Representation Credential FAQs

These are professional credentials that recognize knowledge and skill in tax representation and ongoing commitment to excellence.

ATPR: The accredited tax professional in representation (ATPR) credential recognizes tax professionals with limited or full representation rights who have demonstrated the practical knowledge and skills needed to resolve common IRS post-filing issues. It validates competence in common return challenges, audits, collections, penalties and protecting taxpayer rights.

AATPR: The advanced accredited tax professional in representation (AATPR) credential recognizes professionals with unlimited representation rights who have demonstrated a high level of proficiency in IRS representation work. It validates advanced skills in complex areas such as collections, offers in compromise, office and field audits, and appeals.

ATPR: Designed for tax professionals (including AFSP holders, EAs, CPAs, attorneys and others with IRS-recognized representation rights) who wish to expand into IRS representation, particularly resolving common post-filing issues.

AATPR: Designed for EAs, CPAs and attorneys who already have unlimited representation rights, and want to distinguish themselves in advanced IRS representation and controversy practice.

Earning the ATPR enhances your credibility and builds client trust. It gives credential holders confidence because it affirms their ability to effectively resolve everyday IRS representation issues. It can also strengthen client relationships and potentially open new revenue opportunities.

Earning the AATPR credential demonstrates advanced knowledge and skill in IRS representation. It shows clients and peers that you have the proven ability and confidence to handle complex tax issues. This credential also enhances your professional reputation and highlights your ability to effectively manage challenging tax matters with skill and integrity.

All credential holders receive a digital badge and certificate that peers and clients can verify online.

The Accredited Tax Professional in Representation (ATPR) is the core level credential, reflecting the standard qualification for competent IRS representation. It recognizes tax professionals who demonstrate a well-rounded set of skills and practical knowledge to manage common post-filing issues such as audits, collections, notices and penalties.

The Advanced Accredited Tax Professional in Representation (AATPR) credential builds on that core foundation, recognizing those who demonstrate a higher level of proficiency in complex representation matters, including advanced audits, appeals and offers in compromise.

While the ATPR confirms readiness for effective and ethical practice in everyday representation matters, the AATPR distinguishes those prepared to handle the most challenging IRS representation matters with advanced technical skill and sound judgment.

NATP’s representation credentials focus on real-world IRS representation practice, emphasizing the skills and competencies needed to effectively represent clients before the IRS.

The ATPR credential enhances your professional credibility, inspires client trust and builds your own confidence through the practical application of essential IRS representation competencies. It can provide an excellent pathway to advanced credentials because it validates knowledge and skills through exams and real-world training. Earners of this credential demonstrate readiness to handle common representation cases and are supported by the NATP community and shared resources.

The AATPR credential recognizes your ability to manage complex IRS representation challenges while strengthening your professional credibility. It emphasizes advanced, applied learning rather than academic theory and keeps you current through required continuing education. Built around relevant knowledge and real-world skill mastery, this credential empowers you to continuously deepen your expertise through professional connection and NATP’s extensive resources. 

While it is not an IRS-issued credential, it aligns with IRS standards and enhances your professional standing. We’re proud to offer credentials that embody NATP’s high standards, core values and commitment to excellence.

NATP’s exams were developed to be fair, reliable and based on real-world tax representation practice. Each exam measures the knowledge and skills tax representatives need to serve taxpayers confidently and represent them effectively before the IRS.

To keep the exams accurate and valid, NATP works with experienced tax professionals to identify the competencies required for taxpayer representation. These are organized into content areas, called “domains,” which form the outline and structure for each exam.

Questions are written to test proficiency in these domains. Exam questions are evaluated by subject matter experts to ensure clarity, accuracy and fairness. NATP also uses industry-accepted methods to set passing scores that reflect true professional ability.

By following these standards, NATP ensures its exams are valid and a trusted measure of professional competencies in tax representation practice.

Yes. NATP plans to offer additional credentials for tax professionals who prepare both individual and business tax returns.

Absolutely, you’re welcome to earn multiple credentials.

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

ATPR: You must hold at least limited representation rights through an IRS-recognized credential (e.g., AFSP, EA, CPA or attorney) and be in good standing. 

AATPR: You must hold unlimited representation rights through an IRS-recognized credential (EA, CPA or attorney) and be in good standing.

No.

Yes, two things. You do not have to earn or hold the ATPR in order to obtain the AATPR. Additionally, 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 representation practice.

Yes. Candidates who pass the exam have 90 days to submit an online application confirming their current IRS-recognized credential, 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 beavailable by logging into your NATP account’s dashboard and navigating to CPE Management.

Sertifier is the digital credentialing provider NATP uses. Sertifier provides online, verifiable credential digital badges and certificates. 

NATP reviews and approves complete and valid applications within five business days. You will be notified via email regarding your application.

The credential application form asks for confirmation that your IRS-recognized credential is in good standing. It also asks you to agree to NATP’s Code of Ethics and Standards of Professional Conduct and the proper use of credential badges.

Candidates who pass the exam have 90 days to submit an online application for the credential, which will be processed within five days. Exams will be available year-round, with a short blackout period each spring while updates are completed.

Yes. You can take any or all the credential program modules without ever taking the exam. NATP’s credential program modules are designed to be flexible; you can take them at any time. These modules are an excellent way to learn more about representation practice as well as assess your readiness for the credential exam.

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. CPE for each credential program module is earned by passing a short exam based on the learning objectives for that module.

ATPR: Five domains, or content areas, including foundations of IRS representation, IRS authorization and online tools, notice response and disputes, collections and enforcement, and resolution strategies and penalty relief are covered.

AATPR: The exam covers five advanced domains, or content areas, focused on complex representation practice, including collections, audits, offers in compromise and appeals. It also includes ten core refresher questions.

Please see the Candidate Guide for more details 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 representation, 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 representation practice.

The ATPR exam consists of 100 multiple-choice questions. Each registration gives test-takers three hours (one attempt) to complete the online exam. 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.

The AATPR exam consists of 110 multiple-choice questions. Each registration gives test-takers three hours (one attempt) to complete the online exam. 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.

Plan ahead to make sure you will be able to complete your exam within this timeframe. After passing the exam, you can apply to have the credential awarded.

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 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 taking the exam, you’ll receive a detailed score report outlining areas for additional review and study. If you’d like to try again, you can purchase another exam immediately; there’s no limit on the number of times you may take an exam.

To strengthen your knowledge and better prepare, you may also purchase and complete any or all of the optional NATP credential modules on representation. 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 questions in the Candidate Guide.

No, there is no required coursework or prep other than holding an IRS-recognized credential. Limited or full representation rights are required for ATPR, and full representation rights are needed for AATPR.

If you’re looking for structured prep courses, we recommend NATP’s optional ATPR credential program modules and AATPR 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 representation practice, aligning directly with the areas you’ll be tested on. Developed by subject matter experts and seasoned practitioners who have dedicated years to client representation, these resources ensure that what you study is both technically accurate and grounded in real-world representation 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 representation may wish to complete the full education program, while experienced EAs, CPAs, and attorneys 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 represent taxpayers before the IRS.

The exam fee includes one attempt at the ATPR or AATPR 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 certification 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 (ATPR or AATPR) 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 December 31 of the year in which it is approved.

Renewing your NATP credential requires maintaining your IRS-recognized credential, 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 ATPR | $50 for AATPR; nonmembers $50 for ATPR | $100 for AATPR).

NATP will accept CPE that you earn to maintain your IRS-recognized designation. Continuing education earned to maintain those designations will also fully satisfy NATP’s CE requirements for its ATPR and AATPR credentials.

Credential holders are not required to complete any additional CE beyond what is needed for their IRS-recognized designation or report CE to NATP to maintain the ATPR or AATPR. To renew, you must simply complete an annual online attestation confirming that your IRS-recognized designation is active and in good standing and pay the annual renewal fee.

NATP may verify credentials, licenses, designations and CE compliance (when needed) directly with the IRS or other official sources. 

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.

Renewal lapses may require renewal and late fees, CPE documentation or an exam retake for the credential to be reinstated.

ATPR - members $25, nonmembers $50
AATPR – 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 use NATP’s official credential badge and display their certificate only after approval and must do so in accordance 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.