Certification FAQ

This page provides you with step-by-step instructions, commonly asked questions and resources to reach out to for personalized assistance.


Am I eligible to take an exam?

To take a certification exam, you must meet TLTA’s requirements for education and work experience, submit the appropriate application form along with the application fee and receive approval from TLTA. If you've been in the industry for several years, you'll likely have the experience to take the exam. See the applications below for more information regarding the requirements. Submit your application to TLTA with the required application fee, and TLTA will contact you to pay your exam fee and schedule your online exam.

Which designation should I apply for?

Download Application

Certified Escrow Settlement Professional
Designed for title insurance professionals in the escrow/settlement area. Minimum three years of industry experience required and 20 hours of industry education in past five years.

Certified Abstract Examination Professional
Designed for title insurance professionals working in the examination/abstract area. Minimum three years of industry experience required and 20 hours of industry education in past five years. 

Certified Title Insurance Professional
Designed for title professionals with experience and knowledge in both escrow/settlement and examination/abstract areas. 
If you have a CESP/CAEP designation or 10+ consecutive years of experience, you may qualify to take the CTIP exam. You must also have 20 hours of industry experience in the past five years. 

What happens next?

You must send your application in to TLTA via e-mail at certification@tlta.com. You must also ensure you pay the application fee (explained in the next section). You will receive an email within 10 business days regarding the status of your application and next steps.

How much does it cost to take the exam?

There are two separate fees that must be accepted by TLTA before you can take the exam. There is an application fee (submitted at the same time as your application) and the exam fee. Applications and fees are separate for each designation. If you apply for more than one designation simultaneously, those will need to be paid and submitted separately.

Please see description and instruction of fees below:

Application Fee

A non-refundable processing fee of $95 for members and $120 for nonmembers is required for your application to be processed. This payment may be submitted by check payable to the Texas Land Title Association. You can also pay online.

Exam Fee

An exam fee of $185 for members and $205 for nonmembers will be due after your certification application has been approved and before you schedule your exam date. You'll receive payment instructions for this fee when TLTA contacts you to confirm approval of your application.

How and when do I take the exam?

TLTA Certification exams are held exclusively online with an impartial third-party online proctor. Upon approval of your application, TLTA will send instructions to you via email to pay your exam fee and schedule your exam. You will have up to 6 months to take your exam. Exam times are available 7 days a week. For more information on online exam technology requirements and our third-party testing company, ProV, please visit the ‘What to Expect’ section of the Certification webpage.

What if I can’t test online?

Please contact TLTA Certification to discuss alternative options.

Can you walk me through the steps again? 

Sure thing, and do not hesitate to email or call us directly to further discuss your designation!
  1. Select applicable designation, download application, complete and send to certification@tlta.com.
  2. Pay application fee online, over the phone or mail a check.
  3. TLTA Certification will review and respond on your application status within 10 days.
  4. Once your application is approved, pay your exam fee to receive instructions from TLTA to schedule your exam.
  5. Schedule your online exam at your convenience.
  6. Get prepared. (See below for more information.)

How can I get prepared?

We have a selection of outlines and certification topic webinars we recommend you brush up on before an exam. All available resources can be found online. We wish you happy learning!

Why should I get certified?

Certification sets you apart from the crowd, raising your stature with clients and demonstrating that you have exceeded state educational requirements. You can proudly display your credentials and receive recognition at TLTA’s Annual Conference and Business Meeting.

Do you have additional questions we did not answer? Please call 512.879.2883 or e-mail certification@tlta.com as we would be delighted to personally assist you.