Become a Credential Holder

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Become an ACAT Credential Holder

Do you know about the Accreditation Council for Accountancy and Taxation (ACAT) and ACAT credentials? ACAT is a credentialing body within the National Society of Accountants family that gives tax and accounting professionals the opportunity to earn a prestigious professional designation. These professional credentials provide you with a competitive edge in the work field and will prove your skills and expertise to potential clients or employers.
Four Credentials To Distinguish You

ACAT offers four credentials representing accounting and tax professionals and specialties. Each one is the hallmark of excellence, experience, and commitment. Click on the banners below for more information.

Accredited Tax Preparer® (ATP) - The ATP credential is for 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® (ATA) - The ATA credential is for 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® (ARA) - For 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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Accredited Business Accountant® (ABA) - For 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.  

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About ACAT


The Accreditation Council for Accountancy and Taxation® (ACAT) was established in 1973 as a non-profit independent testing, accrediting and monitoring organization. The Council seeks to identify professionals in independent practice who specialize in providing financial, accounting and taxation services to individuals and small to mid-size businesses. Professionals receive accreditation through examination and maintain their accreditation through commitment to a significant program of continuing professional education and adherence to the Council's Code of Ethics and Rules of Professional Conduct.

ACAT programs are governed by a Board of Directors that includes practitioners, educators and a public member.