An AAP is an individual who possess a comprehensive knowledge of all areas of ACH, a deep understanding of and experience in one or more specific ACH subjects and have a broad knowledge of concepts that relate to the payments system as a whole.

An APRP is an individual who possesses a comprehensive knowledge of risk management strategies, concepts and mitigation techniques within the payments ecosystem, including checks, wires, ACH, emerging and alternative payments systems, and cards (debit, credit, prepaid).

AAP Topic Areas and Weights (Exam Blueprint)

Rules & Regulations (25%)
Risk Management (15%)
Technical Standards (11%)
Operational Process & Flow (28%)
General Payments Overview (13%)
Marketing & Products (8%)

APRP Topic Areas and Weights (Exam Blueprint)

Fundamentals of Payments Risk Management (27%)
Payments Risk Management Controls (22%)
Payment Systems (16%)
Physical & Information Security (13%)
Regulatory Environment (12%)
Payments Risk Policy & Governance (10%)

More detailed information can be found on the APRP Exam Blueprint.

The primary difference between the AAP and APRP is the scope of the two exams. An AAP is an expert in all aspects of the ACH Network, including a basic understanding of other payment types as they relate to the ACH Network. An APRP, meanwhile, demonstrates comprehensive risk management knowledge across all payment types. The Risk Management section of the AAP exam focuses on risks related to the ACH Network, whereas on the APRP exam, the Fundamentals of Payments Risk Management includes all payment types including the ACH Network. The Rules & Regulations section of the AAP exam may contain Regulation E questions concerning error resolution specifics, while questions on the APRP exam related to Regulation E might focus on broader compliance risk.

If you work solely on matters related to the ACH Network – in operations, sales, risk management or similar – you should consider the AAP Program. If your position has a larger scope outside of the ACH Network, such as strategy, product development, or treasury sales, then the APRP credential may provide a greater benefit to you and your organization.

Yes! The addition of the APRP credential signifies your expertise in risk management of all payment types. 

Each program has their own registration fees and key dates.

AAP

APRP

AAP exam registrations include a complimentary handbook to help you prepare. Nacha prefers online registration. If you are not able to register online, please contact accreditation@nacha.org to obtain a paper registration form.

APRP exam registrations include a complimentary handbook to help you prepare. Nacha prefers online registration. If you are not able to register online, please contact accreditation@nacha.org to obtain a paper registration form. 

Now that you are an AAP, it is important to maintain your credential with continuing education. Find out how to maintain your designation, including earning and filing continuing education credits.

Maintain your AAP

Now that you are an APRP, it is important to maintain your credential with continuing education. Find out how to maintain your designation, including earning and filing continuing education credits.

Maintain your APRP

Organizations may apply to license educational courses to be eligible for AAP and/or APRP renewal credits. 

Accreditation Continuing Education Course Licensing

Bring a picture ID, including a signature, as well as EITHER your confirmation email from PSI or your Authorization to Test letter. You are not permitted to bring personal belongings (such as hat, coats, cell phones or purses) into the testing room. You do not need paper or pencil; these will be provided by the testing facility.

You may change the test date, time or location, for free, up to 72 hours prior to the scheduled test. After that point, you cannot change your test particulars. 

Candidates who find they’re not ready to take the exam may defer to the next scheduled examination window. Nacha must receive any written deferral request ten business days prior to the opening of the testing window, and the request must include a processing fee, currently $125.

The passing score is disclosed only as pass/no pass. Individual scores are unavailable to exam candidates.

AAP exam candidates will be informed of their exam results (pass/no pass) immediately following completion of the exam. Within six to eight weeks of the test window’s end, successful candidates will receive their accreditation certificate; unsuccessful candidates will receive a report on general topic areas requiring improvement.

APRP exam candidates will be informed of their exam results within six to eight weeks of the test window’s end. Successful candidates will receive their accreditation certificate. Unsuccessful candidates will receive a report on general topic areas requiring improvement.

Upon receipt of a passing result, you may immediately begin using your new payments credential.

If you are unsuccessful, you may retake the exam as many times as necessary during subsequent testing periods, provided you pay the registration fee for each new examination.

Each program has its own policies.

AAP Program Policies

APRP Program Policies

We know embarking on a new accreditation is huge and we applaud your commitment. We want to help you navigate the process and answer any questions you may have. Simply email us at accreditation@nacha.org and a knowledgeable Nacha staff member will be happy to assist.