Accredited Faster Payments Professional 
(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
The 2026 AFPP exam will be administered February 16 - March 14, 2026.
The AFPP Prep Program for the 2026 AFPP Exam will be offered in the 4th quarter of 2025.
Registration for the 2026 exam will open this fall.