7 Benefits of Becoming QuickBooks Certified and How to Get Started

Are you looking to boost your career in accounting or small business management? QuickBooks certification might be the springboard you need. Whether you’re an accountant seeking to enhance your accounting skillset, a small business owner aiming to manage finances more effectively, or a career changer exploring new opportunities, QuickBooks certification offers incredible value.

This blog will explore what it means to be QuickBooks certified, highlight the top seven benefits, and provide an easy-to-follow guide for those ready to take the first step.

What Is QuickBooks Certification?

QuickBooks certification is a professional accreditation issued by Intuit, the maker of QuickBooks accounting software. It demonstrates your expertise in using QuickBooks for financial management tasks such as bookkeeping, payroll, and reporting.

Becoming certified involves passing an exam that tests your proficiency with the QuickBooks online platform. Once certified, you join a distinguished group of professionals who stand out in a competitive job market and gain access to exclusive benefits.

Now that you know what it entails, let’s discuss why becoming QuickBooks certified is a worthwhile investment in your professional future.

Benefits of QuickBooks Certification

There are numerous advantages to becoming QuickBooks certified, but here are the top seven:

1. Enhanced Credibility in the Industry

Earning QuickBooks certification signals to potential clients and employers that you have a verified, high level of proficiency with one of the most widely used accounting tools. Certification builds trust and elevates your credibility as a knowledgeable professional in the accounting or finance field.

For accounting professionals, this status reassures clients that their finances are in capable hands. Small business owners and career changers also gain credibility, whether pitching their services or making a resume stand out.

2. Improved Job Prospects and Earning Potential

According to recent industry reports, accounting professionals with software certifications typically earn 21% more than their uncertified peers. Certifications like QuickBooks often serve as key differentiators in a crowded job market. Employers value certifications because they demonstrate commitment to professional learning and tangible skills.

Overall, a QuickBooks certification can unlock new opportunities, from taking on higher-paying freelance clients to landing your dream accounting job.

3. Deeper Understanding of QuickBooks Functions

One of the major perks of earning this certification is the in-depth knowledge you’ll gain. QuickBooks has a variety of functions—from expense tracking to generating financial reports—all designed to simplify financial management.

Becoming certified ensures you can use QuickBooks to its full potential. You’ll save time, avoid errors, and work smarter, giving you a competitive advantage in managing personal or client finances.

4. Ability to Support Small Business Growth

If you’re a small business owner or work with entrepreneurs, QuickBooks certification can have a direct impact on business success. Your expertise can optimize budgeting, expense tracking, and profit analysis, making it easier to achieve growth milestones.

Moreover, this certification equips you with the skills needed to streamline processes, maintain accurate records, and ensure compliance with tax obligations—essential tasks for supporting any growing venture.

5. Exclusive Access to QuickBooks Resources and Support

Certification comes with perks beyond the title. Certified professionals gain access to QuickBooks’ exclusive training materials, updates, and ongoing support.

These tools keep you ahead of the game. New features and updates are introduced frequently, and staying certified means you’ll always have the necessary resources to adapt quickly.

6. Networking Opportunities

Joining the ranks of QuickBooks-certified professionals opens doors to a community of like-minded individuals. Certified experts often gain access to industry events, forums, training options, and exclusive partnerships.

Whether you’re seeking clients, collaborators, or simply advice, these professional networks can enrich your career.

7. Personal and Professional Development

Finally, earning QuickBooks certification represents a significant milestone in personal growth. It requires commitment, focus, and mastery of complex concepts.

On a professional level, it showcases initiative and dedication to continuing education—a trait that impresses clients, partners, and employers. This achievement bolsters your confidence and sets the tone for future successes.

What Can You Achieve with a QuickBooks Certification

Achieving QuickBooks certification can significantly enhance your professional capabilities in accounting and bookkeeping. Here are some of the key tasks you’ll be able to perform with confidence.

Invoicing

With QuickBooks, you can create customized invoices and send them directly to clients. The software tracks all invoices, noting when they are sent and paid. It also provides detailed reports to calculate income generated by specific clients over time. You can personalize each invoice by adding a company logo and customizing fields, ensuring that every invoice is professional and on-brand.

Paying Bills

QuickBooks simplifies bill payments by connecting directly to a business’s bank accounts or credit cards. This feature helps maintain a clear record of all paid bills and their timing. Additionally, QuickBooks generates accounts payable reports, allowing you to view information about all outstanding bills at a glance.

Tracking Expenses

QuickBooks makes managing expenses effortless. You can track, itemize, and categorize expenses, making it easier to monitor deductions and streamline tax filing. During tax season, pulling detailed expense reports is quick and stress-free.

Monitoring Financial Health

QuickBooks provides a wide variety of templated reports, such as invoices, purchase orders, sales receipts, and customized financial summaries. These tools allow small business owners to keep a close eye on their financial health. Additionally, industry-specific templates tailored for fields like construction, consulting, and freelance work help meet unique reporting needs.

Managing Payroll

Handling payroll is seamless with QuickBooks’ built-in time-tracking tools, direct deposit options, and tax calculators. You can also file payroll taxes electronically. While advanced payroll tasks might require a QuickBooks membership upgrade, the software offers all the essentials for comprehensive payroll management.

How to Get QuickBooks Certified

If the benefits and capabilities of QuickBooks certification have piqued your interest, here’s everything you need to know about earning QuickBooks certification.

The Certification Exam

The QuickBooks certification exam evaluates your skills in essential areas like software navigation, bookkeeping, creating reports, and troubleshooting errors. Don’t worry, though! The exam is designed to be straightforward for anyone with practice and preparation.

The certification exam is available online and consists of multiple-choice questions. Passing the test grants you both the title of “QuickBooks Certified” and an official certificate from Intuit.

Preparation Tips and Recommended Resources

• Practice with the Software: If you don’t already have access to QuickBooks, consider downloading a trial version to familiarize yourself with its layout and features.
• Engage with Online Training: Intuit provides free webinars and tutorials on everything from basic tasks to advanced problem-solving. For more in-depth learning, ONLC offers QuickBooks training courses designed to help you master the software and enhance your skills.
• Try a Study Guide: Look for practice exams and training programs tailored toward the QuickBooks certification test. Many come with expert tips to help you prepare efficiently.

Step-by-Step Guide to Register and Take the Exam

• Visit the Intuit Website: Head over to Intuit’s QuickBooks Certification page to sign up for the course and register for the exam.
• Choose Your Certification Path: Whether you aim to certify in QuickBooks Desktop, Online, or both, ensure you’ve selected the pathway that aligns with your goals.
• Participate in ONLC’s Training Courses: ONLC offers comprehensive QuickBooks training courses designed to prepare you for certification. These courses cover essential concepts and practical skills related to both QuickBooks Desktop and QuickBooks Online. Led by experienced instructors, ONLC’s training programs are available in various formats, including live online sessions and self-paced options, ensuring flexibility for learners.
• Schedule the Exam: Exams can be taken online at your convenience. Make sure you’re in a distraction-free environment when the testing begins.
• Pass the Exam and Get Certified! Upon passing, Intuit will issue your official certification, and you’ll receive badges you can add to your resume, LinkedIn profile, or website.

FAQs

What is QuickBooks Online Certification?

QuickBooks Online Certification is an official credential provided by Intuit that recognizes your proficiency in using QuickBooks Online. The certification demonstrates your Quickbooks online expertise and ensures you have the skills to manage business accounting solutions efficiently.

How can QuickBooks Online Certification help improve my accounting skills?

Earning this certification enhances your accounting skills by providing in-depth training on QuickBooks Online. You’ll learn how to streamline financial processes, ensure accuracy, and provide valuable insights to clients or employers.

Who can benefit from becoming a QuickBooks Online expert?

Anyone looking to expand their career in accounting, bookkeeping, or financial management can benefit. Whether you are an independent accountant, part of an accounting team, or a QuickBooks Online Accountant, expertise in this software makes you a highly valuable asset.

Does this certification cover accounting solutions beyond QuickBooks Online?

The certification specifically focuses on QuickBooks Online as an accounting solution. However, the knowledge and skills gained can often be applied to understanding broader accounting practices and technologies.

What is the role of a QuickBooks Online Accountant?

A QuickBooks Online Accountant specializes in managing accounting tasks for businesses using the QuickBooks Online platform. This role includes handling financial records, generating reports, and utilizing advanced features to deliver accurate and efficient accounting solutions.

Move Forward with QuickBooks Certification

QuickBooks certification is more than a title—it’s a practical tool to enhance your career prospects, support business initiatives, and evolve as a professional.

Whether you’re an accountant looking to stand out, a small business owner aiming to take control of your finances, or a career changer ready to enter a high-demand field, QuickBooks certification offers something valuable.

Now’s the time to take that first step. Become a QuickBooks-certified expert and enjoy the advantages that come with it.

If you’re ready to start your certification training, visit ONLC and pursue your QuickBooks certification—it might just be the best career decision you’ll make this year.