Lambo Tax Preparation AcademyAssessment & Certification
Certified on prepared returns
Learners are certified on prepared returns, not just multiple-choice tests, because the job is producing correct returns. Each assessment type checks a different skill.
Assessments
| Assessment | When | What it checks | Passing standard |
|---|---|---|---|
| Exit tickets | End of every lesson | Recall of that lesson | Not graded; misses feed spaced review |
| Module quizzes | End of every module | Rule knowledge, applied to short facts | 85% |
| Practice returns | Within modules | Applying rules to a full return | Matches the key; no material errors |
| Error-hunt reviews | Levels 2–4 | Spotting mistakes in someone else's return | Finds 80% or more of seeded errors |
| Level capstone | End of Levels 1–4 | Full client case, interview to filed return | Zero material errors; due-diligence file complete |
| Cumulative exam | End of Levels 2, 3 and 4 | Retention across all prior levels (interleaved) | 80% |
| Software certification | End of each track | Speed and accuracy on an unseen return | 100% line match within the time limit; one retake |
| Self-preparer module checks | End of each File Your Own Taxes module | Understanding of that step of your own return | 85%; unlimited retakes |
| Self-preparer practice return | End of the software lab | Entering a known return correctly in your chosen software | Matches the answer key line by line |
Exit tickets
When
End of every lesson
What it checks
Recall of that lesson
Passing standard
Not graded; misses feed spaced review
Module quizzes
When
End of every module
What it checks
Rule knowledge, applied to short facts
Passing standard
85%
Practice returns
When
Within modules
What it checks
Applying rules to a full return
Passing standard
Matches the key; no material errors
Error-hunt reviews
When
Levels 2–4
What it checks
Spotting mistakes in someone else's return
Passing standard
Finds 80% or more of seeded errors
Level capstone
When
End of Levels 1–4
What it checks
Full client case, interview to filed return
Passing standard
Zero material errors; due-diligence file complete
Cumulative exam
When
End of Levels 2, 3 and 4
What it checks
Retention across all prior levels (interleaved)
Passing standard
80%
Software certification
When
End of each track
What it checks
Speed and accuracy on an unseen return
Passing standard
100% line match within the time limit; one retake
Self-preparer module checks
When
End of each File Your Own Taxes module
What it checks
Understanding of that step of your own return
Passing standard
85%; unlimited retakes
Self-preparer practice return
When
End of the software lab
What it checks
Entering a known return correctly in your chosen software
Passing standard
Matches the answer key line by line
What counts as a material error
Wrong filing status or dependents, income omitted, a credit or deduction claimed in error, a wrong tax or refund amount, or missing due diligence. Rounding, formatting and minor data entry with no effect on tax are coached, not failed.
Retakes
A learner who misses a gate gets a targeted review set drawn from the missed items, then a parallel version of the assessment. The goal is mastery, so there is no penalty for needing a second attempt.
Exam integrity
Each capstone and certification has at least three equivalent versions; software certifications are proctored live or by recorded screen.
Credentials
| Credential | Earned after | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Academy Foundations Certificate | Level 1 | Prerequisite for everything else |
| Certified Individual Preparer | Levels 1–2 + capstone | Ready for a 1040 practice |
| Certified Business Preparer | Level 3 + capstone | 1065, 1120-S, 1120, payroll basics |
| Certified Exempt Organization Preparer | Level 4 + capstone | 990-N, 990-EZ, 990, 990-T |
| Software Specialist (one per product) | Each Level 5 track | One badge per package |
| Confident Self-Filer Certificate | File Your Own Taxes path + practice return | For preparing your own return; not a credential to prepare returns for others |
| IRS AFSP Record of Completion (optional) | 18 CE hours if the academy becomes an IRS-approved CE provider | See Level 1 |
Academy Foundations Certificate
Earned after
Level 1
Notes
Prerequisite for everything else
Certified Individual Preparer
Earned after
Levels 1–2 + capstone
Notes
Ready for a 1040 practice
Certified Business Preparer
Earned after
Level 3 + capstone
Notes
1065, 1120-S, 1120, payroll basics
Certified Exempt Organization Preparer
Earned after
Level 4 + capstone
Notes
990-N, 990-EZ, 990, 990-T
Software Specialist (one per product)
Earned after
Each Level 5 track
Notes
One badge per package
Confident Self-Filer Certificate
Earned after
File Your Own Taxes path + practice return
Notes
For preparing your own return; not a credential to prepare returns for others
IRS AFSP Record of Completion (optional)
Earned after
18 CE hours if the academy becomes an IRS-approved CE provider
Notes
See Level 1
The academy credentials are private certificates, not licenses. The IRS's voluntary Annual Filing Season Program is the federal recognition most unenrolled preparers pursue, and the Enrolled Agent exam is the natural next step for graduates.
Ready to become a return-ready preparer?
Tell us which track interests you and we'll be in touch.