The two-year course costs $1,100, which covers registration, tuition and materials. Training covers covers information about electronic payments, operations, training specific to the ACH industry, rules and regulations, and current issues and industry trends. Students can choose whether to train with an instructor or to study at their own pace. Course participants include ACH operations personnel, financial institution training personal and other financial professionals.
To obtain the ACH certification, attendees must complete all required units within two years and achieve a passing grade in the final exam. To retain their certification, participants must annually attend either a rules compliance seminar, a rules-update tele-seminar or a boot camp. After completing the AAP, candidates no longer need to attend these seminars.
The SWACHA trade association claims about 1,100 members, consisting of employees of financial businesses, government agencies and professionals in Texas, New Mexico and Louisiana. Formed in 1970, the company offers training and representation in respect to electronic payments and payment system risks.