Frequently Asked Questions

Q. What is the business structure of the IPBC?

A. IPBC is a federally registered non profit association, meeting all Government legal requirements to provide services to our national membership.

Q. Why is it so important for bookkeepers to earn their CPB-Certified Professional Bookkeeper^TM designation?

A. The millions of business owners across Canada will come to depend on the services of CPB-Certified Professional Bookkeeper^TM and will demand that their bookkeeper has this designation. If you want to increase your earning power, this designation will have the most influence on your clients or employers purchasing decision.

Q. How will the public know to ask for bookkeepers with a CPB-Certified Professional Bookkeeper^TM designation?

A. IPBC will have ongoing marketing campaigns in newspapers and magazines across Canada, as well as exposure on hundreds of websites. If someone does not know about IPBC, it is because they are not looking for the services of a bookkeeper.

Q. How will having the CPB-Certified Professional Bookkeeper^TM designation help me personally?

A. Our recent 2009 Benchmark Study concluded that accredited bookkeepers were three times as likely to charge more than $80 per hour.

Q. What other benefits will I be eligible for as a member of the IPBC?

A. Recognition - the right to display the IPBC logo on your website and marketing materials.

Certification - eligibility to achieve the advantageous designation of a CPB-Certified Professional Bookkeeper^TM by completing the IPBC exam.

Certification Verification - prospective employers, clients and recruiters can verify your certified status by your listing on our Member Directory.

Support - access to IPBC quarterly newsletter as well as the IPBC Job Board search tool on our website.

IPBC Rewards Program - By referring new members, earn a free month of IPBC membership for each person you refer to join IPBC.

Member Discussion Forum - Access to valuable insight and experience from your bookkeeping peers across Canada.

Savings - Extensive discounts on services, supplies, tools and education to support and build your business, see all of them on the Member Benefits page.

Free Publicity - IPBC sends a press release to the local media when you become a CPB-Certified Professional Bookkeeper^TM, see Members in the News. A listing on our Member Directory offers exposure to millions of potential clients and exposure through IPBC's continuous advertising in national magazines, newspapers, periodicals, ezines, trade shows and complimentary websites.

Q. How will the Members Forum help me to succeed?

A. Our forum offers members access to the vast experience of bookkeepers across Canada. Posting a topic or question to our forum will result in a multitude of responses from your peers. The Members Forum also provides you with the opportunity to share your knowledge and experience with others. Regular visits to the forum will raise your profile and encourage others to share their knowledge. Get to know your peers from coast to coast, then meet them at the annual conference.

Q. Is IPBC membership tax deductible?

A. Yes.

Q. What am I required to do in order to keep my CPB designation?

A. CPB-Certified Professional Bookkeepers^TM are required to maintain their high standards through continuing professional education. They must acquire 15 Continuing Education credits (CEs) every year from the anniversary of the last certification exam passed. See Maintaining CPB Certification.