Accredited Estate Planner (AEP®)
The AEP® designation is administered by the National Association of Estate Planners & Council to individuals who have achieved a graduate level of specialization in estate planning and who meet stringent requirements of experience, knowledge, education, and professional reputation.
Prerequisites Candidates looking to obtain the AEP® must meet all of the following
requirements:
• Already maintain one or more of the following professional credentials:
- JD (active law license required if this is the only credential with which you are applying), CPA, CLU®, CFP®, ChFC®, CPWA®, CFA, CAP®, CSPG, CTFA, MSFS, and/or MST
• Have an active practice for a minimum of five years within the following disciplines:
- accounting; insurance and financial planning; law; philanthropy; and trust services
• Maintain a current membership in an affiliated local estate planning council.
• Must be in good standing within their professional organization and not be subject to disciplinary investigation.
• Must provide three professional references from individuals with whom they have worked with on estate planning cases or assignments.
• Current membership in an affiliated local estate planning council
Education Applicants for the AEP® designation must successfully complete two graduate level courses provided through The American College. Exceptions to the education requirement are made to individuals who have at least 15 years or more of estate planning experience.
Examination Candidates studying for the AEP® designation must successfully pass a final, proctored exam for each course taken.
Continuing Education Individuals who have successfully obtained the AEP® designation must complete 30 hours (15 of which are specifically devoted to estate planning) of continuing education requirements every 2 years. Re-certification is required annually to monitor this requirement.
