aap and ncp: getting in tune with payments … and ncp: getting in tune with payments certifications...
TRANSCRIPT
AAP and NCP: Getting in Tune
with Payments Certifications
Navigating Payments Conference
October 9, 2014
Brenda Eckert, AAP, Wells Fargo Ellen Heffner, NCP, ECCHO
Agenda
• Benefits of Industry Certifications
• AAP & NCP Programs
– Definition and Candidates
– History
– Study Materials
– Additional Resources
– Testing
– Costs
– Test Preparation and Best Practices
– Re-certification Requirements
– Next Steps
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Benefits
• Individual
• Organization
• Industry
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Benefits – Words of Encouragement
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Benefits – Words of Encouragement
“The AAP certification is a standard of excellence for ACH Network participants. AAPs help financial institutions and companies improve their operational processes, ensure compliance and reduce risk.” – Ann-Marie Bartels, AAP, CEO EPCOR
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Benefits – Words of Encouragement
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“The AAP certification is a standard of excellence for ACH Network participants. AAPs help financial institutions and companies improve their operational processes, ensure compliance and reduce risk.” – Ann-Marie Bartels, AAP, CEO EPCOR
Benefits – Words of Encouragement
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Benefits – Words of Encouragement
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Benefits – Words of Encouragement
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“As a compliance professional, studying for the NCP prepared me not only for the exam but provided me with excellent materials and information that I continue to use today. I would suggest this certification to anyone who has an interest in developing a greater understanding of check payment systems.”
– Charla Tompkins, NCCO, AAP, NCP Navy Federal Credit Union
The
AAP & NCP
Programs
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Definition & Candidates
• 2+ years relative experience
• Commitment to the learning process
• Willingness to “get your hands dirty”
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History
Accredited ACH Professional
• 1993 Pilot exam
• 1994 AAP exam
• 4000 AAPs
National Check Professional
• 2011 Pilot exam
• 2012 – 2014 NCP exam
• 414 NCPs and growing
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Study Materials
Accredited ACH Professional
• ACH Rules book
• AAP handbook
• Risk management
handbook
• Marketing handbooks
• Compliance manual
• Revised UCC-4A and the
ACH Network
• Greenbook
National Check Professional
• JumpStart Reading program
• NCP Roadmap
• P.R.E.P. guide
• Question of the Day
• Access to pre-recorded
training webinars
• Exam prep training course
– Instructor-led, on-demand,
etc.)
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Additional Resources
Accredited ACH Professional
• AAP review course
• AAP Study Buddy program
• Payments Institute
• NACHA website
National Check Professional
• NCP review course
• NCP Guide handbook/program
• Check payments training
options
• ECCHO website
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Testing
Accredited ACH Professional
• PSI testing facility
• 120 questions
– General payments
– Products
– Risk
– Rules & Regs
– Technical
standards/formats
• Next testing window:
October 2014
National Check Professional
• PSI testing facility
• 120 questions
– Rules, Laws and Regs
– Fraud and Risk Mitigation
– Check Operations
• Includes technical
standards/formats
– Products
• Next testing window:
April-May 2015
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Costs
Accredited ACH Professional
• Exam fee
– NACHA member $475
– Non-Member $595
• Online registration
through NACHA
National Check Professional
• Exam fee
– ECCHO member $400
– Non-member $500
• Online registration
through ECCHO
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Test Preparation and Best Practices
• Study to pass – base it on the individual
• Study buddy / NCP Guide
• Small study groups
• Flashcards
• Write your own test questions
• Other?
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Re-Certification Requirements
Accredited ACH Professional
• Accreditation for 5 years
• Continuing Education
– 60 credit hours in five years
– Max of 20 credit hours per
year
– Renew in 5 year
increments
National Check Professional
• Accreditation for 3 years
• Continuing Education
– 30 credit hours in three years
– Max of 20 credits per year
– 2 ECCHO workshops
– Renew in 3 year
increments
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Next Steps
• Register for exam early
– AAP: https://www.nacha.org/events/training-accreditation-
programs
– NCP: www.eccho.org/ncpc
• Organize a study plan
– Maximize study time for best results
• Get a good night’s sleep before test date
• Take the exam
• Look for a positive result and make plans to celebrate!
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Questions?
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Thank You!
Thank You!
Ellen Heffner, NCP [email protected]
214.273.3211
Brenda Eckert, AAP [email protected]
612.667-2251
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