General Information

Course Description

To become an IRS Certified Acceptance Agent (CAA), knowing the ITIN process is not enough: you must demonstrate the ability to verify the authenticity of identity documents presented by applicants. The IRS requires all CAA applicants to complete forensic document training as part of the certification process.

This course covers everything from the fundamentals of the CAA program and the 13 IRS-accepted documents for Form W-7 to advanced fraud detection techniques: UV inspection, Machine Readable Zone (MRZ) analysis, security features by document type, and action protocols for suspicious documents. It includes a practical country-by-country guide to the most common documents used in the Hispanic community (Mexico, Dominican Republic, Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador, Venezuela, Cuba).

Upon completing the 9 modules and passing the exam with a minimum score of 75%, you will receive the physical certificate required by the IRS to complete your CAA application.

Course Objective

Equip participants to professionally identify, verify, and certify identity documents in accordance with IRS standards by applying forensic inspection techniques and correct Certified Acceptance Agent (CAA) program procedures.

Learning Objectives

• Identify security features in valid identity documents.
• Detect signs of fraud, alteration, or counterfeiting in documents.
• Verify acceptable documents for IRS Form W-7 based on the 13 accepted document types.
• Apply correct procedures as a CAA agent in identity verification and completing Form W-7(COA).
• Pass the IRS-required exam with a minimum score of 75%.

Who Should Take This Course

• Tax preparers seeking certification as IRS Certified Acceptance Agents (CAA).
• Existing Acceptance Agents (AA) who want to upgrade their certification to CAA.
• Notaries, attorneys, and accountants working with clients who need an ITIN.
• Immigration services professionals assisting Form W-7 applicants.
• Any professional handling identity documents who needs to understand forensic verification techniques.

Course Content — 9 Modules

What You Will Achieve

• Distinguish between the 13 documents accepted by the IRS for Form W-7 and know when originals or certified copies are required.
• Identify security features on passports, Green Cards, driver’s licenses, visas, and birth certificates from the most common countries.
• Apply forensic inspection techniques: Feel-Look-Tilt protocol, UV inspection, MRZ analysis, and optical magnification.
• Detect counterfeits, alterations, and synthetic identities during the verification interview.
• Accurately complete Form W-7(COA) Certificate of Accuracy as a CAA agent.
• Maintain client files with required documentation while complying with privacy (PII) standards and Circular 230.
• Pass the IRS exam with 75% or higher to receive the physical certificate required to apply for CAA certification.

Course Materials

• Content covering all 9 modules with detailed explanations, key terms, and Red Flags per module.
• IRS Publication 5726 — ITIN Acceptance Agent Training (Rev. 3-2025).
• IRS Publication 1915 — Understanding Your ITIN.
• IRS Publication 4520 — Acceptance Agent Guide for ITIN.
• Official Forms: Form W-7, W-7(SP), W-7(COA), and official Instructions.
• IRS 13 Accepted Documents Guide with reference table.
• Practical Country Document Guide (Mexico, Dominican Republic, Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador, Venezuela, Cuba).
• Module summaries with key points for the exam.
• Final exam consisting of 50 multiple-choice questions.

Assessment and Certification

IMPORTANT: The physical certificate is required by the IRS to complete your CAA program application. You must complete all modules and pass the exam to receive it.

Frequently Asked Questions