- How often do I need to certify in each QuickBooks Certification?
- How many CPE credits do I receive with the certification courses and how do I know if my state accepts the CPE credits?
- What types of certification are offered in the ProAdvisor Program?
- How much do QuickBooks ProAdvisor Certification courses and exams cost?
- What are the benefits of becoming certified?
- How long does the certification process take?
- Can I certify online or do I need a class?
- Will I lose my clients’ data if I switch from my current Payroll Enhanced For Accountants subscription to the new payroll subscription as part of the ProAdvisor Program membership?
- How many clients can I support on Intuit QuickBooks Payroll Enhanced for Accountants?
- What is ProAdvisor Payroll?
- If I purchase the ProAdvisor membership with the Intuit QuickBooks Payroll Enhanced for Accountants, can I receive disc delivery for my payroll subscription?
- What if I’m already on a payroll subscription but want to join the ProAdvisor Program with Payroll?
- I just purchased QuickBooks Accountant but I would like to join the ProAdvisor Program. Do you have a discount on the program for me since I don’t need the QuickBooks Accountant software that is included with the program?
- What software is included in the ProAdvisor Program?
- Can I re-sell the software I get as part of the ProAdvisor membership?
- Am I entitled to the next version of QuickBooks software if released during my membership?
- How long does a QuickBooks ProAdvisor Program membership last?
- What if I have other members in my firm who want to become certified, but we don't need any more software? Is there a discounted rate for them?
Technical Support
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Do I get special technical support, or the same support my clients receive?
Yes, from 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., Pacific Time, Monday through Friday (excluding holidays) you get special Technical Support[3] from a U.S.-based team that has been trained on accountant questions and issues. As a QuickBooks ProAdvisor, you also get priority. Your chat goes to the front of the queue of incoming chats from accountants.
When you first sign up, you’ll also receive 90 days of phone support[3] with our special U.S.-based team. To continue to receive phone support, you will need to get QuickBooks Certified and move to the next tier in the Program. Options are also available if you’d like to purchase a phone support program but we really encourage you to get certified. There is no cost to get certified – it’s included in your membership.
As a ProAdvisor, QuickBooks Technical Support is available to you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week[3], but when you contact us after 6:00 p.m., Pacific Time, Monday through Friday your call goes to a general QuickBooks Technical Support team. In some instances, this could be the same team of agents your clients get assistance from.
Client Discounts
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What discounts do you provide for QuickBooks ProAdvisors, and how do I use them?
QuickBooks ProAdvisors receive discounts[6] on most QuickBooks software, service, and supplies up to 25%[6] for your firm and clients. With the rollout of the 2012 QuickBooks ProAdvisor Program, when you become Certified (Gold tier) and Advanced Certified (Diamond tier), your discounts may get even better.
Some offers are available through the ProAdvisor Member Website (qbproadvisor.com) and others are only offered by calling a Sales Consultant at (888) 250-7279. Details on how to get client discounts are usually included alongside the offer on the website or in communications (email, direct mail) to members.
Tiers
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What are the various tiers in the 2012 QuickBooks ProAdvisor Program?
There are three tiers in the new QuickBooks ProAdvisor Program: Silver, Gold and Diamond. You join as a Silver member and can advance from tier-to-tier by passing the required QuickBooks Certification exam. There is no additional cost to advance tiers and to get richer benefits – it’s all driven by getting QuickBooks Certified.
Membership Level Advancement Criteria Silver to Gold Pass the current QuickBooks Certification exam Gold to Diamond Pass the current Advanced QuickBooks Certification* *Must pass 3 consecutive years of the QuickBooks Certification exam to be eligible to take the Advanced Certification exam.
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How do I find out what tier I am in?
If you’re a new member, you are in the Silver tier. Your tier will be listed alongside your name each time you log in to the ProAdvisor Member website (http://qbproadvisor.com). Once you pass the required QuickBooks Certification exam, you’ll automatically advance from Silver-to-Gold or Gold-to-Diamond and the status will be reflected on the member website.
If you’ve got any questions about your tier status, please contact the ProAdvisor Customer Service team via online chat.
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How do the benefits change tier to tier?
We’ve introduced 3 tiers to the program: Silver, Gold and Diamond. To advance tiers, there is no additional cost – it’s all driven by certification. To move from Silver to Gold, pass the QuickBooks Certification exam. To move from Gold to Diamond, complete three consecutive years of QuickBooks Certification and pass the Advanced Certification exam. The higher the tier, the better the benefits.
Software Included Although higher tiers unlock more robust benefits in most areas of the program, when it comes to software we want to ensure all ProAdvisors have what they need to support any QuickBooks client. Technical Support Access to the special U.S.-based phone support[3] differs by tier (level of certification). As a new member you’ll join at Silver which means you’d receive unlimited chat support[3] and 90 days of U.S.-based phone support[3].
Silver
- Unlimited U.S.-based chat[3]. 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., Pacific Time, Monday through Friday (excluding holidays)
- 90 days of U.S.-based toll-free priority technical phone support[3]. 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., Pacific Time, Monday through Friday (excluding holidays)
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24 hours a day, 7 days a week QuickBooks Technical Support (for use when U.S.-based ProAdvisor Support phone/chat lines closed)
For unlimited phone support:- Get certified / Go Gold
- Purchase a phone support program a la carte
Gold and Diamond (same support as today):
Discounts Discounts for new members average around 20 - 25%[7] on software and supplies for your firm and clients. In the 2012 ProAdvisor Program, these discounts will increase as you advance tiers via certification. Find-a-ProAdvisor Web Listing To get listed on the Find-a-ProAdvisor website[4] you must be QuickBooks Certified (Gold).
Networking with Peers
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How can I network with other QuickBooks ProAdvisors?
One way you can meet other ProAdvisors is to go to the QuickBooks Find-a-ProAdvisor Website[4] at www.findaproadvisor.com and do a search on Certified QuickBooks ProAdvisors in your area. You may want to search for ProAdvisors who provide complementary services to your own, so you can establish relationships with them and share referrals (example: if you only provide setup or training services, you may want to find a CPA with whom to partner).
Another great networking resource is QuickBooks ProAdvisor private community forum. Members tell us it’s a great way to network to grow your business, share best practices, and get quick tips on how to solve difficult or unique customer issues.
Certification
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How often do I need to certify in each QuickBooks Certification?
We recommend you update your QuickBooks Certification each year. Maintaining your certification status is a great way to optimize your ranking on the Find-a-ProAdvisor Website[4], maintain or improve your benefits in the program and continue to provide the highest level of QuickBooks knowledge and support to your clients.
Additional certifications are available at the Gold tier once your become QuickBooks Certified. They include QuickBooks Point of Sale (POS) Certification and QuickBooks Enterprise Solutions Certification, which are offered on a two year cycle. To stay updated, you only need to certify in these once every two years.
QuickBooks Advanced Certification is also available. Once you have passed this exam you need to maintain Advanced Continuing Education course work and annual QuickBooks certification to maintain your Advanced (Diamond tier) status.
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How many CPE credits[9] do I receive with the certification courses and how do I know if my state accepts the CPE credits[9]?
You are eligible to receive up to 16 CPE credits[9] when you successfully complete the QuickBooks ProAdvisor Certification courses for the first time. If you have earned certification in an earlier version, and take the latest Certification courses, you may be eligible for 2 - 4 CPE credits[9], depending upon your state requirements.
You do not receive CPE credits[9] for QuickBooks Point of Sale (POS) Certification, QuickBooks Enterprise Solutions Certification and QuickBooks Advanced Certification.
PLEASE NOTE: Some states do not allow CPE credits[9] when taking the QuickBooks ProAdvisor Certification courses. State boards of accountancy have final authority on the acceptance of individual courses for CPE credit. It is the responsibility of the individual earning the CPE credits to investigate what his/her own state board of accountancy recognizes with respect to any CPE course.
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What types of certification are offered in the ProAdvisor Program?
There are four different certifications offered: QuickBooks ProAdvisor Certification, QuickBooks Point of Sale (POS) Certification, QuickBooks Enterprise Solutions Certification, and QuickBooks Advanced Certification. Members must successfully complete one QuickBooks ProAdvisor Certification exam before commencement of the POS and Enterprise Solutions certifications and three years of QuickBooks Certification before commencement of the Advanced Certification.
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How much do QuickBooks ProAdvisor Certification courses and exams cost?
All of the QuickBooks ProAdvisor Certification courses and exams are included with your membership at no additional charge.
Members must successfully complete a QuickBooks ProAdvisor Certification exam before commencement of the QuickBooks Point of Sale (POS) Certification and QuickBooks Enterprise Solutions Certification, and at least three years of QuickBooks Certification before commencement of the QuickBooks Advanced Certification.
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What are the benefits of becoming certified?
Upon successful completion of the exam, you'll receive the following important benefits:
- Increased QuickBooks knowledge
- Listing in the QuickBooks Find-a-ProAdvisor Website[4] (Over 400,000 visitors annually)
- Authorized use of the Certified QuickBooks ProAdvisor logo in your marketing materials
- Eligibility for up to 16 CPE credits[9] (for QuickBooks ProAdvisor Certification)
- The ability to move up tiers within the ProAdvisor Program and unlock additional benefits available to you like unlimited U.S.-based phone support[3]
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How long does the certification process take?
The QuickBooks ProAdvisor Certification exam can take up to 4 hours. To help you pass the exam we provide you with the certification courses that can take up to 16 hours to complete. You can choose to take all the course work or just the courses where you need help. Once you pass your first QuickBooks Certification, you are eligible to take the re-certification exam for future year QuickBooks version which takes approximately 2 hours.
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Can I certify online or do I need a class?
The certification course work and exam are available online and are self-paced.
Payroll
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Will I lose my clients’ data if I switch from my current Payroll Enhanced For Accountants subscription to the new payroll subscription as part of the ProAdvisor Program membership?
No, all your client data will be intact. Your account will be carried over from one subscription to the next.
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How many clients can I support on Intuit QuickBooks Payroll Enhanced for Accountants?
You can support up to 50 EINs as part of this service.
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What is ProAdvisor Payroll?
ProAdvisor Payroll[1] is an exclusive ProAdvisor offering, which will allow you to offer a more comprehensive payroll solution to your clients. It includes an annual subscription to Payroll Enhanced For Accountants.
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If I purchase the ProAdvisor membership with the Intuit QuickBooks Payroll Enhanced for Accountants, can I receive disc delivery for my payroll subscription?
At this time, the disc delivery option is not available in conjunction with ProAdvisor Program with Payroll.
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What if I’m already on a payroll subscription but want to join the ProAdvisor Program with Payroll?
No problem. We will refund you the unused portion of your current payroll subscription and start you on a new payroll subscription as part of your ProAdvisor Program membership[8].
Find-a-ProAdvisor Website
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What is the QuickBooks Find-a-ProAdvisor Website?
It is a complete online listing of Certified QuickBooks ProAdvisors and their profiles. This website is accessed by hundreds of thousands of QuickBooks users throughout the year looking to find a local QuickBooks expert to set up, train and/or help manage their financials on QuickBooks. It is an effective way to showcase your QuickBooks knowledge and attract QuickBooks users to your practice. Here is a link to the website: Find-a-ProAdvisor Website.
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How do I get listed on the QuickBooks Find-a-ProAdvisor Website?
Once you successfully complete your QuickBooks certification, go to the My Account section on the ProAdvisor member website and set up your profile to get listed.
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How many referrals can I expect from the QuickBooks Find-a-ProAdvisor Website?
The number of referrals you receive from the Find-a-ProAdvisor Website[4] depends on a number of factors. Some things affecting the number of referrals you receive include:
- The number of QuickBooks users in your area
- The number of other Certified QuickBooks ProAdvisors in your area
- Whether or not you choose to complete the Advanced QuickBooks Certification
- The match between the services you provide and the services QuickBooks users in your area are seeking
- The amount of information you choose to include in your profile. Take the time to write an effective introduction to your company in the “Additional Information” section and include a photo
Marketing Tools
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What are the marketing tools I get with my membership?
The marketing tools included in your membership include:
- Do-it-yourself templates to help market your practice. Examples — business card templates, website and engagement letters
- Newsletter articles from your peers regarding marketing best practices
- Online marketing tools like Search Engine Optimization (SEO), Search Engine Marketing (SEM) information, discounted client email marketing services
Software
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I just purchased QuickBooks Accountant but I would like to join the ProAdvisor Program. Do you have a discount on the program for me since I don’t need the QuickBooks Accountant software that is included with the program?
If you have already purchased your QuickBooks Accountant software but want to join the ProAdvisor Program, please call our Sales Consultants at (888) 236-9501, 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., Pacific Time, Monday through Friday to inquire about your options.
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What software is included in the ProAdvisor Program?
QuickBooks ProAdvisor Program membership includes the following software:
QuickBooks Accountant Plus: [2] Designed for accounting professionals, this software allows you to support clients on QuickBooks Pro and Premier (all Industry Editions on the same version year). It features time saving tools including Client Data Review that helps you find and fix client entry errors faster. You can also reclassify hundreds of transactions from one screen, write-off invoices in batch versus individually and clean up undeposited funds from a single window.
New this year, membership includes QuickBooks Statement Writer. Save an average of 2.2 hours per financial statement! Streamline workflow by editing and formatting custom financial statements and documents using the Microsoft® Excel® and Word® functions you already know. ProAdvisors also receive Accountant Copy File Transfer, which allows your clients who subscribe to securely transfer Accountant's Copy files using Intuit servers.
QuickBooks Online Plus: This product is our most advanced online solution for small business clients. We’re including this product with your ProAdvisor membership[1] so that you can become more familiar with the online offerings (or as current members tell us, so you can ‘play with’ software). And with anytime, anywhere access[5] you can explore QuickBooks Online from work, home, or the road on your computer, iPhone™, BlackBerry® or Android-ready device.
QuickBooks Enterprise Solutions for Accountants with Advanced Inventory: Our most advanced accounting and financial management system with the ease and familiarity of QuickBooks. Ideal for businesses with multiple users and locations, process a large number of transactions, or have inventory-intensive workflows. With sophisticated inventory control tools and advanced reporting capabilities this product has more than six times the capacity of any other QuickBooks product[7].
QuickBooks for Mac: Support your Mac clients using the accounting product designed with the native look, feel and ease you expect from a Mac. This software was previously a paid add-on in the ProAdvisor Program but it will be included with your membership[8] in the new ProAdvisor Program.
QuickBooks Merchant Service: Accept credit cards, debit cards and electronic checks with our wide variety of solutions. Easy to use payment solutions that seamlessly integrate into business workflows helping you and your clients get paid quickly. The Merchant Service set up fee and the annual subscription fee is waived for ProAdvisors (currently a $69 add-on).*
Intuit Payment Solutions Bundle: Accept credit cards, debit cards and electronic checks with our wide variety of solutions. Easy to use payment solutions that seamlessly integrate into business workflows helping you and your clients get paid quickly. The Merchant Service for QuickBooks set up fee and the annual subscription fee is waived for ProAdvisors (previously a $69 add-on).*
The Intuit Payment Solutions Bundle includes the following offerings with no monthly or annual fees:
- Intuit Merchant Service for QuickBooks: Save time and money by processing credit card payments directly in the software you already trust to run your business.
- Intuit GoPayment: Allows you to accept credit card payments—anytime, anywhere on a mobile device.
- Intuit PaymentNetwork: Get paid faster by accepting bank-to-bank payments and allow customers to pay you online from QuickBooks invoices. Most payments made under $5,000 are funded the next business day.
- Intuit Check Solution for QuickBooks: Save time and increase efficiency when depositing and accounting for checks—without ever going to the bank.
If you are interested in adding the Payments bundle to your membership, you must apply for an account within 30 days of your new ProAdvisor Program membership. Transaction fees apply. Special pricing available.
*Transaction fees apply. Application required.
QuickBooks Care Plus Bundle: ProAdvisors can now be more productive in and out of the office with QuickBooks Care Plus bundle, which includes Intuit Data Protect — automatic online backup for QuickBooks data and other important files, and QuickBooks Connect — on-the-go access to customer and sales data on your mobile phone. Designed for small businesses, these offers are included with your membership so you have an opportunity to use and test them in service to your clients.
QuickBooks Point of Sale 30 day trial: QuickBooks Point of Sale is an All-in-One Retail Management and Payment Solution which will ring up sales, take payments, and run simple sales reports. You can try it free for 30 days and when you’re ready to buy. Just call QuickBooks for a special code that will “unlock” your trial version into a regular unlimited copy of the software with your ProAdvisor discount or to get the software for free as part of your ProAdvisor membership, get QuickBooks Point of Sale Certified.
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Can I re-sell the software I get as part of the ProAdvisor membership?
No, all software and services you receive as part of your membership are not-for-resale, and are meant to provide you with a cost-effective way to manage your practice and better serve your clients.
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Am I entitled to the next version of QuickBooks software if released during my membership?
Yes, for QuickBooks Accountant and QuickBooks Enterprise Solutions Accountant. As part of your membership, when and if Intuit releases a future major version of QuickBooks Accountant or QuickBooks Enterprise Solutions Accountant within your current Program membership period, Intuit will automatically ship a copy or direct you to download the applicable product(s) on or before they are released to the public (excluding off-cycle releases or extensions of the products).
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How long does a QuickBooks ProAdvisor Program membership last?
Membership[8] in the QuickBooks ProAdvisor Program is good for 12 months from your signup date. You will receive a membership renewal notice as your one-year anniversary approaches. We recommend you sign up for auto-renew so you don't experience a lapse in your membership.
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What if I have other members in my firm who want to become certified, but we don’t need any more software? Is there a discounted rate for them?
At the moment, we do not have a separate offering for certification only. Anyone who wants access to the QuickBooks ProAdvisor Certification courses must purchase the full ProAdvisor Program membership[8].
