Thanks, I was under the impression it was required. Note below about requiring it for VITA/TCE credits. I have applied and got one now but thought I was getting an error when I was trying to register in the VITA/TCE certification portal although it is NOT a required field (does not have * next to it).
A PTIN is a “Preparer Tax Identification Number” issued by the IRS and required for all paid tax return preparers. Enrolled Agents and Other Tax Return Preparers interested in obtaining VITA/TCE credits must also have a PTIN. More information about PTINs is available on irs.gov. Please do not include the hyphen when typing in your PTIN number. Please note do not enter your SIDN in this field. Leave it blank if you do not have a PTIN number.