Bank feeds, reconciliations, quotes/invoices, payroll, multi-currency, apps, reports.
Before starting, we run a 1-minute tech check — microphone, ambient noise, connection. If your setup isn't good enough, the test is fully refunded.
Prove in 15 minutes that you actually know Xero — bank feeds, multi-currency, app integrations and reporting — not just another checkbox on your LinkedIn profile.
The Plume Xero badge is a 15-minute AI-led oral exam that tests your real-world command of Xero. The AI examiner probes how you set up and troubleshoot bank feeds, build Bank Rules and use cash coding at scale, handle multi-currency with unrealised FX gains and losses, connect third-party apps (Hubdoc, Dext, A2X, Float, Stripe) without creating duplicates, and produce meaningful financial reports using Xero Analytics. The exam also covers your judgment on when Xero is the right tool — and when it isn't.
Self-declared LinkedIn skills say nothing about depth. The Plume Xero badge gives you a 0-to-100 score, a level (Novice, Proficient, Advanced or Expert), and a detailed written report explaining exactly why. Claude Opus analyses the full transcript of your oral: every answer is scored on the accuracy of Xero-specific terminology, the quality of the accounting reasoning behind your decisions, and the specificity of the real-world examples you bring. There's no way to bluff your way through with vague generalities.
This badge is built for accountants, bookkeepers, finance managers and Xero implementation consultants who use the software in production and want verifiable proof. Whether you're pitching for a freelance contract, standing out in a hiring process, or demonstrating value to a client who's evaluating your firm, the Xero badge turns 'I know Xero' into a timestamped, scored, sharable credential.
Here are the concrete dimensions the AI examines during the 15-minute oral.
Setting up and maintaining automatic bank feeds, diagnosing broken connections, resolving duplicate transactions, and automating reconciliation at scale using Bank Rules and cash coding.
Configuring Xe exchange rates in Xero, processing foreign-currency invoices, accounting for unrealised FX gains and losses, and understanding the knock-on effect on balance sheet and P&L reporting.
Connecting and managing Hubdoc, Dext, A2X, Stripe, Float and other Xero App Store integrations — ensuring clean data flow between systems without double-counting or sync failures.
Building customised P&L statements, balance sheets and cash flow reports, using Xero Analytics Plus for short-term forecasting, and critically reading the numbers Xero produces.
Leading a migration from Sage, QuickBooks or spreadsheets into Xero: importing opening balances, historical data and the chart of accounts, and verifying post-migration integrity.
Activating and running Xero Payroll in line with local regulations, configuring leave, super or pension contributions, and understanding how payroll journals flow into the main ledger.
Knowing when Xero isn't the right fit and confidently recommending QuickBooks Online, Sage Intacct or NetSuite based on entity size, transaction volume, industry and consolidation needs.
Setting up repeating invoices, quote and invoice templates, automated payment reminders, and CSV imports to cut manual data entry to a minimum and reduce month-end close time.
Final scoring is performed by Claude (Anthropic), which reads back the full transcript and applies this weighted criteria grid.
Correct and precise use of Xero-specific features, terminology and workflows: Bank Rules, cash coding, tracking categories, Xe rates, fixed assets register, account codes. Vague or incorrect usage is penalised.
Ability to explain the 'why' behind a Xero configuration, not just the 'how to click': reconciliation principles, cut-off treatment, currency revaluation, accruals — showing that the software knowledge is grounded in solid accounting logic.
Quality of the professional situations described: type of business, transaction volume, modules in use, problems encountered and how they were resolved. Generic answers score significantly lower than vivid, specific ones.
Familiarity with the Xero app ecosystem, awareness of recent platform changes (new invoicing experience, Analytics Plus, pricing updates), and honest recognition of where Xero falls short versus competitors.
Ability to explain complex accounting or technical topics out loud in a clear, structured way without unnecessary jargon — a key skill for client-facing roles and team leadership.
A Plume session takes about 20 minutes, from tech check to badge delivery.
The AI verifies your microphone and connection quality. You'll hear a test phrase and repeat it back to confirm audio is clear before the exam begins.
The AI asks you to introduce yourself briefly and describe your most recent or most complex use of Xero: type of business, transaction volume, modules activated. This calibrates the depth of the questions that follow.
The core of the exam: 4 to 6 targeted questions covering bank reconciliation, multi-currency, migrations, app integrations and advisory judgment. The AI probes your answers and follows up to test whether your knowledge holds under scrutiny.
The AI asks where you feel you still have room to grow in Xero, or which recent change in the platform has most affected your practice. This section rewards professional honesty and active curiosity.
Claude Opus analyses the full transcript and produces your score (0-100), your level and a detailed feedback report. Your Xero badge is ready in your Plume account and shareable via URL as soon as the analysis is complete.
Your score out of 100 translates into a level a recruiter can grasp at a glance.
You use Xero for basic tasks: entering invoices and bills, running a simple manual reconciliation and pulling standard reports. You haven't yet set up Bank Rules autonomously, dealt with multi-currency or connected third-party apps beyond the basics.
You manage complete client files or company accounts in Xero independently: Bank Rules, regular bank reconciliation, repeating invoices, and at least one app integration such as Dext or Hubdoc. You've been through at least one migration or clean-start setup, but complex scenarios like multi-currency or heavy migrations still take you significant effort.
You handle multi-currency files, orchestrate the Xero app ecosystem, configure advanced reporting and lead migrations from other accounting platforms. You can identify Xero's limits and advise clients accordingly. You're the Xero reference person in your team or firm.
You deploy Xero in demanding environments: multi-entity groups, high transaction volumes, custom API integrations, complex payroll and high-stakes migrations. You shape clients' accounting tech strategy, train other professionals and write process documentation that others follow.
No degree or years of experience required to take the badge. Here are the profiles it makes the most sense for.
You manage client files on Xero and want objective proof of your level to differentiate yourself from other candidates or win new client mandates.
You offer bookkeeping services independently and the Xero badge gives you verifiable proof to display on your website, LinkedIn or proposals — beyond just listing 'Xero' in your skills section.
You run the accounts for a growing business on Xero and want to validate — and demonstrate to your leadership team — that you're making full use of the platform's capabilities.
You onboard and migrate clients onto Xero and need a credible, independently assessed badge to back up your proposals and client references.
You've learned Xero through a course or internship and want tangible proof of that skill to show a first employer or to support a move into cloud-based accounting roles.
Where and how your Xero badge will help you day to day.
You're bidding to handle bookkeeping for an e-commerce brand. Instead of just listing 'Xero' on your proposal, you share your badge link with your score and the detailed report. The client can see exactly what level of expertise they're buying.
A firm is hiring for a Xero-focused advisory role. Your Advanced or Expert badge signals your depth before the interview even starts, skipping the calibration questions and putting your application ahead of the pile.
You've passed Xero's own online certification. The Plume badge complements it by testing whether you can apply that knowledge in a live, unscripted oral scenario — not just answer multiple-choice questions about it.
A CFO wants to confirm the finance team really knows Xero before migrating from Sage. Plume badges provide a fast, documented skill audit across the whole team, with individual scores and reports for each person.
You're targeting clients in the UK, Australia or New Zealand, where Xero is the default accounting platform for SMEs. An English-language badge with a high score is a strong credibility signal in markets where Xero proficiency is a baseline expectation.
You're moving from traditional desktop accounting software to cloud tools. The Xero badge lets you signal your upskilling to recruiters actively looking for hybrid profiles who can bridge legacy processes and modern platforms.
A few minutes to check you have everything you need.
At the end of your session you don't just get a score — here's everything that awaits you.
You get a precise numeric score and a certified level (Novice, Proficient, Advanced or Expert) based on Claude Opus's full analysis of your Xero oral. No rounding, no guesswork.
A written report breaks down your performance across every evaluated dimension — Xero technical accuracy, accounting reasoning, real-world examples, ecosystem knowledge — so you know exactly where you stand and what to work on next.
Your exam audio is securely stored and accessible only to you. Re-listen to your own answers to spot where you were hesitant, imprecise or stronger than you thought.
A unique verified link to your Xero badge — add it to your LinkedIn profile, email signature, personal website or client proposals. Anyone who clicks it sees your score and level in real time.
Discover related skills you can validate with Plume.
A 15-min oral exam with an AI, a shareable badge for your recruiters.
Choose this badge · €19.99
