Accredited Faster Payments Professional             AFPP Logo - 2025
(AFPP) Certification Program

The Accredited Faster Payments Professional (AFPP) program is specifically designed for individuals preparing to take the AFPP exam. To become an AFPP, one must demonstrate comprehensive knowledge of instant payment methods in the U.S., including understanding and experience with one or more faster payments network rails, as well as a broad grasp of concepts related to the payments system as a whole. Given the challenging nature of the AFPP exam, SFE is here to support your study and preparation efforts, helping you achieve success in this critical professional milestone.

Earning the Accredited Faster Payments Professional (AFPP) Designation

To become an Accredited Faster Payments Professional (AFPP), individuals must successfully pass a comprehensive, nationally administered exam offered annually. The AFPP exam encompasses a broad spectrum of topics, including fundamentals of faster payments, operational and process flow considerations, risk management strategies, technological aspects, and governance frameworks pertinent to faster payments. Specifically, the exam covers payment rails such as the ACH Network (including Same Day ACH), FedNow, RTP, and Push-to-Card Debit Card Networks.

Both Nacha and SFE highly encourage prospective AFPP candidates to participate in an exam preparation course to best prepare themselves for a successful exam.

AFPP Blueprint Areas

  • Fundamentals of Faster Payments 18%
  • Faster Payments Operations and Process Flows 28%
  • Faster Payments Risk Management 19%
  • Technology Considerations for Enabling Faster Payments 15%
  • Faster Payments Governance Framework 20%

Payment Rails Included

  • ACH Network (Same Day ACH)
  • FedNow
  • RTP®
  • Push-to-Card Debit Card Networks

Click Here to Register for the 2026 AFPP Exam Prep Program!

Cost - $999 Members / $1,998 Non-Members 

Our 2026 AFPP Exam Prep Package offers comprehensive study resources for the exam, including an interactive reading program and biweekly webinars.  All webinars will be recorded and available anytime after the dates below until the Exam window closes.

Webinars will be held from 1 PM to 2:30 PM CT on the following dates:
October 9
(1 PM to 2 PM CT)
Accredited Faster Payments Professional Exam Overview - 30 Minutes Only
October 14 Faster Payments System Overview
October 21  Fundamentals of Faster Payments (Part 1)
October 28 Fundamentals of Faster Payments (Part 2)
November 4  Faster Payments Operations and Process and Flow (Part 1)
November 12 Faster Payments Operations and Process and Flow (Part 2)
November 18 Faster Payments Risk Management
November 25 Technology Considerations for Faster Payments (Part 1)
December 2 Technology Considerations for Faster Payments (Part 2)
December 9 

Governance Framework (Part 1)

December 16

Governance Framework (Part 2)

 

 

 

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

Registration for the 2026 exam will open this fall.