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

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).

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Lanel Taylor, CVA ~ Virtual Bookkeeper
Taylored Office Solutions
Custom fit solutions for all your office needs.

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

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.

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.

I am definitely doing the Proadvisor - thanks for the input

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.

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Deb Frawley
Gem's Virtual Office

Originally Posted by Rebecka Melson

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.

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Lanel Taylor, CVA ~ Virtual Bookkeeper
Taylored Office Solutions
Custom fit solutions for all your office needs.

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?

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

__________________
Lanel Taylor, CVA ~ Virtual Bookkeeper
Taylored Office Solutions
Custom fit solutions for all your office needs.