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 |
|
At the beginning of your bookkeeping career and just starting to develop bookkeeping knowledge |
A solid understanding of bookkeeping fundamentals (view Knowledge Expectations) |
An intermediate level understanding of bookkeeping and business practices (view Knowledge Expectations) |
An advanced level understanding of the more complex and challenging aspects of bookkeeping and business practices (view Knowledge Expectations) |
|
No experience required |
Minimum 1 year of Canadian work experience |
Minimum 2 years of Canadian work experience |
Minimum 3 years of Canadian work experience |
| No letter of reference required |
1 letter of reference (login to access template) |
1 letter of reference if employed, 2 letters of reference if self-employed (login to access template) |
2 letters of reference (login to access template) |
| Accounting software certification recommended |
Accounting software certification |
Accounting software certification |
Accounting software certification |
| No test | Successful completion of Apprentice level test (min of 80%) – $100 test fee included for initial attempt |
Successful completion of Technician level test (min of 80%) – $100 test fee included for initial attempt |
Successful completion of CPB level exam (min of 80%) - $275 exam fee |
| CPD units not required | Maintain 5 CPD units per year (view CPD policy) | Maintain 10 CPD units per year (view CPD policy) | Maintain 20 CPD units per year (view CPD policy) |
| Member in good standing | Member in good standing | Member in good standing | Member in good standing |
| Get started! | Get started! | Get started! | Get started! |
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 info@cpbcan.ca for assistance.
Share Your Achievements With CPB Canada Digital Credentials
Pathway levels that require evidence of knowledge, work experience, software certification, and entry tests (Apprentice, Technician, CPB) reward members with a CPB Canada digital badge of achievement! 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.