3 - Examination

Register for an ACAT exam today!

ACAT exams are only available to be taken within the U.S. at
Meazure testing centers or via Live Remote Proctoring (LRP). Locate a testing center here.
Before selecting LRP please carefully review the hardware/software requirements document linked here before opting for the LRP exam.

Registration & Fees

ACAT exams are only available to be taken within the US. Candidates. Once registered, you have up to one (1) year to take an exam. Registrations are only excepted for future exam windows. If you would like to take an exam during a window that has already started a $50 late registration fee applies. 

ABA Full Examination (Part 1 and Part 2):    $400
ABA Partial Examination (Part 1 or Part 2):   $250 
ATA Examination:                                           $250
ATP Examination:                                           $250
ARA Examination                                           $250 

*Please note that these fees are for the exams only. There is a separate $50 credential activation fee, $20 certificate fee and annual ACAT renewal fees to maintain earned ACAT credentials. More details on annual renewal fees can be found here.

Exam Links

Exam Schedule

Next Testing Window

March 1 - June 30, 2024

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Will I need to still complete the IRS's annual filing season refresher course and exam?

Accredited Tax Preparers qualify for an exemption to the course and exam provided that your credentials are maintained and you continue to meet the continuing education requirements as an ATP.

Q: If I register today, how long is the registration valid?

Generally, we assume you're signing up for the next testing window; however, please notify us if you'd like you like to be in a different testing window. You have one (1) year from your registration to schedule your exam. 

Q: My test is in a few days but I need to cancel. How can I do this?

Once we are in an active testing period, a $50 rescheduling fee will apply and will be due prior to rescheduling your next exam.

Q: I thought my exam was tomorrow but it was yesterday. Can I reschedule?

No. Please double-check your scheduled date as after the exam date you've forfeited your exam registration fees. 

Find a Testing Center

ACAT Exams are proctored at Meazure Testing Centers across the US. Meazure offers close to 1,000 test center locations that provide testing in a proctored environment. Of the top 100 U.S. cities by population, 99% of candidates are within 15 miles of a testing center. 

Locate your testing city here

To view a demonstration of the online test delivery system, please view this free sample test. Please note: The content of the sample examination does not include content from the actual examination.



Scheduling Your Exam

ACAT computer-based exams are offered at Meazure Testing Centers across the US or by Live Remote Proctoring (LRP).  Before opting to take the exam via LRP please carefully read the hardware/software requirements document linked here.

Once your registration is processed, you will receive a Notice to Schedule/Eligibility email from Meazure that provides instructions to submit a scheduling request (such notices are sent no earlier than 45 days prior to the testing window). Once you submit your scheduling request, you will receive your Confirmation Notice from Scantron via email. This information will include your exam date and time reservation; the address and driving directions to the chosen testing site as well as instructions regarding arrival time; what to bring and not to bring; the rescheduling policy; a link to a generic sample test that demonstrates Scantron’s online testing software, PASS, and other important information. 

Rescheduling & Cancelation 

Please note that rescheduling refers to a process that occurs once you have scheduled a testing date and subsequently wish to change or amend the date, time or location of your scheduled exam within the current testing window. You may reschedule a testing appointment up to two (2) days in advance of your testing appointment. Reschedule requests are not accepted within two (2) days of your scheduled testing appointment.

A $50 non-refundable fee will apply to all rescheduled exams; the fee must be paid at the time of the request or it will be charged to your account and must be paid prior to any other actions taken.