Accreditation Programs
UMACHA can help you attain or renew your Accredited ACH Professional (AAP), Accredited Faster Payments Professional (AFPP), Accredited Payments Risk Professional (APRP), National Check Professional (NCP), or Faster Payments Professional (FPP) designations. We provide a variety of preparation-based training sessions, including webinars and classroom sessions. We also have accreditation-specific exam prep resources available in our online Store.
Already accredited and looking for ways to earn continuing education credits? Between the Calendar of Events and our collection of On-Demand Recordings, UMACHA has everything you need to meet your continuing education requirements.
The Accredited ACH Professional (AAP) designation is obtained by passing a nationally administered exam given annually in October. The AAP exam covers a wide range of topics, including but not limited to ACH operations, rules and regulations that provide the legal framework for the ACH Network, risk management, ACH file formatting, and a comparative review of other payment systems.
Learn more about acquiring and maintaining your AAP accreditation.
Why Become AAP Certified?
An AAP designation recognizes professionals who have successfully proven a thorough understanding of the current ACH payments landscape. This sets you apart by:
- Recognizing your knowledge and comprehension of ACH payments
- Recognizing you as a leader in your field
- Strengthening your professional credibility
- Demonstrating your commitment to customer service
- Demonstrating your commitment to stay on the leading edge of industry trends and topics of interest
- Positioning you for professional advancement
Learn why AAPs are so important and why an AAP stands out in the payments industry.
NOTE: At a minimum, Nacha requires one year working in the payments industry before taking the AAP exam and recommends at least two years' experience. If you do not have one year's experience but still wish to take the exam you can request a waiver with signature from your employer or your Payments Association.
Why Have Your Employees Certified?
Many financial institutions and companies encourage their staff to become AAPs to show their commitment to having expert ACH knowledge in-house so that they may help ensure safe and efficient processing of electronic payments. AAPs demonstrate experience and thorough expertise in ACH operations, product management, and marketing strategies.
- The AAP certification program enhances the credibility of your team and gives you a competitive advantage in a constantly changing and challenging environment with:
- Improved customer service
- Improved audit performance
- Enhanced understanding of industry products, trends, and practices
- Increased understanding of how and why ACH payments continue to provide value for your customers
- Increased industry leaders
- An industry-recognized opportunity for employee professional development and advancement
UMACHA Can Help!
Did you know that those who participate in UMACHA's AAP Exam Prep Series often achieve a statistically higher pass rate compared to the national average? Learn more about how UMACHA can help you earn your AAP:
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.
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.
2024 AAP Training Options Summary
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
After reviewing the 2024 AAP Training Options Summary above, click the preferred training link below to register for UMACHA's AAP training:
Option 1: Register for the Entire AAP Exam Prep Series
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 Tier 1 - Five-part AAP Primer Webinar Series
Register for only Tier 2 - Ten-part AAP Summer Webinar Series
NOTE: the dates for the summer series are past, but recordings can be found in the online store
Register for only Tier 3 - Two-day AAP Workshop (choose below):
In-Person Two-day AAP Workshop in Brooklyn Park, MN - September 10-11, 2024
Virtual Two-day AAP Workshop - September 18-19, 2024
Step 3: Register for the AAP Exam with Nacha
AAP Exam Testing Window: Monday, Oct. 2 - Saturday, Oct. 28, 2024
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 setup a testing location and date.
Note: Registering for UMACHA's AAP training does not register attendees with Nacha for the AAP Exam.
Click Here to Register for the 2024 AAP Exam
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 or by passing another exam. Participation in AAP training sessions, Payments University, and select annual conference sessions all qualify as continuing education credits. Check out our Calendar of Events for qualifying sessions to maintain your accreditation(s).
Helpful Links Related to Certification Maintenance
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.
UMACHA is still finalizing the details for its inaugural AFPP exam prep series. We hope to have these details finalized in the coming weeks, so check back here for details soon!
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
The Accredited Payments Risk Professional (APRP) accreditation is obtained by passing a nationally administered exam given annually in August. The APRP exam covers a wide range of risk-related information, including the risk types associated with each payment system, fundamentals of risk management, management of risk through controls, risk policy and governance, physical and information security risk, and regulatory guidance as it relates to risk management.
Learn more about acquiring and maintaining your APRP accreditation
Why Become APRP Certified?
The APRP exam demonstrates that a participant has mastered the complexities of risk management for various payment types, including but not limited to ACH, check, wire, debit, credit, prepaid cards, and emerging and alternative payments.
- Allowing you to more effectively identify inherent risk, implement effective controls, and monitor residual risk for your organization
- Empowering your organization to advance by gaining a deeper understanding of the risks associated with strategic objectives
- Earning national recognition across the payments industry as a distinguished expert in risk management
- Showing your committment to risk management regulation compliance
- Making you a go-to expert in risk management across payment types
Why Have Your Employees Certified?
Effectively managing payments risk is crucial for organizations that provide payment services, such as financial institutions, solution providers, processors, businesses, and other end-users, as well as for examiners who oversee such activities. Many financial institutions and organizations encourage their staff to attain APRP accreditation to signal a dedicated commitment to comprehensively identifying and understanding risks across all facets of their organization.
- The APRP accreditation program enhances the credibility of your team and gives you a competitive advantage in a constantly changing and challenging environment with:
- Improved strategy performance
- Enhanced understanding of industry products, trends, and practices
- Increased understanding of risks present within each payment system
- Increased industry leaders
- An industry-recognized opportunity for employee professional development and advancement
UMACHA Can Help!
UMACHA is your partner in achieving your APRP designation, offering a range of training resources tailored to prepare you for success in the APRP exam.
Step 1: Review These Helpful Materials to Get Your APRP Training Underway
'So You Think You Want to Be An APRP' Webinar
Learn what it takes to become an APRP and whether you should consider pursuing the accreditation.
Review this list of resources provided by Nacha that may be covered on the APRP exam.
Step 2: Register for APRP Training with UMACHA
Click the preferred training link below to register for UMACHA's APRP training:
Option 1: Register for the APRP Exam Prep Series
The APRP Exam Prep Series includes two APRP Primer webinars, 12 APRP deep-dive webinars, one APRP Open Forum webinar, & a virtual two-day APRP Workshop on July 31 & August 1, 2024.
Note: If you plan to register multiple staff members in the APRP Exam Prep Series, please email info@umacha.org before registering to learn more about our Member bulk-pricing discount on the APRP Exam Prep Series.
Option 2: Register for the APRP Webinar Series
The APRP Webinar Series includes two APRP Primer webinars, 12 APRP deep-dive webinars, & one APRP Open Forum webinar, but no APRP workshop.
Option 3: Register for the Virtual Two-Day APRP Workshop (no webinars)
Step 3: Register for the APRP Exam with Nacha
APRP Exam Testing Window: Sunday, Aug. 3 - Friday, Aug. 29, 2025
NOTE: Registration for the 2025 test will open mid-December 2024
After completing your registration on www.nacha.org, an email will be sent by Nacha to provide you with your copy of the APRP Handbook. Pearson Vue testing facilities will also contact you via email when you are permitted to setup a testing location and date.
Note: Registering for UMACHA's APRP training does not register attendees with Nacha for the APRP Exam.
Click Here to Register for the 2024 APRP Exam
Maintaining Your APRP Certification
The APRP accreditation is valid for five years. You may maintain your status as an APRP by earning and reporting 60 continuing education credits during the five year period or by passing another exam. Participation in APRP training sessions, Payments University, and select annual conference sessions all qualify as continuing education credits. Check out our Calendar of Events for qualifying sessions to maintain your accreditation(s).
Helpful Links About Certification Maintenance
The National Check Professional (NCP) designation, also known as National Check Payments Certification (NCPC), is obtained by passing a nationally administered exam given annually in April and May. The NCP exam covers a wide range of topics, including but not limited to the most significant aspects of the check payment system, such as products and operations, relevant rules and laws governing checks, industry standards, and considerations for fraud and risk mitigation. Additionally, NCPs will explore the distinctive characteristics of check payments that set them apart among various payment methods and that continue to provide value for billions of transactions each year, valued at tens of trillions of dollars.
Why Become NCP Certified?
A National Check Professional (NCP) certification recognizes payments professionals who have successfully proven a masterful understanding of the current check payments landscape. This sets you apart by:
- Recognizing your knowledge and comprehension of check payments
- Recognizing you as a leader in your field
- Strengthening your professional credibility
- Demonstrating your commitment to customer service
- Demonstrating your commitment to stay on the leading edge of industry trends and topics of interest
- Positioning you for professional advancement
To learn more about the NCP® certification program, click to view the NCP Certification Program Brochure.
Why Have Your Employees Certified?
Despite the number of checks written each year continuing to slowly decrease, financial institutions and businesses alike continue to report that check-fraud and other operational issues are increasing. The National Check Professional Certification program enhances the credibility of your team and gives you a competitive advantage in a constantly changing and challenging environment with:
- Improved customer service
- Improved audit performance
- Increased understanding of check fraud mitigation techniques and assignment of liability
- Enhanced understanding of industry products, trends, and practices
- Increased understanding of how and why check payments continue to provide value for your customers
- Increased industry leaders
- An industry-recognized opportunity for employee professional development and advancement
UMACHA Can Help!
Did you know that those who participate in UMACHA's NCP Exam Prep Series often achieve a statistically higher pass rate compared to the national average? UMACHA is your partner in achieving your NCP certification, offering a range of training resources tailored to prepare you for success in the NCP exam.
Step 1: Review These Helpful Materials to Get Your NCP Training Underway*
ECCHO's Jump Start Reading Program
A reading list designed to give you a head start in studying for the NCP exam.
A guide to help you navigate your journey towards exam day.
Check Payment System Overview (Intro Session)
A PDF covering many of the basic concepts related to the check payment system. Many of these concepts should be familiar to a candidate preparing to take the NCP exam.
*Several of these resources may have dates related to 2023 or earlier. While these dates will change for the current year, these resources are still beneficial for the review of those considering the NCP exam in 2024. We will update these documents once updated by ECCHO.
Step 2: Register for NCP Training with UMACHA
Click the preferred training link below to register for UMACHA's NCP training:
Option 1: Register for the NCP Exam Prep Series
The NCP Exam Prep Series includes twelve NCP webinars, two NCP Open Forum webinars, & a virtual two-day NCP Workshop on April 10-11, 2024.
Note: If you plan to register multiple staff members in the NCP Exam Prep Series, please email info@umacha.org before registering to learn more about our Member bulk-pricing discount on the NCP Exam Prep Series.
Option 2: Register for the NCP Webinar Series
The NCP Webinar Series includes twelve NCP webinars & two NCP Open Forum webinars, but no NCP Workshop.
Option 3: Register for the Virtual Two-Day NCP Workshop (no webinars)
Step 3: Register for the NCP Exam with ECCHO
NCP Exam Testing Window: Saturday, April 20 - Saturday, May 11, 2024
Additional details:
Three-hour computer-based exam
120 multiple choice questions (100 scored)
Nationwide test centers (for in-person testing)
Online proctoring optional
ECCHO offers a re-test option with strict restrictions for candidates who attempt and fail the NCP Exam. This option allows candidates to sit for the NCP Exam a second time within the same testing year, provided that certain conditions are met. For questions about re-testing, please reach out to ECCHO at (214) 273-3200 or ncp@theclearinghouse.org.
Click Here to Register for the 2024 NCP Exam
Note: UMACHA does not offer any discounted/member pricing on the NCP exam. Candidates should speak with their supervisor to determine if their organization is a member of ECCHO to receive discounted pricing on the exam.
Maintaining Your NCP Certification
The NCP certification is valid for five years. You may maintain your status as an NCP by earning and reporting 50 continuing education credits and by completing any three mandatory annual ECCHO NCP workshops during the five-year period or by passing another exam. Participation in NCP 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 accreditation(s).
Helpful Links About Certification Maintenance
Faster payments are here to stay. With Same Day ACH, FedNowSM, and RTP® it’s more important than ever to be prepared.
The Faster Payments Professional® (FPP) is a first-of-its-kind program providing certificate holders with a holistic view of faster payments and acquainting them with current offerings. Earning this certificate demonstrates competency in payment methods and systems that are fast, secure, efficient, and collaborative.
Is the FPP a Certificate or an Accreditation?
You may have heard of the AAP and APRP – the Accredited ACH Professional and Accredited Payments Risk Professional accreditations offered by Nacha – and are wondering whether the FPP is the right next step for you. The FPP Certificate is not an accreditation.
The FPP Certificate is distinct from industry accreditations like the AAP and APRP in the following ways:
The FPP Certificate certifies you have completed the Faster Payments Professional training program which consists of three training modules, each containing a quiz that requires a passing score of at least 70%, and one final cumulative quiz assessing your overall understanding of the concepts reviewed that also requires a passing score of at least 70%.
This contrasts with nationally recognized professional accreditations like the AAP and APRP where individuals must demonstrate comprehensive knowledge, often through a combination of practical experience and in-depth studying, and must pass a thorough, more intricate exam.
The FPP Certificate has no continuing education requirement, unlike nationally recognized professional accreditations that require ongoing education to maintain your professional accreditation status.
Nacha and the Faster Payments Council have partnered together with the Center for Payments and announced plans for a formal Faster Payments Professional accreditation that will be forthcoming in the years ahead.
The FPP Certificate is a great way to learn more about faster payments concepts and managing risks that can be distinct from other payment systems. The certificate serves as a bridge to providing important faster payments-related education to industry stakeholders until the formal Faster Payments Professional accreditation is launched.
Why Obtain the FPP Certificate?
A FPP Certificate recognizes professionals who have successfully proven a certain level of understanding of the current faster payments landscape. This sets you apart by:
- Recognizing your knowledge and comprehension of faster payments
- Demonstrating your commitment to faster payments strategy, nomenclature, and an interest in staying on the leading edge of industry trends
- Preparing you to help shape your organization's faster payment strategy
Positioning you for professional advancement
To learn more about the FPP program and the composition of each training module, visit Nacha's Faster Payments Professional webpage.
Additionally, current AAPs/APRPs will earn Continuing Education Credits (CECs) for participating in each FPP module.
Module 1 = 2.3 CECs | Module 2 = 2.3 CECs | Module 3 = 2.5 CECs
Who Should Earn the FPP Certificate?
The FPP certificate program is designed for payments industry stakeholders, including individuals employed by financial institutions, financial technology companies, regulatory bodies, and service providers.
UMACHA Can Help!
UMACHA has begun offering participation in the training to obtain one's FPP Certificate. Registrants will be required to complete the following to earn their FPP Certificate:
Complete all three training modules and score at least 70% on each module’s final quiz.
Each training module consists of several pre-recorded webinar sessions.
Review the course material and score at least 70% on the final, cumulative quiz.
Registrants will be notified once UMACHA makes the final, cumulative quiz available.
Note: If you plan to register multiple staff members in the FPP Certificate Program, please email info@umacha.org before registering to learn more about our Member bulk-pricing discount on the FPP Certificate Program.
Click Here to Register for Participation in the FPP Certificate Program
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