What is ACA certification?


Editorial team Published on

Because ACA certification can refer to several different credentials depending on the industry, it most commonly means one of the following:

1. Affordable Care Act (ACA) Insurance Certification

  • What it is: Official training required for insurance agents and brokers who want to sell Marketplace (Obamacare) health insurance plans.
  • Who administers it: The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) via the Marketplace Learning Management System (MLMS) for the federal exchange, or state-specific equivalents.
  • Requirements: Agents must complete online training modules covering eligibility rules, subsidies, and compliance, followed by a passing exam. Most jurisdictions require this training to be renewed annually.

2. Associate Chartered Accountant (ACA) Qualification

  • What it is: A prestigious, globally recognized professional accounting designation.
  • Who administers it: The Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW).
  • Requirements: Candidates complete 15 exam modules across three levels (Certificate, Professional, and Advanced), roughly 450 days of practical work experience at an authorized employer, and professional ethics training.

3. American Canoe Association (ACA) Paddlesports Certification

  • What it is: A credential for individuals qualified to teach canoeing, kayaking, rafting, or swiftwater rescue.
  • Who administers it: The American Canoe Association Safety Education & Instruction Council.
  • Requirements: Candidates must complete an Instructor Development Workshop (IDW) and pass an Instructor Certification Exam (ICE) evaluating technical rescue, paddling quality, and group teaching skills.

4. Other ACA Certifications

  • American Correctional Association (ACA): Certifies professionals working within correctional facilities through specialized online testing and background approvals.
  • American Certification Agency (ACA) for Healthcare Professionals: Offers credentials for medical roles like phlebotomy technicians, ECG technicians, and patient care technicians.