We help Canadian bookkeepers find success & build their future
Recognized across Canada by employers and clients, the Certified Professional Bookkeeper (CPB) designation validates that you have the knowledge, skills, and experience needed to meet the demands and support the success of their business. Are you a member of CPB Canada and ready to increase your visibility, enhance your professional brand, and take your career to the next level? Your journey to bookkeeping excellence starts here.
Not yet a member? Join today and gain access to our certification pathway to CPB designation.
Are you a member already on the pathway? Check your progress on the certification tab in your profile.
| NON-CERTIFIED | CERTIFIED | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Candidate | Apprentice | Technician | CPB |
|
Holding place for members working toward the requirements of a recognized level |
A solid understanding of bookkeeping fundamentals |
An intermediate-level understanding of bookkeeping and business practices |
An advanced-level understanding of the more complex and challenging aspects of bookkeeping and business practices |
|
No experience required |
Minimum of one year of full-time Bookkeeping or Accounting work experience within the last five years. Out-of-country experience is accepted |
Minimum of two years of full-time Bookkeeping or Accounting work experience within the last five years. Out-of-country experience is accepted |
Minimum of three years of full-time Bookkeeping or Accounting work experience within the last five years. Out-of-country experience is accepted |
| No letter of reference required |
One letter of reference confirming years of work experience requirement |
One letter of reference if employed, two letters of reference if self-employed, confirming years of work experience requirement |
Two letters of reference confirming years of work experience requirement |
|
No test |
Once your application is approved, the entry test is available online at no additional charge. The test is multiple choice, consisting of 60 beginner-level questions The test must be taken within one year of application approval |
Once your application is approved, the entry test is available online at no additional charge. The test is multiple choice, consisting of 75 intermediate-level questions The test must be taken within one year of application approval |
Once your application is approved, you will be directed to purchase ($305 exam fee) and schedule your exam. The exam is multiple choice, consisting of 100 advanced-level questions Exams are administered through ProctorFree on the third Thursday of each month, excluding September. See a list of upcoming exam dates. Exams must be written within one year of application approval. |
|
No test |
A minimum of 80% is required to achieve this level. Successful members are awarded the Apprentice-level digital credential Unsuccessful attempts require a waiting period of 90 days and a rewrite fee of $111 |
A minimum of 80% is required to achieve this level. Successful members are awarded the Technician-level digital credential Unsuccessful attempts require a waiting period of 90 days and a rewrite fee of $111 |
A minimum of 80% is required to achieve the CPB designation. New designates are awarded the Certified Professional Bookkeeper digital credential Unsuccessful attempts require a waiting period of 90 days and a rewrite fee of $250 |
| Annual Requirements | Annual Requirements | Annual Requirements | Annual Requirements |
|
CPD units are not required |
Upon level achievement, maintenance of 5 CPD units per year is required |
Upon level achievement, maintenance of 10 CPD units per year is required |
Upon designation achievement, maintenance of 20 CPD units per year is required |
| Remain a member in good standing by renewing membership annually | Remain a member in good standing by renewing membership annually | Remain a member in good standing by renewing membership annually | Remain a member in good standing by renewing membership annually |
| Apply now! | Apply now! | Apply now! | Apply now! |
Please note that our Certification Pathway is designed to allow members to pursue one level at a time. For members who have already started a level and would like to attempt a different level, please reach out to member services at memberservices@cpbcan.ca for assistance.
Share Your Achievements With CPB Canada Digital Credentials
Pathway levels requiring evidence of knowledge, work experience and entry tests/exams (Apprentice, Technician, CPB) reward members with a CPB Canada digital achievement badge! Each badge is backed by metadata detailing the requirements met for the level. This data is verified electronically and provides members and the public with proof that you have the knowledge, expectations and experience that meet our national standard.