H&R Block Tax Academy Level 1 Graduate: What Are My Options if Not Hired?

Hi Everyone,

I’m based in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada and I’m currently taking the H&R Block Tax Academy Income Tax Level 1 (Federal) course. I have no accounting background, but I’m interested in becoming a Tax Preparer.

The course includes two assignments and one theory exam. I recently scored 80% on the first assignment, so I have two more assessments to go.

I’ve been told that to get employed by H&R Block, you need to score 80% or higher overall, and the district manager will call everyone who meets that threshold for an interview.

I’m trying to understand what happens if someone doesn’t get hired by H&R Block after completing the course—either due to limited availability or scoring below 80%. How do people typically become Tax Preparers in that case?

Do you:

• File taxes privately through a registered company?
• Work at a smaller tax firm, like Liberty Tax?

If someone wants to file taxes privately, what is required besides liability insurance?

Basically, I’m looking for a backup plan in case I don’t get hired by H&R Block after Level 1. I’d really appreciate any advice or personal experiences.

Thank you!