VA Accreditation Exam Study Guide 2026 Veterans
Affairs Claims Agent Prep
VA Accreditation Exam Study Guide 2026 Veterans Affairs Claims Agent Prep
Complete Exam Review
Below is a comprehensive study guide for the VA Accreditation Exam required for
claims agents and representatives. This guide covers the application process, exam
content domains, key laws and regulations, and sample practice questions with
detailed rationales .
PART 1: APPLICATION & ACCREDITATION PROCESS
Q1. What is the primary statutory authority restricting non-accredited assistance
with VA claims?
A) 38 USC § 5101
B) 38 USC § 5901
C) 38 USC § 7104
D) 38 USC § 1111
Correct Answer: B
1
,Rationale: 38 USC § 5901 generally prohibits non-accredited individuals from
assisting with VA claims for compensation. This is the foundational statute
governing accreditation requirements .
Q2. What is the "one-time" exception to the prohibition on non-accredited claim
assistance?
A) A veteran may always self-represent
B) Any person may help a veteran—one time only—with a claim
C) Family members are exempt from accreditation
D) Non-accredited attorneys can file unlimited claims
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Under 38 CFR § 14.630 and 38 USC § 5903, any individual may assist
a veteran with a single claim without being accredited. After that, formal
accreditation through the Office of General Counsel (OGC) is mandatory .
Q3. What is the processing time for a VA accreditation application?
2
,A) 30 days
B) 3 months
C) 6 months or longer
D) 1 year
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: OGC application processing is notoriously slow; it may take six months
or more to receive a response. References should be encouraged to respond
promptly to avoid unnecessary delays .
Q4. The Office of General Counsel (OGC) requires how many references for an
accreditation application?
A) One reference
B) Two references
C) Three (3) references who are not family members
D) Five references
Correct Answer: C
3
, Rationale: The OGC requires three character references who are not family
members. VA sends each reference a letter requesting a written character
assessment. Approval cannot be granted until all three reference letters have been
received .
Q5. All accreditation for VSO representatives, agents, and attorneys is processed
through which office?
A) Local VA Regional Office
B) Board of Veterans' Appeals
C) VA Office of General Counsel (OGC)
D) Veterans Service Organization itself
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: All accreditation for VSO representatives, agents, and attorneys is
processed through the VA Office of General Counsel (OGC) .
PART 2: PRIMARY STUDY RESOURCES
4
Affairs Claims Agent Prep
VA Accreditation Exam Study Guide 2026 Veterans Affairs Claims Agent Prep
Complete Exam Review
Below is a comprehensive study guide for the VA Accreditation Exam required for
claims agents and representatives. This guide covers the application process, exam
content domains, key laws and regulations, and sample practice questions with
detailed rationales .
PART 1: APPLICATION & ACCREDITATION PROCESS
Q1. What is the primary statutory authority restricting non-accredited assistance
with VA claims?
A) 38 USC § 5101
B) 38 USC § 5901
C) 38 USC § 7104
D) 38 USC § 1111
Correct Answer: B
1
,Rationale: 38 USC § 5901 generally prohibits non-accredited individuals from
assisting with VA claims for compensation. This is the foundational statute
governing accreditation requirements .
Q2. What is the "one-time" exception to the prohibition on non-accredited claim
assistance?
A) A veteran may always self-represent
B) Any person may help a veteran—one time only—with a claim
C) Family members are exempt from accreditation
D) Non-accredited attorneys can file unlimited claims
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Under 38 CFR § 14.630 and 38 USC § 5903, any individual may assist
a veteran with a single claim without being accredited. After that, formal
accreditation through the Office of General Counsel (OGC) is mandatory .
Q3. What is the processing time for a VA accreditation application?
2
,A) 30 days
B) 3 months
C) 6 months or longer
D) 1 year
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: OGC application processing is notoriously slow; it may take six months
or more to receive a response. References should be encouraged to respond
promptly to avoid unnecessary delays .
Q4. The Office of General Counsel (OGC) requires how many references for an
accreditation application?
A) One reference
B) Two references
C) Three (3) references who are not family members
D) Five references
Correct Answer: C
3
, Rationale: The OGC requires three character references who are not family
members. VA sends each reference a letter requesting a written character
assessment. Approval cannot be granted until all three reference letters have been
received .
Q5. All accreditation for VSO representatives, agents, and attorneys is processed
through which office?
A) Local VA Regional Office
B) Board of Veterans' Appeals
C) VA Office of General Counsel (OGC)
D) Veterans Service Organization itself
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: All accreditation for VSO representatives, agents, and attorneys is
processed through the VA Office of General Counsel (OGC) .
PART 2: PRIMARY STUDY RESOURCES
4
