There is one critical attribute that 'every' individual who has ever made the Top 100 ProAdvisor lists has had in common. They all 'applied for the award.'
There is still plenty of opportunity to make the Top 100 U.S. ProAdvisor list for 2026. The reason is simple, you still have ample opportunity to 'apply.' But there is one thing absolutely certain... "you can't make the Top 100 U.S. ProAdvisor list for 2026 if YOU DO NOT APPLY."
If you think you must first "be nominated" by someone else, that simply is NOT true. Over the last fifteen years, the number of people who are 'nominated has steadily declined. In contrast, the number of ProAdvisor who go straight to the application form has increased tremendously.
While it might seem 'nice' that someone else thought enough to nominate you, the reality is that it doesn't change the outcome of whether you make the list or not. Only the 'Application Process' can result in you achieving a ranking based on the various categorical scoring criteria of the Awards. And you are the only person who can complete your application.
If you are a QuickBooks ProAdvisor residing in the United States (or one of its territories), and you have current certifications as a U.S. ProAdvisor and also have clients you work with (you own, as part of a firm, or even as a contractor for Intuit), you meet the minimum criteria to apply.
From there you are assessed against standard that have been established by Insightful Accountant in the areas of 'Professional Stature,' 'Practice Performance,' 'Training,' 'Certifications,' and 'App Engagement.'
While criteria may vary slightly based on the specific award categories an applicant is being evaluated against, for the most part the categorical ranking factors simply stress one of these standard areas to a greater extent than other areas. For example, categories related to apps and 3rd party software (QBO App-ology, or QBD 3P-integrations) stress 'App Engagement.'
The ProAdvisor Awards are hard-earned. The ProAdvisor Awards are merit-based, based on how you "apply yourself" to achieve the accomplishments you have achieved. It takes a lot of accomplishments to be recognized. But still, you can get there if you do the work.
It takes a lot of work, work on your own education and professional affiliations, your practice including number and type of clients as they related to the product(s) you support, the maximization of training opportunities, earning 'more' than the minimum certifications required, and building a practice that supports the Intuit QuickBooks App Ecosystem.
But as I said earlier, it requires you to apply. That's the first step of putting your best foot forward.
So, Apply today. Insightful Accountant is currently accepting applications for the Top 100 U.S. ProAdvisors, the Top 25 Up-n-coming ProAdvisors, the Top 50 International ProAdvisors, and the Top 25 Tax Advisors (a new award group for 2026). You can "apply yourself" using the link below, or you can nominate a fellow advisor if you choose.
Go HERE to Nominate or Apply for the 2026 Top Advisor Awards.
Please remember that you can't be recognized for one of the Top Advisor Awards without"applying."
We want to say, "thank you" to our 2026 Advisor Awards Sponsors:
You can find out more and support our 2026 Advisor Award sponsors by visiting our ProAdvisor Awards Sponsors webpage!