Individual Credential FAQs

NATP’s individual tax credentials recognize tax professionals who have demonstrated the competencies and skills needed to apply federal individual tax law and effectively prepare and explain individual tax returns.

AITP: The Accredited Individual Tax Professional (AITP) credential recognizes professionals who demonstrate practical knowledge of federal individual taxation and the ability to prepare and explain individual returns while addressing common taxpayer issues. It highlights key areas such as income, adjustments, deductions, credits, retirement taxation, sole proprietorships, property and rental activity, along with a commitment to ethical practice and due diligence.

AAITP: The Advanced Accredited Individual Tax Professional (AAITP) credential recognizes tax professionals who have achieved an advanced level of competence in individual taxation. It demonstrates the ability to apply the Internal Revenue Code and regulatory guidance to complex tax matters such as investments, property transactions, unique income sources and international considerations. Credential holders show proficiency in interpreting advanced reporting forms, including K-1s, and addressing foreign transactions while applying sound professional judgment. The credential confirms a professional’s ability to navigate intricate individual tax issues with technical expertise and ethical standards.

AITP: Designed for tax professionals who prepare or explain federal individual tax returns and want to validate their practical knowledge of individual tax law, IRS guidance and real-world return-preparation scenarios.

AAITP: Designed for tax professionals who handle, or want to distinguish themselves in, more complex individual tax matters involving investments, property taxation, pass-through reporting, international issues, tax planning and advanced taxpayer scenarios.

Earning the AITP credential enhances professional credibility and affirms the ability to apply tax law, follow IRS guidance, and navigate real-world tax scenarios while serving clients with accuracy and integrity.

Earning the AAITP credential demonstrates advanced knowledge and skill in complex individual taxation. It signals to clients, firms and peers that the credential holder can manage complex individual tax situations, interpret advanced reporting forms and apply sound professional judgment.

Credential holders receive official NATP credential marks, including a digital badge and certificate, after the credential is awarded.

The Accredited Individual Tax Professional is the core level individual tax credential. It focuses on practical application of federal individual tax law in common return-preparation areas, including filing determinations, income, adjustments, deductions, credits, sole proprietorships, rental activity, ethical practice and IRS communications.

The Advanced Accredited Individual Tax Professional focuses on more complex individual taxation topics and higher-order analysis, including investment income, property transactions, pass-through taxation and losses, international and cross-border taxation, and planning strategies.

NATP’s individual tax credentials are designed to validate both federal individual tax knowledge and the practical skills needed to prepare accurate tax returns. The exams reflect the real-world responsibilities of tax professionals, including return preparation, tax law compliance, due diligence and the exercise of professional judgment.

The Accredited Individual Tax Professional (AITP) credential validates core competency in federal individual tax preparation. The Accredited Advanced Individual Tax Professional (AAITP) credential builds on that foundation by validating advanced technical knowledge, analytical skills and professional judgment in more complex individual income tax matters.

What sets these credentials apart is their competency-based design, which is built around the demands of professional tax practice. The curriculum aligns directly with Form 1040 and related schedules, using scenario-based learning to mirror the situations tax professionals encounter every day. This approach develops and assesses the ability to apply tax knowledge, not simply recall it.

The credentials also emphasize ethical accountability through required adherence to standards of professional conduct, including IRS Circular 230. This reinforces the importance of integrity, due diligence and sound decision-making in serving clients and meeting professional responsibilities.

The AITP and AAITP are professional credentials issued by the National Association of Tax Professionals (NATP).

Credential holders are required to uphold NATP’s Code of Ethics and Standards of Professional Conduct, as well as comply with the requirements of IRS Circular 230. These standards reinforce a commitment to professionalism, integrity, due diligence and ethical practice in serving taxpayers.

NATP’s exams were developed through a comprehensive, multi-layered process grounded in best practices for credentialing, adult learning and assessment design. Subject matter experts, including experienced tax practitioners and educators, identified the knowledge, skills and abilities required for competent performance in federal individual taxation.

The resulting exam blueprints define major content domains and assign weights based on their importance in practice. Exam questions are developed from authoritative sources, including the Internal Revenue Code, Treasury regulations, IRS publications and NATP credential program materials.

NATP uses a criterion-referenced standard-setting approach to set the passing score at 70%, supporting validity, reliability, fairness and defensibility.

Yes. NATP plans to expand its credential offerings to support tax professionals who prepare business tax returns. NATP also currently offers representation-focused credentials for professionals who represent taxpayers before the IRS.

Absolutely, you’re welcome to earn multiple credentials.

No, you don’t need to be an NATP member to earn a credential, but membership provides education, tools and support to help you succeed as a tax professional.

AITP: You must adhere to NATP’s Code of Ethics and Standards of Professional Conduct, comply with the requirements outlined in IRS Circular 230 and hold a current preparer tax identification number (PTIN) issued by the Internal Revenue Service.

AAITP: You must adhere to NATP’s Code of Ethics and Standards of Professional Conduct, comply with the requirements outlined in IRS Circular 230 and hold a current preparer tax identification number (PTIN) issued by the Internal Revenue Service.

No.

Yes. Two things. You do not have to earn or hold the AITP in order to obtain the AAITP. Earning either credential requires agreeing to NATP’s Standards of Professional Conduct and the Circular 230 Guidelines.

If you are interested in NATP credentials, we recommend reviewing the Candidate Guide. This resource covers commonly asked questions, provides an overview of the credentialing process and outlines the differences between the credentials.

When you’re ready, you can register for the exam or purchase any of NATP’s credential program modules to learn more about individual tax practice.

Yes. Candidates who pass the exam have 90 days to submit an online application confirming their current PTIN, agreement to NATP’s Code of Ethics and Standards of Professional Conduct, and understanding of proper credential use. Applications are reviewed within five days. Upon approval, your digital badge and certificate will be available by logging into your NATP account’s dashboard and navigating to CPE Management.

Sertifier is NATP’s authorized partner for digital credential badges and certificates.

NATP reviews complete and valid applications within five business days. Upon approval, candidates are recognized as official credential holders and granted the right to use NATP’s credential marks.

The online application asks candidates to provide or confirm their PTIN and contact information and attest to following NATP’s Standards of Professional Conduct, the requirements outlined in IRS Circular 230 and proper use of NATP credential marks.

After successfully passing the exam with a score of 70% or higher, candidates will receive their exam results on screen, along with access to the application for recognition as an AITP or AAITP credential holder. Applications will not be accepted if they are incomplete. Once a valid application is submitted, NATP will review and approve it within five business days.

Exams may be unavailable for a short period during April while NATP updates exam content.

Yes, absolutely. The modules are designed not only to help candidates prepare for the credential exams, but also to build knowledge, skill, and confidence in individual taxation and tax practice. They provide structured learning on key tax concepts, return preparation, compliance responsibilities and professional standards, making them very valuable for both new and experienced tax professionals who want to strengthen their understanding of federal individual taxation.

The AITP and AAITP study modules are optional preparation resources and may be purchased individually for targeted learning and focused exam preparation, or as a complete bundle for more comprehensive study.

While we encourage you to engage with NATP’s credential program modules as many times as you’d like, you can only earn credit for each module once during the calendar year. If you complete two courses with the same content in the same calendar year, only one completion will be reported to the CPE sponsoring organizations.

The AITP exam covers seven domains, or content areas, related to federal individual tax preparation and professional practice. These domains include federal tax foundations and filing determinations; income reporting; property and retirement reporting; adjustments, deductions and taxable income; credits and tax liability reduction; sole proprietor reporting; rental activity reporting; and ethical practice and IRS communications.

The AAITP exam includes individual income tax essentials plus seven advanced domains focused on more complex tax matters and professional judgment. These domains include professional practice and IRS procedures; income analysis and investment reporting; property taxation; pass-through taxation and losses; international and cross-border taxation; tax planning and advisory strategies; and complex taxpayer scenarios.  Please see the Candidate Guide for domain descriptions, topic lists, weights and sample questions.

All references on the exam are to the Internal Revenue Code, forms and publications as amended through Dec. 31, 2025. Unless otherwise stated, all questions relate to the calendar year 2025.

Each exam focuses on the practical skills needed for effective individual tax practice, helping you build confidence in applying IRS procedures correctly. The questions emphasize real-world scenarios and hands-on application rather than theory alone, ensuring credential holders demonstrate the competencies required for effective individual tax practice.

The AITP exam consists of 100 multiple-choice questions. Each registration provides test-takers with one exam attempt and up to three hours to complete the online exam. The exam timer begins when you click Start Exam and runs continuously for three hours or until the exam is submitted. Once the exam is started, it is considered an attempt whether or not the exam is completed. There are no scheduled breaks.

The AAITP exam consists of 110 multiple-choice questions. Each registration provides test-takers with one exam attempt and up to three hours to complete the online exam. The exam timer begins when you click Start Exam and runs continuously for three hours or until the exam is submitted. Once the exam is started, it is considered an attempt whether or not the exam is completed. There are no scheduled breaks.

Candidates should plan ahead to ensure they can complete the exam within the allotted timeframe. After passing the exam, candidates may submit an online application to be awarded the credential.

You’ll have three hours to complete the exam. Because the exam must be completed in one sitting, please set aside three uninterrupted hours before you begin.

The exam timer begins when you click Start Exam and will run continuously for three hours, or until you submit your exam. There are no scheduled breaks.

Yes. Please see the Candidate Guide for sample exam questions.

Each exam includes one attempt. To retake the exam, you’ll need to repurchase it.

Both exams have a minimum passing score of 70%. Scores are shown upon completion of the exam, however, test-takers may not use the credential until their application is approved, and their official digital badge and certificate are posted by NATP.

Exams are offered year-round and are taken online on your own computer. 

To keep the credentials current, exams may be unavailable during the first two weeks of April for updates.

NATP exams are available at your convenience and do not require a set appointment. Take your exam anytime you’re ready using the latest version of Edge, Chrome, Firefox or Safari on your own computer. Because the exam must be completed in one sitting, please set aside three uninterrupted hours before you begin.

NATP exams are browser-based with no software or programs to download. Take your exam anytime you’re ready using the latest version of Edge, Chrome, Firefox or Safari on your own computer.

After submitting the exam, test-takers receive their score immediately. Candidates may also request a detailed score report outlining areas for additional review and study by emailing [email protected].

If you would like to retake the exam, you may purchase another exam attempt at any time. There is no limit to the number of times an exam may be taken.

To strengthen your knowledge and better prepare, you may also purchase and complete any or all of the optional NATP credential modules on individual tax. These modules provide additional learning opportunities to help you study and succeed.

If you pass the exam but don’t yet meet the eligibility requirements, the credential will not be awarded. We recommend waiting to take the exam until you meet the requirements. Please also wait to use the designation in bios, email signatures or social profiles until it’s officially granted by NATP. If you meet the requirements within 90 days of your pass date, you may submit your application for review and approval. After 90 days, the exam result expires, and you’ll need to retake it once you’re eligible. After 90 days, please contact us at: [email protected]. 

No, there isn’t a practice exam. However, candidates can review the content outlines for topics and sample exam questions in the Candidate Guide.

No, there is no required coursework or prep other than holding a preparer tax identification number (PTIN).

If you’re looking for structured prep courses, we recommend NATP’s optional AITP credential program modules and AAITP credential program modules which cover the competencies, concepts, terminology and processes assessed on each exam.

When deciding to pursue an NATP credential, it’s important to set yourself up for success. NATP’s credential program modules focus on strengthening the competencies most important to effective individual tax practice, aligning directly with the areas you’ll be tested on. Developed by subject matter experts and seasoned practitioners who have dedicated years to individual tax return preparation, these resources ensure that what you study is both technically accurate and grounded in real-world practice.

To support your preparation, NATP also provides a Candidate Guide that explains credential requirements and answers questions about the credentialing process.

Preparation time varies by experience. Candidates new to individual tax may wish to complete the full education program, while experienced professionals may focus on the exam content outlines and conducting targeted reviews.

NATP exams are offered in English.

Yes, the credential program modules are approved for CPE by the IRS, NASBA and CTEC. They are available for purchase to those who wish to develop or strengthen the competencies needed to effectively prepare and explain individual tax returns.

The exam fee includes one attempt at the AITP or AAITP exam and access to a downloadable certificate and badge once the credential is awarded.

Exam fees:

• Not a member $200
• NATP Basic level member: $190
• NATP Professional level member: $150
• NATP Premium level member: $150

Exam fees are nonrefundable.

No, there are no additional fees to apply for the credential after you pass the exam.

To maintain the credential, there is an annual fee. This includes a new digital badge and certificate reflecting the new credentialing period.

Because the modules are online education offerings, fees are nonrefundable. Exam fees are also nonrefundable.

Pricing is the same for first time exams and retakes. Each purchase includes one exam attempt (AITP or AAITP) and once the credential is awarded, access to a downloadable certificate and digital badge. There is no waiting period between attempts and no limit on the number of retakes.

Exam fees (per attempt):

• Not a member $200
• NATP Basic level member: $190
• NATP Professional level member: $150
• NATP Premium level member: $150

Exam fees are nonrefundable.

You’ll see your exam results on screen right after submitting the exam, but keep in mind that you may not use the credential or represent yourself as credentialed until your application is submitted, approved and your official digital badge and certificate are issued by NATP.

Credentials are generally valid for one year and operate on a calendar-year cycle from Jan. 1 through Dec. 31. Candidates may earn a credential at any point during the year, with the credential valid through Dec. 31 of the year in which it is approved.

Renewing your NATP credential requires maintaining your preparer tax identification number (PTIN) adhering to NATP’s Standards of Professional Conduct and the requirements of the IRS Circular 230 and paying the annual renewal fee (members: $25 for AITP | $50 for AAITP; nonmembers: $50 for AITP | $100 for AAITP).

Yes. Credential holders must complete 15 hours of qualifying continuing education between Jan. 1 and Dec. 31 each year: 10 hours of Federal Tax Law, 3 hours of Tax Law Updates and 2 hours of Ethics.

Qualifying education must relate to federal individual taxation and be provided by a recognized education provider through delivery formats such as seminars, conferences, webinars, online courses or self-study programs. Continuing education hours must be reported during the annual renewal process, and credential holders must maintain documentation and provide proof if selected for audit.

We’ll send courtesy email reminders as the renewal date approaches. Please keep your contact information current and check spam/junk folders. Reminders are helpful, but please plan ahead to meet your end-of-year renewal. If your credential lapses, reinstatement may require renewal and late fees, CE documentation or an exam retake.

If a credential holder fails to renew, pay required renewal fees or comply with NATP’s Standards of Professional Conduct, the credential will be suspended. The individual will receive written notice that they are no longer credentialed and may not represent themselves as holding the NATP credential.

Accredited status may be reinstated by satisfactorily completing the exam, submitting renewal fees and evidence of acceptable continuing education completed within the 12 months before reinstatement, or through a decision of the NATP credential oversight committee or board in special or extenuating circumstances.

AITP – members: $25, nonmembers: $50

AAITP – members: $50, nonmembers: $100

Yes, the digital badges issued by NATP’s digital badge provider, Sertifier, indicate when the credential was earned and when it expires. New digital badges are issued annually for those who have satisfactorily met ongoing program requirements.

Yes. You can use your official NATP credential badge and certificate only after your credential application has been approved. Badges and certificates must not be altered, and use must cease if the credential is expired, suspended or revoked.

Credentials earned by NATP members can be verified in NATP’s Member Directory.

Credentials can also be verified through Sertifier, NATP’s credential and badge processing partner, in either of these ways:

• Click the “Verify Credential” button on the digital badge.
• Enter the Badge ID on the Sertifier website.

After your credential is approved, you can download and share your official digital badge and certificate through Sertifier. Options include downloading your badge or certificate as a PDF, PNG or JSON file, and sharing it on platforms such as LinkedIn or social media.

Credential holders may begin using NATP’s official credential badge and displaying their certificate immediately after their credential has been approved. All use of credential marks and materials must comply with NATP’s brand use guidelines.

You can reach out to our credentialing team at [email protected]. We’re happy to walk you through any part of the process.

Candidates who have questions about the credentialing process, or who wish to appeal an exam result or disciplinary decision, must submit their request in writing within 60 days of the exam. Submissions must include:

• The candidate’s full name
• Contact information
• Credential ID (if applicable)
• A clear description of the question, concern or appeal
• Supporting documentation or evidence, as applicable

All submissions should be sent to [email protected]. NATP will review all inquiries in accordance with established policies, and candidates will receive a written response with the decision.

Appeals or complaints submitted after the 60 day deadline will not be accepted. Additionally, to maintain the security and integrity of NATP examinations, test questions will not be released, and candidates will not be provided with their specific responses or whether those responses were marked correct or incorrect.

NATP is committed to protecting confidential information related to applicants, candidates, and credential holders. Confidential materials can include an individual’s application, application status, applicant or credential-holder information, exam questions and answers, and individual exam scores.

Confidential information retained within NATP’s applicant/credential holder database will always be kept confidential.

Exam scores are released only to the test taker unless a signed release is provided or is required by law.

The names of credential holders are not considered confidential and may be published by NATP.