How to Get QuickBooks Certified?

In the competitive world of bookkeeping and accounting, demonstrating your skills and expertise is crucial for attracting clients and building a successful career. QuickBooks certification is a powerful way to validate your proficiency in using Intuit’s popular accounting software. This designation signals to potential clients and employers that you possess a recognized level of QuickBooks knowledge. Becoming QuickBooks certified can enhance your credibility, boost client confidence, and open doors to career growth. Plus, you may gain access to exclusive benefits within the Intuit ProAdvisor program.

QuickBooks Certification

The world of QuickBooks certifications offers a range of options to cater to your specific skills and career goals. Intuit recognizes the diverse needs of accounting professionals and provides certifications targeted at different functionalities within its software suite. This allows you to tailor your certification to the specific QuickBooks products you use most frequently and the services you provide to clients.

Types of Certifications

• QuickBooks Online Certification: This certification validates your expertise in using QuickBooks Online, the cloud-based accounting solution. Ideal for bookkeepers and accountants who work remotely or collaborate with clients using online tools.
• QuickBooks Desktop Certification: This certification focuses on your proficiency in the traditional installed version of QuickBooks. Suitable for those who primarily work with client data stored locally on their computers.
• QuickBooks Online Advanced Certification: This advanced certification goes beyond the basics and delves into the more intricate features and complex workflows offered by QuickBooks Online. Geared towards experienced users who want to demonstrate their mastery of advanced functionalities like job costing, advanced inventory management, and complex reporting.
• QuickBooks Enterprise Certification: This specialized certification is designed for professionals who manage the financial operations of larger businesses. It focuses on the advanced features within QuickBooks Enterprise, including robust inventory control, multi-entity management, and advanced reporting capabilities tailored for larger enterprises.
• QuickBooks Payroll Certification: This certification equips you with the skills to handle payroll-related tasks efficiently within the QuickBooks ecosystem. It covers aspects like calculating payroll taxes, generating paychecks, and managing employee benefits – all seamlessly integrated with your core accounting data.

Levels of Expertise

Intuit offers two primary levels of certification to cater to your experience and skillset:

• Core Product Certifications: These certifications assess your understanding and proficiency in the essential functionalities of each specific QuickBooks product. They are ideal for individuals who are comfortable using the core features and want to demonstrate their competency.
• Advanced Certification: This advanced certification is designed for seasoned QuickBooks users who possess a deep understanding of the software’s capabilities. It delves into more complex topics like automation, integrations, troubleshooting, and advanced reporting tools. Earning this certification signifies your mastery of QuickBooks and positions you as an expert in the field.

By carefully considering the type of certification that aligns with your experience and the QuickBooks products you use most, you can effectively showcase your expertise and enhance your value proposition to clients and employers.

Prerequisites and Preparation

While there are no strict prerequisites to take the QuickBooks certification exam, a strong foundation in QuickBooks usage is crucial to ensure your success. Here’s how to effectively prepare for your chosen certification:

1. Experience

Intuit recommends a minimum of two years of hands-on experience using QuickBooks. This practical experience allows you to develop comfort and familiarity with essential tasks like:

• Setting up a company file and configuring charts of accounts
• Managing various types of transactions including sales, expenses, and payroll
• Reconciling bank statements and ensuring data accuracy
• Generating financial reports such as income statements, balance sheets, and cash flow statements

Engaging in real-world QuickBooks scenarios allows you to solidify your understanding and build muscle memory for navigating the software efficiently.

2. Building Your Skills

The good news is that even without formal accounting education, there are several avenues for acquiring the necessary QuickBooks skills:

Previous Job Experience	Self-Directed Learning	Volunteer Work
If you’ve used QuickBooks in a previous accounting or bookkeeping role, you may already possess a strong foundation.	Intuit offers a wealth of free tutorials, online resources, and knowledge base articles that can guide you through the software’s functionalities.	Consider volunteering your bookkeeping skills to a non-profit organization. This allows you to gain practical experience in a real-world setting.

3. Formalized Training Options

While not mandatory, enrolling in a structured training program can significantly enhance your preparation:

• Intuit Academy: Intuit’s official training platform offers comprehensive online courses specifically designed for QuickBooks certification. These courses are typically self-paced and provide in-depth instruction on the functionalities tested in the exam.
• Third-Party Training Providers: Numerous colleges, accounting organizations, and private training companies offer QuickBooks certification courses, often both online and in-person. These programs can provide a structured learning environment, instructor support, and additional learning materials.

4. Sharpening Your Skills

• Study Guides and Practice Exams: Utilize official study guides published by Intuit or reputable third-party vendors. These resources provide comprehensive reviews of key concepts, sample questions, and valuable insights into the exam format.
• Practice Exams: Take advantage of practice exams offered by Intuit or found online. These practice exams simulate the actual exam format, allowing you to test your knowledge, identify areas needing improvement, and build confidence in your test-taking skills.

By combining hands-on experience, dedicated study time, and effective training resources, you can effectively prepare for your chosen QuickBooks certification exam and confidently demonstrate your proficiency in this valuable accounting software.

Taking the Certification Exam

The QuickBooks certification exam is administered by the National Association of Certified Public Bookkeepers (NACPB). Here’s what you need to know:

• Administering Body: The NACPB is a respected organization within the accounting profession, responsible for overseeing the certification process and ensuring the integrity of the designation.
• Exam Format
  • Online: The exam is taken online through a secure testing platform.
  • Questions and simulations: The exam consists of 50 multiple-choice questions and simulations that test your practical understanding of QuickBooks concepts and functionalities.
  • Open book: You are permitted to reference study guides, QuickBooks help files, and other resources during the exam.
  • Duration: You will have two hours to complete the exam.
• Passing Score: To pass the exam and obtain your certification, you need to achieve a score of 75% or higher. This means correctly answering at least 37 out of the 50 questions.
• Re-examination: If you don’t pass on your first attempt, you have the option to retake the exam at a discounted fee. This allows you to refocus your studies and try again.

Benefits of QuickBooks Certification

Becoming QuickBooks certified unlocks a range of valuable benefits, enhancing your professional development and creating new opportunities:

1. Intuit ProAdvisor Program

Certified individuals may be eligible to join Intuit’s ProAdvisor Program. Key benefits include:

• Find-a-ProAdvisor Listing: Your profile may be listed in Intuit’s online directory, making it easier for potential clients to discover your certified expertise.
• Free Products and Discounts: You may gain access to free QuickBooks software products and discounts on other Intuit tools and services.
• Priority Support: As a ProAdvisor, you can receive priority technical support and resources from Intuit.

2. Marketing Edge

• Official Certification Badges: Intuit provides official badges and logos that you can prominently display on your website, business cards, and marketing materials. This instantly signals your proficiency and builds credibility.
• Enhanced Credibility: The certification demonstrates that you have invested in your QuickBooks skills and are committed to providing quality accounting services. This can boost client confidence and help you attract new business.
• Competitive Advantage: In a crowded market, showcasing your certified expertise can set you apart from other bookkeepers or accountants who may not have a formal designation.

Maintaining Your Certification

QuickBooks software is constantly evolving with new features and updates. To maintain the value of your certification, it’s essential to stay up-to-date on the latest changes and advancements.

• Recertification: Intuit typically requires you to renew your certification annually. This process ensures your knowledge remains current and reflects proficiency in the latest version of the software. Recertification usually involves:
  • A short review course covering the updates and new features.
  • Passing a recertification exam.
• Benefits of Recertification: Maintaining your certification demonstrates your continued commitment to professional development and ensures you provide clients with the most up-to-date QuickBooks expertise.

Conclusion

Becoming QuickBooks certified is a worthwhile investment for bookkeepers, accountants, and business owners who rely on the software. It validates your proficiency, boosts your credibility, and opens doors to new opportunities. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can embark on the path to certification and reap the numerous benefits it offers.

If you’re ready to enhance your accounting skills and advance your career, exploring QuickBooks certification and its associated advantages is an excellent starting point.