ITIN CAA Forensic Training FAQ
Answers to the questions ITIN Certifying Acceptance Agents ask most about IRS forensic document training.
​
What forensic document training does the IRS require for ITIN CAAs?
Certifying Acceptance Agents must complete formal forensic document training before authenticating ID documents for Form W-7. The IRS says the training must cover recognizing fraudulent passports, driver's licenses, birth certificates, visas, national ID cards, USCIS photo IDs, military IDs and foreign voter registration cards. e-idtraining's Forensic Document Recognition (FDR) course covers these.
​
Is e-idtraining listed by the IRS?
Yes. Buena Vista Resources LLC (dba e-idtraining.com) is listed on the IRS forensic training page as a provider whose course material the IRS has reviewed. The IRS lists several providers and does not endorse any single one.
​
How long does the course take?
The standard FDR course is about 7 hours of fully narrated, self-paced training. You can stop and resume anytime.
​
How much does it cost?
The standard course is $195. The CPE version, which earns 7 NASBA CPE credits and keeps course access for one year, is $349. Returning-student and group discounts are available.
​
Will I get a physical certificate?
Yes. We mail an original certificate to you at no cost through USPS, and expedited shipping options are available. A secure PDF version is also provided. Both the mailed certificate and the PDF include built-in verification and anti-alteration security features to protect your training documentation.
​
How do I submit my certificate with my CAA application?
Scan your certificate and upload it with the rest of your application through the IRS Documentation Upload Tool. The IRS no longer accepts applications by mail.
​
How often do I need to retake the training?
CAAs complete forensic training for their initial application and again when renewing. The course should be completed within one year of your renewal application. Check with the IRS ITIN Program Office for the current rule.
​
Is the course available in Spanish or French?
Yes. The standard course is offered fully in Spanish and in French (Canadian). French-course students receive an English certificate.
​
Do the CPE credits count for Enrolled Agents or AFSP?
No. The 7 credits are NASBA CPE credits for CPAs and other professionals whose boards accept NASBA-registered CPE. They don't apply to EA, ERPA or Annual Filing Season Program requirements.
​
Do you offer CPE credit?
Yes. e-idtraining is registered with the NASBA National Registry of CPE Sponsors (#132215) and offers a CPE-eligible version of the CAA course.
​
Who else takes e-idtraining courses?
Banks, notaries, law enforcement, DMVs, VITA, TCE and election staff use our non-IRS courses to spot fake and altered IDs. Those courses are not for ITIN CAA certification.