How to Become a QuickBooks ProAdvisor: Step-by-Step Certification Guide

Are you an aspiring bookkeeper, tax preparer, or small business accountant looking to level up your credentials and win more clients? Earning a QuickBooks ProAdvisor Certification might be one of the smartest steps you can take in 2025.

At Universal Accounting School, we help professionals like you transform your career with QuickBooks certification online classes, expert-led tax preparation courses, and real-world support that goes beyond theory.

Let’s break down exactly how you can become a QuickBooks ProAdvisor—and why it’s one of the most strategic moves you can make in today’s competitive accounting landscape.

A QuickBooks ProAdvisor is a certified expert in QuickBooks Online who has passed Intuit’s official certification exam. These professionals are trusted by businesses to manage finances, streamline accounting, and offer insights using QuickBooks tools.

But it’s more than just a badge. Becoming a ProAdvisor means:

• Being listed in the Find-a-ProAdvisor directory (hello, free leads!)

• Gaining instant credibility with clients and employers

• Unlocking free QuickBooks software and tools

• Access to priority customer support from Intuit

Whether you're a solo accountant, tax professional, or managing a team, this certification opens doors.

Step-by-Step Guide to Becoming a QuickBooks ProAdvisor

1. Start with the Right Online Training

Jumping into a certification course blindly? Not a great idea. You need structured, updated, and proven content to ensure you pass with confidence.

At Universal Accounting School, we offer QuickBooks certification online classes designed by industry experts. Our approach blends video instruction, practical scenarios, and exam prep—so you’re not just memorizing answers but mastering the software.

Bonus: Pair this with our tax preparation courses and you’ll be a powerhouse in your clients’ eyes—handling both taxes and books like a pro.

2. Create a Free QuickBooks Online Accountant Account

To access the training and take the certification exam, you’ll need to sign up for a free QuickBooks Online Accountant account.

This gives you:

• Free access to QuickBooks Online

• Built-in certification training

• Practice tools and client management features

It's 100% free and only takes a few minutes to register.

3. Complete the QuickBooks Online Certification Course

Inside your QuickBooks Online Accountant dashboard, you'll find the QuickBooks Online Certification Course. This covers everything from:

• Setting up clients

• Managing expenses and income

• Reconciling accounts

• Running detailed reports

We recommend going through this training alongside our course at Universal Accounting School. Why? Because we fill in the gaps and give you real-life application scenarios that the standard material often skips.

4. Take the Certification Exam

Once you’ve gone through the lessons, it's time for the exam. Here’s what to expect:

• 80 multiple-choice questions

• Must score 80% or higher

• Can retake up to 3 times (with an 8-day wait period)

Pro Tip: Our students have a pass rate well above the national average—because we teach you not just what to know, but how to think like a ProAdvisor.

5. Display Your Certification Proudly

Once you’re certified, you’ll receive a digital badge and the option to be listed in Intuit’s ProAdvisor Directory—one of the most powerful client acquisition tools available today.

You’ll also gain exclusive marketing resources from Intuit, letting you promote your certification across your website, LinkedIn, and email signatures.

Why This Certification Pays Off

If you're serious about scaling your career or practice, QuickBooks ProAdvisor Certification is a non-negotiable asset. Here’s why:

• Clients search for certified ProAdvisors—you become the solution to their problems.

• It complements your tax preparation skills, making you a full-service financial expert.

• It’s one of the most respected certifications in the accounting industry.

At Universal Accounting School, we go beyond basic tutorials. Our QuickBooks certification online classes are built for real professionals looking to stand out, land more clients, and make a bigger impact.

Whether you're just starting out or looking to upgrade your skillset, our courses are tailored to help you succeed—faster, smarter, and with confidence.

Enroll today and start your journey toward becoming a trusted QuickBooks ProAdvisor.