Applied Bookkeeping Certificate

All organizations need people who can keep systematic and current records of accounts and business transactions. If you like working with numbers, keeping things organized and have a good eye for detail, the Applied Bookkeeping Certificate Program at Douglas College is the program for you. Once you graduate, you'll be trained for work as a bookkeeper, data-entry clerk or accounting clerk in any number of businesses and organizations. This two-semester (8-month) program is offered on a full- and part-time basis.

Courses

In the Applied Bookkeeping Certificate Program you'll take courses in everything from Accounting Procedures and Computer Bookkeeping to Business Communications and Procedures and Payroll. You'll also receive training in Employability Skills. For detailed course information, see the College Calendar.

See sample timetables

Work experience (practicum)

The full-time Applied Bookkeeping Certificate Program has one practicum, giving you work experience before you even graduate. The practicum is three weeks in length, and many students are asked to stay on in regular positions once their practicum is completed.

Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition

Some courses in the Applied Bookkeeping program may be challenged for credit through the Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR) Service. If you have knowledge or skills that relate to this field, contact the PLAR office for more information.

Further education

Once you've successfully completed the Applied Bookkeeping Certificate Program, you can choose to transfer your credits into our Office Administration Diploma Program. This is a two-year Diploma program, but by completing your certificate you'll only need to complete one more year to get your diploma.

Our Diploma transfers to Kwantlen Polytechnic University Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) in Entrepreneurial Leadership.

Start dates

Full-time students start in September (Fall); part-time students can start in September (Fall) or January (Winter).

Applying

Before you apply, make sure you meet the Program Admission Requirements – check the College Calendar for details.

Application deadlines are as follows:

Full-time Applicants: April 1 for the September start date

Part-time Applicants: August 1 for the September start date or December 1 for the January start date
Note: Part-time students are eligible to take as many courses as full-time students (up to 15 credits per semester); however, there is no guarantee that they will be able to register in all the courses that they require. Therefore, early application is important.

Ready to apply?

• See Program Planning Tips (pdf)
• Apply online or in person through the Registrar's Office

For more information

See the College Calendar
Contact Neil Gillis (Chair) at 604-527-5435 or by email