1 - Plan

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Step 1: Choose which credential is right for you and your practice


Chose the credential that best suits your career path, market niche, or current business. Once you've made that decision, click on Learn More under the descriptions to dive deeper into your selection.


ACAT credential holders have more earning power!

ACAT credential holders command the same fees as Enrolled Agents for tax preparation and much more than the unlicensed.



Accredited Business Accountant® - The Accredited Business Accountant or Advisor* (ABA) credential represents practitioners who specialize in the needs of small- to medium-size businesses and in financial services to individuals and families. The ABA credential is awarded only to those passing the Accreditation in Accountancy examination.
*The use of the term “accountant” for non CPAs varies by state therefore we provide ABA credential holders with the alternate title option of Accredited Business Advisor.  

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Accredited Tax Preparer® - The Accredited Tax Preparer (ATP) credential represents practitioners who have a thorough knowledge of the existing tax code and the preparation of individual tax returns. Their expertise covers comprehensive 1040 issues (including supporting schedules, self-employed returns, etc.) and ethics.

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Accredited Tax Advisor® - The Accredited Tax Advisor (ATA) credential represents practitioners who can handle sophisticated tax planning issues, including planning for owners of closely held businesses, planning for the highly compensated, choosing qualified retirement plans and performing estate tax planning. Their expertise covers tax returns for individuals, business entities, fiduciaries, trusts and estates, as well as tax planning, tax consulting and ethics.  

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Accredited Retirement Advisor® - The Accredited Retirement Advisor (ARA) credential represents practitioners who have expertise in preparing their clients for retirement; the essentials of estate and trust planning and choosing appropriate retirement plans.  

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