# BQE CORE Suite Reviews 2026. Verified Reviews, Pros & Cons | Capterra

> Is BQE CORE Suite the right Trust Accounting solution for you? Explore 785 verified user reviews from people in industries like yours to make a confident choice.

Source: https://www.capterra.com/p/141096/BQE-Software/reviews

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BQE CORE Suite

4.5 (785)

[View alternatives](https://www.capterra.com/p/141096/BQE-Software/alternatives/)

Provider data verified by our Software Research team, and reviews moderated by our Reviews Verification team. [Learn more](https://www.capterra.com/our-story/)

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Last updated March 13th, 2026

# Reviews of BQE CORE Suite

Ease of use

4.4

Customer Service

4.6

## Pros and Cons in Reviews

Intuitive and simple interface

95% positive reviews out of 63

Most reviewers describe ease of use as a key benefit, enabling quick adoption and efficient daily tasks.

Recurring software glitches

71% negative reviews out of 107

Most reviewers describe bugs and issues such as glitches, crashes, and unreliable features that disrupt workflow.

Meg W

Director of Operations, 11 - 50 employees.

"It's time consuming to use - it's so slow and there are a lot of features that bug out and simply don't work the way they're supposed to, so I spend a lot of time navigating all of that, which is a bummer."

Streamlined expense management tools

93% positive reviews out of 60

Most reviewers indicate expense tracking is user-friendly, supports remote entry, and simplifies project cost monitoring.

Ruthie S

Designer, 2 - 10 employees.

"I mostly use it for tracking my hours worked, expenses, and PTO, and for those uses it is very intuitive and easy to use."

Frequent slowdowns and lag

71% negative reviews out of 49

Most reviewers report performance and speed issues, including slow loading, lag, and occasional timeouts during use.

Taylor W

Construction Engineer, 11 - 50 employees.

"Sometimes the program will run a bit slower than others that I use on my computer, but that could very well be related to the amount of information under one's profile rather than being a quality issue."

Comprehensive project time tracking

100% positive reviews out of 45

Reviewers feel time tracking offers flexible options, accurate records, and convenient tools for managing billable hours.

Tanya K

Architectural Associate, 11 - 50 employees.

"Tracking billable hours is also pretty easy and there are couple of options to do so for each personality from using project timers that you can play and pause to straight old-fashined type of plug-in."

Payroll and accounting limitations

60% negative reviews out of 35

Some users report payroll and accounting functions cause errors, require manual corrections, and lack needed flexibility.

## Showing most helpful reviews

Showing 1-25 of 785 Reviews

Sort by:

Most Helpful

Rating

Company Size

Reviewer's Role

Length of Use

Frequency of Use

Amy H.  
Project Coordinator  
Civil Engineering  
Used the software for: 2+ years

### "BQE Review"

August 6, 2024

4.0

I switched to this system after using another finance system for 18 years and it was an easy interface and allowed for minimal training so even our entry level staff picked it up quickly.

Pros

The ability to run multiple reports and drop them into excel.

Cons

I wish we could save multiple filters for the T&E reviewer since I use that the majority of the time.

Switched from

[BST10](https://www.capterra.com/p/36030/BST10/)

My job changed so I had to change from the system I used for almost 2 decades!

Review Source

GB

Gideon B.  
Customer Manager  
Media Production  
Used the software for: 2+ years

### "An elegant tool for expense management "

March 20, 2025

4.0

The software has automated our daily operations and saved us alot of time. Tye product is a game changer.

Pros

The software is simple and easy to use. Recording expenses using the platform is much easier. BQR CORE also enbles us to quickly track and control our expenses in real-time.

Cons

I appreciate services of the product. It is worth it.

Review Source

VR

Verified Reviewer  
Director of Operations  
Architecture & Planning  
Used the software for: 6-12 months

### "Software has issues, but their customer support is pretty good"

September 1, 2023

2.0

In theory, I like all of the features that core has to offer, however, when the features don't work the way they're supposed to it becomes a bit of a nightmare to use. It has a lot of bugs, crashes often and in general is just not very user friendly.

Pros

I like the expense management feature for employee reimbursement and client billing purposes. I also liked the accounting feature that allows you to bill expenses straight from the Cloudfeeds. I also really liked their customer support. They have a solid team on standby for customer support. I would often get the same person when I called. They are super friendly and know how to navigate the software.

Cons

It's time consuming to use - it's so slow and there are a lot of features that bug out and simply don't work the way they're supposed to, so I spend a lot of time navigating all of that, which is a bummer.

Alternatives considered

[Deltek Costpoint](https://www.capterra.com/p/155685/Deltek-Costpoint/)[Deltek Acumen](https://www.capterra.com/p/10001903/Deltek-Acumen/)[Deltek PPM](https://www.capterra.com/p/154650/Deltek-Project-Portfolio-Management/)[QuickBooks Online](https://www.capterra.com/p/190778/QuickBooks-Online/)[Deltek Vision](https://www.capterra.com/p/1404/Deltek-Vision/)

Reason for choosing BQE CORE Suite

The owner of the firm worked with the BQE team when they first started building the software, he was informing them of features that would be useful for the architecture firm, so he set the company up with BQE to support their mission.

Switched from

[Harvest](https://www.capterra.com/p/75598/Harvest/)[QuickBooks Online](https://www.capterra.com/p/190778/QuickBooks-Online/)

The owner of the firm worked with the BQE team when they first started building the software, he was informing them of features that would be useful for the architecture firm, so he set the company up with BQE to support their mission.

Review Source

TM

Tim M.  
Senior Engineer I  
Construction  
Used the software for: 2+ years

### "Helps Me Focus on the Business End"

November 21, 2024

5.0

Overall, I find the suite to be very helpful for what I need it for. It allows me to focus on my work without stressing about this aspect of the business. I more-often-than-not trust that things are taken care of properly and effectively.

Pros

It's easy to navigate and find what you need. This is an important aspect because I don't want to have to spend a lot of time trying to navigate my way around.

Cons

One minor complaint is that sometimes my time entries double up for no reason. This can lead to confusion within our payroll department.

Switched from

[ArchiOffice](https://www.capterra.com/p/233317/ArchiOffice/)

Tried to make invoicing more streamlined

Review Source

VG

Vicky G.  
Interior Project Manager  
Architecture & Planning  
Used the software for: 2+ years

### "Recommended"

January 13, 2025

5.0

Pros

It is very easy to use. And lots of functions

Cons

nothing I really don't like. It is all good.

Review Source

MK

Mary K.  
Finance Analyst  
Management Consulting  
Used the software for: 6-12 months

### "BQE Core makes life easier!"

January 6, 2025

5.0

BQE Core is easy to navigate and if issues and/or questions do arise, their customer service team is always quick to answer our questions!

Pros

BQE Core Suite makes invoicing and reconciling expenses fast and efficient, giving us the opportunity to update any items that may need adjusted prior to finalizing any entries each month.

Cons

BQE Core Suite runs a bit slower than we would prefer, but otherwise, it suits all our needs!

Review Source

GN

Garrett N.  
Architect  
Architecture & Planning  
Used the software for: 6-12 months

### "Signal Arch"

January 3, 2025

5.0

Excellent a great tool - would recommend to any ARE firm.

Pros

I think it is easy to navigate and the user interface is very pleasing. I like the webinars too.

Cons

Signing in every time can be a bit of a slog.

Review Source

GH

Gunes H.  
Attorney  
Legal Services  
Used the software for: 1-2 years

### "Good time keeping program"

January 3, 2025

4.0

Pros

It's convenient to use. I like how it tallies all my hours on a daily and weekly basis.

Cons

Sometimes BQE CORE Suite glitches (not too often, though).

Review Source

CC

Cassidy C.  
Interior Design  
Design  
Used the software for: 6-12 months

### "Great Product"

January 3, 2025

5.0

Overall, very satisfied with using the program

Pros

It is organized; everything is easy to find. Clear labels, info graphics, and tutorials are great

Cons

I did find the expenses portion to be a little confusing

Review Source

CS

Celin S.  
Jr. Architect  
Architecture & Planning  
Used the software for: Less than 6 months

### "Review of the beginning of the year"

January 5, 2025

5.0

In the time I've been using it, at first I thought it was an odyssey, but then I realized how easy it is to see the hours you work and the hours you don't, and it gives you control to know what to do.

Pros

I can schedule my work hours and it tells me the total hours worked.

Cons

What I like least is that I have to post it every week instead of it being a biweekly report.

Review Source

FG

Felice G.  
Office Manager  
Architecture & Planning  
Used the software for: 2+ years

### "BQE Core Review Dec 2022"

December 5, 2022

4.0

This software does take some time and effort to learn, but as with everything you get out of it what you put into it. You need to take the time to both learn and enter data so that you get accurate results.

Pros

The customer service is outstanding and available 24-7. The software itself is easy to use as long as you put the time in to learn what it can do. Reports are great and very customizable and if you cannot find what you need there is an option to reach out for a custom report for a fee. Time entry is extremely easy to do whether you are in the office or on the go.

Cons

Invoices when in draft mode cannot only have some changes made to them, whereas other PM software I have used lets you update more whilst in this mode. Also we started using the accounting feature and the bank feed updates are still not working

Alternatives considered

[Deltek Ajera](https://www.capterra.com/p/82750/Deltek-Ajera/)

Reason for choosing BQE CORE Suite

We were already using ArchiOffice and where happy with this project, so we decided to stay with BQE.

Review Source

KP

Kimberly P.  
Business Manager  
Architecture & Planning  
Used the software for: 1-2 years

### "We are particularly impressed with CORE’s user-friendly, “all in one” design"

April 20, 2020

5.0

Our small but rapidly-growing architectural firm was looking for a project management and billing solution. We were particularly impressed with CORE’s user-friendly, “all in one” design.

Pros

It provides us with a single source to record employee time, manage project tasks, budget, invoice and track project performance. We took advantage of the various training packages and technical assistance BQE offers to help us get up-to-speed with CORE in a matter of months. BQE also worked with us to develop a custom invoice that provides our clients with current and past billing information in a clean and easy-to-read format. With the mobile app, our partners access CORE data anytime, anywhere, and can record travel expenses directly from their smartphones. BQE has demonstrated to us that they listen and responds to suggestions on how to make CORE an even better program for its users by providing regular updates and enhancements that incorporate our suggestions. We are very pleased with CORE and BQE.”

Cons

Everything is working for us and if it does not then that is what support is for. Like any other new software implementation there is a learning curve. We took advantage of the various training packages.

Alternatives considered

[WorkflowMax](https://www.capterra.com/p/226306/WorkflowMax/)

Reason for choosing BQE CORE Suite

For its simple to use interface and definitely Mobil apps are far superior

Switched from

[Progress ShareFile](https://www.capterra.com/p/10007380/ShareFile/)

We were using 4 applications to run our business We are Sharefile, Timefox, Quickbooks and MSExcel to track our projects and handle time/billing/productivity and forecasting. It was getting cumbersome

Review Source

MCC

Mary Claire C.  
Interior Designer  
Architecture & Planning  
Used the software for: 1-2 years

### "Easy & Efficient"

August 13, 2024

5.0

Efficient and easy to use for logging and submitting time as well as keeping track of PTO.

Pros

It's intuitive, easy to navigate, and easy to use.

Cons

In my organization, the program is set up with autosave as time is entered so it if a mistake is made you only have a few seconds to correct it yourself without needing an admin to go in and adjust it for you.

Review Source

HS

Harshad S.  
Field technician  
Civil Engineering  
Used the software for: Less than 6 months

### "Simple, easy and quick "

October 15, 2024

5.0

Pros

All Entries are easy to maintain and quick.

Cons

It is very easy to categorised all the expenses

Review Source

GH

Grant H.  
Engineer Tech  
Civil Engineering  
Used the software for: Less than 6 months

### "Review BQE"

July 31, 2024

5.0

Pros

Ease of use and decent site organization

Cons

Honestly, I can't think of anything I dislike

Review Source

JC

Jill C.  
Designer I  
Architecture & Planning  
Used the software for: 6-12 months

### "Good and bad about BQE"

August 3, 2024

5.0

Efficient, feature-rich, but a bit complex

Pros

All-in-one functionality, easy to use and understand

Cons

The steep learning curve for new users to utilize

Review Source

GK

Gokul K.  
Support Engineer  
Information Technology and Services  
Used the software for: 6-12 months

### "User Friendly"

July 30, 2024

5.0

Pros

nice calendar design and time tracking method

Cons

the outmost design is simple that can improve

Review Source

OM

Olivia M.  
Job Captain  
Architecture & Planning  
Used the software for: Less than 6 months

### "Thoughts from a New User"

July 30, 2024

5.0

Pros

I use it mostly for tracking my hours! I've had coworkers say they use it to help track their NCARB hours also since you can use categories to keep track.

Cons

I'm not sure how to fix this but my boss isn't getting my PTO requests; I'm sure it's a very solvable issue but we just haven't gotten around to fixing it yet!

Review Source

KW

Kristy W.  
Tax Service Associate  
Accounting  
Used the software for: 6-12 months

### "Easy to use"

June 13, 2024

4.0

Overall it is people friendly to use and I enjoy it being so easy to use.

Pros

Easy to navigate in the CORE to find what you need to do.

Cons

At times it was really is slow to use and kicks me out of programs.

Review Source

SR

Shelley R.  
Partner  
Architecture & Planning  
Used the software for: 1-2 years

### "Great for Consultant-based Companies"

December 5, 2022

5.0

The software works great for our firm. I'm very happy with it.

Pros

Having support anytime I need it is tremendously helpful. I like being able to integrate accounting, project management and time/expense. I don't know what I would do without this feature. As a small business with only 4 employees, this package saves me a lot of time and headache where I might otherwise have to move back and forth between multiple software and risk making errors.

Cons

\- The project setup seems a bit clunky, particularly, how to name the project name/phase name and how it will appear on the time card and invoice. I had to play around with this quite a bit.- I would like to be able to bill at the sub-phase level.- I would like to be able to turn off the write-up/write-down feature for percent complete billing.

Reason for choosing BQE CORE Suite

Features and Price

Review Source

MW

Mikaela W.  
Architectural Technician and Admin  
Architecture & Planning  
Used the software for: 1-2 years

### "User friendly, smart and up-to-date "

December 6, 2022

4.0

Overall positive, I feel that if I am ever in need CORE would be quick to respond and very helpful. It has been easy to train staff to use CORE for time tracking. We would love to learn to use more of CORE to get our productivity levels up

Pros

Timesheets can be accessed from anywhere, it is easy to put in time, staff are required to put in memos, broken down into good categories, so many helpful functions integrated into one program

Cons

Sometimes it is glitchy, staff cannot create their own reports, can't create reports for "extras" difficult to find some features, staff cannot batch update entries if they have accidentally put them into the wrong project which adds more to my to do list as admin Staff cannot add new projects

Reason for choosing BQE CORE Suite

I believe it was due to a good deal for the subscription

Review Source

CL

Christine L.  
Accountant  
Civil Engineering  
Used the software for: 6-12 months

### "Easy to use interface, with some room for improvement."

May 4, 2023

4.0

We've had our hiccups from the start when we decided to migrate from Billquick. The communication has been severely lacking from the start. Several data issues which have still be unresolved, and functionality that varied from BillQuick that we've had to adapt to, even though we were assured that everything that was in BillQuick would be part of CORE. The most significant issue we have though is response time and communication when there is a reported issue or problem. Customer service is readily available to address a new issue, but the resolution is poor.

Pros

Cloud-based, project performance data, reporting options.

Cons

We migrated from BQE's Billquick software. There were elements of the migration that went well, and some that did not. It's been over 6 months since migration and I'm still waiting on data issues to be repaired and issues to be resolved.

Reason for choosing BQE CORE Suite

Migration seemed to be an easier process coming from another BQE product.

Review Source

BR

BethAnn R.  
HR/Administrative Manager  
Accounting  
Used the software for: 2+ years

### "BQE Core is a great software to use and the employees are always available and willing to help!"

December 5, 2022

5.0

Awesome!

Pros

The Billing is super easy to enter payments and reconcile.

Cons

not being able to make changes to the invoice templates on my own. We have to pay to have the developer make changes to the template and so because we don't want to pay, we have to tweak each invoice ourselves...

Reason for choosing BQE CORE Suite

a wider range of things offered.

Switched from

[Practice Pro](https://www.capterra.com/p/115871/PT-Practice-Pro/)

online website

Review Source

AB

Andrew B.  
Principal/Senior Scientist  
Environmental Services  
Used the software for: 6-12 months

### "CORE usage = happy owners = happy employees = good business"

July 6, 2023

5.0

It's been a huge change from Deltek, but for the better. It's been fairly easy for two non-super-tech savy guys to run and implement, import 50+ existing projects with partial budgets, and the help line is GREAT!

Pros

The dashboard integration is great, could use a few tweaks but exactly what we wanted out of this type of software - project based management system.

Cons

CORE is set up to be based off individual projects which is great for our business, however Vendor Bills don't have an "easy sort" button to be associated with projects, instead it categorizes it by Vendor. When the PROJECT dictates the Vendor and their bill, everything should still be linked back to the project.

Switched from

[Deltek Vision](https://www.capterra.com/p/1404/Deltek-Vision/)

Change in company structure

Review Source

LC

Laura C.  
Office Manager  
Civil Engineering  
Used the software for: 6-12 months

### "it’s truly changed how we operate as a business "

April 23, 2021

5.0

We have only been using the software since September 1st. Previously we were using Excel for project management, timesheets, and AR invoicing. In addition, we were using Word and Excel to generate manual invoices (then converting to PDF). Not only has the billing process been improved, but we have been able to implement Internal Financial Controls. We purchased the HR and Accounting modules a couple of months ago and are in the process of implementing our own HR templates. We are looking forward to automating the HR process. It’s truly changed how we operate as a business and made us ten times more efficient in so many different ways.

Pros

The call-in support is always available. The billing module & templates. It is easy to generate invoices. The batch update feature. Uploading documents in various modules. View of information projects are restricted to authorized personnel. Ability to sort and filter various screens. How CORE will remember where you left off if you leave a screen or log-out (same filters, etc.).

Cons

Core can use these improvements: 3. What improvements would you like to see in Core • An Accounts Payable Widget that shows open invoices that are due within a customized time frame. • A tracking method for professional continuing education requirements. • Enabling dependency between phases (not just within phase). • Download GANNT chart into Excel that looks like the chart (not just a list). • Being able to modify draft invoices without having to delete and start over. • Vendors – tracking COI’s w/60-day advance reminders. • AP checks to include invoice number (not the bill number). • In the project structure, a separate tool to move a phase up or down (rather than the grab and drop). • The AR invoices to automatically sort to open status only (not all invoices). • The ability to hide or delete built-in accounts in the Chart of Accounts. • Custom HR forms that can be sent to employees and electronically signed. • In billing, projects that are in complete or cancelled status, it will not show up in the drop-down menu when creating batch invoice.

Review Source

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