Certified Senior Advisor® (CSA®): What It Means and Why It Matters

A Certified Senior Advisor® (CSA®) is a multidisciplinary professional credential awarded by the Society of Certified Senior Advisors®. Geared toward those serving older adults, the CSA® designation covers critical areas like health, finance, social, and legal aspects of aging. Candidates pass a 115-question exam and commit to strict ethical standards and continuing education—demonstrating the ability to support seniors’ unique needs and transitions.

Why the CSA® designation matters to consumers

• Holistic expertise for seniors – CSAs are trained to consider the full spectrum of aging, including healthcare access, financial planning, legal issues, and social well-being.
• Rigorous accountability and ethics – All designees must pass a background check, complete an ethics module, and sign a professional Code of Responsibility.
• Ongoing competency – Recertification requires 30 continuing education credits (including ethics) every three years and an annual renewal fee of $180.
• Accredited and recognized – The CSA® program is accredited by ANSI’s ANAB and NCCA, underscoring its credibility.

How do professionals earn the CSA® designation?

1. Apply and disclose – Candidates complete a background profile and disclosure questionnaire
2. Pass the exam – A comprehensive 115-question, 10-section in-person or online proctored exam covers multidisciplinary aging issues.
3. Ethics & Code – Complete the Roles, Rules & Responsibilities ethics module and sign the CSA® Code of Professional Responsibility.
4. Maintain certification – Annual renewal ($180), 30 hours of continuing education every 3 years (including ethics), and a background check for recertification.

What does a CSA® do?

A CSA® offers well-rounded support for older adults, focusing on:

• Retirement income and estate planning guidance
• Navigation of Medicare, Medicaid, long-term care financing
• Support for social and emotional transitions, caregiver coordination
• Referrals to trusted professionals for complex needs

They’re skilled communicators who respect seniors’ values, motivate informed decision-making, and optimize quality of life.

Summary

The Certified Senior Advisor® (CSA®) designation equips professionals with a broad, ethics-driven approach tailored for older adults. Through rigorous testing, ethical training, and ongoing education, CSAs provide valuable guidance across life’s later stages—making them trusted allies for seniors planning health, financial, and life transitions.

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Governing Body

Society of Certified Senior Advisors® (SCSA) manages the CSA® credential, including exam, ethics, accreditation, and recertification.

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FAQs

What does CSA® stand for?
Certified Senior Advisor® reflects specialized mastery in senior-focused services.

Is the CSA® recognized by regulators?
CSA® is not regulator-endorsed, but FINRA lists it under professional designations.

How much time does it take to get certified?
Candidates typically complete the 115-question exam within a year; study time varies based on background.

What’s the cost to earn and maintain CSA®?
Exam/application is ~$395, with an annual renewal of $180 and recertification fees ($540 for 3 years).

Can a CSA® give medical or legal advice?
No—CSAs provide education and referrals but do not offer formal medical or legal counsel.