National Association of Estate Planners & Councils (NAEPC)
The National Association of Estate Planners & Councils (NAEPC) is a national professional organization dedicated to elevating the practice of estate planning through education, credentialing, and interdisciplinary collaboration. Founded in 1962, NAEPC serves both individual practitioners and a nationwide network of affiliated estate planning councils, promoting a team‑based approach that integrates legal, tax, financial, insurance, and philanthropic expertise.
📜 Flagship Designations
- AEP® – Accredited Estate Planner — A multidisciplinary credential for experienced estate planning professionals who demonstrate advanced expertise, ethical conduct, and active engagement in collaborative planning across legal, tax, financial, and philanthropic disciplines.
- EPLS – Estate Planning Law Specialist — A legal specialization for attorneys who meet rigorous standards in estate planning law, ethics, and client representation.
🧭 Overview
NAEPC advances the estate planning profession by fostering interdisciplinary cooperation and promoting high standards of technical competence and ethical practice. Its flagship AEP® designation recognizes professionals who have demonstrated substantial experience, advanced education, and a commitment to collaborative planning. The organization also supports local estate planning councils, offering resources, governance support, and national visibility.
Through credentialing, continuing education, and thought leadership, NAEPC strengthens the professional community that serves individuals, families, and institutions in navigating complex estate, tax, and wealth‑transfer strategies.
🤝 Community & Support
NAEPC supports a nationwide network of estate planning councils and credentialed professionals through continuing education, technical resources, and access to the Journal of Estate & Tax Planning. The organization partners with The American College of Financial Services to provide graduate‑level coursework for AEP® candidates and hosts the annual Advanced Estate Planning Strategies Conference. NAEPC also recognizes excellence through its Council of Excellence Awards program.
📌 Quick Facts
- Website: naepc.org
- Founded: 1962
- Headquarters: Erie, PA, United States
- Phone: 866‑226‑2224
- Credential Focus: Estate planning, legal specialization, interdisciplinary collaboration, ethics
- Flagship Designations: AEP®, EPLS
🏛 Sector Assignment
- Primary Sector: Financial Planning, Retirement & Wealth Management
- Secondary Sector: Legal & Continuing Education
🗂 Category Assignment
- Estate Planning & Wealth Transfer
- Legal Specialization
- Tax & Financial Coordination
- Ethics & Professional Standards
🔗 Related Providers
- American Bankers Association (ABA)
- American College of Financial Services
- ASPPA – American Society of Pension Professionals & Actuaries
- CFP Board – Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards
🎓 Related Designations
- AEP® – Accredited Estate Planner (NAEPC)
- EPLS – Estate Planning Law Specialist (NAEPC)
- CTFA – Certified Trust and Fiduciary Advisor (ABA)
- QKA – Qualified 401(k) Administrator (ASPPA)
- CFP® – Certified Financial Planner (CFP Board)
