National Check Payments      
(NCP) Certification Program

What is the NCPC?

The National Check Payments (NCP) Certification is a premier accreditation, similar to the AAP in the ACH world, but with a focus on the check business. The program is developed and managed by Electronic Check Clearing House Organization (ECCHO) and is intended to recognize an elevated level of payments acumen among payments professionals. Study and exam materials cover all aspects related to rules, laws, and regulations, processing via paper and image, product development, and positioning, as well as fraud and risk mitigation.

While it’s true that check volumes have declined since 2000, they still play a significant role in America's payments system. 

In today’s high-stakes payments landscape—where check fraud hits 63% of organizations and remains the #1 threat—you can’t afford to play catch-up. The rapid shift from paper checks to digital images demands elite-level expertise, and the NCPC Prep Program delivers exactly that, equipping you to master every mission-critical facet of the check payment system.

Gain unmatched knowledge of cutting-edge products and operations, rock-solid rules and regulations, influential industry standards, and proven strategies to crush fraud and cut risk. Stay a step ahead of relentless fraudsters, harden your operations, and fast‑track your career with the ultimate prep program built for top performers.

Through the certification process, National Check Professionals (NCPs) prove a working knowledge of every significant aspect of the check payment system—including products and operations, governing rules and laws, key industry standards, and best‑practice fraud and risk mitigation—positioning themselves as the go-to experts in a rapidly evolving payments world.

Test Window for 2026 is April 18th - May 9th (registration deadline: March 31, 2026)

Registration for the NCPC Exam is administered through ECCHO

The Accredited NCP Program

NCP Test Registration

Click Here to Learn More - NCPC Exam Preparation Program

Why should a Financial Institution have an NCP on staff?

A National Check Professional (NCP) designation recognizes professionals who have successfully proven an expert level of understanding of the current check payments landscape. This sets you apart by:

• Recognizing your knowledge and comprehension of check payments
• Recognizing you as a leader in your field
• Strengthening your professional credibility
• Demonstrating your commitment to customer service
• Demonstrating your commitment to stay on the leading edge of industry trends and topics of interest
• Positioning you for professional advancement
  
  

Which areas of check will the exam cover?

The NCP Exam covers 4 major categories of the check business:

• Rules, laws, and regulations
• Fraud and Risk Mitigation
• Check Operations
• Check Products