Your inquiry: Can someone explain why the above is necessary?

QuickBooks is responsibly verifying the information you provided on your profile. Go back to your profile and review each section. There is a reason for each document they have requested. For example, if you checked CPA, then you should verify that you are in fact a CPA; otherwise anyone could claim to be a CPA without needing to show documentation. If you indicated that you are a corporation, you will want to fill in a FEIN number, otherwise put in your SSAN (which is not public, but can be used to verify your ID). When all of the information is verified, QuickBooks will be able to clear your profile for publication assuming you have passed the certification exams.