Many states permit lawyers to hold themselves out as specialists if their certification is awarded by an ABA-accredited program; however, it is important to consult the rules in your own state to determine any restrictions to the use of the EPLS certification You may also wish to consult the ABA Model Rules of Professional Conduct.

You will need to complete and submit the EPLS certification application with payment and supporting documentation, including names of professional references. The application is available on the NAEPC website or by calling the national office at 1-866-226-2224. For complete details, please review the standards for certification.

Yes, you must have a minimum of 5 years actively practicing law devoting at least 40% of your professional time to estate planning.

Yes, you must earn a minimum of 36 hours of CLE in estate planning topics preceding the filing of the certification application—15 hours must be earned annually once you are certified.

Yes, you must hold a minimum coverage of $1,000,000 per claim of professional liability insurance and verify this information as an attachment to your application.

Yes, you must provide the names and contact information for 8 colleagues, a majority of whom have known you for at least 3 years; who are not related or within the same firm; and who will attest to your competence, reputation, and character. A minimum of 5 such individuals must provide favorable recommendations to complete the application.

The application fee is $600 payable by check or credit card; however, if you are a member of an NAEPC-affiliated local estate planning council the fee is reduced to $500. NAEPC is offering WealthCounsel members a discounted price of $350.

Yes, there is an annual fee of $275. Every 5 years, there is a recertification fee of $300. These fees are based on calendar years, not when the exam was taken. Because this test is being proctored in April, the first annual fee would not become due until 1/1/22.

Please allow 6 - 8 weeks for processing, review, and result of “call for references.” The completed application will then be reviewed by a national review committee.

Yes, once your application has been approved, you will be provided instructions on how to take the 80-question multiple choice examination which can be taken online or in hardcopy—in either format the examination must be proctored by a licensed attorney who is not with your same firm or company. A list of reference materials is posted on the website as well as access to an on-demand review course available for an additional fee. Please allow 4 weeks for exam results.

Yes, you can register for the review course, but not take the exam. The review course is $50 and is a good way to better understand the certification exam and requirements if it’s something you’re interested in at a future time.

Yes, an attorney who is not a WealthCounsel Member can register for and take the review course for $50.

Many states permit lawyers to hold themselves out as specialists if their certification is awarded by an ABA-accredited program. Each lawyer must consult the rules in his or her own state to determine any restrictions to the use of the EPLS certification. NAEPC maintains a list of states that accept the EPLS certification on the basis of the accreditation by the ABA or because the state bar recognizes the importance of a legal specialization when it is administered by a reputable organization. Attorneys may also wish to consult the ABA Model Rules of Professional Conduct.