I recently ran across someone’s signature line and another person’s business card with what appeared to be alphabet soup behind their name. Very impressive! I’m thinking I’d like to add a few letters behind my own name, but I’m not quite sure which certification is best suited for me – AAP, NCP or APRP. What do you recommend?

I’m so happy you are thinking of ways to affirm your credibility in the payments industry and give your organization a competitive advantage. Being accredited can open doors – whether advancing your current position or providing you with other employment opportunities.

As you noted, it can be difficult to determine which accreditation is right for you. Regardless of whether you desire to become an Accredited ACH Professional (AAP), Accredited Payments Risk Professional (APRP) or National Check Professional (NCP), it is recommended you have two years’ experience in the payments industry before taking the associated exam. Additionally, you should know that each exam:

• Is offered only once a year,
• Is modified every year to ensure the test is complete,
• Consists of 120 multiple choice questions (100 are scored), and
• May take up to three hours to complete.

Let’s take a closer look at each accreditation, beginning with the AAP. An AAP is an expert in all aspects of the ACH Network, also having a basic understanding of other payment types as they relate to the ACH Network. If you work solely on matters related to ACH (e.g., operations, sales, risk management), you should think about becoming an AAP. This year, testing will take place October 7-26, 2019. Thinking about becoming an AAP? Watch our So You Think You Want to Be an AAP informational recording or if you’re interested in our Prep Program, click here.

If your work has a larger scope outside of ACH or check, including payments strategy, product development or treasury sales, then becoming an APRP may provide greater benefit to you. And if you’re already an AAP or NCP, passing the exam to become an APRP would signify your expertise in risk management of all payment types. This year, testing will take place July 1-20, 2019. Thinking about becoming an APRP? Watch our So You Think You Want to Be an APRP informational recording or if you’re interested in our Prep Program, click here.

An NCP is known for his/her exceptional check payment knowledge, including image processing. If your job responsibilities include check or image operations, treasury or product management, payments fraud or risk, you should consider becoming an NCP. This year, testing will take place April 20 – May 11, 2019. Thinking about becoming an AAP? Watch our So You Think You Want to Be an NCP informational recording or if you’re interested in our Prep Program, click here.

Each accreditation is valid for five years. To maintain the AAP or APRP accreditations, you must earn 60 continuing education credits throughout the accreditation period. The NCP accreditation requires 50 continuing education credits plus 3 NCP workshops to be completed during the accreditation period to renew.

If you have a desire to become an AAP, APRP or NCP, EPCOR can help you with your preparations with our prep programs. Each prep program consists of an intense curriculum designed to help you prepare for the exam. Depending on the program, these tools may range from computerized practice tests, pop quizzes, review webinars and study materials. And of course an EPCOR staff mentor is always available to help. For more information, click the links above or reach out to Member Support at 800.500.0100 or via email at memserve@epcor.org.