Accreditation from ACAT has a positive impact on practitioners in a variety of ways. Whether you want to raise your salary, earn professional recognition or give yourself a competitive advantage, ACAT is ready to assist and support you in achieving your goals.
ABA Accredited Business Accountant is ACAT’s trademarked designation for Accreditation in Accountancy. The ABA is a prestigious professional accounting credential that demonstrates to clients, potential clients and employers that the credential holder has a thorough knowledge and proficiency in financial accounting, financial reporting, financial statement preparation, taxation, managerial accounting, business law, and ethics for small- to medium-sized businesses.
How do I become ABA accredited & what are the requirements?
To become an ABA, you must pass the Comprehensive Examination for Accreditation in Accountancy, and have three years of related work experience, up to two of which may be satisfied through college credit. ACAT seeks to ensure that all accredited individuals possess theoretical knowledge and the practical knowledge necessary to be successful practitioners. For that reason, candidates for accreditation must satisfy a three-year experience requirement before becoming fully credentialed. Individuals who pass the exam but who have not met the experience requirement may promote themselves as having “passed the ACAT Comprehensive Examination for Accreditation in Accountancy,” but are not entitled to use the ABA designation.
In some states—DE, IA, MN—achieving the ABA designation meets state regulatory requirements to practice public accountancy. MN requires a 75% passing score on both Practices of the exam. The use of the term “accountant” for non CPAs varies by state. In states where the term “accountant” cannot be used in any form or in states that allow the use the term “accountant” as a stand alone word but with a disclaimer—AL, AK, AR, CA, HI, IN, KY, LA, ND, NV, NY, OH, OK, PA, RI, SC, SD, TN and TX, accredited individuals use Accredited Business Advisor®. The process for attaining the credential and rules for use are the same.
