How to get VA accreditation

Getting VA accreditation means earning the VA Office of General Counsel's authorization to prepare, present, and prosecute veterans benefits claims for a fee. The process is set out in 38 CFR 14.629: apply on VA Form 21a, establish good character and reputation and competence, pass the written examination if you are an agent (attorneys are exempt), and complete continuing legal education after accreditation. This page walks the whole path in order, with an interactive checklist so you can track where you stand.

First, pick your track

The steps, in order

What follows is the agent and attorney path. Use the checklist after this section to track your own progress; it saves in your browser.

1. Confirm you meet the baseline

You must be of good character and reputation, qualified to render valuable assistance to claimants, and competent to advise and assist them in preparing, presenting, and prosecuting claims. Veteran status is not required; non-veterans go through the same process. Read the who can apply guide and the non-veteran guide if you are unsure.

2. Complete VA Form 21a

The application asks for your full name and home and business addresses, military and civilian employment history (including character of military discharge, if applicable), any representation you have provided before federal departments or agencies, criminal background, whether you have ever been determined mentally incompetent or hospitalized for a mental condition or are currently under treatment, any prior VSO accreditation and whether it was terminated or suspended, and your education and academic history. Answer completely and accurately; the character review will verify what you write. The Form 21a guide and the Form 21a instructions guide walk the form line by line.

3. File with OGC

The completed application goes to the Office of the General Counsel (022D), 810 Vermont Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20420. Keep a copy of everything you send. If OGC needs more information, it will ask; respond promptly and completely, because the character review cannot move forward on an incomplete file.

4. Pass the character and fitness review

OGC conducts an inquiry into your qualifications. An affirmative determination is the gate to the exam: you cannot sit for it until OGC clears you. If OGC finds you do not meet the requirements, it issues a notice with reasons, a chance to submit more information, and any restrictions on reapplying. An adverse decision is appealable to the Board of Veterans' Appeals. The character and fitness guide covers what OGC examines.

5. Pass the written exam (agents)

Once cleared, you are scheduled for OGC's online exam, offered several times per year. The regulation requires a score of 75 percent or more, and retakes are limited to no more than twice in any 6-month period. Secondary sources report 40 multiple-choice questions in 60 minutes, closed book, but VA does not confirm those details publicly. Prepare with the accreditation exam guide, the study guide, and the 25-question practice set.

6. Complete 3 hours of CLE within 12 months

As a condition of initial accreditation, complete 3 hours of qualifying continuing legal education during the first 12 months after accreditation. The course must be approved for at least 3 hours of CLE credit by a State bar association and must cover, at a minimum: representation before VA, claims procedures, basic eligibility for VA benefits, right to appeal, disability compensation (38 U.S.C. chapter 11), dependency and indemnity compensation (chapter 13), and pension (chapter 15). You certify completion to OGC in writing as part of the annual certification. See the CLE requirements guide.

7. Maintain accreditation

Complete another 3 hours of qualifying CLE on veterans benefits law and procedure no later than 3 years after initial accreditation, and every 2 years after that, certifying completion the same way. Accreditation can be suspended or cancelled for misconduct or failure to meet the requirements, so the maintaining accreditation guide and the standards of conduct guide are worth reading before you start practicing.

Your accreditation checklist

What accreditation lets you do

Once OGC issues notification of accreditation, you have authority to prepare, present, and prosecute claims before agencies of original jurisdiction and the Board of Veterans' Appeals. You still need a power of attorney (VA Form 21-22a) on file for each claimant you represent, and you must follow the fee rules in 38 CFR 14.636 if you charge for your services. The after you pass guide covers starting a practice, and the what agents do guide describes the day-to-day work.