For the "certified user program", do i need to have QB installed first?

The Certified User Program is all online.  If you purchase just the exams, then you take each of the 3 exams as often as needed to get at least the 80% that is needed to pass each exam.  If you purchase both the training and the exams, the training is a series of videos that you view in any order (your choice) and as often as you like.  You have 90 days to complete either choice (the exams only or the training and exams).  Once you pass each exam, you can no longer have access to that exam (so you can't try to better your score), but you will have full access to all the videos until your 90 days has expired.  You even have access to the videos upon completion of the certification, provided the 90 days has not yet expired.

I spoke to couple people from Intuit last friday and they all told me was $99. I went as far as the last page when they ask for my credit cards and it says $99.

I try to do the registration today and and bang, the price went up to $399 with no prior indication, warning, whatsoever! What gives?

Who can i talk to so they can honor the old price and program?

I must say I am quite upset on your behalf!

When I completed the Certified User Program (just earlier this month), it was quite different (and quite a bit less expensive) than what they are offering now.

I visited the info page to check things out.  It appears now as though they (Real World Training - not Intuit; Intuit does not offer this program) are offering something that is quite a bit more comprehensive than what I completed.  What it appears to be now is a two-day Mastering QuickBooks seminar that you can either complete by actually attending a seminar or by completing the online course.  (The $399 is the cost of that seminar.)  Then, after completing your choice of courses, you can take your exam, and then  Real World Training will mail you your certficate.  ( I was able to print my own certificate -multiple times if I wanted - after completing a survey.)

I agree with you that there appeared to be no advanced warning - especially if you spoke to more than one person last Friday - but, unfortunately, I don't know what to suggest.  I truly believe the program (in its former incarnation) was a great program, but I don't know if you have any recourse.

I do wish you all the luck in the world!