Proadvisor or Certified User?

[kkaiser]

What is everyone's opinion on the Certified user vs. ProAdvisor for Quickbooks. I am wondering if the $300 price difference is worth it.

[lanelt]

I took the Certified QB User exam and it is a very basic, entry level exam testing QB skills. To be honest, I wasn't impressed. I have the certificate on my wall because I have it but it wasn't an exam I'd recommend to others. I took it to see what it was about and to research it for another purpose. I am glad I took the exam so I know what it's about but if you want to show your QB knowledge it's not something I would recommend running out and getting. The exam is geared more towards the user who works with a professional closely.

I have never had the time to pursue the Proadvisor but I do know it's more geared towards people who provide bookkeeping services. A colleague of mine says the discounts make it worth it. I've thought about doing it more for the advertising opportunities Intuit provides to their Proadvisors. I just am not sure if I want that added expense each year to keep it current and once you take the exam you have to pay every year to keep your proadvisor status (I believe).

[kkaiser]

I had the same feeling; thanks for the reassurance. I think that the extra training, along with the software, etc is probably worth it in the long run. thanks

[Virtual Office Management]

Certified is a waste of money. Doesn`t get you more clients. Keep the proadvisor. If you need to call in for something you already paid for it.

[Rebecka Melson]

It depends on what your purpose for having it is. If you are strictly using it for personal purposes, don't do either. Go to your local community college and take a class, you will get much more out of it.

If you are a bookkeeper and plan to provide bookkeeping for multiple clients then the Pro Advisor may be worth it. I just recently purchased the Pro Advisor program because even with the $599 price tag it is saving me money. I have been comparing the prices for years and this is really the first year where it will be beneficial to me financially, so I finally did it. I do provide QB training as well, so having the actual "Pro Advisor" status will be beneficial to me and after I pass the exam I will be able to advertise on their website, which most PA's I've spoken with say it has brought them extra income.

If you do bookkeeping and offer payroll services, then I would recommend the Pro Advisor just for that reason alone, because it is cheaper than buying them seperately.

There are a lot of added benefits to the ProAdvisor program as well, so I definitely recommend that all bookkeepers look into it, but don't take the plunge until it makes sense for you.

As far as the QB Certification, I think its pointless. I did take the exam, but I did it when it was in beta and didn't have to pay for it. I already knew QB and didn't even really do most of the training, I just took the exam.

[kkaiser]

I am definitely doing the Proadvisor - thanks for the input

[Gems Virtual Office]

I agree with both Lanel and Rebecka. The certified exam is pretty basic, at least I thought so. I do state on my website that I'm Quickbooks certified but I'd rather see the pro advisor on there myself and plan on taking that course this year.

[lanelt]

As far as the QB Certification, I think its pointless. I did take the exam, but I did it when it was in beta and didn't have to pay for it. I already knew QB and didn't even really do most of the training, I just took the exam.

Agreed, I didn't even open the training, just went straight to the exams because you have unlimited (I think) chances to take it and I passed with 100% (I think) on all the parts the first time. I use QB a lot but I was on the phone while taking the tests -- that's how easy it was.

[VASandy]

Has anyone done the ProAdvisor program? I'm interested in doing it because I would like to offer bookkeeping services. Does anyone know if the program is only good for experienced bookkeepers or would it be useful for someone just starting out as well?

[lanelt]

I've heard the exam to get certified is pretty intense. But I haven't taken it.