Accreditation with the Dept. of Veterans Affairs
Our 2024 Study Materials, Practice Questions with Answers (online and spiral bound), and Selections from Title 38 CFR will help an individual or a non-practicing attorney prepare for VA's exam to become an VA Accredited Claims Agent.
See a Detailed Description of the Study Materials.
Individuals who are not accredited (see 38 USC§ 5901) may not help in the preparation, presentation and prosecution of an initial claim for VA benefits. The only exception to this rule is that any person may help any veteran - one-time only - with a claim (38 CFR§ 14.630 & 38 USC§ 5903). Those who help veterans - without accreditation - may be in violation of federal law.
15% Discount. Enter code 'NCPC15'
OPTION 1 - (2024) Study Materials
Use this option if you only want purchase the study materials to prepare for the exam to become accredited. The study materials include the following (see a more detailed description):
- "Study Instructions for the Claims Agent Exam" (6 pages),
- "Training Manual for the Accredited Agents Exam" (476 pages),
- Current "Selections from Title 38 CFR Pertaining to the Accredited Agents Exam" on flash drive,
- 600 Practice Questions (6 Exam Sets, view samples) with answers and CFR references - available online and in a spiral bound book, and
- Limited Phone Support to answer general questions regarding application, testing, and study.
We recommend purchasing AFTER you are approved to take the exam. The Office of General Counsel is processing applications (VA Form 21a) very slowly. We cannot guarantee you will pass the accreditation exam based solely on using our materials. These materials do not apply to service organization accreditation (e.g. VFW, DAV, American Legion, etc...).
15% Discount. Enter code 'NCPC15'
OPTION 2 - (2024) Study Materials and "How to Apply" book
Taking the exam to become accredited will not introduce you to the application forms nor help you fully understand the application process (this option will do all of this). Your purchase includes the following:
- Book: How to Apply for Dept. of Veterans Affairs Benefits for Veterans and Their Survivors (2024 Edition),
- "Study Instructions for the Claims Agent Exam" (6 pages),
- "Training Manual for the Accredited Agents Exam" (476 pages),
- Current "Selections from Title 38 CFR Pertaining to the Accredited Agents Exam" on flash drive,
- 600 Practice Questions (6 Exam Sets, view samples) with answers and CFR references - available online and in a spiral bound book, and
- Limited Phone Support to answer general questions regarding application, testing, and study
We recommend purchasing AFTER you are approved to take the exam. The Office of General Counsel is processing applications (VA Form 21a) very slowly. We do not guarantee you will pass the accreditation exam based solely on using our materials. These materials do not apply to service organization accreditation (e.g. VFW, DAV, American Legion, etc...).
FEEDBACK FROM A RECENT PURCHASER
I sat the VA accredited agents’ exam today. Just wanted to say thank you to your organization for the materials you provide. It helped steer me in the right direction and prepare me for the exam. Without your materials I would have found it much harder to focus as the regulations are so voluminous. In particular, I spent many hours reviewing your sample tests so that I was familiar with the type of questions when it came to the exam. The [actual] questions seemed easy after doing your sample tests! Warm wishes, - S.A.
STEPS TO BECOMING ACCREDITED
1. Apply - Submit VA Form 21a to the Office of General Counsel (OGC).
2. Get Approved to Take the Exam - OGC will review your background, employment, accreditation intentions and contact your references. Once approved, you may schedule your exam date.
3. Purchase and Study our Materials. We recommend purchasing our materials after you have been approved to take the exam. This will ensure your having the most up-to-date information.
4. Take the Exam - The nearest regional office will schedule a time with you to take the free 40 question exam (multiple choice questions including ethics based questions found in 38 CFR§ 14.629-14.637). Please know we do not guarantee you will pass the accreditation exam based solely on using our materials.
5. Maintain the VA Required Continued Legal Education (CLE).
About Accreditation
Accreditation refers to the authority granted by the VA to those who meet the standards established by the VA. VA's stated purpose in requiring accreditation is to ensure that claimants for VA benefits receive "qualified assistance in preparing and presenting their claims."
Individuals who are not accredited should not be offering advice to anyone on filing a claim for pension. In order to provide a consultation on a client's individual claim you must be accredited. For attorneys to become accredited is simply a matter of filing a form (VA FORM 21a) and receiving an accreditation letter from VA. For anyone else, the same form must be filed but there is an exam required. After passing the exam, an individual who is not an attorney receives an accreditation letter from VA as an "accredited agent." Click here to read more about the process of becoming accredited.
You cannot help someone or advise someone on an application and then have the family file a claim unless you are accredited. You cannot be involved in any way in a claim as a subordinate of an accredited attorney unless you are a paralegal of the firm, a law student in the firm or a law intern.
Request information in the form below or call (800) 989-8137 for more detail. Please know we do not guarantee you will pass the accreditation exam based solely on using our materials.
