A QuickBooks Certified User is a bookkeeper certified in using QuickBooks for a single company, while a QuickBooks ProAdvisor is any person certified in being able to help multiple clients use QuickBooks, including choosing the correct plan.
QuickBooks Certified User vs ProAdvisor: How to Choose
This article is part of a larger series on Accounting Software.
Depending on whether you are a business owner or employee looking to enhance your skills or an independent bookkeeper seeking a way to increase your credibility and client base, one may be the better option. Both certifications offer you the opportunity to enhance your knowledge of QuickBooks.
- QuickBooks Certified User Online: Best for internal bookkeepers wanting to demonstrate their proficiency in using QuickBooks for their own business or as part of their job responsibilities; focuses on essential skills
- QuickBooks ProAdvisor: Best for accounting professionals and bookkeepers who provide QuickBooks services to their clients; delves deeper into using advanced functionalities, finding and fixing errors, and providing comprehensive QuickBooks support
QuickBooks Certified User vs ProAdvisor: Quick Comparison
QuickBooks Certified User | QuickBooks ProAdvisor | |
|---|---|---|
Training |
| Free self-paced modules |
Exam Fee | $130 or free with training options above | Free |
Free Access to QuickBooks Online Accountant | ✕ | ✓ |
Instructor-led Training Available | ✓ | ✕ |
Eligible for CPE Credits | ✕ | ✓ |
Certification Validity | 3 years | 1 year |
Skills Assessed |
|
|
Whether you choose to become a QuickBooks Certified User or ProAdvisor, it is a good idea to specialize in QuickBooks Online, our best small business accounting software.
Use Cases and Pros & Cons
- Internal bookkeepers: The QuickBooks Certified User designation is primarily intended to provide bookkeepers with the skills needed to accurately and easily use QuickBooks Online to keep a set of company books.
- Freelance bookkeepers: If you offer freelance full-service bookkeeping services, showcasing the certification adds credibility and assures clients of your fundamental QuickBooks expertise.
- Job seekers and employees: This certification adds weight to resumes, proving to potential employers a baseline competence in QuickBooks Online. For those employed, the certification could open doors to promotions or new responsibilities within their current organization.
- Small business owners looking to increase their knowledge of QuickBooks: If you own a small business, you can leverage the certification to manage your own company’s books confidently, from tracking income and expenses to generating invoices and basic reports. The certification also fosters a shared language with external accountants, resulting in smoother collaboration.
To learn more about this certification, check out our guide on how to become a QuickBooks Certified User.
Pros
- Can strengthen your resume and enhance your job prospects
- Demonstrates a foundational understanding of QuickBooks Online
- Is relatively easy to attain
- Can boost your confidence in using QuickBooks and improve your efficiency
Cons
- Doesn’t cover advanced features, troubleshooting, or in-depth financial analysis
- Doesn’t provide as much credibility as a QuickBooks ProAdvisor certification
- Has expensive course enrollment fees
- Accounting and bookkeeping professionals: Independent bookkeepers and accountants who offer QuickBooks services to clients need to demonstrate their expertise and credibility. This certification helps attract new clients and justifies their fees.
- Small firm employees: Employees in small accounting and bookkeeping firms can enhance their skill set and contribute to the firm’s service offerings by becoming certified. This can lead to professional growth and increased responsibility within the firm.
- Large firm specialists: Even in larger accounting firms, obtaining the ProAdvisor certification can distinguish an individual as a QuickBooks expert, allowing them to specialize in providing QuickBooks-related services to clients.
- Business owners who want to provide internal training: Business owners can get certified to train their staff on using QuickBooks, ensuring everyone is on the same page and maximizing the software’s potential for their business.
Our article on how to become a QuickBooks ProAdvisor will guide you through earning this certification.
Pros
- Establishes you as a recognized QuickBooks expert, enhancing your credibility
- Has no fees for training and exam
- Offers access to a free copy of QuickBooks Online Accountant
- Makes you eligible for listing in the Find-a-ProAdvisor directory
- Provides access to exclusive resources, including training materials, marketing tools, and discounts
- Has ongoing education requirements, ensuring you stay up-to-date with the latest features and best practices
Cons
- Requires time and dedication to achieve certification
- Has an exam that can be challenging and requires a solid understanding of QuickBooks
- Requires annual recertification to maintain ProAdvisor status
While the QuickBooks certifications hold significant value, there are several alternatives worth considering if you’re looking to increase your QuickBooks knowledge. Our guide to the best QuickBooks training courses provides an in-depth guide to their cost, features, and benefits.
Another option is to become an Intuit Bookkeeping Professional, which is similar to the QuickBooks Certified User certification. You enroll in either the live two-day class or more complete training. The exam is a little different—the same amount of time, but more in-depth in terms of the types and amount of questions.
You could also become a certified bookkeeper through one of the two top professional bookkeeper organizations—the American Institute of Professional Bookkeepers (AIPB) or the National Association of Certified Public Bookkeepers (NACPB). Read our guide on how to become a certified bookkeeper.
QuickBooks Certified User vs ProAdvisor: Pricing
QuickBooks Certified User | QuickBooks ProAdvisor | |
|---|---|---|
Course Pricing |
| Free |
Exam Fee | $130 or free with training options above | Free |
Cost of Training Materials | Included | Included |
Recertification Fee | N/A | None |
If you compare the fact that becoming a QuickBooks ProAdvisor is free and the cost for QuickBooks Certified User certification runs at least $779.95 if you want training, it seems an easy choice. However, the QuickBooks ProAdvisor training is much more extensive and more suited to accounting professionals and bookkeepers looking to build their practice. If you’re willing to invest the money, the QuickBooks Certified User certification can yield many benefits.
QuickBooks Certified User vs ProAdvisor: Exam
QuickBooks Certified User | QuickBooks ProAdvisor | |
|---|---|---|
Number of Questions | 37 | 80 |
Length of Time | 50 minutes | 3.5 hours |
Type of Questions | Multiple choice, matching, and true/false | Multiple choice |
Exam Location | Online | Online |
Because the information covered is more vast, the QuickBooks ProAdvisor exam consists of more than twice as many questions—plus, the length of time allotted is 3.5 hours. In comparison, the QuickBooks Certified User exam is less than an hour and offers more of a variety of question types. Both exams are administered online.
QuickBooks Certified User vs ProAdvisor: Training Resources
QuickBooks Certified User | QuickBooks ProAdvisor | |
|---|---|---|
Live Help Offered | ✓ | ✕ |
Classes on a Set Schedule | ✓ | ✕ |
Scheduled Webinars | ✓ | ✓ |
Self-paced Courses | ✓ | ✓ |
Practice Exams or Sample Questions Available | ✓ | ✓ |
When it comes to comparing QuickBooks ProAdvisor vs Certified User for available training resources, QuickBooks Certified User has the slight edge because it offers both live help and classes on a set schedule. Both options, however, offer self-paced courses and scheduled webinars. While QuickBooks Certified User resources include practice exams, you can view sample questions with QuickBooks ProAdvisor.
QuickBooks ProAdvisor vs Certified User: Certification
QuickBooks Certified User | QuickBooks ProAdvisor | |
|---|---|---|
Digital Copy of Certification and Badge to Display on Website | ✓ | ✓ |
Listing on QuickBooks Website | ✕ | ✓ |
Discounts on Intuit Products and Services | ✕ | ✓ |
Access to Dedicated Telephone and Chat Support | ✕ | ✓ |
Once you pass the QuickBooks Certified User certification exam, your results will be sent to Intuit by Certiport, the worldwide test administrators. You’ll receive an email notification of your official digital certificate, and you’ll be able to display the QuickBooks Certified User logo on your website.
The benefits of QuickBooks ProAdvisor certification are much more extensive. These include a badge you can display on your website and a listing on the Find-a-ProAdvisor directory, where you can list your skills and increase visibility for potential clients. You’ll also receive discounts on Intuit products and services for yourself and clients, access to QuickBooks Online Accountant (available when you enroll), and access to unlimited telephone and chat support.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
QuickBooks Online ProAdvisors need to recertify by June 30 each year to maintain their active status. This involves fulfilling continuing education requirements and passing any updated certification exams.
Once you have achieved your QuickBooks ProAdvisor certification, you’ll be automatically listed in the directory, increasing your visibility to potential clients.
Yes, both the QuickBooks Certified User and QuickBooks ProAdvisor exams are administered online.
The cost ranges from $779.95 to $999.95 plus $39.95 a month, depending on whether you enroll in the two-day live class or the more complete training with live help. If you skip the training, your only cost is the $130 exam fee.
Bottom Line
Both the QuickBooks Certified User and QuickBooks ProAdvisor certifications offer valuable skills and recognition in the accounting and bookkeeping fields. The Certified User designation is an excellent starting point if you’re looking to enhance your QuickBooks proficiency and demonstrate your commitment to professional development. On the other hand, the ProAdvisor certification opens doors to a lucrative career path in providing QuickBooks consulting and support services to clients. Ultimately, the best choice depends on your career goals and aspirations.
