What Are the Costs and Time Involved in Getting Xero Certified? 

Xero is a cloud-based accounting software that helps small and medium-sized businesses manage their financial accounts more efficiently. It automates many manual accounting tasks, reduces the risk of human error, and allows for real-time monitoring of cash flows. For bookkeeping professionals, becoming a Xero certified bookkeeper can open doors to enhanced service delivery and improved client management. However, it’s important to understand the time and costs involved in getting certified, especially for using Xero for bookkeeping business in the USA.

Xero Certification: Time Commitment

1. Duration of Certification: The Xero advisor certification typically requires 6-8 hours to complete. The time required may vary depending on the format chosen and your familiarity with the software.
   
   
2. Learning Formats:
   
   
   • Online Self-paced Courses: This flexible option allows you to learn at your own speed, making it ideal for those balancing work commitments.
     
     
   • Live Webinars: These are scheduled sessions led by Xero experts, offering opportunities to ask questions in real time.
     
     
   • Fast-track Assessments: For experienced bookkeepers, the fast-track option helps complete certification quickly by skipping basic modules and focusing directly on the assessment.
     
     
     
3. Training Modules: During the certification, you will complete modules covering key areas of Xero, such as setting up accounts, invoicing, bank reconciliation, and generating financial reports. Completing these modules thoroughly is crucial to becoming proficient in using Xero for bookkeeping businesses.
   
   
4. Assessment: Once you complete the modules, you will need to take an online assessment, which includes multiple-choice questions and practical tasks that test your ability to use Xero effectively. This step ensures that you are well-prepared to leverage Xero’s full potential for your bookkeeping business.
   
   
   

Costs of Xero Certification

1. Cost of Certification: One of the key benefits of becoming a Xero certified bookkeeper is that the certification is free for accountants, bookkeepers, and financial advisors who have clients. This makes Xero an accessible tool for growing your bookkeeping business without incurring additional certification fees.
   
   
2. Included Benefits:
   
   
   • Access to Xero HQ: As a certified advisor, you gain access to Xero HQ, a dedicated hub for managing clients and streamlining workflow, enhancing your service delivery.
     
     
   • Xero Subscription for Practice: Certification includes a complimentary Xero subscription, allowing you to use the software in your bookkeeping business without incurring subscription costs.
     
     
3. Additional Costs: While the certification itself is free, there may be indirect costs such as time spent away from billable work while completing the training and assessment. However, the investment in time pays off through enhanced skills and the ability to offer premium services to clients.
   
   

Conclusion

Xero is a powerful tool for bookkeeping businesses, offering automation, error reduction, and real-time access to financial data. Becoming a Xero certified bookkeeper can significantly enhance your ability to manage client accounts, making your services more efficient and reliable. This investment enables you to simplify your bookkeeping business, reduce errors, and provide real-time financial insights to clients.

At Meru Accounting, our team of Xero certified bookkeepers utilizes Xero’s full potential, offering top-tier bookkeeping services. By becoming certified, you can elevate your Xero for bookkeeping business, gain a competitive edge, and enhance the overall client experience. Whether you’re just starting or looking to expand, getting Xero certified is a strategic move that aligns with the future of bookkeeping.