Accredited ACH Professional (AAP)
If you’re planning to sit for the Accredited ACH Professional (AAP) exam, UMACHA’s AAP Exam Prep Series is your complete guide to success. This comprehensive program provides the structure, resources, and expert support you need to prepare with confidence and achieve your professional goals.
The series features 21 live webinars thoughtfully organized into three progressive segments designed to build your knowledge and confidence as exam day approaches:
In addition to the webinars, participants attend a two-day review workshop in September, offered as either virtual or in-person formats (Brooklyn Park, Minnesota). This highly interactive session uses group activities to validate your knowledge and ensure you’re exam-ready.
About the AAP Accreditation
The AAP designation is earned by passing a nationally administered exam held each October. The exam evaluates comprehensive knowledge across key ACH-related topics, including:
ACH operations and processing
Rules and regulations governing the ACH Network
Risk management principles and compliance requirements
ACH file formatting
Comparative review of other payment systems
Nacha requires a minimum of one year of experience in the payments industry before taking the AAP exam and recommends at least two years of experience. Candidates with less than one year of experience may request a waiver with an employer or Payments Association approval.
Why Become AAP Accredited?
Earning the AAP designation demonstrates your mastery of ACH operations, rules, risk management, and the broader electronic payments landscape. It sets you apart as a leader committed to professional excellence and continued growth in the payments industry.
Whether you’re advancing your career or strengthening your organization’s ACH expertise, AAP accreditation provides lasting professional and institutional value.
Benefits include:
Recognition of your ACH payments knowledge and expertise
Increased professional credibility and leadership opportunities
Improved client service and audit performance
Enhanced understanding of payments risk, operations, and compliance
Demonstrated commitment to staying current with Nacha Rules and industry best practices
A clear pathway for career advancement and professional development
Organizations that encourage their employees to pursue AAP accreditation benefit from a stronger, more knowledgeable workforce capable of managing ACH operations safely and efficiently while adapting to evolving industry demands.
Ready to Get Started?
Partner with UMACHA to gain the expertise, confidence, and recognition that come with earning your Accredited ACH Professional accreditation.
Step 1: Review These Helpful Materials to Get Your AAP Training Underway
'So You Think You Want to Be An AAP' Webinar
Learn what it takes to become an AAP and whether you should consider pursuing the accreditation.
AAP Justification Letter (Coming Soon)
Need some help convincing your supervisor of the benefits of becoming an AAP? Use this sample letter to help justify your reasoning for earning your AAP.
AAP Training Options Summary (Coming Soon)
Whether you are looking to purchase an AAP training tier a la carte or are looking to register for the entire AAP Exam Prep Series, this document will help you understand the details of each AAP training tier and the benefits of participating in the entire AAP Exam Prep Series.
Step 2: Register for AAP Training with UMACHA
Review the options below & click the preferred training link to register for UMACHA's AAP training:
Option 1: Register for the Entire AAP Exam Prep Series (most popular)
NOTE: Registrants of the AAP Exam Prep Series will be provided a complimentary copy of the Nacha Operating Rules & Guidelines (online version). This online access will be provided to registrants shortly after the start of the AAP Primer Series if the invoice related to the AAP Exam Prep Series has been paid in full.
NOTE: If you plan to register multiple staff members in the AAP Exam Prep Series, please email info@umacha.org before registering to learn more about our Member bulk-pricing discount on the AAP Exam Prep Series.
Option 2: Register for a Specific Tier of AAP Training:
Register for only the Ten-part AAP Summer Webinar Series
NOTE: Registration above is for the 2026 AAP Summer Series. Recordings for the 2025 Summer Series can be found in the online Store.
Register for only the Two-day AAP Review Workshop (choose below):
Step 3: Register for the AAP Exam with Nacha
AAP Exam Testing Window: TBD
AAP Exam Registration Deadline: TBD
After completing your registration on www.nacha.org, an email will be sent by Nacha to provide you with your copy of the AAP Handbook. Pearson VUE testing facilities will also contact you via email when you are permitted to set up a testing location and date.
NOTE: Registering for UMACHA's AAP training does not register attendees with Nacha for the AAP Exam.
Registration for the 2026 AAP Exam Will Open Soon
Maintaining Your AAP Certification
The AAP accreditation is valid for five years. You may maintain your status as an AAP by earning and reporting 60 continuing education credits during the five-year period. Alternatively, rather than reporting credits, you may sit for and pass another AAP exam. Participation in AAP training sessions, Payments University, and select Navigating Payments sessions all qualify as continuing education credits. Check out our Calendar of Events for qualifying sessions to maintain your AAP.