Cost for Learning QuickBooks with Certification

Detailed pricing insights and training options for QuickBooks certification

Key Highlights

Varied Training Options: In-person, online, self-paced, and instructor-led programs offer flexibility.
Certification Exam Costs: Exam fees can vary from free (with ProAdvisor membership) to approximately $149 or more.
Bundled Training Programs: Packages combining training and exam fees provide cost-effective pathways, ranging from a few hundred dollars to nearly $1,000 or above.

Overview of QuickBooks Certification and Training Pathways

Obtaining QuickBooks certification is a valuable investment for professionals in accounting and bookkeeping. QuickBooks offers a range of certification programs that cater to various levels of expertise and training styles. From free certification opportunities available through the QuickBooks Online Accountant platform for accounting professionals to comprehensive training packages offered by specialized training providers, prices vary markedly.

This guide details the cost aspects and different learning pathways available for obtaining QuickBooks certification. It covers the benefits of each training format, including online courses, instructor-led classes, self-paced modules, and bundled training programs that include both lessons and exam fees.

Detailed Cost Breakdown by Training Provider and Type

1. QuickBooks Online Accountant Certification

For Accounting Professionals

The QuickBooks Online Accountant platform provides free certification training and exam opportunities specifically designed for accounting professionals. By joining the QuickBooks ProAdvisor program, users can access:

Free training materials and certification exams.
Annual recertification windows (for example, from August 1 to September 30, 2025).
Additional features such as marketing support and client management tools.

This model is especially attractive for firms or professionals already using QuickBooks, eliminating exam fees that may otherwise range around $130 to $149.

2. Professional Certification Exams Through Intuit

Direct Certification Exams

Intuit, the owner of QuickBooks, offers direct certification exams. Notable points include:

An exam fee of approximately $149 per test for QuickBooks Certified User certification.
Separate pricing streams at universities and technical schools where exams might cost around $130.
Higher-level certifications (especially for advanced training modules) with fees ranging between $449 to $649.

Such complexity in pricing allows professionals to choose exams based on their learning and financial needs. Employers sometimes subsidize these expenses, further reducing individual costs.

3. Bundled Training Programs and Course Providers

Online and Instructor-Led Courses

Several providers bundle classroom-based training with certification exam fees, offering a comprehensive learning package. Here are a few examples:

QuickBooksTraining.com:
- Single Plan: Initially priced at $999.95, with promotional adjustments dropping costs to around $599.95 plus a monthly fee of $39.95 after the first 30 days.
- Duo and Team Plans: Starting from $799.95 to $999.95 (after discounts), with additional monthly fees depending on the number of participants.
NACPB Bundle:
- For nonmembers, the certification bundle—covering both the fundamentals course and the exam—is priced at about $449. For members, the cost can be somewhat lower at around $369.
Certstaffix Training:
- An eLearning bundle offering courses on QuickBooks Online and Desktop for around $300.
ONLC Training:
- Offers both instructor-led and self-paced seminars; for instance, the QuickBooks Desktop Enterprise Introduction course can cost approximately $695.

Providers like these offer a complete curriculum that not only prepares students for the certification exam but also provides extensive training through live sessions, hands-on exercises, and additional support materials.

4. Self-Paced Online Courses

Flexible Learning Platforms

Another popular cost-effective model is self-paced learning, which is ideal for professionals with busy schedules. Platforms such as Udemy provide comprehensive courses in QuickBooks:

Udemy courses can range from approximately $119.99 to $129.99.
Courses focus on both QuickBooks functionality and certification preparation.
These courses allow for flexibility in learning and are often updated with new content relevant for the current fiscal practices of QuickBooks software.

Self-paced courses are particularly appealing due to their affordability and the ability to start learning without a fixed schedule. They often include video lectures, downloadable resources, and practice exams.

Comparative Table of QuickBooks Certification Training Options

Provider	Cost Range	Training Format	Certification Exam Fee
QuickBooks Online Accountant / ProAdvisor	Free (via ProAdvisor membership)	Online, self-paced	Included
Intuit Certification Exams	$130 - $149 per exam; Advanced exams up to $649	Online, in-person (varies by institution)	Included in exam fee
QuickBooksTraining.com Single/Duo/Team Plans	$599.95 - $999.95 + monthly fees	Live online classes, instructor-led	Included in package or separately, around $130
NACPB Certification Bundle	$369 (members) - $449 (nonmembers)	In-person/online bundled course	Included
Certstaffix Training Bundle	Approximately $300	E-learning	Exam fee likely included
Udemy Courses	$119.99 - $129.99	Self-paced online	Exam fee separate if applicable

Factors Influencing the Cost of Certification Programs

Several factors can affect the overall cost when learning QuickBooks with certification:

Training Format

The format you choose—which could be self-paced online courses, live online classes, or even in-person training sessions—can significantly impact the cost. Self-paced online courses tend to be the most affordable and flexible, whereas instructor-led classes often command a premium. Additionally, bundled packages that include both training and exam fees usually offer better value.

Certification Level

QuickBooks certifications are divided by levels, with basic certifications often available at lower costs and advanced certifications, which require more extensive training and testing, costing more. For instance, while the QuickBooks Certified User exam can be as low as $130 or $149 per exam, advanced certifications through Intuit may range up to $649.

Provider Reputation and Resources

Training providers with a long-standing reputation in the industry may charge higher prices due to their comprehensive modules, use of expert instructors, and extensive support resources. These providers often include benefits such as free retakes of the exam, hands-on exercises, and continuous access to updated training resources.

Additional Membership Benefits

Programs like the QuickBooks ProAdvisor not only offer free or discounted certification training but also provide additional benefits such as access to exclusive webinars, marketing tools, and support communities. These memberships add value for accounting professionals looking for long-term support and industry connections.

How to Choose the Right Certification Path

Selecting the optimal QuickBooks certification path is largely dependent on individual career objectives, budget constraints, and preferred learning styles. Here are a few considerations to guide your decision:

If you are an accounting professional actively using QuickBooks, then enrolling in the free QuickBooks Online Accountant program might be the best starting point.
For professionals aiming to enhance their resume with recognized certifications, opting for direct certification exams from Intuit offers credibility, even though they incur higher fees.
If budget constraints are a priority yet comprehensive training is required, then self-paced courses on platforms like Udemy or cost-effective bundles from NACPB or Certstaffix are practical choices.
Consider your learning preference. Live online classes and instructor-led sessions are ideal if you value real-time interaction, while self-paced modules work well for learners needing maximum flexibility.

It is important to compare the overall benefits of each training program, including the course content, support provided, exam retake policies, and membership perks if applicable. In some cases, employers may also cover or subsidize these certification costs.

Additional Insights into Certification Trends

Market Demand and Career Impact

QuickBooks certifications remain in high demand among businesses and accounting firms because they demonstrate a professional's expertise in one of the industry’s most widely used accounting software packages. As industries continue to evolve digitally, the emphasis on QuickBooks training has grown. Certified professionals can command higher salaries and stronger market positions, making these training investments worthwhile.

The diversity in training approaches ensures that both entry-level users and experienced professionals can find a learning method that suits their pace and career goals. In many cases, pursuing comprehensive certification not only builds technical capabilities but also deepens understanding of practical bookkeeping strategies.

Adapting to Future Trends

Given the continuous updates to QuickBooks and the evolving nature of digital accounting, certification courses are regularly updated to reflect the latest practices. Staying current with these updates is essential for professionals wishing to maintain a competitive edge in the marketplace.

References

QuickBooks Training & Certification - Intuit
QuickBooks Training Pricing - QuickBooksTraining.com
NACPB QuickBooks Certification - National Association of Certified Public Bookkeepers
QuickBooks Courses on Udemy - Udemy
How to Get QuickBooks Certified - Stellar Staff