National Check Professional

Become an NCP

The National Check Professional (NCP) certification is a premier accreditation for payments professionals who specialize in check payments operations, rules, and risk mitigation. NCPs have demonstrated mastery of the legal, operational, and fraud-related complexities of the check payments system.

Any professional in the payments or financial services industry can work toward the NCP designation. If you have worked in payments for years, earning the NCP adds a highly respected credential to your resume. If you are relatively new to the field, the NCP helps differentiate you and accelerate your professional growth. ECCHO recommends candidates have at least two years of experience in the financial services industry before taking the NCP exam.


Gain a Competitive Advantage

Having specialized training that your competitors don’t have can set you apart when pursuing new responsibilities, advancing your career, or supporting your institution’s strategic initiatives. NCPs demonstrate a strong commitment to excellence in check payments, including operational integrity, compliance, and fraud prevention.


Remain Compliant & Current

NCPs possess in-depth knowledge of the rules, laws, and regulations governing check payments, including UCC Articles 3 and 4, Regulation CC, image exchange rules, and industry standards. Organizations employing NCPs are better equipped to manage regulatory expectations, respond to audits, and address operational and fraud-related challenges effectively. Regulators and auditors frequently look for institutions that employ credentialed check payments professionals.


Execute Projects More Efficiently

Organizations benefit from the advanced training and practical knowledge NCPs gain through specialized coursework. From exception processing and returns to fraud mitigation strategies and operational improvements, NCPs provide a strong foundation for executing projects efficiently and reducing institutional risk. NCPs are committed to professionalism and upholding industry best practices across the check payments lifecycle.


Build Professional Credibility

As an NCP, you will become a trusted subject-matter expert within your organization and professional network. Institutions increasingly rely on NCPs to guide decision-making related to check operations, risk management, and compliance. The NCP designation enhances your credibility, professional reputation, and long-term career potential.

 

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 National Check Professional (NCP) 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 NCP On-Demand & Boot Camp Bundle

Prepare to earn the National Check Professional designation with NEACH’s most comprehensive training package — a combination of self-paced, on-demand webinars and an intensive in-person Boot Camp. This bundle delivers in-depth coverage of check payments operations, rules and regulations, fraud prevention, and risk mitigation strategies essential for success on the NCP exam.

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

NCP On-Demand: Friday, January 9, 2026
NCP Boot Camp: Thursday, April 2 & Friday, April 3, 2026 | Burlington, MA

 

Prepare for the NCP Exam with CheckProâ„¢

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

NEACH’s CheckPro™ makes learning and studying fun. These self-paced, computer-based training programs increase your knowledge of checks 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 NCP Exam with CheckPro™ - Test your skills in: Rules, Laws, and Regulations, Fraud and Risk Mitigation, Check Operations, Check Products.

 

Exam Fees & Key Dates

The NCP exam is administered annually during the spring exam window. Registration is open for the 2026 NCP exam. Visit The Clearing House for more information.


Test Window

Saturday, April 18 – Saturday, May 9, 2026 

Registration: Deadline: Tuesday, March 31, 2026

 

Maintain Your NCP Accreditation

Once you earn your NCP designation, maintaining your credential through continuing education is essential. NCP certification is maintained on a five-year cycle and requires ongoing professional development aligned with the NCP exam blueprint.


Certification Maintenance Requirements

5-Year Certification Maintenance

  • 50 Continuing Education (CE) Credits

  • 3 NCP CE Workshops

In the year the NCP certification is earned, professionals are provided additional time to meet maintenance requirements. CE credits are filed annually between January 1 and March 31 for credits earned in the prior calendar year through the ECCHO online dashboard.

All completed ECCHO workshops are automatically recognized. A maximum of 30 CE credits and two NCP workshops may be applied per year; rollovers are not permitted. All CE submissions are evaluated for alignment with the NCP exam blueprint.


Ways to Earn Credits

There are many educational activities that count toward NCP certification maintenance, including:

  • Attending professional education or training programs

  • Participating in ECCHO in-person meetings and events

  • Completing ECCHOEd online check education

  • Serving as a coach or mentor for NCP candidates

  • Participating in approved partner and provider programs

  • Attending National Check Professionals Day events


Filing Fees and Deadlines

CE credits are filed annually between January 1 and March 31 for the prior year’s activities. Late filing and extension fees apply and must be submitted according to published ECCHO deadlines.