Become a Bookkeeper
You will learn how to become a bookkeeper, including: what a bookkeeper does and how to provide bookkeeping services, how to develop your skills to succeed in a bookkeeping career, how to get hired for a job as a bookkeeper, and how to start your own bookkeeping business and get clients.
What Happens in the Bookkeeper Certificate Course
The Bookkeeper Certificate Course is an online learning program with suggested readings from the textbook (IAP Career College Guide to Become a Bookkeeper). This course is self directed, which means you may study and complete assignments at times that are most convenient for you from the comfort of your own home.
This part-time Bookkeeper Certificate Course has a recommended completion date of 6 weeks from the start of the program, however, you may choose to complete the course in as little as 2 weeks or as long as 12 weeks, depending on your schedule.
The Bookkeeper Certificate Course has been created to allow you to complete it without any teaching assistance. However, if you have questions or need assistance, you can receive help from a Faculty Member throughout the 6 weeks of the course. Your Faculty Member is a valuable resource person who can provide you with personal teaching assistance to help you succeed in the course and advice to help you succeed in the career.
Register NowCourse Topics
The Bookkeeper Certificate Course has been developed to meet high academic standards, ensuring that as a graduate you can display with pride the Bookkeeper Certificate you will earn from the International Association of Professions Career College.
Introduction to Bookkeeping
- What is a Bookkeeper?
- Why Bookkeepers are Always In Demand
- Key Differences Between Bookkeepers and Accountants
- Benefits of Being a Bookkeeper
What a Bookkeeper Does
- Bookkeeping Specializations
- Bookkeeping Methods
- Bookkeeping Systems and Tools
- Organizing Documentation
- Recording Transactions
- Analyzing and Reporting on Accounts
- Preparing Key Financial Statements
- Tax Preparation
- Payroll Processing
- Bookkeeping In Person and Online
Getting Ready
- Essential Skills for Bookkeepers
- Ways to Learn Bookkeeping
- How to Get Bookkeeping Experience
Getting Hired
- Who Hires Bookkeepers
- How to Find Job Openings
- How to Find Virtual and Freelance Opportunities
- Preparing a Winning Resume and Cover Letter
- Job Interviews
- The Job Offer
Starting a Bookkeeping Business
- Creating a Business Plan
- Legal and Financial Matters
- Setting Fees and Getting Paid
- Employing Others
Marketing Your Services
- Choosing Your Target Markets
- Marketing Tools
- Marketing Techniques
- Community Outreach
Getting Clients
- Selling Your Services
- Meeting with a Prospective Client
- How to Do a Client Consultation
- Client Contracts
What Is Included in the Bookkeeper Certificate Course Online
This all-inclusive Bookkeeper Certificate Course package includes:
- Registration for the Bookkeeper Certificate Course Online
- Lifetime access to course materials
- Access to a Faculty Member to provide you with personal teaching assistance and career advice
- (Optional) 2026 membership in IAPO International Association of Professional Bookkeepers for only US$ 2.99 per month
- Downloadable Bookkeeper Certificate personalized with your name and the seal of the International Association of Professions Career College which you may print
- (Optional) Opportunity to order official certificates printed on fine linen paper and embossed with the gold seal of the college
- Textbook: IAP Career College Guide to Become a Bookkeeper (e-book edition)

Register for the Bookkeeper Certificate Course
BACK TO SCHOOL SPECIAL
It’s easy to change or cancel your course registration. See our FAQ page for details.
You can have all this for an incredible price. It can cost hundreds, or even thousands, of dollars to take other programs. (We found courses based on old editions of our guides with registration fees of up to $999 and more.) We are able to offer you online courses at a significantly lower cost to you because of our expertise from over 20 years of producing the leading online guides for non-traditional careers.
Our online certificate courses have previously been offered for a registration fee of $297 U.S. and include a textbook and professional membership – a total value of almost $377.
BACK TO SCHOOL SPECIAL: This all-inclusive registration package for the Bookkeeper Certificate Course is priced as only US$ 189.00 for the September 14, 2026 course.
Associated Courses
Register today for the Bookkeeper Certificate Course. Enrollment is limited and registration is on a first come first served basis, so we recommend that you register early for the Bookkeeper Certificate Course online to avoid disappointment.
If the course is full, please email support@iapcollege.com to be notified when a new course date is scheduled.
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How Much Does a Bookkeeper Make?
Successful bookkeepers can earn upwards of $70,000 per year. Your income will depend on your exact role and niche.
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What will I learn in the Bookkeeper Certificate Course at IAP Career College?
You’ll learn what a bookkeeper does and how to provide bookkeeping services, how to develop your skills to succeed in a bookkeeping career, how to get hired for a job as a bookkeeper, and how to start your own bookkeeping business and get clients.
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Do I need bookkeeping experience to take the Bookkeeper Certificate Course?
No experience is required. This course is designed for beginners interested in becoming bookkeepers, as well as those who want to improve their money management skills.
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Is the Bookkeeper Certificate Course online and self-paced?
Yes, the course is 100% online and self-directed. You can study from anywhere, at your own pace. Most students complete the course in 2 to 12 weeks, with 6 weeks recommended.
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What career opportunities can the Bookkeeper Certificate Course lead to?
Graduates of the course can work as freelance bookkeepers, start a bookkeeping business, or seek out a bookkeeping career with a company.
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Will I receive a certificate after completing the Bookkeeper Certificate Course?
Yes. After you complete the course, you’ll receive a Bookkeeper Certificate from IAP Career College. This credential can be added to your resume or LinkedIn profile to demonstrate your professional training.
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Can I take the Bookkeeper Certificate Course from outside the U.S. or Canada?
Yes. The course is open to students globally. Since it’s 100% online, you can enroll and study from anywhere in the world.
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What kind of support will I get during the Bookkeeper Certificate Course?
While the course is self-paced, you’ll have access to a faculty member for personal support and guidance during your enrollment period.
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What is IAP Career College?
The International Association of Professions Career College (IAP Career College) is a leading online career college offering affordable online certificate courses and professional certifications for non-traditional and "dream" careers.
Since 1999, we’ve helped over 500,000 students across six continents get started in dream careers—from life coaching to event planning to end-of-life care. Our courses are flexible, beginner-friendly, and designed for adult learners looking for practical, self-paced options.






