Frequently Asked Questions

All students applying for admission to the Bookkeeping Career Institute (BCI) must be at least 18 years old at the time of enrollment. There are no other requirements for admission to the school, however, there are prerequisites that must be met before you can enroll in certain courses. Contact your admissions representative if you have any questions.

1. Complete the BCI Application Form.
2. Attach a copy of valid ID. Acceptable forms of ID are listed on the application form.
3. Send completed application, copies of documentation and application fee to the following address:

Bookkeeping Career Institute –

Admissions 7150 SW Hampton St., Suite 201

Tigard, OR 97223

Fax: 503.659.2186

Or scan & email to: sarah@bookkeepingcareerinstitute.com

Students have the option of enrolling in a single course or signing-up for an entire program.

Each course varies. Our core classes meet once a week for 14 weeks while our advanced certification meet once a week for 28 weeks. Currently, classes are held in the evenings starting at 5:30pm and end at 8:30pm (with breaks).

• Bookkeeping, accounting, and auditing clerk employment is projected to grow 11 percent nationally from 2012-22.
• The projected statewide employment growth for bookkeepers in Oregon from 2010 to 2020 is 18.9%.
• In Multnomah and Washington Counties, the projected growth is 21.2%.
• The projected growth in Clackamas County is 21.8% by 2020.

Sources: Occupational Outlook Handbook 2014, Bureau of Labor Statistics; Occupational Report for Bookkeeping, Accounting, and Auditing Clerks (43-3031), Oregon Employment Department, Workforce Oregon

“Certified Bookkeeper” is a registered certification mark and “CB” is a certification mark of The American Institute of Professional Bookkeepers, Inc. (AIPB). The Certified Bookkeeper designation assures an employer or client that the bookkeeper they hire is qualified and possess the skills and knowledge needed to manage their company books and accurately perform all essential tasks, and can install the internal controls needed to protect company assets.

Certification requires passing the AIPB Certification Exam, proving 2 years’ experience in bookkeeping, signing a code of ethics and once certified, meeting ongoing continuing education requirements. To become a Certified Bookkeeper through the AIPB, you must meet three requirements:

1. Pass the four-part national certification exam.

2. Sign the AIPB Code of Ethics.

3. Submit evidence of at least 2 years’ full-time bookkeeping experience or 3,000 hours’ part-time or freelance experience before or after you take the national exam. You have three years from the date that you pass the last exam taken to fulfill this requirement.

• 7% of certified bookkeepers say that certification enhanced their standing with their employer.
• 45% of certified bookkeepers have either gotten a new job or been promoted or been given higher-level responsibilities since being certified.
• 66% of certified bookkeepers who have interviewed for a new job since becoming certified say that certification was important in obtaining the interview.
• 46% of certified bookkeepers have gotten a raise in salary since becoming certified.
• 8% of certified bookkeepers say that being certified has enhanced their self-image.
• 7% of certified bookkeepers say they gained new knowledge preparing for certification.
• 7% of certified bookkeepers say that preparing for certification filled in gaps in their knowledge.
• 96% of freelance certified bookkeepers say that being certified helped gain new clients.

Source: 2010 survey of certified bookkeepers, by Lewis & Clark, Raleigh, NC.

• With the Certified Bookkeeper designation, bookkeeper salaries increase by 5 percent to 10 percent.
• In 2012, earnings for certified bookkeepers ranged anywhere from $35,700 to $50,050 a year.
• Certified bookkeepers who work with financial statements can expect to earn $45,675 to $65,175.
• A certified bookkeeper at a public firm can expect to earn $40,425 to $62,975 a year.

Source: Survey by Robert Half Finance & Accounting

Students who wish to take the AIPB Full Charge Bookkeeper program will meet with an academic advisor who will create a personalized education plan that will ensure the best path to learning the skills necessary to be prepared to successfully take the certification.

Yes. BCI offers a full range of QuickBooks specialized certifications. Currently we off the AIPB, American Payroll Association, and QuickBooks Certified Users Certificates.