Get Xero certified and step up your expertise

Level 1: Xero associate certification

Xero certification FAQs

What is a Xero certification?

It's a way to prove your Xero skills. Getting certified shows your clients, colleagues and network that you're an expert across the Xero platform.

It's a way to prove your Xero skills. Getting certified shows your clients, colleagues and network that you're an expert across the Xero platform.

How much does it cost?

Xero certification is free.

Xero certification is free.

How do I complete a certification?

Choose the option that suits you: a self-paced online course, a live webinar, or go straight to the assessment if you're already confident with the content.

Choose the option that suits you: a self-paced online course, a live webinar, or go straight to the assessment if you're already confident with the content.

Do I need to complete the levels in order?

Yes. You need Level 1 before you can achieve Level 2, and Level 2 before you can achieve Level 3.

Yes. You need Level 1 before you can achieve Level 2, and Level 2 before you can achieve Level 3.

How long does my certification last?

12 months from the day you earn it. If you hold more than one level, your expiry date is tied to the achievement date of your highest level. Recertifying resets the clock for another 12 months from that date.

12 months from the day you earn it. If you hold more than one level, your expiry date is tied to the achievement date of your highest level. Recertifying resets the clock for another 12 months from that date.

How do I recertify?

Complete the annual recertification assessment for the highest level of certification you hold — you don't need to redo the learning content or the levels below it. It's scenario-based, needs an 80% pass mark, and has a 24-hour cooling-off period if you don't pass first time.

Complete the annual recertification assessment for the highest level of certification you hold — you don't need to redo the learning content or the levels below it. It's scenario-based, needs an 80% pass mark, and has a 24-hour cooling-off period if you don't pass first time.

When are recertification assessments available?

Level 1, Level 2 and Payroll Specialist recertification assessments are live now, from July 2026. The first window covers product updates from October 2025 to June 2026. Level 3 recertification opens from February 2027, ahead of the earliest possible Level 3 expiry date.

Level 1, Level 2 and Payroll Specialist recertification assessments are live now, from July 2026. The first window covers product updates from October 2025 to June 2026. Level 3 recertification opens from February 2027, ahead of the earliest possible Level 3 expiry date.

Do I need to recertify at every level I hold?

No. You only complete the recertification assessment for your highest level. For example, if you're Level 3 certified, passing the Level 3 recertification automatically renews Levels 1 and 2 as well — you don't need to sit those separately.

No. You only complete the recertification assessment for your highest level. For example, if you're Level 3 certified, passing the Level 3 recertification automatically renews Levels 1 and 2 as well — you don't need to sit those separately.

Do specialist badges need recertifying too?

Yes. Specialist badges — like Payroll Specialist — sit outside the core L1–L3 framework and need their own short annual recertification to stay active, separate from your certification level.

Yes. Specialist badges — like Payroll Specialist — sit outside the core L1–L3 framework and need their own short annual recertification to stay active, separate from your certification level.

Will I be reminded before my certification expires?

Yes. You'll get automatic reminder emails at roughly 90, 30 and 2 days before your expiry date, so you've got plenty of time to complete your recertification assessment without a last-minute rush.

Yes. You'll get automatic reminder emails at roughly 90, 30 and 2 days before your expiry date, so you've got plenty of time to complete your recertification assessment without a last-minute rush.

What's my certification expiry date based on?

It's a rolling 12-month date, set from when you achieved or most recently renewed your highest level of certification — not a single fixed date for everyone. Recertifying resets the clock for another 12 months from that day. You can check your exact expiry date any time under Certifications & badges in Xero Central.

It's a rolling 12-month date, set from when you achieved or most recently renewed your highest level of certification — not a single fixed date for everyone. Recertifying resets the clock for another 12 months from that day. You can check your exact expiry date any time under Certifications & badges in Xero Central.

What happens if my certification expires?

You'll lose access to certification-linked partner benefits, and recertification alone won't bring it back — you'll need to complete the full certification course and assessment again at your highest level to reinstate it.

You'll lose access to certification-linked partner benefits, and recertification alone won't bring it back — you'll need to complete the full certification course and assessment again at your highest level to reinstate it.

How does recertification relate to product updates?

They're no longer paired together. We now release short monthly product update videos and run live regional webinars every six months, so you can stay current in your own time. Your recertification assessment will still focus on the key releases since you were last certified, and we'll point you to the most relevant update content before you start.

They're no longer paired together. We now release short monthly product update videos and run live regional webinars every six months, so you can stay current in your own time. Your recertification assessment will still focus on the key releases since you were last certified, and we'll point you to the most relevant update content before you start.

How does recertification affect my partner status?

To maintain partner status and benefits, at least one member of your practice needs an active Level 1: Xero Certified Associate certification or above. If that certification lapses and isn't reinstated, your practice's partner benefits may be affected — so it's worth keeping an eye on expiry dates for certified staff via Xero HQ, Xero Practice Manager or Partner Central.

To maintain partner status and benefits, at least one member of your practice needs an active Level 1: Xero Certified Associate certification or above. If that certification lapses and isn't reinstated, your practice's partner benefits may be affected — so it's worth keeping an eye on expiry dates for certified staff via Xero HQ, Xero Practice Manager or Partner Central.

Will I get a badge and certificate?

es. Once you pass, you'll get a Xero digital badge and a downloadable PDF certificate with your name, certification name, completion date and expiry date. Your badge typically appears in your Xero Central profile within 24 hours.

es. Once you pass, you'll get a Xero digital badge and a downloadable PDF certificate with your name, certification name, completion date and expiry date. Your badge typically appears in your Xero Central profile within 24 hours.

Can I share my certification?

Yes — download your certificate from your Xero learning profile, or share your badge directly to LinkedIn and other social platforms straight from Xero Central.

Yes — download your certificate from your Xero learning profile, or share your badge directly to LinkedIn and other social platforms straight from Xero Central.

How do I earn CPD/CPE points?

Complete the learning content — an on-demand course, live webinar or classroom event — and pass the assessment. Completing the assessment alone doesn't earn points.

Complete the learning content — an on-demand course, live webinar or classroom event — and pass the assessment. Completing the assessment alone doesn't earn points.

Which certification do I need for partner status?

At least one member of your practice needs to hold Level 1: Xero Certified Associate (or higher) and keep it active, to maintain your partner status and benefits.

At least one member of your practice needs to hold Level 1: Xero Certified Associate (or higher) and keep it active, to maintain your partner status and benefits.