Now that you are an AAP, it is important to maintain your credential with continuing education. Below is information on how to maintain your AAP designation, including earning and filing continuing education credits (CEC).

When to File

The AAP Accreditation is good for five years. In that five year period accredited professionals must earn 60 CECs, with no more than 20 credits earned per year. AAPs file CECs in the spring of the year after the credits are earned. Credits earned during a calendar year may only be reported in the reporting period specific to the calendar year. For example, credits earned in 2024 may only be reported during the regular filing period, but will be accepted during the late filing period (fee applies). See below:

• The regular filing period is May 1 - March 31, of the following year ($110/member | $185/non-member)
• The late filing period is April 1-30 (additional $50 late fee applies)

Nacha is unable to accept credits outside the current reporting period. If you have not met CEC requirements in the fourth or fifth year of your AAP accreditation, then you can retake the AAP exam.

Please refer to the AAP Continuing Education Credits Reporting Guidelines for information on what educational activities are eligible.

Please note: Nacha conducts 50 audits per year of AAP renewal credits. You must retain copies of your supporting documentation for at least three years. In the event of an audit, any credits that cannot be substantiated will be disqualified.

Ways to Earn Credits

There are many types of educational activities that count toward accreditation renewal. Below are a few examples:  

• Attend a professional seminar or training, such as those offered through Nacha or a Payments Association 
• Volunteer on certain Nacha or Payments Association committees or Board of Directors
• Publish an article, book or paper on a payments risk topic
• Teach a course or seminar on an AAP-related topic

Steps to File Credits Online

1. Log-in to www.nacha.org using your email address, then enter your password.
2. Click on the AAP Education Credits link under My Accounts on left menu.
3. Click on the My Accounts tab in your Profile, then click on Education Credits. Click the Add Your CECs button to enter a self-reported credit.  First Select the Education Credit Type: (AAP Continuing Credit (CEC))m then enter the Description (event title), Number of Credits Earned, Credits Earned on Date and Provider (optional). Click Save.
4. Click the Pay Filing Fee button. Please note, your credits will not be approved unless the filing the has been paid.
5. Complete payment process.
6. To add additional credits, click the My Profile link to navigate back to the Add your CECs button. Save. Close window after each entry
7. Repeat process to report a maximum of 20 credits.

Filing Fees and Deadlines

• Regular filing period  - May 1 - March 31, of the following year ($110/member | $185/non-member)
• Late filing period - April 1-30 (additional $50 late fee applies)