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Accredited Faster Payments Professional (AFPP)

The Accredited Faster Payments Professional (AFPP) designation is obtained by passing a nationally administered exam given annually. The AFPP exam covers a wide range of topics, including but not limited to fundamentals of faster payments, faster payments operations and process flows, faster payments risk management, technology considerations for faster payments, and faster payments governance framework. The payment rails in scope for the exam include the ACH Network (Same Day ACH), FedNow, RTP, and Push-to-Card Debit Card Networks. 

Learn more about acquiring and maintaining your AFPP accreditation

Why Become AFPP Certified?

The payments ecosystem is evolving quickly, with significant focus on the benefits and growing demand for instant payments. The AFPP is a rigorous accreditation program that enables payments professionals to demonstrate their expertise across many faster payment types. Becoming an AFPP can set you apart by:

  • Recognizing your knowledge and comprehension of faster payment types, including instant payments
  • Demonstrating your knowledge of risk management inherent in faster payments
  • Demonstrating your knowledge of operational implications, process flows, technology considerations, and the regulatory framework for faster payments
  • Strengthening your professional credibility in the payments industry and allowing you to stand out as an expert

Why Have Your Employees Certified?

According to a 2024 survey conducted by Federal Reserve Financial Services, 86% of businesses and 74% of consumers said they used faster or instant payments in 2023. Financial institutions, service providers, and merchants alike are now more focused on determining the role of faster payments in their strategic plans than ever before.

The AFPP accreditation program enhances the credibility of your team and gives you a competitive advantage in a constantly changing and challenging environment with:

  • In-house subject matter experts on the evolving nature of faster payments
  • Enhanced understanding of the regulatory framework for participants in faster payments rails
  • Increased awareness of daily operational needs, process flows, risk management and technology considerations to ensure a successful faster payments program
  • Demonstrated commitment to employing nationally recognized faster payments experts

UMACHA Can Help!

Both Nacha and UMACHA highly encourage prospective AFPP candidates to participate in an exam preparation course to best prepare yourself for a successful exam.

Step 1: Register for AFPP Training with UMACHA

UMACHA’s AFPP Exam Prep Series includes ten 90-minute webinars covering the blueprint topics on the AFPP Exam. The series begins October 14, 2025, and concludes December 16, 2025.  A one-day review workshop will be scheduled in early 2026, although the exact date is TBD.

  • NOTE: If you plan to register multiple staff members in the AFPP Exam Prep Series, please email info@umacha.org before registering to learn more about our Member bulk-pricing discount on the AFPP Exam Prep Series.

Register for UMACHA's 2026 AFPP Exam Prep Series

Step 2: Register for the AFPP Exam with Nacha

  • AFPP Exam Testing Window: Monday, February 16, 2026 - Saturday, March 14, 2026

  • AFPP Exam Registration Deadline: TBD

  • Within approximately one week of completing your registration on www.nacha.org, an email will be sent by Nacha to provide you with your copy of the AFPP Handbook. Pearson Vue testing facilities will also contact you via email when you are permitted to arrange a testing location and date.

    • NOTE: Registering for UMACHA's AFPP training does not register attendees with Nacha for the AFPP Exam.

Register for the 2026 AFPP Exam

Maintaining Your AFPP Certification

The AFPP accreditation is valid for five years. You may maintain your status as an AFPP by earning and reporting 60 continuing education credits during the five-year period or by passing another exam. Participation in various educational programs on the topic of faster payments may qualify for education credits. Check out our Calendar of Events for qualifying sessions to maintain your accreditation(s).

Helpful Links Related to Accreditation Maintenance