Accreditations & Certifications

Demonstrate Your Faster Payments Proficiency

Nacha, the U.S. Faster Payments Council (FPC) and our nation’s Payments Associations formed a first-of-its-kind alliance to create the Accredited Faster Payments Professional (AFPP) program.

This partnership demonstrates a cross-industry collaboration to benefit the entire payments community. The AFPP is a rigorous and centralized accreditation program allowing payments professionals to demonstrate their expertise across all faster payment types, including Same Day ACH, RTP®, FedNow and Push-to-Card.

Who should consider becoming an AFPP?

An AFPP is an individual who possesses a comprehensive knowledge of instant payment methods in the U.S., an understanding of and experience in one or more faster payments network rails and has a broad knowledge of concepts that relate to the payments system as a whole.

The program is designed for payments industry stakeholders, including individuals employed by financial institutions, financial technology companies, regulatory bodies, and service providers.

Inaugural exam

The first AFPP exam will be administered between February 17-March 8, 2025.

Cost to Enroll

Member Pricing - $650

Webinar dates and titles:

12/04/2024 Fundamentals of Faster Payments, Part 1

12/11/2024 Fundamentals of Faster Payments, Part 2

12/18/2024 Faster Payments Risk Management

01/08/2025 Technology Considerations for Enabling Faster Payments

01/13/2025 Open Q&A

01/15/2025 Governance Framework, Part 1

01/22/2025 Governance Framework, Part 2

01/27/2025 Faster Payments Operations and Process Flows, Part 1

01/29/2025 Faster Payments Operations and Process Flows, Part 2

02/05/2025 Open Q&A

Weekly webinars will be held from 2:00 PM ET - 4:00 PM ET, 1:00 PM CT - 3:00 PM CT

Open Q&A sessions will be held from 2:00 PM ET - 3:00 PM ET, 1:00 PM CT - 2:00 PM CT

Additional Information Here

Advance Your Career with PaymentsFirst's APRP Training for Nacha's Certification
Enhance your proficiency in payments risk management with PaymentsFirst's APRP training, designed for Nacha's advanced certification program - the Accredited Payments Risk Professional (APRP) Certification. This esteemed certification recognizes individuals who demonstrate competence in managing risks across payment channels at an enterprise level. Secure your spot early for the next APRP exam and training sessions.

Propel Your Career with APRP Certification
Discover the transformative power of APRP certification, a catalyst for advancing both your financial institution and personal career. Having an APRP-certified employee signals a strong commitment to risk management and regulatory compliance, setting your financial institution apart. As an APRP, you not only rise above the rest but also showcase your unwavering dedication to the payments profession, actively contributing to risk mitigation for your employer. Embrace the assurance that APRP certification brings to both your professional journey and organizational success.

Series Preparation
The APRP Prep Series is a comprehensive series that includes nine webinars that cover the details one needs to know for the APRP Certification Exam and learn all about payment risk, plus we have additional opportunities to study with our APRP team of experts.

Certification Training Dates - Coming Soon!

Key Information:

• Certification Focus: Identifying competence in risk across payment channels at an enterprise level.
• Registration: Ensure early registration for the upcoming APRP exam and training sessions.
• Exam Dates:

Exam Coverage: The APRP exam will comprehensively cover the following areas:

1. Fundamentals of Payments Risk Management
2. Payment Systems
3. Payments Risk Policy & Governance
4. Payments Risk Management Systems and Controls
5. Physical and Information Security
6. Regulatory Environment

Prepare yourself for success in payments risk management and elevate your professional standing with PaymentsFirst's APRP training program.

• 04/03 - Orientation/welcome session
• 04/10 - Payment Systems
• 04/17 - Regulations, Part 1
• 04/24 - Regulations, Part 2
• 05/01 - Risk Fundamentals, Part 1
• 05/08 - Risk Fundamentals, Part 2
• 05/15 - Risk Fundamentals, Part 3
• 05/22 - Payments Risk Policy and Governance, Part 1
• 05/29 - Payments Risk Policy and Governance, Part 2
• 06/05 - Payments Risk Management and Controls, Part 1
• 06/12 - Payments Risk Management and Controls, Part 2
• 06/19 – Holiday - No APRP Session
• 06/26 - Physical and Information Security

APRP Prep Package

Unveiling the NCPC Program for Check Professionals
The NCP (National Check Professional Certification) program, facilitated by the Electronic Check Clearing House Organization (ECCHO), acknowledges individuals who have demonstrated a specific comprehension of the contemporary check payments landscape.

Attain Distinction as an NCP: Elevating Your Expertise in the Check Payments Landscape
Earning the National Check Professional (NCP) designation marks you as a professional with an advanced understanding of the current check payments landscape. This distinction sets you apart by:

1. Acknowledging your in-depth knowledge of check payments.
2. Positioning you as a leader in your field.
3. Strengthening your professional credibility.
4. Demonstrating your commitment to exceptional customer service.
5. Showcasing your dedication to staying abreast of industry trends and relevant topics.
6. Creating opportunities for professional advancement.

Become an NCP and stand out in the realm of check payments with recognized expertise and commitment to excellence.

Why Your Financial Institution Needs an NCP: Staying Ahead in Check Payments
Even as check volumes decrease, the prevalence of check fraud is on the rise. Employing a National Check Professional (NCP) on your staff is crucial for maintaining compliance, reducing losses, and staying ahead of industry developments. NCPs bring proven expertise in all key facets of the check payment system, encompassing products and operations, pertinent rules and laws, industry standards, and effective fraud and risk mitigation strategies.

So you want to be an NCP? Complimentary recording and resources:

View Video Here

What does Exam Encompass for Checks?
The National Check Professional Certification (NCPC) Exam comprehensively assesses four key domains within the check business:

1. Rules, laws, and regulations
2. Fraud and Risk Mitigation
3. Operations
4. Products

To register for the NCP Exam, kindly visit the ECCHO website for additional details on the program, including registration information.

PaymentsFirst NCP Training Package:

14 Webinar Training Sessions including:

• Check Fundamentals & Check Processing (January 21, 2025)
• Check Products (January 28, 2025)
• Regulations: UCC 3 (February 4, 2025)
• Regulations: UCC 4 (February 6, 2025)
• Regulations: Reg CC, part 1 (February 11, 2025)
• Regulations: Reg CC, part 2 (February 13, 2025)
• Standards and Formats (February 25, 2025)
• Image Exchange: Rules & Agreements, part 1: ECCHO (March 4, 2025)
• Image Exchange: Rules & Agreements, part 2: FRB OC 3 (March 6, 2025)
• Image Exchange: Processes (March 11, 2025)
• Exceptions: Returns & Adjustments: Overview & FRB Adjustments (March 18, 2025)
• Exceptions: Returns & Adjustments: ECCHO Adjustments & U.S. Treasury Check Reclamation (March 20, 2025)
• Fraud, Risk, & Risk Mitigation, part 1, FFIEC Overview (March 25, 2025)
• Fraud, Risk, & Risk Mitigation, part 2, Types of check fraud and BCM Overview (April 1, 2025)
• One Virtual Open Forum (February 18, 2025)
• Two-Day Virtual Exam Review (April 14 - 15, 2025) - Time TBD
• NCP Prep Flash Cards
• Check ProAll webinar training sessions* For our Hawaii members: Webinars held before March 10, 2025, will be at 9:00 - 10:30 am, and webinars held after March 10, 2025, will be at 8:00 - 9:30 am.

Prep Package Here

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)
(Release Date: April 1, 2023)

Module 2: Faster Payments Functionality 

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

($299 Members/$598 Non-Members)
(Release Date: November 15, 2023)

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)
(Release date June 2024)

Faster Payments Professional Certificate 

(Available early 2024)

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