Accredited Payments Risk Professionals (APRP) have mastered the complexities of risk management for ACH, check, wire, debit, credit and prepaid cards, and emerging and alternative payments. 

Any professional in the payments industry can work toward accreditation. If you have worked in payments for years, you will add a highly respected qualification to your resume. If you are relatively new to the field, you will give yourself an edge over the competition. At a minimum, Nacha recommends spending two years working in the payments industry before taking the APRP exam. The next APRP exam window is Monday, Aug. 5, 2024 - Saturday, Aug. 31, 2024. Registration has closed for the 2024 exam. Registration for the 2025 exam will begin in mid-December.

Gain a Competitive Advantage

Having training that your competitors don’t have can set you apart when pursuing new business opportunities or bidding on new projects. APRPs demonstrate a commitment to understanding and excelling in electronic payments risk management.

Remain Compliant & Current

APRPs have mastered the complexities of risk management for ACH, check, wire, debit, credit and prepaid cards, and emerging and alternative payments. APRPs can help identify and fine-tune current processes and procedures or implement a new, more sophisticated approach. Auditors and regulators typically look to see if the organization employs APRPs.

Execute Projects More Efficiently

Organizations employing APRPs benefit from the advanced training and knowledge gained from specialized coursework in risk management, equipping organizations with tools and strategies that will guide you in project execution. APRPs are committed to superior professionalism and upholding industry standards.

Build Professional Credibility

As an APRP, you will become the "go-to" payments risk expert in your organization and professional network. An increasing number of organizations want (or may even be required) to engage APRPs. Being an APRP can help boost your professional credibility and prestige within your own network and with your current clients.

Preparing for the APRP Exam

Our test-taking process is both efficient and flexible. After you register for the exam on Nacha.org, you will receive a confirmation email with an ID number to use to set up a specific testing date and location. We partner with Pearson VUE to use its computer-based testing facilities around the country, so you have plenty of options in choosing your exam time and locale. Testing centers are at community colleges, universities, IT centers and aviation centers.

After registering, you will receive an email outlining how to schedule a convenient time, date and location to take the APRP exam.  Additionally, you will receive The Accredited Payments Risk Professional Handbook. While a great resource, it should not be your only source of preparation. Below are the recommended resources to help you prepare to take the exam. 

Payments Associations

Payments Associations offer APRP exam preparation courses virtually and in-person nationwide. Connect with your PA and see what training they offer. 

The AAP/APRP Buddy Program

This mentoring program pairs aspiring APRPs with a current APRP who has volunteered their time to help guide the APRP candidate throughout their study period. Get a buddy! June 1, 2025, is the deadline to sign up for a buddy for the 2025 APRP exam.

The AAP/APRP Exchange

Access to this popular social networking site encourages interaction between aspiring and current AAPs and APRPs. As a member, you can post or respond to questions, help others to be compliant with the Nacha Operating Rules, government rules and regulations, software and hardware solutions, and more.

Publications & Other Study Materials

Nacha, in cooperation with the Payments Associations, offers a variety of resources to help prepare you for the exam. Visit the Store to view the materials.

The APRP Exam Reference Sources provides additional material recommendations.