FAQs: Renewing your QuickBooks Online Certification:
Level 1 and Level 2 (formerly Core & Advanced)

Why has the training naming conventions been changed from Core and Advanced to Level 1 and Level 2 ProAdvisor Certification?

We’ve taken your feedback onboard and worked with our expert trainers to ensure training and certification works for you and your firm’s needs. As such we’ve replaced: 

• ‘QuickBooks Online Core Certification’ with ‘QuickBooks Level 1 ProAdvisor Certification’ 
• This builds on the training available in the new Introduction to QuickBooks and take users up to period end working in QuickBooks.
• ‘QuickBooks Online Advanced Certification’ with ‘QuickBooks Level 2 ProAdvisor Certification’
• The next step up from Level 1. This takes users to Year-end working in QuickBooks.
•  We’ve also introduced a new ‘Introduction to QuickBooks’ training for team members who’ve never used QuickBooks or other finance management software before.

Why do ProAdvisors need to recertify annually?

To keep our ProAdvisors up to date with all the latest features and functionality. By refreshing your knowledge every year, you can continue to offer the best possible service to your clients. We’ll provide training, then ask you to complete a short multiple-choice test to check your understanding.

What do I need to do?

To maintain your certified status (and access to the perks that come with it) you need to pass the short recertification test between 1 May – 30 June 2025.

What will the test cover?

The recertification tests are designed to check your understanding of new QuickBooks Online features and functionality released in the last 12 months or so. Both Level 1 and Level 2 ProAdvisor Certification will consist of between 10-15 multiple-choice questions.

I’m Level 2 Certified (formerly Advanced Certified). Do I need to complete the Level 1 recertification first (formerly Core certification)?

No, you only need to renew the highest level of certification you hold. All the Level 1 (formerly Core) QuickBooks Online certification content is covered in the Level 2 (formerly Advanced) recertification test, so there is only one test to pass.

Where will I find the test?

The recertification test will be available on the ProAdvisor training tab inside QuickBooks Online Accountant from 1 May 2025.

How should I prepare for the test?

You can join our refresher training webinars from 30th April 2025. You’ll find booking information on the Training menu of your ProAdvisor portal from 24th April 2025.

What if I don’t pass the first time?

You have 3 attempts to pass the recertification exam. If you don’t pass on the third attempt, you’ll be locked out of the exam for 10 days. This gives you time to study the modules you didn’t pass and try again.

After the 10-day lock-out period passes, you will have another 3 attempts to pass the recertification exam.

If this takes you past the 30 June deadline, you’ll need to take the full certification exams again.

I can’t remember which certification I completed last year. How can I find out?

• Sign in to QuickBooks Online Accountant
• Go to the ProAdvisor menu.
• Select the Training tab to see all your valid certifications.
• Just remember that we’ve revamped and renamed our certification
• Core Certification is now called QuickBooks Level 1 ProAdvisor Certification
• Advanced Certification is now called QuickBooks Level 2 ProAdvisor Certification

I’ve only just earned my QuickBooks certification. Will I have to renew it this year?

If you passed your QuickBooks Online Core or QuickBooks Online Advanced Certification after 1st January 2025, you won’t need to recertify until next year.

Will I earn ProAdvisor points when I renew my certification?

If you pass your recertification exam, you will maintain your certification points (50 points for QuickBooks Level 1 ProAdvisor Certification, 100 points for QuickBooks Level 2 ProAdvisor Certification). You won’t earn additional points.

What happens if I don’t renew my certification by the deadline?

If you miss the 30 June deadline, you’ll lose your Certified ProAdvisor status and the applicable points from your balance (50 points for QuickBooks Level 1 ProAdvisor Certification, 100 points for QuickBooks Level 2 ProAdvisor Certification). You’ll also lose your listing on the Find-a-ProAdvisor directory. We hope that the 2-month window and flexible training options will make it easy for you to renew your certification in plenty of time.

Why can’t I take the test after the deadline?

After 30 June 2025, the recertification tests will be removed from the training portal.

If I don’t renew in time, can I get my certification status back?

Yes, but you’ll need to complete the full certification exams. If you were Advanced certified from last year, you will need to complete both the new Level 1 and Level 2 ProAdvisor certification exams.

I’m not QuickBooks certified yet. How do I get started?

QuickBooks Online Certification can be completed at any time. And it’s free! Visit our training page to find out more.

I have more questions. Who should I ask?

Please contact your account manager who will be able to help you.