NCP - National Check Professional Testing Center

What is the NCPC?

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

While it’s true check volumes have declined since 2000, they still play a significant role in America's payments system. According to the 2013 Federal Reserve Payments Study, over 18 billion checks were paid in 2012, equating to over $24 trillion in payments. Virtually all checks are processed now as electronic images. 42% of all checks are Consumer to Business payments and 32% of checks are used for Business to Business payments.

Given the significant volume and value of checks in the payments system, the degree of operational and product change resulting from the shift from checks to check images, and the complexity of ongoing regulatory changes, industry participants need to maintain and cultivate additional check expertise.

Through the certification process, National Check Professionals (NCPs) will demonstrate a working knowledge of every significant aspect of the new check payment system including products and operations, relevant rules and laws that govern checks, industry standards, and fraud and risk mitigation considerations.

Test Window for 2025 is April 19th - May 10th.(registration deadline: Sunday March 31, 2025)
NCP Exam Preparation starts January 2025!

Registration for the NCPC Exam is administered through ECCHO

NCP Program Certification website:    https://www.theclearinghouse.org/eccho/ncp-certification

NCP Test Registration:  https://www.ecchoonline.org/s/store

Click Here to Learn More - NCP 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 NCPC Exam covers (4) major categories of the check business:

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