QuickBooks is one of the bookkeeping software commonly used by individuals and small businesses. The developer of QuickBooks, Intuit, offers a program called ProAdvisor to certify that you are competent to use the software. There are also other official QuickBooks certifications from Intuit, such as the National Association of Certified Public Bookkeepers (NACPB). It should be noted that even though your certification indicates to clients that you are familiar and competent in using QuickBooks, it does not mean that it is equivalent to a formal accounting education or that you are accredited as a bookkeeper or accountant. Read carefully in this article what advantages being QuickBooks certified has to offer.
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Part 1 of 2: Preparing for the Certification Exam
Step 1. Determine if you really need certification
There are people who benefit from the QuickBooks certification, but there are also those who don't. While you can't claim to be "certified" in QuickBooks without a certification process, it's not mandatory to master the use of this software. Or conversely, having a QuickBooks certification doesn't mean you'll find it easier to get clients or work for companies that use accounting software other than QuickBooks.
- The certification process is especially useful if you are going to use QuickBooks at a large company. Therefore, it is not recommended that you use this software on your personal finances or small business. You do need to know how to use certain accounting software, but you don't need personal certification for it.
- QuickBooks is one of the many accounting software out there. QuickBooks handles most of the math calculations. Therefore, QuickBooks certification is not the same as being accredited in accounting education. This certification does not make you a certified bookkeeper or accountant.
Step 2. Gain experience working with QuickBooks
Intuit recommends that you have at least two years of QuickBooks experience with payroll and invoicing related tasks, budgeting and expense reporting. No formal requirements are required for this certification process. This means that you can immediately take the certification exam if you think you have mastered it.
Bookkeepers, business owners, or anyone proficient with this software do not need to get a QuickBooks certificate. QuickBooks certification means you can use the official QuickBooks certification and logo on your CV and business documents, making it more attractive to companies or clients who require QuickBooks experience
Step 3. Find out what to test
Your various skills related to using QuickBooks will be tested, including:
- Processing lists
- Processing various bank accounts
- Using another QuickBooks account
- Setting up the software
- Enter and pay bills
- Entering data for sales and invoices
- Analyze financial data in QuickBooks
- Accept payments and make deposits from the software
Step 4. Find out which type of certification suits your needs
Intuit offers various versions of QuickBooks to suit the needs of an individual or company. Similarly, Intuit offers different levels of certification and tests different levels of functionality of this software. Certification will help you a lot in getting clients, but still you should look at the appropriate level of certification. You can apply for certifications such as:
- ProAdvisor without Certification: This level provides QuickBooks training material without actual certification. You learn basic QuickBooks skills just like any other software training other than Intuit.
- ProAdvisor with Certification in QuickBooks Pro/Premier: You must take a simple certification exam that focuses on various aspects of using QuickBooks Pro and Premier.
- ProAdvisor with Certification in Intuit QuickBooks Enterprise Solutions: This certification exam is slightly more complex and focuses on the Intuit QuickBooks Enterprise Solutions product.
- ProAdvisor with Certification in QuickBooks Point of Sale: This is a fairly complex certification exam and focuses on QuickBooks Point of Sale products.
- Advanced Certified ProAdvisor: This certification exam is very complex. There will be tests on the advanced functionality of the product, troubleshooting errors, how to integrate third-party applications, detailed work costs, and some other advanced areas.
Step 5. Make sure a training course is right for you
If you're unsure about which QuickBooks skill level to pass on the certification exam, take a QuickBooks training class. There are different types of classes offered both offline and online so you can adjust your time accordingly. Some of the available options include:
- Official online/offline training through Intuit Academy. Taking classes through Intuit does not necessarily make you more qualified to take the certification exam.
- Official accounting organization. NACPB offers training courses as well as certification exams for $499.
- Accredited bookkeeping class. You can take QuickBooks foundation classes through various colleges or other accredited educational institutions. This method is suitable if you want to learn QuickBooks regardless of the certification process because you can hone your skills according to your need for the software.
Step 6. Purchase a study guide for the exam
Study guides are also an option in preparing for certification. You can look at the book during the certification exam so that this study guide can be used as a reference during the certification exam.
- Visit the online study guide here:
- There are online tutorials on the official QuickBooks website without you having to pay. The tutorials here can walk you through a specific process or section within QuickBooks.
Part 2 of 2: Taking the Certification Exam
Step 1. Complete a number of practice exams
Several free practice exams are available online through Intuit or other training programs. While you don't have to take a real certification, test your readiness by taking at least two types of practice exams. Set the time for two hours (this is the actual official exam time). You can view the book during the official exam, so you are free to use this study guide during the practical exam.
Step 2. Register to take the exam
The QuickBooks exam is supervised by the National Association of Certified Public Bookkeepers (NACPB). You can take the exam via the internet through the Accountant Training and Testing Center (ATTC).
- When you are ready to take the exam, visit the ATTC's Schedule a Test webpage and schedule your own test date and time. ATTC will then send an email containing information regarding the scheduled date and time of the exam.
- While this exam is offered through a legal bookkeeping association, it only demonstrates your proficiency with QuickBooks, and in no way means that you are a bookkeeper or accountant.
- Also note that this exam costs $150 if you are not a NACPB member, while NACPB members only pay $100.
- You can pay the retest fee if you fail the exam, the fee is $75 for non-NACPB members, and $50 for NACPB members.
Step 3. Take the exam
The exam consists of 50 multiple choice questions and a simulation. To pass the exam, you must score at least 75%, or correct 37 out of 50 questions. However, this exam is open book and you are given two hours to complete the exam. Upon graduation, you will receive a certificate and an official certification logo that you can use to promote yourself to potential clients and companies that use QuickBooks.
- If you fail the exam, you will be offered a discounted retest fee if you choose to retake the exam through the NACPB. The discount value is $50 for members and $75 for non-members.
- Keep your certification up to date by going through the certification process several times. The software is constantly changing, and your certification only states one version of QuickBooks. Consider recertifying every few years to keep your QuickBooks certification up-to-date.
