Certification and Registry Options

 

Where Do I Begin?

  1. Read the Application Procedures.
  2. Complete and return the Certification/Registry Application (read the Certification Process Instructions first), along with the requested documentation.
  3. Pay the appropriate fee for the Certification/Registry category for which you are applying.
  4. Call 919.863.9488 or email [email protected] with any questions you may have.

 

Certification Options 

Certified Earnings Analyst (CEA)

Highest Level of Certification

CEA members are Professional members who have:

  • Successfully completed AREA's certification exam (case analysis)
  • Submitted official transcripts from college/university
  • Three letters of recommendation from attorneys or judges
  • Two forensic work products used at trial (including one deposition transcript demonstrating wage loss proficiency and present value calculations)
  • Proof of at least one vocational certification (if not an economic/financial consultant)

Note: Members certified prior to 8/1/94 are listed as CREs (Certification in Rehabilitation Economics). Those certified after 8/1/94 are CEAs.

Apply for CEA

 

Earnings Analyst (EA)

EA members are Professional members who have:

  • Successfully completed AREA's certification exam (case analysis)
  • Submitted official transcripts from college/university
  • Three letters of recommendation from attorneys or judges
  • Proof of at least one vocational certification (if not an economic/financial consultant)
Apply for EA

 

 

Registered Members (FVE, RFE)

Registered members are Professional members who have:

  • Testified at least twice in judicial proceedings related to disability matters
  • Two letters of reference from attorneys or judges
  • Official transcripts of related degree(s)
  • Two work products
  • At least one vocational certification (if not an economic/financial consultant)

Listed as either Registered Forensic Economists (RFE) or Forensic Vocational Experts (FVE) based on primary specialization.

Apply for FVE
Apply for RFE

 

 

CEA/CRE Recertification

As of 10/15/24, those holding a CEA and/or CRE can renew their AREA credential status at three-year intervals from the date of their initial certification. Two renewal options are offered:

Option 1: Continuing Education

  • Documentation of 45 clock hours of approved continuing education
  • Attendance of at least 50% of one AREA Conference
  • One-day AREA Boot Camp every three years
  • Adherence to the Code of Ethics and Rules of Professional Conduct

Option 2: Re-examination

  • Re-examination
  • Adherence to the Code of Ethics and Rules of Professional Conduct

Note: Upon written request, CEAs and CREs may ask for a one-time one-year extension of this requirement for a charge of $100.

 

Fee Schedule

Registries

No exam required, just work samples

Registration TypeFee
Registered Forensic Vocational Expert (FVE) $200 one-time
Registered in Forensic Economics (RFE) $200 one-time

 

Certifications

Includes application fee and exam

Certification TypeFee
Certified Earnings Analyst (CEA) - Application & Exam $250 one-time
CEA Recertification (every 3 years) $130
Earnings Analyst (EA) - Application & Exam $250 one-time
EA Recertification $0 (until EA progresses to CEA)

 

 

Payment Methods

By Check or Money Order:

Make payable to "AREA" and mail to:

3739 National Dr #202
Raleigh, NC 27612

By Credit Card:

AREA accepts credit card payments through PayRoc. This option will be available when you fill out the application.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

CEA and EA certifications represent different professional designations with varying eligibility, coursework, and certification requirements.
The certification process timeline depends on application review, coursework completion, examination schedules, and candidate progress.
Recertification generally requires continuing education credits, active membership status, and renewal fee submission.