical and consulting skills like financial clerk or administrative assistant.
- Faster Graduation: Since many bookkeeping jobs do not require formal degrees, students can complete a certificate to quickly enter the field in entry-level roles. Most schools enable students to complete bookkeeper programs online in less than one year.
Top Online Programs
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Should You Get a Certificate or an Associate Degree?
Aspiring bookkeepers may wonder whether a certificate or associate degree best accommodates their career goals. Certificates and associate degrees share some similarities and differences. Generally, both include similar introductory bookkeeping coursework and offer online and in-person enrollment options.
Differences include the credit requirements, length, and cost of the program. Additionally, bookkeeping certificate programs and associate degrees often have different admission criteria, with certificates holding fewer and more flexible requirements. The following table outlines the similarities and differences of bookkeeping certificates vs. associate degrees in more detail.
|
Bookkeeping Certificate |
Bookkeeping Associate Degree |
| Length |
Roughly one year |
Roughly two years |
| Minimum Credit Requirement |
20-30 credits |
60-65 credits |
| Course Topics (Sample) |
- Accounting
- Business communications
- Quickbooks accounting
- Spreadsheet applications
|
- Accounting
- Financial statement analysis
- QuickBooks Pro
- Business tax forms
|
| Admission Requirements |
- Transcripts
- Potential SAT/ACT scores
|
- High school diploma or GED certificate
- SAT/ACT scores
- Minimum 2.0 GPA
- Potential general education prerequisites
|
| Cost |
Roughly $100-$800 per credit |
Roughly $10,000 |
| Format |
Online or on-campus |
Online or on-campus |
What the Best Bookkeeping Certificates Have in Common
Each bookkeeping certificate program offers a unique experience. However, many top schools and bookkeeping programs share similar characteristics:
They are accredited.
Accreditation speaks to the overall quality of a school providing a certificate program for bookkeeping. All programs in our rankings come from accredited schools. Common accrediting agencies for bookkeeping certificate programs and schools include:
- Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
- Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC)
- Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges (ACCJC)
- Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP)
- Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
They offer academic excellence.
Students seeking bookkeeping certification want to know the money and time they invest in a program helps them achieve career goals. The best schools ensure their faculty is suited to teach fundamental bookkeeping skill. They also help students can transition into entry-level bookkeeping careers or pursue further education.
They are reputable.
The reputation of a school and its certificate programs plays an important role in determining whether that school is a good option. Top bookkeeping programs have an excellent reputation with students, alumni, accrediting agencies, and faculty. This speaks to an institution's dedication to student success. High retention and graduation rates also factor into a school's reputation.
They are affordable.
Certificate programs offer affordable solutions for students who want a credential but don't want to take on the expense of a full degree. Though bookkeeping certificate programs rarely offer financial aid, these programs often require fewer credit hours, which can lower overall costs.
Top Online Programs
Explore programs of your interests with the high-quality standards and flexibility you need to take your career to the next level.
What To Expect From a Bookkeeping Certificate
Most bookkeeping certificate programs offer inclusive admission requirements. Schools may enable students with prior college experience to apply transfer credits toward certificate programs.
In some cases, students can enroll in bookkeeping courses online simply by submitting their official transcripts and paying the application fee.
While specific elements vary by program, most schools share some commonalities. Students can often decide to attend classes online or in person. Online bookkeeping certificate programs may offer various schedules, including live or recorded lectures.
Most bookkeeping certificate programs require roughly 20-30 credits and take no more than two years to complete. Many online programs offer lower credit requirements and faster paths to graduation through accelerated schedules. Certificate programs generally do not include internships. The cost of a certificates ranges from $100-$800 per credit.
Application Process
Learning how to become a bookkeeper starts with finding a bookkeeping program. While schools vary, students tend to follow common application requirements. Many online programs accept applications on a rolling basis, allowing candidates to begin bookkeeping courses throughout the year.
Some accelerated online programs only require transcripts and an application fee. Some bookkeeping certificate programs may require some prerequisites in basic computer skills.
Though most bookkeeping students apply to certificate programs after graduating from high school, most certificates do not specifically require a diploma or GED certificate. Applicants generally do not need bookkeeping experience to apply. Some schools hold minimum GPA requirements or require SAT/ACT scores from recent high school graduates.
Different Certificate Types
Schools offer several types of bookkeeping certificate programs. Students can often choose whether to study in person, online, or through hybrid learning. Online learning may offer greater accommodations to out-of-state or commuter students looking for accelerated bookkeeping certificate programs. Alternately, some learners prefer an immersive campus environment. Others may seek a combination of these learning styles in a hybrid format.
Within an online program, schools may feature synchronous or asynchronous learning options. Some schools alternate these course delivery types. Online students should consider the time-management requirements of their prospective bookkeeping certificate programs.
Certificate programs differ from certifications. While schools bestow certificates, private organizations award certifications through examination. Common certifications include Quickbooks and certified public bookkeeper (CPB) training. General bookkeeping certificates provide broad skills for entry-level jobs, but Quickbooks or CPB certification may lead to specific professional roles.
Popular Bookkeeping Courses
Bookkeeping certificate programs often introduce students to accounting, business math, and Quickbooks applications. Core courses emphasize career training in bookkeeping, payroll, ledgers, journals, spreadsheets, and reports. Many programs include electives in economics, computer applications, and business administration. Some programs require general education coursework in writing and foundations courses.
- Principles of Accounting: This course introduces students to the basic principles of accounting theory and practice. Students learn bookkeeping and accounting methods for corporations, sole proprietors, and partnership-based organizations. Many foundational accounting courses require prerequisites in basic math, such as elementary and intermediate algebra.
- Quickbooks Accounting: Quickbooks skills are essential in any bookkeeping occupation. Bookkeeper programs may emphasize Quickbooks or Quickbooks Pro coursework, sometimes requiring a two-part class in this subject. Tasks include setting up accounting records and recording transactions in the app.
- Business Math: This course trains students to apply advanced math concepts to practical problem-solving scenarios in accounting and business. Many business math courses follow minimum prerequisites in elementary and advanced algebra. Enrollees explore simple and compound interest, payroll, investment opportunities, and graphs and charts.
- Spreadsheet Applications: This course introduces learners to beginner and advanced spreadsheet software and applications. Topics include range names, formulas, functions, and formatting. Students also learn to create and use macros, import and export data, and generate charts and templates. While not always required, some programs recommend that candidates have computer experience before enrolling.
How Much Do Bookkeeping Certificates Cost?
Students should consider several key factors that affect the cost of bookkeeping certificate programs. An student's preferred school type, location, and financial aid eligibility may impact the cost of bookkeeping courses. Many online bookkeeping certificate programs help students reduce costs by charging in-state tuition and offering accelerated schedules.
A school's public or private status, in-state and out-of-state tuition rates, and reputation can affect its tuition cost. Students generally pay more to attend private, nonprofit institutions. Additionally, most colleges assign higher tuition rates and fees to nonresidents.
Most students need financial aid to pay for any college program. Since certificates are shorter and often more flexible than a degree, most programs offer limited aid in the form of scholarships or grants. Many students qualify for federal student loans through the Department of Education, some of which they can apply toward postgraduate certificates or diplomas.
Top Online Programs
Explore programs of your interests with the high-quality standards and flexibility you need to take your career to the next level.
Bookkeeping Jobs and Salaries
Bookkeeping certificate programs can lead to many different accounting and finance careers. Graduates of bookkeeping certificate programs can pursue jobs as accounting clerks or bill collectors, among other accounting occupations.
The BLS' projections indicates a decline in bookkeeping occupations. However, bookkeepers with administrative and technology skills can apply to various job opportunities within the field, including accounting clerk. Additionally, graduates of bookkeeping certificate programs may go on to pursue an associate or bachelor's degree on the path toward becoming an accountant, certified public accountant, or financial executive.
Bookkeepers maintain financial accounts for individual clients, corporations, and organizations. They document all transactions, including debits and credits, to a general ledger. Bookkeepers also prepare bank statements and deposits. Many bookkeepers perform payroll, purchasing, and collections services.
- Required Education: Some postsecondary education preferred
- Job Outlook (2021-31): -5%
- Median Annual Salary: $45,560
These professionals keep financial records and facilitate transactions. Many clerical jobs in finance incorporate a strong customer service component. Industries including insurance, healthcare, and credit intermediation, employ the highest amounts of financial clerks.
- Required Education: At least some postsecondary education preferred
- Job Outlook (2021-31): -3%
- Median Annual Salary: $44,760
Like bookkeepers, accounting clerks receive much of their education through on-the-job training. They often perform specialized duties, such as accounts payable/receivable, loan monitoring, or balance billing for large companies. Many accounting clerks seek employment experience before pursuing degrees or licensure through certification.
- Required Education: At least some postsecondary education preferred
- Job Outlook (2021-31): -5%
- Median Annual Salary: $45,760
Bill and account collectors track down and attempt to recover overdue payments from individuals and businesses. They locate consumers and companies with past-due bills to negotiate payment options and refer consumers to debt counselors or consolidators. Bill and account collectors typically undergo on-the-job training in relevant computer software and negotiation techniques.
- Required Education: High school diploma
- Job Outlook (2021-31): -8%
- Median Annual Salary: $37,700
Selecting the Right Certificate Program
Our rankings offer a great place to start searching for the right bookkeeping certificate program, but aspiring bookkeepers should consider other factors, including:
- Accreditation: All prospective schools must hold accreditation from regional or national accreditation agencies. Regional accreditation carries more prestige than the national form.
- Bookkeeping Focus: Take note of schools that specialize in accounting and bookkeeping programs.
- Bridge Programs: Many schools favor students who complete certificates toward earning higher in-house degrees.
- Location: Enrollees may prefer to complete their bookkeeping courses online or on campus.
- Required Admission Material/Test Scores: Bookkeeping certificate programs generally offer flexible admission requirements for high school graduates.
- Competitiveness/Difficulty of Admission: Most certificate programs accept applicants who demonstrate potential but may hold only minimal college or work experience.
- Program Length: Most bookkeeping certificate programs allow students to graduate in as little as one year.
- Student-to-Teacher Ratio: While some students thrive on personalized attention, others do not need a small class to succeed.
- Earning Potential: Online bookkeeping certificate programs can lead students to entry-level positions as a stepping stone toward more lucrative roles.
- Cost/Financial Aid: Candidates can offset the cost of an online certificate with loans, scholarships, grants, and work-study programs.
Best Bookkeeper Programs
Bookkeeper certificates develop entry-level accounting and bookkeeper skills through focused, condensed programs. Using the ranking methodology described below, we identified the top certificates available. Discover the five best bookkeeper programs for 2023.
#3 Best Bookkeeping Certificate Programs 2023
William Rainey Harper College
- Palatine, IL
- 2 years
- Online + Campus
Since opening in 1967, Harper has grown to enroll more than 35,000 students. The school has 10 academic areas of interest and over 180 programs.
Accounting Bookkeeper/Clerk Certificate
The accounting bookkeeper/clerk certificate at Harper equips learners with basic software tools and application skills. Students take introductory and advanced spreadsheet software courses, along with introductory and financial accounting.
Harper runs this bookkeeper program at its Palatine campus, the Prospect Heights' Learning and Career Center, and online. The school also offers a 20-credit advanced accounting bookkeeper/clerk certificate program. Graduates can use the credits earned in these programs toward associate degrees in accounting.
Applying to Harper
Each candidate must provide transcripts demonstrating they possess a high school diploma or GED certificate, along with a $25 application fee.
Program at a Glance
- School Type: Public
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
- Tuition: $134/credit for in-district students, $391/credit for out-of-district students, and $466/credit (out of state).
- Required Credits: 7-8
- Delivery Format: On campus, online, or hybrid
Admission Rate
Not provided
Percent Online Enrollment
86%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Higher Learning Commission
#5 Best Bookkeeping Certificate Programs 2023
Pennsylvania Highlands Community College
- Johnstown, PA
- 2 years
- Online + Campus
Since its founding in 1993, Penn Highlands has educated more than 60,000 students. The school now enrolls over 1,200 students annually in more than 45 degree and certificate programs.
Bookkeeping Certificate
Penn Highlands has a bookkeeping certificate that prepares students to prepare and analyze financial statements. Learners take courses in automated and managerial accounting, plus federal taxation and microcomputer applications.
Along with transferring credits into associate degrees, graduates can qualify for the certified bookkeeper credential with the American Institute of Certified Bookkeepers. Penn Highlands provides graduates with career support, such as access to job fairs and a central job board.
Applying to Penn Highlands
For admission, an applicant needs a high school diploma or a GED certificate. Penn Highlands features no application fees.
Program at a Glance
- School Type: Public
- Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
- Tuition: $226-$303/credit (in state); $423/credit (out of state)
- Required Credits: 24
- Delivery Format: 100% online, on campus, or hybrid
Admission Rate
Not provided
Percent Online Enrollment
36%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Middle States Commission on Higher Education
Frequently Asked Questions About Bookkeeping Certificates
What kind of degree do you need to be a bookkeeper?
A bookkeeper typically does not need to earn a degree to enter the field. Instead, they often complete on-the-job training. Yet, employers often prefer candidates with bookkeeping certificates or associate degrees to applicants with no relevant education.
How do you get a bookkeeping certificate?
Students can earn a bookkeeping certificate online or in person. Most bookkeeping certificate programs cost less and take less time to complete than an associate degree.
What can you do with a bookkeeping certificate?
Though not always required by employers, a bookkeeping certificate can provide an advantage to job-seekers. Bookkeeping certificate programs emphasize accounting, computer, and administrative skills.
What's the difference between a bookkeeping certificate and certification?
Earning professional bookkeeping certification requires a process separate from completing a bookkeeper certificate. Candidates must pass an exam administered by the American Institute of Professional Bookkeepers, the National Association of Certified Public Bookkeepers, or the National Bookkeepers Association.
Should I get certified as a bookkeeper?
Becoming a certified bookkeeper can lead to broader job prospects. Employers may favor candidates with certification for higher-paying jobs or advancement in fields like accounting, business, and finance.
