Keep in mind getting QuickBooks certified is not required for bookkeepers, business owners, or anyone else who is proficient with the software. Becoming QuickBooks certified means you can use an official QuickBooks certification and logo on your resume and business documents, which is primarily a marketing tool for attracting clients or employers who specifically want you to have QuickBooks experience. [2] X Research source

Setting up the software Working with lists Working with various bank accounts Using other QuickBooks accounts Entering data for sales and invoices Receiving payments and making deposits with the software Entering and paying bills Analyzing financial data in QuickBooks

ProAdvisor without Certification: This level provides QuickBooks training materials without an actual certification. You will learn basic QuickBooks skills similar to those in non-Intuit training methods for the software. ProAdvisor with Certification in QuickBooks Pro/Premier: You will need to take a simplistic certification test that focuses on various aspects of using QuickBooks Pro and Premier. ProAdvisor with Certification in Intuit QuickBooks Enterprise Solutions: This is a slightly more complex certification test. You will be focusing on the Intuit QuickBooks Enterprise Solutions product. ProAdvisor with Certification in QuickBooks Point of Sale: This is a fairly complex certification test. You will be focusing on the QuickBooks Point of Sale products. Advanced Certified ProAdvisor: You will take an extremely complex certification exam. You will also be tested on the advanced functionality of the products, troubleshooting errors, integrating third party applications, detailed job costing, and several other advanced areas.

Official online or in-person training through the Intuit Academy. [3] X Research source Although you should note that taking the classes through Intuit does not necessarily make you more qualified for the certification exam. Through an authorized accounting organization. The NACPB offers a training course that culminates in the certification exam for $499. Through an accredited bookkeeping class. You can also take classes on QuickBooks basics through a variety of accredited colleges or other educational institutions. Especially if you’ve decided you want to learn QuickBooks without being concerned with the certification process, you can still learn the necessary skills with the software for your needs with this method.

You can also access an online study guide here: http://www. certiport. com/Portal/Common/DocumentLibrary/QuickBooks_CUser_Study_Guide. pdf. There are online tutorials available on the official QuickBooks website that you can access for free. These tutorials can walk you through certain processes or sections in QuickBooks. [4] X Research source

Note that since the certification process primarily allows you to market your experience with QuickBooks to others, it’s largely unnecessary if you only use the software for your personal finances or those of your small business. While you should always learn how to use your chosen accounting software correctly, you don’t require a personal certification to do so. Since QuickBooks is only one form of accounting software, and it largely handles the necessary math for you, don’t confuse a QuickBooks certification with an accredited education in accounting. The certification does not make you a certified bookkeeper or accountant.

When you are ready to take the exam, go to the ATTC’s Schedule a Test web page and schedule a date and time you want to take the test. The ATTC will then email you information about your schedule date and time for the exam. Note that while being offered through an official bookkeeping association, the test still only demonstrates your proficiency with QuickBooks, and it in no way certifies you as a bookkeeper or an accountant. Also notes that the fee for the exam is $150 if you are not a member of the NACPB. NACPB members pay $100 to take the exam. If you fail the exam, you can pay a re examination fee ($75 for non NACPB members, $50 for NACPB members) and retake the exam.

If you fail the exam, you will receive a discounted re-examination fee if you choose to take it again through the NACPB. The discounted rate is $50 for members and $75 for nonmembers. Maintain up-to-date certification by going through the certification process several times throughout your career. Software changes over time, and your certification will only certify you for one version of QuickBooks. Consider re-certifying every year or several years to keep your QuickBooks certification current.