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About ACPN

The Automotive Content Professionals Network (ACPN), a community of the Auto Care Association, is a professional network with 500+ individual members employed in the aftermarket industry.

It is the only community devoted exclusively to the educational, professional development, and networking needs of the content professional.

About University of the Aftermarket

For nearly three decades, the University of the Aftermarket has been an integral part of the North American aftermarket, providing industry-specific professional development to those working in the industry.

Want to Learn More?

Through a partnership with Northwood University, the University of the Aftermarket offers online university-level classes on a variety of business topics.

It is a convenient way to improve your professional skills while earning CEUs toward your professional designations.

Who is Eligible?

Content/catalog professionals, as well as supplier members of ACPN or the Auto Care Association, are eligible to attain the ACP designation.

  • Professional Experience – At least three years of professional experience in the motor vehicle aftermarket. Must submit a short work history along with a completed ACP designation application.

  • ACPN Attendance – Attend at least one in-person ACPN (formerly NCMA) programmed event (such as ACPN programming at Auto Care Association’s Connect conference).

  • ACPN Service – Volunteer to serve the ACPN organization in at least one way. ACPN Service is defined as any service provided to the ACPN organization including (but is not limited to) holding an officer’s position, serve on a committee, speaking, catalog judging, or other service. Final approval of this requirement comes from the current ACPN Chairperson or the Auto Care Association VP of Standards and team.

  • Successfully complete the Aftermarket Data Standards course.

  • Continuing Education – Earn at least 6 CEU’s as outlined below.
    • 5 CEU’s can be earned by (but are limited to) attending the ACPN conferences and webinars, Aftermarket Data Standards course, other ACES & PIES online courses, or any University of the Aftermarket offered or approved content and catalog related programs. See the course calendar for more events.
    • 1 CEU can be earned by any of the above OR may include any automotive aftermarket content with certified CEU credit

  • Completion of a 10-page applied knowledge paper on a predominant content management topic. Paper topics should be approved in advance by the University of the Aftermarket. Paper should use:
    • Cover page with page numbers in the top right-hand corner, abstract, body of paper, and a reference page with at least 5 peer-reviewed sources cited in the paper.
    • 10- page requirement is inclusive of all required pages, including cover page, abstract, references, and body.
    • APA 7th Edition format including Times New Roman size 12 font, double spaced, in-text citations for works referenced.

Transcript Request

The University of the Aftermarket is in the process of developing a platform that will allow students to enter their ID # into our system to assist in calculating their number of earned CEUs. The new platform will allow students to review their CEUs, review available course work options, schedule and enroll in course work, and submit payment for their courses.

U of A professional development courses such as Aftermarket 101, Leadership 2.0, Leadership 3.0, Heavy Duty 2.0, and CPN also contribute to the student’s completion of requirements.

Transcript Error or Incomplete?

Unfortunately, a student’s transcripts may contain errors. A student may also recognize that credits may be missing from their transcript. In either situation, the student should contact the U of A immediately at

The U of A is dedicated to excellence in our record keeping and will review all claims of missing CEUs within 60 days. The student should be prepared to provide proof of completion of any course work that is connected to their missing CEUs. The student will be informed of the outcome in writing or by phone call.