Getting QuickBooks certified can seem daunting, but most would agree that having credentials in one of the top accounting software platforms is valuable for accountants and bookkeepers.
This comprehensive guide breaks down exactly what's involved in becoming a certified QuickBooks User or ProAdvisor, key decisions around certification level and exam prep, real experiences from professionals who have been through the process, and actionable tips to help you earn certification efficiently.
You'll understand the costs, time investment, available training resources, details around maintaining credentials annually, and how to leverage certification to further your career or business after passing the exams.
Introduction to QuickBooks Certification
Getting QuickBooks certified can provide numerous benefits for accounting professionals looking to advance their careers. This guide will outline what QuickBooks certification entails, evaluate if it's worth it, and provide an overview of the steps to earning your certification.
Understanding QuickBooks Certification
QuickBooks certification demonstrates an accounting professional's proficiency with QuickBooks software. It requires passing one or more exams testing skills like setting up company files, managing transactions, generating reports, and integrating QuickBooks with other applications.
Obtaining certification lends credibility and signals to employers that a professional understands QuickBooks at an expert level. This can qualify certified pros for more senior positions requiring QuickBooks expertise.
Is QuickBooks Certification Worth It?
Pursuing QuickBooks certification can certainly be worthwhile for aspiring accounting professionals. Some key advantages include:
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Increased credibility - Certification validates skills and shows commitment to mastering QuickBooks. This can lead to improved professional prospects.
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Career advancement - Many senior accounting roles require working knowledge of QuickBooks. Certification can position pros for promotions into these roles.
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Potential salary increase - Given the expertise validation certification provides, some studies suggest certified professionals can earn 10-15% higher salaries.
How do you get a certification for QuickBooks?
TO OBTAIN QUICKBOOKS ONLINE CERTIFICATION, COMPLETE THE FOLLOWING STEPS:
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Take the QuickBooks Online Fundamentals pre-assessment test. This allows you to gauge your existing knowledge before starting the course.
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Complete the QuickBooks Online Fundamentals course. This self-paced course covers the basics of QuickBooks Online, including setup, transactions, reports, and more.
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Take the QuickBooks Online Fundamentals post-assessment test. This test evaluates your understanding of key concepts after finishing the course.
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Take the QuickBooks Online Certification exam. This is the final exam you must pass to earn your official certification.
The QuickBooks Online Certification program is offered directly through Intuit. It involves online self-study courses and exams to verify your skills using QuickBooks Online.
Earning this credential can help validate your expertise to employers or clients. However, it does require an investment of time and money. The full program costs $299.95.
An alternative credential specifically for bookkeepers is the QuickBooks Desktop certification. This focuses more on advanced bookkeeping tasks rather than just software usage.
Overall, QuickBooks certifications can be worthwhile for aspiring accountants, bookkeepers, and small business owners looking to demonstrate their skills. Just be sure to research all options to choose the best fit for your goals.
How much does QuickBooks certification cost?
The cost of getting QuickBooks certified depends on the specific certification you pursue. Here is an overview of some popular certification options and their associated fees:
- QuickBooks Online QuickStart: 1-day course costing $395
- QuickBooks Online Advanced: 1-day course costing $395
- QuickBooks Desktop (Self-study): No course fee, just exam fees
- QuickBooks Desktop On-Demand: Comprehensive (Introduction & Beyond the Basics): 4-day on demand video course costing $595
The exam and certification fees are additional for the QuickBooks Desktop options. These typically range from $99 - $299 depending on the exams you need to take.
So in summary, getting QuickBooks certified can cost anywhere from $100 upwards to $900+ depending on the type of certification, prep materials, and exams required. The more advanced certifications that enable billable services tend to cost more.
Choosing the right certification depends on your knowledge level and specific career goals. The basic certifications can improve job prospects, while the advanced ones allow providing bookkeeping services. Assess your needs to pick the best fit at the right investment level.
How long does it take to become a QuickBooks Online ProAdvisor?
Becoming a certified QuickBooks ProAdvisor typically takes 2-3 weeks of dedicated studying. The full training program consists of 12-16 hours of course material that covers topics like setting up QuickBooks, managing business finances, generating financial reports, and more.
If you can commit 1-2 hours per day to studying, you can reasonably expect to complete the training and be ready to take the certification exam within 2-3 weeks. The exam itself contains 80 multiple choice questions, and you need a minimum score of 80% to pass and earn your QuickBooks ProAdvisor credentials.
So in summary:
- 12-16 hours of total QuickBooks training
- Study 1-2 hours daily over 2-3 weeks
- Pass 80-question exam with minimum 80% score
- 2-3 weeks total time to earn QuickBooks ProAdvisor certification
With focused, daily studying, becoming a certified ProAdvisor is an attainable goal in less than a month. The key is working through the training materials consistently without big gaps between study sessions. This allows you to master the material and retain what you learned for the exam.
Does QuickBooks offer free training?
QuickBooks offers free training and certification through QuickBooks Online Accountant (QBOA). This allows accounting professionals to take self-paced courses on various QuickBooks products and earn certifications at no cost.
Some key things to know about QuickBooks' free training:
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Available for QuickBooks Online products only, including QuickBooks Online, QuickBooks Online Payroll, and QuickBooks Online Advanced. Training not available for QuickBooks Desktop products.
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Courses focus on product features, configuration settings, workflows, and best practices when using QuickBooks Online with clients.
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After completing each course, you can take a certification exam to demonstrate your proficiency. receiving an official certificate from Intuit.
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Certifications available range from QuickBooks Fundamentals to Advanced Certifications for more specialized product knowledge.
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Completing certifications allows you to display Intuit-approved credentials on your website, resume, proposals, etc. This can be useful for attracting new clients.
So in summary, QuickBooks provides accounting professionals a way to learn QuickBooks Online at no cost through QBOA courses. This can expand your knowledge and earn certifications to better serve clients using QuickBooks Online products. The training aims to make accountants more proficient with QuickBooks workflows and configurations.
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Exploring QuickBooks Certification Paths
QuickBooks offers two main certification paths: Certified User and ProAdvisor. The right choice depends on your career goals and needs. This section compares the two options to help determine the best fit.
QuickBooks Certified User vs ProAdvisor: Which Path to Choose?
The QuickBooks Certified User exam focuses on core QuickBooks software proficiency. It covers skills like setting up company files, recording transactions, managing lists, generating reports, and more.
Earning Certified User status validates understanding of QuickBooks basics. It's ideal for people new to QuickBooks or those looking to confirm their skills for career advancement.
The ProAdvisor program has two tiers: QuickBooks Online and QuickBooks Desktop. ProAdvisor certification involves passing multiple exams to demonstrate deeper software expertise and application knowledge.
The ProAdvisor path is designed for accounting professionals and advanced QuickBooks users. It's preferred for those providing QuickBooks consulting, training, support, or implementation services for clients.
QuickBooks Desktop vs Online Certifications
QuickBooks Desktop and QuickBooks Online have separate ProAdvisor exam tracks.
The Desktop track covers skills specific to the desktop version like managing inventory, tracking fixed assets, processing payroll, and more.
The Online track focuses on cloud-based features like supporting multiple users, automating workflows, integrating with other web apps, and so on.
Most accounting professionals get certified in both versions to establish expertise across QuickBooks products. Choose the track that best fits your client/business needs.
Earning ProAdvisor status in both Desktop and Online shows deep, versatile skill with QuickBooks ecosystem.
Preparation for QuickBooks Certification
Studying for and passing the QuickBooks certification exams requires dedication and hard work. Having a solid preparation strategy is key to succeeding. Here are some best practices for getting QuickBooks certified.
Studying for QuickBooks Certification: Resources and Strategies
When preparing for QuickBooks certification, it's important to use reputable study materials that cover all exam objectives. The QuickBooks training and support site provides comprehensive prep guides and resources to help you learn. You can also reference textbooks like "Mastering QuickBooks" by Leslie Capachietti to reinforce your knowledge.
As you study, focus on understanding QuickBooks features, tools, workflows, and configurations rather than just memorizing. Relate concepts back to real accounting scenarios to aid retention. Take notes, highlight key areas, and quiz yourself often to measure progress. Studying little each day over several weeks leads to better outcomes than cramming everything at the end.
Form study groups with colleagues or join online communities to discuss challenging concepts. Hands-on practice is also critical - use a QuickBooks test drive file or set up your own company file to apply skills as you learn.
Using QuickBooks Certification Practice Tests
Practice exams are one of the best ways to prepare for the real QuickBooks certification tests. They help identify knowledge gaps so you can refine areas that need more attention.
Both Intuit and third parties offer affordable practice tests that closely mirror actual exams in format, length, difficulty, and topics covered. Thoroughly review explanations for any missed questions before retaking different versions. Continue taking tests until consistently scoring around 85% or better.
Time yourself while testing to build exam endurance. This, along with ample practice, helps reduce test anxiety later on.
Estimating Preparation Time: How Long Does It Take to Get QuickBooks Certified?
The time needed to get QuickBooks certified varies per person. On average though, plan on dedicating around 100 hours over 6-8 weeks if new to QuickBooks, and around 50 hours over 4 weeks for intermediate users. This accounts for self-paced study, reading materials and prep guides, hands-on practice, and taking multiple practice exams.
It also depends on how many certifications you pursue - for example, becoming both a Certified User and Certified ProAdvisor requires more preparation than just one credential alone. Those with accounting backgrounds tend to prepare quicker as well.
Be patient with yourself throughout the process. Consistent effort is more valuable than rushing. With the right dedication and practice, you’ll be ready to pass your exam when the time comes.
The QuickBooks Certification Process
Becoming QuickBooks certified demonstrates your skills and knowledge in using the software. It can boost your credibility and open up career opportunities. Here is an overview of the certification process:
How to Get QuickBooks ProAdvisor Certification
To become a certified ProAdvisor:
- Register online for the QuickBooks Online Certification exam through Intuit's website.
- Schedule a time to take the online multiple-choice exam. It covers topics like navigating QuickBooks Online, managing contacts and customers, processing payments, tracking expenses, and generating reports.
- Pass the exam with a score of at least 80% to earn your QuickBooks Online Certification.
You can also take additional exams to get certified in QuickBooks Desktop or Advanced QuickBooks Online.
Registering and Preparing for the Certification Exam
Follow these steps when getting ready to take the certification exam:
- Use your Intuit account to register and pay the exam fee online. The QuickBooks Online exam is $99.95.
- Choose an exam date and register at least 24 hours in advance. You can take the test at any time.
- Review Intuit's exam preparation manual and practice test to get familiar with the format and content you will encounter.
On exam day, make sure you have a stable internet connection, proper ID, and a quiet space to focus.
Understanding QuickBooks ProAdvisor Certification Cost
The cost to become a certified ProAdvisor is:
- $99.95 for the QuickBooks Online exam
- $219.95 for the QuickBooks Desktop exam
Pricing may vary if you enroll in an exam preparation course. Renewal fees apply every 2 years to maintain active certification status.
Overall, the investment is reasonable given the skills and recognition you gain by becoming certified. It can expand your career prospects as more businesses adopt QuickBooks software.
After Certification: Maintaining and Leveraging Your QuickBooks Credentials
Maintaining your QuickBooks certification is important for keeping your credentials active and ensuring you stay up-to-date on the latest features and capabilities. Here are some tips on renewing your certification annually and using it to advance your career:
Renewing Your QuickBooks Certification Annually
To keep your QuickBooks certification valid, you need to renew it every year. The renewal process involves:
- Paying an annual renewal fee, which covers the cost of recertification
- Completing a continuing education course with at least 16 hours of study
- Passing an exam that tests your knowledge of new QuickBooks features and recent changes
QuickBooks offers continuing education courses in various formats, including self-paced online courses and live webinars. The courses review key aspects of QuickBooks and update learners on new developments over the past year.
Scheduling your renewal in advance ensures you don't accidentally let your certification lapse. An expired certification can hurt your credibility as a credentialed QuickBooks expert.
Advancing Your Career with QuickBooks Certification
QuickBooks certification enables you to:
- Promote your QuickBooks skills and expertise more effectively in the job market
- Pursue senior and leadership roles in accounting and finance
- Command higher pay compared to uncertified professionals
- Build authority as a subject matter expert in using QuickBooks software
In particular, becoming a QuickBooks Certified ProAdvisor signals a high level of competency. ProAdvisor status provides the opportunity to get listed in Intuit's online directory of QuickBooks advisors, enabling certified individuals to market their services to potential clients.
Overall, keeping your QuickBooks certification current helps showcase your commitment to professional development in bookkeeping. Renewing annually and maintaining an active certification is key to advancing your career over the long run.
Conclusion: Summarizing the Path to QuickBooks Certification
Pursuing QuickBooks certification can provide significant career advantages for accounting and bookkeeping professionals. By passing one of Intuit's certification exams and becoming a Certified User or QuickBooks ProAdvisor, you demonstrate your skills and knowledge which can improve job prospects and advancement opportunities.
The path to certification requires dedicating time to study QuickBooks software and best practices. Free and low-cost training options are available through Intuit, and paid exam prep courses may also be worthwhile investments to ensure you fully comprehend the material. Sitting for the exam itself takes just a few hours and costs under $200 in most cases.
With some diligent preparation using the techniques outlined above, QuickBooks certification is very achievable even if you have limited prior experience. The rewards in terms of employability, earnings potential, and career growth make obtaining certification well worth the effort for any bookkeeping or accounting professional.
