AICPA Adds More Options for Specialty Credentials

The American Institute of CPAs said Wednesday that it is expanding the registration and exam options for its specialty credentials, providing CPAs with more flexibility and opportunity to pursue designations that help differentiate them in the market.

Registration for the Personal Financial Specialist (PFS), Accredited in Business Valuation (ABV) and Certified in Financial Forensics (CFF) exams is now open year round, and each exam will be offered twice per year. Previously, registration was limited and exams were offered only once annually.

“We’ve made these changes in response to our members,” said AICPA director of specialized communities and firm practice management Mark J. Koziel. “We are seeing strong interest in all of our credentials and want to maximize opportunity for CPAs to earn designations that benefit clients on complex issues like business valuation, forensic accounting, financial planning and information technology.”

To become a specialty credential holder, individuals must be a CPA and a member of the AICPA, and meet minimum education and experience requirements. With one exception — the Certified Information Technology Professional (CITP) credential — all candidates also must pass an exam.  The CITP credential will start incorporating exam requirements into the application process later this year. 

The dates for the credential exams are as follows:

ABV (www.aicpa.org/abvexam)
June 1-June 30

November 7-December 10

CFF (www.aicpa.org/cffexam)
June 1-June 30
November 7-December 10

PFS (www.aicpa.org/pfsexam)
June 20-July 29
December 19-January 27, 2012

CITP (www.aicpa.org/citpexam)
July 27-August 31 (First Examination)

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