NATP debuts tax pro credential program

The National Association of Tax Professionals unveiled a credentialing program under which it will award two new designations, Accredited Tax Professional in Representation and Advanced Accredited Tax Professional in Representation, focusing on representation, due diligence and ethical practice.

The objective is to provide a clearer credential path in a relatively unregulated environment for tax preparers, giving tax pros a structured way to show their expertise to clients and peers.

The professional credentialing program will be run by the newly established NATP Center for Professional Excellence, which will administer NATP credentials and establish expectations for tax pros that support competence, ethics and trust in tax practice. The credentials provided by the Center will reflect an earned commitment to ongoing education, professional development and accountability.

The first two credentials, ATPR and AATPR, are open to any tax professional who meets the established eligibility, examination and continuing education requirements and are designed for practitioners engaged in or interested in representation work who want formal recognition of their expertise and professional standing.

"These credentials are about more than testing knowledge," said NATP CEO Scott Artman in a statement Thursday. "They represent a commitment to professional excellence, ethical practice and continuous learning. Through the Center for Professional Excellence, NATP is providing tax professionals with a meaningful way to demonstrate their value and advance their careers."

The new representation credentials are only the first phase of a broader credentialing framework planned by the NATP. More credentials are expected later this year, including Core Individual Tax and Advanced Individual Tax, Core Business Tax and Advanced Business Tax.