Certification FAQ

Confused by certification, how to apply and if you qualify? This page provides you with step-by-step instructions, commonly asked questions and resources to reach out to for personalized assistance.

View the Certification FAQ as a printable PDF.


Am I eligible to take an exam?

To take a certification exam, you must meet TLTA’s requirements for education and work experience. 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 information about the requirements. Submit your application to TLTA with the required application fee, and TLTA will contact you to choose an exam date.

Which designation should I apply for?

See below descriptions regarding the three designations.


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.
Download Application
Pay Application Fee (get details)

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. 
Download Application
Pay Application Fee (get details)

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. 
Download Application
Pay Application Fee (get details) 

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. 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 when you select your exam date. You can pay the fee and schedule your exam at the same time.

How many exams are scheduled each year?

The Education Department strives to schedule exams as follows:
Austin Houston Dallas McAllen
Held Quarterly Spring Exam Spring Exam Spring Exam
Includes test scheduled annually at Land Title School in February Fall Exam Fall Exam The Spring exam is held at the South Texas Seminar

What if I can’t make it to any of the above cities

TLTA does periodically schedule exams in other areas of Texas. If you are interested in the possibility of an exam in your area, please reach out to us. We’ll be happy to discuss options with you.

Can you walk me through the steps again? 

Sure thing. Please see steps below, and do not hesitate to email or call us directly to further discuss your designation!
  1. Select applicable designation, download application, fill out and send to certification@tlta.com.
  2. Pay application fee online or by check.
  3. Wait to hear back from the Education department regarding your application status.
  4. Register for your exam and pay exam fee.
  5. 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 512.879.2882 or e-mail certification@tlta.com as we would be delighted to personally assist you.