Accreditations & Certifications

Unlocking Excellence: Become an Accredited Faster Payments Professional (AFPP)

Your Path to Leadership in the Faster Payments Ecosystem

Position yourself at the forefront of payments innovation by becoming an Accredited Faster Payments Professional (AFPP). This national accreditation was created through a unique industry collaboration between Nacha, the U.S. Faster Payments Council (FPC), and the nation’s Payments Associations. The AFPP program is the first of its kind and recognizes professionals who have demonstrated comprehensive knowledge of the faster payments landscape.

Earning the AFPP credential highlights your expertise across all major faster payment types, including Same Day ACH, RTP, FedNow and Push-to-Card. This distinction enhances your credibility, strengthens your professional value, and showcases your commitment to advancing secure and efficient payment solutions.

Understanding the Role of an AFPP

Unlock your potential as a leader in faster payments by pursuing the AFPP accreditation. AFPPs possess a deep understanding of instant payment methods in the United States, experience with one or more faster payment rails, and broad expertise in concepts that support the entire payments system.

Before beginning your AFPP journey, candidates should have foundational payments experience and a working knowledge of real-time and instant payment operations. PaymentsFirst offers guidance and educational resources to help you prepare for this emerging accreditation and position yourself for success.

The next AFPP exam will be administered between February 16 - March 14, 2026.

AFPP Prep Package

$650 for Members

Nacha Test Registration is not included in the training package.

Non-Member Pricing - $1300

What is included in the AFPP Prep Package? 

Training Sessions

• 10 Virtual AFPP Classes
  • 11/5/2025 – Fundamentals of Faster Payments, Part 1
  • 11/12/2025 - Fundamentals of Faster Payments, Part 2
  • 11/19/2025– Faster Payments Risk Management
  • 12/3/2025 – Faster Payments Operations and Process Flows - Part 1
  • 12/10/2025 – Faster Payments Operations and Process Flows - Part 2
  • 12/17/2025 – Open Forum Q&A
  • 01/7/2026 – Governance Framework, Part 1
  • 01/14/2026 – Governance Framework, Part 2
  • 01/21/2026 – Technology Considerations for Enabling Faster Payments
  • 02/4/2026 – Final Q&A – Open Forum

The webinars will be hosted and recorded from:

• 9:00 am - 11:00 am HST

The Open Forum Q&A on December 17, 2025, will be hosted and recorded from:

• 9:00 am - 10:00 am HST

The Final Open Forum Q&A on February 4, 2026, will be hosted and recorded from:

• 5:00 am - 10:00 am HST

2026 AFPP Prep Package Register 

Unlocking Excellence: Become an Accredited Payments Risk Professional (APRP)

Your Path to Mastery in Payments Risk Management

Strengthen your expertise and elevate your career by becoming an Accredited Payments Risk Professional (APRP). This respected accreditation recognizes individuals who demonstrate advanced knowledge in identifying, mitigating, and managing payment risk across all payment channels. Earning the APRP credential distinguishes you as a leader capable of navigating today’s evolving risk landscape with confidence and credibility.

Understanding the Role of an APRP

Unlock your potential as a risk management expert by pursuing the APRP accreditation. APRPs possess a strong understanding of risk across the entire payments system, including ACH, wire, card networks, faster payments, check, and emerging technologies. They demonstrate proficiency in regulatory requirements, risk frameworks, monitoring tools, fraud trends, and institutional safeguards.

Before beginning the APRP certification journey, candidates should have experience in risk, compliance, payments operations, or fraud oversight. PaymentsFirst offers courses and study resources designed to prepare candidates and strengthen their knowledge before the exam.

The 2026 APRP testing dates are Monday, 08/03/2026 - Saturday, 08/29/2026.

APRP Prep Package

$1095 for Members

Nacha Test Registration is not included in the training package.

Non-Member Pricing - $2190

What is included in the APRP Prep Package? 

• 12 Virtual APRP Classes
  • 04/08/2026 - Orientation/Welcome Session
  • 04/15/2026 - Payment Systems
  • 04/22/2026 - Regulatory Environment, Part 1
  • 04/29/2026 - Regulatory Environment, Part 2
  • 05/06/2026 - Risk Fundamentals, Part 1
  • 05/13/2026 - Risk Fundamentals, Part 2
  • 05/20/2026 - Payments Risk Policy and Governance, Part 1
  • 05/27/2026 - Payments Risk Policy and Governance, Part 2
  • 06/03/2026 - Payments Risk Management and Controls, Part 1
  • 06/10/2026 - Payments Risk Management and Controls, Part 2
  • 06/17/2026 - Physical and Information Security, Part 1
  • 06/24/2026 - Physical and Information Security, Part 2
• 1 Day Virtual Review
  • 07/08/2026 - APRP Review

All Webinars will be hosted live and recorded from:

• 8:00 am - 9:30 am HST

1-Day Virtual Review will be held from:

• TBD

2026 APRP Prep Package Registration

Nacha Testing Registration and Fee Information - click here

Unlocking Excellence: Become a National Check Professional

Elevate your career by becoming a National Check Professional (NCP). This prestigious accreditation, facilitated by the Electronic Check Clearing House Organization (ECCHO), recognizes individuals who possess advanced knowledge of the check payment landscape. Earning the NCP credential distinguishes you as a leader with proven expertise in check operations, fraud mitigation, regulations, and industry standards.

Gain the credibility and professional confidence that come with understanding the full scope of the check environment. The NCP designation signals to employers, colleagues, and examiners that you are committed to excellence, industry awareness, and strong customer service. Do not miss the opportunity to position yourself as an expert in an evolving area of payments.

Understand the Role of an NCP

Unlock your potential as a recognized expert in check payments by pursuing the National Check Professional certification. NCPs demonstrate in-depth knowledge of rules, laws, regulations, check operations, and fraud risk strategies. This advanced understanding strengthens your value within any financial institution.

Before beginning your certification journey, PaymentsFirst recommends having a strong foundational understanding of the check environment. PaymentsFirst offers comprehensive training designed to prepare you for the exam and help you succeed with confidence.

PaymentsFirst's Exclusive NCP Prep Package
PaymentsFirst is offering an exclusive NCP Prep Package designed to prepare candidates for the exam. This package includes essential publications, focused training sessions, and supplemental study resources created to enhance understanding and readiness. Whether you are strengthening your institution’s fraud defenses or advancing your individual career, the PaymentsFirst NCP Prep Package equips you for success.

NCP Prep Package

$1650 for Members

ECCHO Test Registration is not included in the training package

Non-Member Pricing - $3300

What is included in the NCP Prep Package? 

Publications & Study Resources

• NCP Prep Flash Cards
• Check Pro - Online-Based Practice Quizzes

Training Sessions

• 14 Virtual NCP Classes
  • 01/20/2026 - NCP 1 - Check Fundamentals
  • 01/27/2026 - NCP 2 - Check Products
  • 02/3/2026 - NCP 3 - UCC 3
  • 02/5/2026 - NCP 4 - UCC 4
  • 02/10/2026 - NCP 5 - Standards & Formats
  • 02/17/2026 - NCP 6 - Regulation CC Part 1
  • 02/19/2026 - NCP 7 - Regulation CC Part 2
  • 02/24/2026 - NCP 8 - Federal Reserve Rules
  • 02/26/2026 - NCP 9 - ECCHO Rules
  • 03/3/2026 - NCP 10 - Check Process & Flow
  • 03/10/2026 - NCP 11- Check Exceptions Part 1
  • 03/12/2026 - NCP 12 - Check Exceptions Part 2
  • 03/17/2026 - NCP 13 - Fraud & Risk Part 1
  • 03/19/2026 - NCP 14 - Fraud & Risk Part 2
• 1 Two-Day Virtual Review
  • 04/13/2026 - 04/14/2026 - NCP Review

All Webinars will be hosted live and recorded from:

• 8:00 - 9:30 am HST until 03/03/2026
• 9:00 - 10:30 am HST after 03/03/2026

2-Day Review will be hosted live and recorded from:

• 4:00 am - 8:00 am HST

2026 NCP Prep Package Registration

ECCHO Testing Registration and Fee Information - ECCHO website

Affirm Your Expertise in Faster Payments

The landscape of payments is evolving rapidly, especially with the advent of Same Day ACH, RTP®, and FedNow®. To stay ahead, being well-prepared is more crucial than ever.

Introducing the Faster Payments Professional (FPP) certificate, a groundbreaking program designed to equip professionals with comprehensive insights into faster payments and familiarity with current offerings. Obtaining this certificate validates your proficiency in the dynamic field of faster payments. The certificate program is divided into three (3) distinct modules, each comprising pre-recorded webinars for flexible, self-paced study. Upon completion of each module, a brief quiz awaits. After finishing all modules and quizzes, a final certification exam will be available. Each module is available for individual purchase, allowing you to tailor your learning experience to your specific needs.

Module 1: Faster Payments Fundamentals

• Terminology
• Platforms and Platform Basics
• Defining Participants and Participant Roles
• Technology
• Basic Rules and Regulations

($299 Members/$598 Non-Members)

Module 2: Faster Payments Functionality 

• Authentications
• Authorizations and Agreements
• Operational Functions
• Eligibility and Enrollment Requirements

($299 Members/$598 Non-Members)

Module 3: Faster Payments Fraud, Risk & Legal (Plus Review Materials and Exam)

• Fraud Review
• Rules Considerations
• Regulatory Risk Management
• Liquidity Management

($299 Members/$598 Non-Members)

Faster Payments Professional Certificate 

PaymentsFirst is proud to introduce our new ElevateU - ACH Certificate!

Are you a newcomer to the world of ACH? Perhaps you've been engaged in ACH activities for a considerable time and aspire to enhance your grasp of electronic payments. Demonstrating your unwavering commitment to professionalism and maintaining a competitive edge in the industry is crucial. If you're not prepared to take the plunge into the AAP program just yet, consider embarking on this guided path designed to help you achieve your individual and professional objectives. Complete all three courses below and receive your PaymentsFirst ElevateU Certificate!

Beginner Course

• Module 1
  • Introduction to Financial Operations
  • Payment Rails Defined (and History)
• Module 2
  • ACH Participants
  • ACH Transaction Flow
• Module 3
  • ODFI Operations
  • General ODFI Warranties
  • Originators
  • Prenotifications
  • Returns / NOCs
• Module 4
  • RDFI Operations
  • RDFI Responsibilities
  • Receivers
  • Prenotifications
  • Exceptions / Returns / NOCs
  • Funds Availability
  • Stop Payment and Written Statements of Unauthorized Debit (WSUD)

Review Modules 1 – 4: Quiz – 80% to pass - 30 questions, Multiple Choice ($295 for PaymentsFirst Members/$590)

Intermediate Course

• Module 1
  • Review PaymentsFirst Elevate U – Beginner Certificate
  • ACH Participants
  • Transaction Flow with a Third-Party involved
  • Risk Management
• Module 2
  • Agreements
  • ODFI / Originator Agreement – required minimum
  • Sending Point Agreement
  • Receiving Point Agreement
  • Authorizations – required minimum
• Module 3
  • Regulations and impact on ACH
  • 31 CFR 210
  • Regulation D and CC
  • Regulation E
  • UCC4A
  • BSA / AML Requirements
  • OFAC
• Module 4
  • Data Security
  • Data Security concepts and terminology
  • ACH Data elements
  • Data Encryption and Access control
  • Authentication
  • Incident Response
  • Processing Contingency Plans
  • Regulatory and Industry requirements
  • Business Impact Analysis (BIA)
  • Risk Assessment
  • Contingency Plan Development
  • Recovery Strategies
  • Communication
  • Testing and Drills

Review Modules 1 – 4: Quiz – 80% to pass - 30 questions, Multiple Choice ($295 for PaymentsFirst Members/$590)

Advanced Course

• Module 1
  • Review PaymentsFirst Elevate U – Beginner and Intermediate
  • Fraud Prevention and Detection
  • Cybersecurity
• Module 2
  • ACH File Formats
  • ACH Data Analytics
• Module 3
  • The Green Book / Federal Payments / Reclamations
• Module 4
  • Same Day ACH / Faster Payments / Instant Payments
  • IAT Transactions
  • Digital Wallets and Real-Time Payment Systems
  • Emerging Payment Strategies

Review Modules 1-4: Quiz - 80% to pass - 30 questions, Multiple Choice ($295 for PacPay Members)

Final Exam

80% to pass - 100 questions

Attain your ACH Certificate with the PaymentsFirst ElevateU program - receive a tangible printed certificate after you have completed and passed the quizzes for all three modules. Continue your learning journey by earning credits annually through ACH courses, and unlock a $50 discount to attend the Solutions Payments Conference. Gain recognition as a rising star at the conference and enjoy discounts on additional education courses throughout the calendar year. After one year of earning your certificate, if you would like to continue to move forward in your career, we highly recommend participating in the AAP training, setting the stage for earning the AAP Certification. As a bonus, all ElevateU Certificate earners receive a $100 discount on AAP Training Preparation.

Additional Information Here

ElevateU - Card Certificate

Whether you are new to card processing or have experience in card-related activities and wish to deepen your knowledge of card payments, this program is tailored to meet your needs. Demonstrating a commitment to professionalism and maintaining a competitive edge in the industry is essential. Our structured learning path is designed to help you achieve both personal and professional goals. By completing all three courses—beginning with ElevateU: Card - Beginner, progressing to ElevateU: Card - Intermediate, and concluding with ElevateU: Card - Advanced—you will earn the PaymentsFirst ElevateU: Card Certificate.

Beginner Course 

Module 1 

• Introduction to Financial Operations 
• Payment Rails Defined (and History) 

Module 2 

• Fundamentals of Card Payment Systems 
• Types of Cards  
• Overview of Key Players 
• Transaction Process 

Module 3 

• Card Payment Technologies 
• Magnetic stripe Technology and Security Concerns 
• EMV Chip Technology and Transaction Process 
• Contactless Payment Technology (NFC) 
• Future Trends in Mobile and Biometric Authentication 

Module 4 

• Regulatory and Compliance 
• Regulation E 
• Regulation Z 
• Dodd-Frank Act 
• Prepaid Rule 
• Practical Compliance Strategies and Case Studies 
• Review Modules 1 – 4: Quiz – 80% to pass - 30 questions, Multiple Choice  and True / False ($295 for PacPay Members/$590) 

Intermediate Course 

Module 1 

• Payment Gateways and Processors 
• Card Present versus Card Not Present 
• MOTO (Mail Order / Telephone Order) 
• Fallback Transactions 
• Choosing a Payment Gateway / Processor 
• Implementation of a Payment Gateway / Processor 

Module 2 

• Advanced Transaction Processing 
• Pre-Authorization and Post-Authorization 
• Transaction Routing and Interchange Fees 
• Chargebacks and Reversals 
• Dispute Management 

Module 3 

• Risk Management and Fraud Prevention 
• Operational and Fraud Risks in Card 
• Fraud Prevention 
• Risk Management Strategies and Framework 

Module 4 

• Card Payment Innovations 
• Blockchain and Cryptocurrencies 
• Tokenization 
• Mobile Payment and Real-Time Payments 
• Future Trends and Strategies 

Review Modules 1 – 4: Quiz – 80% to pass - 30 questions, Multiple Choice and True / False ($295 for PacPay Members/$590) 

Advanced Course 

Module 1 

• Disputes and Resolution 
• Debit Card and Regulation E 
• Credit Card and Regulation Z and Zero Liability 

Module 2 

• Payment Network Operations 
• Architecture: Nodes, Hubs, Switches, Security 
• Communication Protocols 
• Network Operations 

Module 3 

• Strategic Management  
• Security Breaches and Lessons Learned 
• Strategic Planning: Objectives, Market Analysis, Framework 
• Implementation Strategies 

Module 4 

• Emerging Technology 
• Contactless 
• Biometric Authentication 
• AI-Powered Fraud Detection 
• Tokenization 
• Digital Currencies 
• Internet of Things (IoT) 
• Review Modules 1-4: Quiz - 80% to pass - 30 questions, Multiple Choice and True / False ($295 for PacPay Members) 

Final Exam 

• 80% to pass - 100 questions 

Attain your Card Certificate with the PaymentsFirst ElevateU program – receive a tangible printed certificate after you have completed and passed the quizzes for all three courses and the final exam. 

More Information Here 

ElevateU - Check Certificate!

Are you a newcomer to the world of check processing? Perhaps you've been engaged in check-related activities for a considerable time and aspire to enhance your grasp of check payments. Demonstrating your unwavering commitment to professionalism and maintaining a competitive edge in the industry is crucial. If you're not prepared to take the plunge into the NCP program just yet, consider embarking on this guided path designed to help you achieve your individual and professional objectives. Complete all three courses below and receive your PaymentsFirst ElevateU Certificate!"

• • Beginner
    • Module 1
      • Introduction to Financial Operations
      • Payments Rails Defined (and History)
    • Module 2
      • Introduction to Checks, Check Products, and Participants
    • Module 3
      • Check Processing Flow
    • Module 4
      • Balancing and Reconciliation
    • Review Modules 1 – 4: Quiz – 80% to pass - 30 questions, Multiple Choice ($295 for PaymentsFirst Members/$590 for Nonmembers)
  • Intermediate
    • Module 1
      • Rules and Regulations – UCC 3
    • Module 2
      • Rules and Regulations – UCC 4
        • Transfer and Presentment Warranties
    • Module 3
      • Regulation CC
        • Presumption of Alteration
        • Funds Availability
    • Module 4
      • Returns and Adjustments
    • Review Modules 1 – 4: Quiz – 80% to pass - 30 questions, Multiple Choice ($295 for PaymentsFirst Members/$590 for Nonmembers)
  • Advanced
    • Module 1
      • Practical Applications for Exceptions
    • Module 2
      • RDC / Mobile Deposit Process and Risk Management
    • Module 3
      • Check Conversion
    • Module 4
      • Emerging Technology and Risk Mitigation
    • Review Modules 1 – 4: Quiz – 80% to pass - 30 questions, Multiple Choice ($295 for PaymentsFirst Members)
  • Final Exam
    • 80% to pass – 100 questions

Attain your Check Certificate with the PaymentsFirst ElevateU program – receive a tangible printed certificate after you have completed and passed the quizzes for all three courses and the final exam.

More Information Here

ElevateU - Wire & Instant Payments Certificate!

Whether you are new to Wires & Instant Payments or have experience in Wire & Instant Payment-related activities and wish to deepen your knowledge of payments, this program is tailored to meet your needs. Demonstrating a commitment to professionalism and maintaining a competitive edge in the industry is essential. Our structured learning path is designed to help you achieve both personal and professional goals. By completing all three courses—beginning with ElevateU: Wire & Instant Payment - Beginner, progressing to ElevateU: Wire & Instant Payment - Intermediate, and concluding with ElevateU: Wire & Instant Payment - Advanced—you will earn the PaymentsFirst ElevateU: Wire & Instant Payment Certificate.

Beginner Course 

Module 1 

• Introduction to Financial Operations 
• Payment Rails Defined (and History) 

Module 2 

• Wire Transfers and Instant Payments 
• Key Differences and Similarities 
• Use Cases and Applications 

Module 3 

• Characteristics and Wire Transfers and Instant Payments 
• Stakeholders 
• Roles and Responsibilities 

Module 4 

• Transaction Flows 
• Step by Step from Initiation to Settlement 
• Infrastructure 
• Comparison of Transaction Flows 

Review Modules 1-4: Quiz - 80% to pass - 30 questions, Multiple Choice and True / False ($295 for PacPay Members/$590)

Intermediate Course

Module 1 

• Wire Transfers – Legal and Regulatory 
• Types of Wires 
• Applicable Law 
• BSA / AML / OFAC 

Module 2 

• Instant Payments – Legal and Regulatory  
• Operating Circular 8 & FedNow 
• The Clearing House Rules & RTP 
• Regulation J 
• UCC Article 4A 
• Consumer Transactions and EFTA and Regulation E 

Module 3 

• Risk Identification and Management 
• Operational 
• Third-Party 
• Cross-Channel 
• Legal / Compliance 
• Fraud 
• Liquidity 
• Technology 
• Credit 

Review Modules 1-3: Quiz - 80% to pass - 30 questions, Multiple Choice and True / False ($295 for PacPay Members/$590)

Advanced Course

Module 1 

• Fraud Schemes Common to Wires and Instant Payments 
• Finality and Irrevocability 
• Fraud Prevention 
• Authentication 
• Continuous Monitoring 

Module 2 

• Technology of Wires and Instant Payments 
• Core Components 
• Real-Time Processing 
• Security and Compliance 
• Interoperability and Innovation 

Module 3 

• Future Innovations with ISO 20022 
• Understanding ISO 20022 
• Innovations Driving Change 
• Challenges and Opportunities 

Review Modules 1-3: Quiz - 80% to pass - 30 questions, Multiple Choice and True / False ($295 for PacPay Members)

Final Exam 

80% to pass - 100 questions 

Attain your Wire & Instant Payment Certificate with the PaymentsFirst ElevateU program – receive a tangible printed certificate after you have completed and passed the quizzes for all three courses and the final exam. 

More Information Here