Be the Expert on Staff
Earn your professional certifications and accreditations in ACH, risk, faster payments, checks, or wire and instant payments with our experienced trainers to guide you.
Certified and accredited professionals are the much needed leaders in our industry. With specialized knowledge, you can answer the tough questions, bring the best ideas and solutions to the table, and have more career advancement opportunities, all making you an even more valuable part of the team.
What our members have to say:
Obtaining my AAP accreditation has been one of the most worthwhile things I have done for my Financial Institution in my 24 years as an employee. I could never have passed the examination the first time without the comprehensive AAP training program. The program prepared me for the test by organizing large volumes of information into manageable sessions of focused instruction. I use the knowledge I acquired nearly everyday, and know that I am a better resource for my co-workers, as well as providing more “hands-on” involvement in the protection of the bank’s assets.
Purchasing the educational package plan in preparation for my AAP exam was indeed a great deal. The credit union was able to save money and in exchange I was able to gain high value knowledge. It's like a pass that gives me access to all the webinars that I wanted to attend to gear me up and prepare me for the exam. If anyone is planning to take any accreditation next year, I highly recommend purchasing the educational package plan. IT'S VERY MUCH WORTH IT.
ElevateU Certificates
Advance your career with certificates in ACH, check, card, or wire and emerging payments through our ElevateU program. You will gain practical knowledge of each payment channel. The ElevateU certificates make great stepping stones towards earning your accreditations, making you the rising leader at your organization.
Each ElevateU certificate program includes Beginner, Intermediate, and Advanced modules. Complete each module and pass the quizzes to earn your certificate.
The courses in ElevateU - ACH Certificate start with operations and processing, then go deeper to teach you solutions to common trouble areas, risk management and security, requirements, regulations, and strategies on emerging payments.
You will receive a tangible printed certificate after you have completed and passed the quizzes for all three courses. Continue your learning journey by earning credits annually through ACH courses, and unlock a $50 discount to attend the Solutions Payments 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.
$295/course for PaymentsFirst Members
$590/course for Non-members
Beginner Course - PaymentsFirst: ElevateU: ACH 1 - Beginner
- 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 for Non-members
Intermediate Course - PaymentsFirst: ElevateU: ACH 2 - Intermediate
- Module 1
- Review PaymentsFirst Elevate U – Beginner
- 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 for Non-members
Advanced Course - PaymentsFirst: ElevateU: ACH 3 - Advanced
- 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
Final Exam
- 80% to pass - 100 questions
$295 for PaymentsFirst Members
$590 for Non-members
Accreditations & Certifications
Accredited professionals are the most knowledgeable and skilled leaders in our industry. These programs prepare you to earn your AAP, APRP, AFPP, NCP, or your FPP certificate, making you the expert on staff.
Unlocking Excellence: Become an Accredited ACH Professional (AAP) – Your Path to Industry Leadership
Elevate your career in electronic payments by becoming an Accredited ACH Professional (AAP). Join the elite group of highly skilled experts recognized for their ACH excellence, providing a competitive edge in the business and financial arenas. The AAP accreditation is the gold standard, symbolizing unparalleled electronic payments expertise.
Gain a critical knowledge base and diverse experience that positions you as a valuable asset to any organization. Regulators actively seek out AAPs during exams, highlighting the industry's recognition of your expertise. Don't miss the opportunity to become a distinguished industry leader with the AAP accreditation.
Understanding the Role of an AAP
Unlock the path to industry leadership by becoming an Accredited ACH Professional (AAP). Recognized as experts in ACH-related issues, AAPs elevate their value to organizations and emerge as leaders in their field. Before embarking on this journey, it's advised to have at least two years of payments-related experience. PaymentsFirst offers classes to prepare for the AAP exam, ensuring candidates have the knowledge needed for success. Explore the world of AAPs and take the first step toward enhancing your career in electronic payments.
PaymentsFirst's Exclusive AAP Prep Package
PaymentsFirst is offering a special incentive package for individuals preparing to take the AAP exam in October. This exclusive offer includes essential publications for reference, 10 virtual training sessions covering crucial exam content, and the innovative AAP Study Kit. Our electronic study guide provides valuable tips, sample tests, quizzes to enhance exam preparation, and question and answer sessions. Seize the opportunity to boost your readiness and confidently pursue success in becoming an Accredited ACH Professional with PaymentsFirst.
AAP Prep Package
$1495 for Members ($2391 value)
Nacha Test Registration is not included in the training package
What is included in the AAP Prep Package?
Publications & Study Resources
- ACH Rule Book ($67 Value)
- ACH Compliance Manual ($60 value)
- UCC4A ($65 value)
- Third-Party Senders and the ACH Network ($60 value)
- ACH Risk Management Handbook ($60 value)
- ACH Pro Online-Based Practice Quizzes ($125 value)
- AAP Flash Cards ($110 value)
- AAP Study Kit ($150 value)
Training Sessions
- 10 Virtual AAP Classes ($1194 Value)
- 07/15/2026 - ACH Fundamentals & SEC Codes
- 07/16/2026 - Exception Handling
- 07/22/2026 - Agreements & Third Parties
- 07/23/2026 - ACH Risk Management
- 07/29/2026 - Navigating & Tabbing Your Rule Book - Part 1
- 07/30/2026 - Navigating & Tabbing Your Rule Book - Part 2
- 08/05/2026 - Government Payments
- 08/06/2026 - Regulation Review
- 08/19/2026 - File Formatting
- 08/20/2026 - Other Payment Systems & Knowledge Check
- 3-Day In-Person Review ($500 Value)
- 09/09/2026 - 09/11/2026 - Germantown, WI
- 09/15/2026 - 09/17/2026 - Linthicum Heights, MD
- 09/15/2026 - 09/17/2026 - South Carolina (City TBD)
- 09/22/2026 - 09/24/2026 - Huntsville, AL
Nacha Testing Registration and Fee Information - click here
A Year of Training in All Payments Topics at One Price!
Unlock year-round learning at one price with the Educational Package Plan. Register for an individual or group plan with the flexibility to change attendees for each eligible event. The Educational Package Plan includes live webinars, Payments University, Fraud Day, Compliance Day, Bootcamps, and the Payment Systems Update.