Becoming a Certified Xero Advisor: How to Begin

Keen to use Xero with confidence? Then you need to join the 70,000 people who have already become Xero certified advisors. Covering every core feature of the cloud-based accounting software, this is one certification programme that’s well worth doing.

Find out how to start your Xero journey, as we explore the certification process and the study options available.

Xero’s cloud accounting system enables accountants, bookkeepers and business professionals to manage their accounts with confidence. It also provides easy access to financial information.

Some advantages of using Xero are:

When it comes to the process of gaining Xero advisor certification you have two main options. You can either learn via the Xero website, or you can take a course with an alternative provider.

To kickstart the certification process we recommend becoming a Xero partner, as doing this will allow you to choose any certification route. Once you’ve filled in the relevant form on the company’s website, a Xero rep will call you to discuss your study options. These include:

Lasting between 15 and 53 minutes, each online certification course includes an introduction, an assessment and several short sections of content. For example, the Set Up Xero course features sections on using the dashboard, entering basic settings, using files, adjusting/ importing the chart of accounts, importing invoices and bills and setting conversion balances. 

If you choose this learning option you’ll need to complete a total of 12 training courses, although you can study them in any order and at a pace that suits you.

To become certified via this route you’ll need to attend two live webinars and complete two 30 minute assessments. The webinars take place twice a month and involve attending a morning and afternoon session on the same day, or two morning sessions across two consecutive days. Once you’ve passed your assessment you’ll be able to use Xero’s core features with confidence.

Have you been using Xero for quite a while without gaining certification? Then this option is for you. You’ll need to be confident though, as the one-hour assessment can only be attempted once and you’ll need to get 80% of the questions correct to pass. 

If you don’t pass this assessment first time, you’ll have to complete the full certification programme. However, your progress will be saved as you go, just in case you experience any interruptions.

If you’re looking for extra flexibility and support while you become certified, you could choose to study with a Xero Learn Partner such as the Career Academy. This experienced provider’s Diploma in Xero combines four certificates in one and enables you to become a Xero certified advisor within 6 months. 

Opt to study with the academy and you’ll benefit from the freedom of studying at your own pace, as well as one-to-one tutor support, flexible starting dates and several payment options. And when it comes to assessment activities there’s plenty of variety on offer, whether you prefer quizzes or practical assignments.

Once you’ve completed Xero’s certification process you’ll be required to complete quarterly product updates and answer some related assessment questions. Available in February, May, August and November, the updates will be delivered via live webinar, although you can watch the recording at a time to suit you.

Xero certification will give you the knowledge and skills you need to use the cloud accounting software with supreme confidence.

So why not check out our Xero courses today?