Woman with calculator and laptop performing bookkeeping tasks.

Bookkeeping Basics Certificate

If you're a new entrepreneur or a professional administrator seeking to enhance your bookkeeping knowledge, this certificate program is the perfect fit! You'll be introduced to basic bookkeeping principles and skills, making it a wise investment for future success.
Certificate
80 Hours
Part-Time Online Synchronous

About the Bookkeeping Basics Certificate

This program will enhance your knowledge of fundamental accounting concepts, processes and manual bookkeeping systems.

By completing this program, you can improve your basic bookkeeping skills and become more confident in managing your personal or professional finances.

Program Content

Course Descriptions

Technical ABCs - Computer Basics for Basic Bookkeeping | EMAN – 9114

Get a simple step by step refresher on how to use Microsoft Windows, Word and Excel. Quickly see how a clearer understanding of these software programs will make Bookkeeping as easy as A-B-C and 1-2-3.

Ground Zero Terms and Transactions for Bookkeeping | EMAN – 9115

A solid foundation is necessary to build upon, so the best place to start is at ground zero where you will learn the introductory accounting terminology and understand basic transactions.

Adding on for Bookkeeping | EMAN – 9116

This course teaches you more advanced bookkeeping skills such as record transaction, GST remittance, payroll and tax, bad debts, and year end procedures.

Trial and Error - Free software for Basic Bookkeeping | EMAN – 9117

Free software for Basic Bookkeeping: explores bookkeeping software programs to see which one feels right for you.  Create a mock company where you can implement and test your new accounting knowledge.  This is a great place to understand how all the foundational elements are applied in accounting systems used by business.

Admissions

The Bookkeeping Basics Certificate is available in its entirety, or learners can opt to take any course independently.

Intakes

Fall 2025

Technical ABC's September 8, 2025 - October 1, 2025

Ground Zero Terms and Transactions October 6, 2025 - November 3, 2025

Adding on for Bookkeeping November 10, 2025 - December 3, 2025. 

Trial and Error December 8, 2025 - January 12, 2026

Winter 2026 

Technical ABC's January 20, 2026 - February 12, 2026. 

Ground Zero Terms and Transactions February 17, 2026 - March 12, 2026. 

Adding on for Bookkeeping March 31, 2026 - April 23, 2026. 

Trial and Error April 28, 2026 - May 21, 2026 

Spring 2026

Technical ABC's April 7, 2026 - April 30, 2026. 

Ground Zero Terms and Transactions May 5, 2026 - May 28, 2026. 

Adding on for Bookkeeping June 2, 2026 - June 25, 2026. 

Trial and Error June 30, 2026 - July 23, 2026 

Technology Requirements

Equipment: Personal Computer (PC) or laptop with a reliable internet connection. Please note that the software used in this course works best in a PC environment and is not usually compatible with MAC or Apple products. 

Software: Require access to Microsoft Excel. This software is available on Red Deer Polytechnic computers utilized in the classroom, and online learners will be provided with free online access to the software while enrolled in the program. 

Program Cost

Course Costs
Total Program Cost
$1,995.00
Technical ABCs
$498.75
Ground Zero Terms & Transactions
$498.75
Adding on for Bookkeeping
$498.75
Trial & Error
$498.75

These courses can be taken on their own, or they can be taken as a collection to earn the Bookkeeping Basics Certificate.

Note: The above costs do not include GST

Funding for Continuing Education

Students enrolled in continuing education programs may qualify for program-dependent funding opportunities, such as awards, scholarships, government funding and grants.