Accreditation Programs Frequently Asked Questions

About Nacha's Accreditation Programs

Nacha offers two national accreditation programs. Invest in your professional development and hone your skills by choosing the payments accreditation that is right for you.

FAQ Text
What is an AAP?

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.

What is an APRP?

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).

What topics are on the AAP exam?

AAP Topic Areas and Weights (Exam Blueprint)

ACH Operations (35%)
Rules & Regulations (32%)
Risk Management (20%)
ACH File Formatting (8%)
Other Payment Systems (5%)
 

What topics are on the APRP exam?

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.

How do the AAP and APRP Programs differ? How are they similar?

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.

How do I decide which credential to pursue?

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.

If I am already an AAP can I become an APRP?

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

About the AAP & APRP exams
FAQ Text
What are the exam registration fees & key dates?

Each program has their own registration fees and key dates.

AAP

APRP

How do I register to take the AAP exam?

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 [email protected] to obtain a paper registration form.

How do I register to take the APRP exam?

APRP exam registrations include a complimentary handbook to help you prepare. Nacha prefers online registration. Registration for the 2024 exam is currently closed. Registration for the 2025 exam is opening by mid-December 2024.

Continuing Education
FAQ Text
How do I maintain my AAP credential?

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

How do I maintain my APRP credential?

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

Can I License My Education Courses for Credits?

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

Accreditation Continuing Education Course Licensing

Exam Planning & Scheduling
FAQ Text
What should I bring to the exam?

Bring a picture ID, including a signature, as well as EITHER your confirmation email from Pearson VUE 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.

Can I change my exam date, time or location?

You may change the test date, time or location, for free, up to 72 hours prior to the scheduled test. Simply log into your Pearson VUE account to reschedule for a date within the current exam window.

Can I defer my exam?

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.

What is the passing score for the exams?

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

When do I receive my results?

AAP exam candidates will be informed of their exam results (pass/no pass) immediately following completion of the exam. Within four to six weeks of the test window’s end, successful candidates will receive an accreditation certificate; all candidates will receive a diagnostic analysis report that identifies their performance level on various parts of the exam.

APRP exam candidates will be informed of their exam results (pass/no pass) immediately following completion of the exam.  Within four to six weeks of the test window’s end, successful candidates will receive an accreditation certificate; all candidates will receive a diagnostic analysis report that identifies their performance level on various parts of the exam.

When can I start using my credential?

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

I did not pass the exam. Can I retake it?

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.

Additional Information
FAQ Text
What are the program policies?

Each program has its own policies.

AAP Program Policies

APRP Program Policies

Who can I contact if I have additional questions?

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 [email protected] and a knowledgeable Nacha staff member will be happy to assist.