Becoming a National Check Professional

(NCP)

For 2

014

Exam

• NCP Background

• NCP Exam Information

• ECCHO Study Tools

• Tips for Success

• Continuing Education

Agenda

2

National Check Professional

• Why NCP? – So many changes in last few years – So much to know – Security of the payment system – Customers deserve the best

• Partners brought the idea to ECCHO

• Pilot in November 2011

• First Exam 2012

• Already have approximately 300 NCPs

Background of NCP

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• Provides a valuable learning experience

• Supports a continuing education process

• Delivers proven expertise that auditors appreciate

• Demonstrates expertise to customers

• Improves products & services for customers

• Provides recognition

• Improves FIs’ support of the payment system

Benefits of NCP Certification

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• “I gained so much knowledge not only over the

check process itself but also the rules and

regulations governing the process. That

knowledge will undoubtedly help me in resolving

any situation that may arise within our

organization.”

•

What NCPs Say

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• “As a compliance professional, studying for

the NCP prepared me not only for the exam

but provided me with excellent materials and

information that I continue to use today.

I would suggest this certification to anyone

who has an interest in developing a greater

understanding of check payment systems.”

What NCPs Say

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• “I’ve been in the financial services industry for nearly

22 years and it’s astonishing how much the payments

industry has changed since the introduction of Check

21. The NCPC program has been a great way to

broaden my business acumen on a variety of topics

and trends, and kept me abreast of industry rules and

regulations as well as fraud and risk mitigation. I really

enjoyed the learning experience and have already

recommended it to my peers!”

What NCPs Say

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• NCP Exam covers: – Rules, Laws, and Regulations (34% of exam)

– Check Operations (33%)

– Fraud and Risk Mitigation (25%)

– Products (8%)

120 multiple choice questions

100 scored test questions

Exam Contents

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• Annual NCPC exam cycle – Starting 3rd Saturday April through

2nd Saturday in May each year • Next exam window: April 19 – May 10, 2014

• Testing at PSI Centers around the US

• Exam Fees

– $400/person – ECCHO members – $500/person – Non-members – Online registration process at

www.eccho.org/ncpc

NCPC Exam

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Preparing for the Exam

• Must study to pass the exam, regardless of experience

• Amount of time depends on your: – Expertise and tenure – Breadth of experience – Familiarity – looking up versus knowing

answer – Ability to take tests – Need to study more/less than others – Suggest 40 hours depending upon experience

Exam Preparation

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• NCPC Roadmap

• Question of the Day

• PREP Guide

• Exam Prep Training Course

• 20 Sample Test Questions (in back of PREP Guide)

ECCHO Study Tools

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• Helps you design your study plan: – Determine if you have time to prepare – Information on registration – Discover the resources to help you succeed – Find out what the exam covers and key

areas to study – Tips on creating your study plan

NCPC Roadmap

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• Arrives each business day via email

• Provides question today and yesterday’s answer

• Answer is expansive for study purposes

• Can be used like flashcards

• Many participants favorite study tool

Question of the Day

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• More than 150 pages of: – Program Logistics – Training Guide with Glossary – Study Tips – Exhibits

• Recommend:

– Reading cover to cover – Use as repository for your study notes – Can be a checklist to ensure all topics have

been reviewed

P.R.E.P. Guide

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• Provided through our Partners

• Nine 1.5 hour webinars

• Plus new review sessions with scenarios

• PPT chapter for each section

• Covers materials at appropriate level

• Enables you to ask questions

Exam Prep Training Course

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• 20 multiple choice questions

• Similar format to the NCPC Exam

• No actual exam questions are provided

• Intended to familiarize exam candidates:

– With style and format of a standard multiple choice exam

– With topics covered by the NCP Exam

Sample Exam

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• Take an exam prep course from one of our partners!

• Study at the appropriate level: – Use training course content, Question of the

Day, and NCP Roadmap to level set – Know the main points and why – Consider strategic vs. detailed

• Be an active student – Review materials before class, take notes, ask

questions – Make flashcards – Answer Question of the Day daily

Tips for Success

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• Establish a study plan to complete your goals

• Spend most time on biggest area of exam/area you know least

• Review areas you know well

• Study/discuss with others

• Be ready to apply what you have learned in the form of scenarios/story problems

Focus Your Time

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• Get plenty of sleep

• Know where test site is and get there early to review flashcards once more

• Thoroughly read the question

• Remain calm and mark questions you are unsure of and return to them

• Take the generic sample exam to familiarize yourself with the keyboard

Taking the Test

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When You Become an NCP

• Three year renewal cycle

• Certification requirements are two-fold:

• Complete two ECCHO Workshops in 3-years; and

• Earn 30 hours of approved CE credits

NCPC Continuing Education

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• Annual National NCP Day

• NCP Guide Program

What’s New?

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• To honor NCPs each year • Third Monday of August • Encourage organizations to celebrate their

NCPs • Provides opportunity for free CE • For 2013:

– Featured a few NCP testimonials – Drawing for favorite charity for each class – Presentation on Check Products: The

Business Perspective from Taylor Vaughan, Director of Treasury Management Services, First Tennessee

National NCP Day

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• A benefit for both registered NCP candidates and existing NCPs – Registered NCPs have someone to “show

them the ropes” – NCP gets CE credits

• Suggested Guide Activities:

– Mini-handbook available – Develop study program – Gain vital knowledge about anything except

test questions

NCP Guide Program

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Questions?

Jenny Johnson, NCP jjohnson@eccho.org

770.452.0961

Thank You!

Electronic Check Clearing House Organization 3710 Rawlins Street

Suite 1075 Dallas, Texas 75219