ABA credential vs CPA — is it worth pursuing for small business accounting work?

I've been doing bookkeeping and accounting for small businesses for 6 years, mostly sole proprietorships and small LLCs. I've looked at the CPA path but the 150-credit requirement and the cost of the four-part exam is a real barrier. Someone in my network mentioned the ABA as a more accessible alternative for the work I actually do.

From what I've gathered, the ABA focuses on compilation, tax, payroll, and business accounting for smaller entities rather than audit and public accounting. That honestly describes most of my work perfectly. The exam seems to be a single comprehensive test rather than the four-part CPA structure, and the prerequisites are more realistic for someone without a formal accounting degree.

My concern is market recognition. When I'm pitching to a small restaurant owner or a contractor, do they know what ABA means? Probably not. But I'm wondering if the credential matters more for my own credibility once I explain it, or if it gets dismissed because it's not a CPA.

I'd especially like to hear from anyone who holds the ABA and works with small business clients — has it changed how clients engage with you, and did you find the exam prep manageable given real-world experience?