Frequently Asked Questions
About AREA
What is AREA?
The American Rehabilitation Economics Association (AREA) is both a professional association and certifying body that brings together vocational experts, economic experts, and life care planning professionals. Established in 1989, AREA has been dedicated to promoting communication and sharing between these connected fields to improve best practices in litigation support for over 35 years.
Who should join AREA?
AREA welcomes vocational experts, economic experts, life care planning professionals, rehabilitation professionals, and anyone involved in forensic economics or litigation support. Our international membership includes professionals from the U.S., Canada, and the Caribbean working in personal injury, wrongful death, employment discrimination, and other legal matters.
What is The Earnings Analyst?
The Earnings Analyst is AREA's peer-reviewed journal covering forensic economics, vocational analysis, and life care planning. It publishes cutting-edge research and analysis in the field, and members receive full access to all publications.
How do I contact AREA?
You can contact AREA by email at [email protected], by phone at 919.863.9488, or by mail at 3739 National Dr #202, Raleigh, NC 27612. Office hours are Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM EST.
About Membership
What are the different membership levels?
AREA offers several membership levels: Professional Members (Master's degree or CPA, 3+ years experience), Associate Members (Bachelor's degree with professional experience), and Student Members (currently enrolled students). Each level provides access to AREA resources, networking opportunities, and continuing education.
What are the benefits of membership?
AREA membership provides: Professional certification opportunities, discounted conference registration rates, access to The Earnings Analyst journal, continuing education credits, networking with experts across disciplines, professional development resources, listing in the AREA directory, and staying current with best practices in forensic economics and vocational analysis.
About Certifications
What professional certifications does AREA offer?
AREA offers four unique professional designations:
- CEA (Certified Earnings Analyst) - the highest level requiring exam completion and extensive documentation;
- EA (Earnings Analyst) - requiring exam and professional references;
- RFE (Registered Forensic Economist); and
- FVE (Forensic Vocational Expert).
AREA is the only international certifying body combining this unique blend of professions in loss assessment.
How do I become a Certified Earnings Analyst (CEA)?
To earn the CEA designation, you must: be a Professional member with at least 3 years of experience, successfully complete AREA's certification exam (case analysis), submit official college/university transcripts, provide three letters of recommendation from attorneys or judges, submit two forensic work products used at trial (including deposition transcript), and provide proof of at least one vocational certification if not an economic/financial consultant.
Do I need to maintain my certification?
Yes, as of October 15, 2024, CEA and CRE credential holders can renew their status at three-year intervals. Two renewal options are available: Option 1 - Complete 45 clock hours of continuing education, attend 50% of one AREA Conference, complete one-day AREA Boot Camp, and adhere to the Code of Ethics; or Option 2 - Take a re-examination.
About Annual Conference
When is the AREA Annual Conference?
The 2026 AREA Annual Conference will be held September 30 – October 4, 2026, at the Omni Providence Hotel in Downtown Providence, Rhode Island. The conference features continuing education sessions, networking opportunities, boot camp training, and special events.
What are the conference registration fees?
The registration fees may increase some years to due higher operating costs. Please see the registration form for this year's conference fees. Members should log in before registering to receive their member discounted rate.
What continuing education opportunities does AREA provide?
AREA provides continuing education through: Annual conferences with multiple educational sessions, periodic virtual webinars and boot camps, The Earnings Analyst peer-reviewed journal, and networking opportunities with other professionals. Topics include lost earning capacity, vocational analysis, functional capacity testing, worklife expectancy, future medical costs, and present value calculations.
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