February is an exciting month for AAPs as NACHA and EPCOR will be acknowledging this group on February 12 for National AAP Recognition Day. The U.S. flag will be flown over the Capitol in Washington, D.C. on this special day in honor of over 4,000 AAPs nationally, and EPCOR and its member organizations will also celebrate this select ensemble.
This February marks the 5th annual national recognition, and I’m shocked that it is yet to become a Hallmark holiday like Valentine’s Day, Grandparent’s Day, Sweetest Day or Boss’s Day. After all, everyone knows an AAP or knows someone that knows an AAP, right?
Doubting this, I decided to do a little research on the Internet for AAP. And I think I may have uncovered the problem. On the first page of results, I learned that AAP signifies the American Academy of Pediatrics, Association of American Publishers, American Academy of Periodontology, Advanced Auto Parts and even Association of Academic Physiatrists (whatever that is!). And when I’d just about given up hope in finding Accredited ACH Professional, there it was - four pages in!
Okay, so it is possible that not everyone knows an AAP or what an AAP is. And, I’ll be honest, I hadn’t a clue either until I came to work for EPCOR . . . and now I’m surrounded by AAPs.
In 2012 we welcomed 76 payments professionals to this elite group; bringing the total number of member AAPs in EPCOR’s 12-state territory to nearly 750.
AAPs are the go-to people in their organizations. They have a comprehensive knowledge of all areas of ACH as well as a broad knowledge of the comparative payment systems (i.e. cards, checks and wires). Having an AAP on staff keeps an organization at the forefront of payment issues and ACH Rules changes, which is definitely a benefit. And examiners view having an AAP on staff as important too. But, having your AAP accreditation can also benefit YOU.
Being an AAP means you’ve taken the extra steps to become an ACH subject matter expert. And having this designation can certainly enhance your career – whether advancements within your organization or outside employment opportunities.
For those of you considering the certification, I’d encourage you to take advantage of our FREE on-demand lecture hall So, You Think You Want to Be an AAP? If you’re not convinced after viewing the session that this is your calling, don’t hesitate to contact me. I’ve been told my enthusiasm for the AAP program can either persuade you to “go for it!” or cause you to say “yes” just to shut me up!
And if you’ve already started down the path to obtaining your AAP credential, you should consider enrolling in EPCOR’s AAP Review Course. Don’t go it alone because you don’t have to – let us help! Jen Kirk, Marcy Cauthon and I are all passionate about the program and what we do . . . okay; maybe I ooze it. You see, the AAP Review Course is my baby, and with the help of past students and my co-workers, we’ve been able to develop a preparation program that has gone from a 3-day cram session to a course that spans several months and provides training in a multitude of ways (e.g. in-person, online, on-demand, exams, etc.). This is my utmost favorite class to teach because I not only get to know you, but I get to see the “ah-ha” moments and share with you one of the most important achievements of your professional career.
One recent AAP sent me this email after taking the exam:
“Although there were many questions that I just did not feel comfortable with or feel as though I prepared for, truly I did not feel as though any of the concepts were too big or foreign to me on a level that I could not reason through with some basic deduction and thought. I attest that to you and your training. Your support and encouragement has been amazing from the start, and I appreciate your having so much confidence in all of us; often times you seemed to have more confidence in us than we had in ourselves.”
You don’t know how honored that makes me feel. I take great pride in being an AAP, and I hope if you’re an AAP, that you, too, are proud of your accomplishment. And for those of you thinking this might be your path, don’t let a little thing like not having a Hallmark holiday keep you from “gettin’ ‘er done!”