Accredited ACH Professional

Programsbreadcrumb separatorAccredited ACH Professional

Become an AAP

Any professional in the payments industry can work toward accreditation. If you have worked in ACH 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 requires one year working in the payments industry before taking the AAP exam and recommends at least two years' experience. 


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. AAPs demonstrate a commitment to understanding and excelling in electronic payments, with an emphasis on topics related to the ACH Network.


Remain Compliant & Current

Organizations employing AAPs more readily comply with the Nacha Operating Rules and are able to address operational issues in a timely and efficient manner. AAPs must stay up-to-date on the Rules and other regulations affecting electronic payments. Additionally, auditors and regulators typically look to see if the organization employs AAPs.


Execute Projects More Efficiently

AAPs provide organizations with a solid foundation. The advanced training, information and knowledge gained from specialized coursework provides organizations with tools and strategies that will guide and direct you in project execution. AAPs are committed to superior professionalism and upholding industry standards.


Build Professional Credibility

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

 

Path to Success

Attaining professional accreditation is more than a career milestone – it’s a transformative achievement. NEACH offers comprehensive programs tailored for professionals pursuing the Accredited ACH Professional (AAP) certification. 

These programs provide the knowledge and practical skills needed not only to succeed when taking the exam but also to lead to meaningful change within your organization. Our training programs are designed for payments professionals at all career stages. Each program is expertly curated to align with the official exam blueprint, ensuring targeted preparation and confidence-building resources.

With flexible on-demand learning and live instruction options, participants enjoy a well-rounded experience that fits their schedule. Comprehensive training materials and guided practice make it easier to prepare effectively, so you can achieve accreditation and position yourself as a trusted leader in the evolving payments landscape.


Best Value! 2026 AAP Prep Webinar Series & Boot Camp Bundle

This bundle offers the most comprehensive path to ACH accreditation, combining weekly live webinars with recordings for flexible learning and an intensive two-day in-person Boot Camp. Build expertise in ACH processes, compliance, and payments systems while gaining practical strategies to pass the AAP exam.

While this bundle offers the best overall value and most comprehensive preparation, all components — including webinar series and in-person Boot Camps — are also available for individual purchase.

AAP Prep Webinar Series: Weekly Starting on Tuesday, May 26, 2026
AAP Boot Camp: Thursday, September 17 & Friday, September 18, 2026 | 9:00 am – 3:00 pm ET | Burlington, MA

 

Prepare for the AAP Exam with ACHPro™

Do you have the knowledge it takes to Pass the AAP Exam? Test your knowledge today!

NEACH’s ACHPro™ makes learning and studying fun. These self-paced, computer-based training programs increase your knowledge of ACH while identifying areas that may require additional development. Whether in Game Mode or Test Mode, NEACH’s Pro™ products are an indispensable tool for Accreditation Training.

Prepare for the AAP Exam with ACHPro™ - Test your skills in: Payment Systems, Marketing ACH, Risk, Rules and Regulations, Processing, and Technical Requirements.

 

Exam Fees & Key Dates

The AAP exam is conducted annually in October. AAP exam registrations include a complimentary handbook to help you prepare. Registration for the 2026 AAP exam opens January 19, 2026. Visit Nacha for more information.


Test Window

Monday, Oct. 5 - 31, 2026
 
Registration: Monday, Jan. 19, 2026 - Friday, Sept. 4, 2026
Member: $600
Nonmember: $700

Late Registration: Saturday, Sept. 5 - Friday, Sept. 25, 2026
Member: $650
Nonmember: $775

Deferral*: Friday, Aug. 28, 2026
Member: $125 
Nonmember: $125 

Late Deferral*: Saturday, Aug. 29 - Friday, Sept. 25, 2026
Member/Nonmember: $150 

Substitution*: Friday, Sept. 25, 2026
Member/Nonmember: $90 

Cancellation*: Friday, Aug. 28, 2026
Member/Nonmember: $60 

 

Maintain Your AAP Accreditation

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:

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 education or training, such as those offered through NEACH
  • Volunteer on certain 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

Visit Nacha for steps to file credits online. 


Filing Fees and Deadlines