This credential recognizes accounting and taxation professionals who have a thorough knowledge of:

• Preparing their clients for retirement;
• Essentials of estate and trust planning;
• Financial planning for the elderly; and
• Applying customer sensitivity and communications skills.

Why should I become an Elder Care Specialist?
ACAT's current ECS credential holders cite the following reasons for participating:

• First, we all recognize that as we age, so do our clients. The needs of our clients are dramatically changing, and as they change, the demands are increasing for our expertise in these areas.
• Second, we really do want to develop our sensitivity and communications skills for dealing with the elder customer's needs.
• Third, as a result of addressing the first two issues, we realize that our practices will benefit by offering special service in the fastest-growing marketing niche.

How do I qualify to be an ECS?
You complete at minimum of 36 hours of CPE in the areas outlined in the ECS blueprint. You are then eligible to take the ACAT ECS examinations. You must also have three years work experience in the accounting and/or taxation profession.

You must score 70% or better on each of the three exams (one for each level). Then complete the ECS credential application and pay the application fee of $150. (If you don't receive the credential, the fee is totally refunded.)

Click here for the ECS application.