QuickBooks Desktop and Enterprise Certifications to Retire; Payroll Certification Replaced by Workforce

# What changed Intuit announced two certification changes that affect accountants and bookkeepers who hold or pursue QuickBooks ProAdvisor credentials. First, QuickBooks Desktop and QuickBooks Desktop Enterprise ProAdvisor certifications will be retired on October 23, 2026. Second, QuickBooks Payroll certification is being migrated into a new QuickBooks Workforce certification that goes live around October 1, 2026.

# Why this matters The Desktop certifications are being retired while their learning materials remain accessible in the ProAdvisor Academy under the Learn tab. The Workforce certification will cover more than payroll processing — it will include broader areas like time tracking and HR-related capabilities already present in Workforce Premium and Workforce Elite offerings.

# What stays the same Existing certifications will remain valid after the retirement dates. For the 2027 Top Advisor Awards, the QuickBooks Desktop ProAdvisor Certification will still be one of the qualifying options. Payroll and Workforce credentials earned during 2026 will both be accepted for awards points.

# Timing and rollout details

• Payroll certification maintenance was scheduled September 28–30, 2026. The Workforce credential is expected to "go live" at the end of September or by October 1, 2026.
• Desktop and Desktop Enterprise certifications retire October 23, 2026. After that date, the formal certification programs will not be available, though associated learning content will remain accessible.

# Practical steps for advisors and firms If you hold Desktop or Desktop Enterprise certifications, they remain valid, but you cannot earn new badges for those certifications after October 23, 2026. If you rely on payroll credentials, consider taking Workforce certification training when it becomes available to ensure credentials align with the broader Workforce scope. Firms preparing for 2027 awards or for ProPartner transition should track credential dates and certify within 2026 where needed.

# Relationship to the ProPartner transition Intuit is replacing the ProAdvisor program with the ProPartner program in early 2027. The company is shifting focus toward cloud products and firm-level participation through Intuit Accountant Suite. The certification changes align with that shift, concentrating future training and badges on cloud offerings.

# Bottom line Desktop certifications are being retired but stay documented in the Academy. Payroll certification is becoming Workforce certification with a broader scope and a late-September/early-October 2026 launch. Current credentials remain valid and 2026-earned payroll/workforce certifications will qualify for 2027 awards.