Get Certified
Validate Your Expertise. Elevate Your Career.
Earn Your Certified Professional Bookkeeper (CPB) Designation
The Certified Professional Bookkeeper (CPB) designation is more than just a title—it is Canada’s nationally recognized standard for bookkeeping excellence. By earning your CPB, you signal to clients and employers that you possess verified advanced knowledge, a commitment to professional ethics, and the discipline to maintain the highest industry standards.
CPB Canada is your partner in this journey. As the national certifying body, we assess your experience and knowledge to ensure you meet the benchmark required to lead in our industry. Whether you are ready for the CPB designation today or are building toward it, we offer a clear, supported path to success.
Your Path, Your Starting Point
We recognize that every professional is at a different stage in their career. That is why we offer a flexible framework designed to validate your skills right where you are.
Professionals meeting the advanced requirements may apply directly for the CPB designation. If you are currently building your experience, our Technician and Apprentice levels provide official verification of your growing competencies, helping you demonstrate progress as you work toward the gold standard of the CPB designation.
Key Knowledge Categories
Across all levels, your expertise is assessed in six core areas:
- General Bookkeeping
- Sales Taxes
- Accounts Receivable and Accounts Payable
- Period End
- Inventory
- Payroll
This is the premier designation for experienced professionals ready to prove their competence with full-cycle bookkeeping.
Who is this for?
Professionals with at least three years of full-time bookkeeping or accounting experience (within the last five years) and advanced-level knowledge in the key categories.
Requirements
- Experience: Minimum three years of full-time experience (out-of-country experience accepted).
- References: Two letters of reference (using the CPB Canada template or your own).
- Assessment: Completion of the self-assessment Bookkeeping Competencies Checklist.
The CPB Exam
Once your application is approved, you will be invited to purchase and schedule your virtually proctored exam.
- Fee: $399
- Format: 100 advanced-level questions
- Passing Score: 80%
- Frequency: Offered once per month
Your Achievement
Upon passing, you will receive a CPB digital credential through Credivera. To maintain your status, you must renew your membership annually, earn 20 Continuing Professional Development (CPD) units per year, and adhere to the Code of Ethics.
Validate your skills as you grow. The Technician level confirms you have mastered the intermediate complexities of bookkeeping.
Who is this for?
Professionals with at least two years of full-time experience and intermediate-level knowledge.
Requirements
- Experience: Minimum two years of full-time experience (within the last five years).
- References: One letter if employed; two if self-employed (using the CPB Canada template or your own).
- Assessment: Completion of the self-assessment Bookkeeping Competencies Checklist.
The Technician Entry Test
- Fee: $150
- Format: 80 intermediate-level questions
- Passing Score: 80%
Your Achievement
You will receive official confirmation of your Intermediate-Level competencies. To maintain this verification, annual membership renewal is required. We recommend completing 10 CPD units annually to keep your skills sharp.
Start your journey with confidence. The Apprentice level is the first step in demonstrating your commitment to the profession.
Who is this for?
Professionals with at least one year of full-time experience and beginner-level knowledge.
Requirements
- Experience: Minimum one year of full-time experience (within the last five years).
- References: One letter of reference (using the CPB Canada template or your own).
- Assessment: Completion of the self-assessment Bookkeeping Competencies Checklist.
The Apprentice Entry Test
- Fee: $100
- Format: 60 beginner-level questions
- Passing Score: 80%
Your Achievement
You will receive official confirmation of your Beginner-Level competencies. To maintain this verification, annual membership renewal is required. We recommend completing 5 CPD units annually.
Resources to Support Your Success
We want you to succeed. CPB Canada offers practice exams to help you identify your strengths and pinpoint areas for further study before you take the official assessment.
Practice Exam Bundle
Get a comprehensive overview of all six knowledge categories at the Advanced Level. These exams reflect the difficulty of the final CPB Exam.
- Includes: Advanced-level assessments for all six categories.
- Price: $379
- Access: Six weeks of continuous access.
Individual Practice Exams
Focus on a specific area where you need more review. Each single exam covers one knowledge category.
- Includes: One advanced-level assessment aligned to a specific category.
- Price: $99 per exam
- Access: One week of continuous access.
Ready to Advance Your Career?
The CPB designation tells a story about your competence, discipline, and professional accountability. When you are ready to take that step, we are here to recognize your achievements.
