Accreditation Council for Accountancy and Taxation (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 offers four credentials to professionals in the financial, accounting and taxation industries: - Accredited Tax Preparer (ATP) - Accredited Business Accountant (ABA) - Accredited Retirement Advisor (ARA) - Accredited Tax Advisor (ATA) ATP and ABA Credential Holders are exempt from the IRS Annual Filing Season Program course and exam requirements.