The Accounts Payable Network - Accounts Payable Certification<br>General Information

Accounts Payable Certification

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Accounts Payable Certification
General Information

The Accredited Payables Manager (APM) and Accredited Payables Specialist (APS) designations indicate a combination of education and experience in the field, as well as proof of AP expertise by passing a comprehensive exam.

APM and APS Certifications are open to all persons and departments in payables. The certification is administered by The Accounts Payable Network and IOMA, and their selected agents, to those who: meet the eligibility requirements for admission to the examination as set forth in the certification handbook; successfully complete the examination; and maintain continuing professional education standards. Certification is granted for a two-year period, automatically renewable for those who continue to meet these standards.

The Accredited Payables Specialist (APS) is designed for the accounts payable professional who has been working for several years. The APS accreditation signifies that the individual has demonstrated the knowledge and skills required to excel in the accounts payable function.

The Accredited Payables Manager (APM) is designed for the individual who not only has mastered the basics of accounts payable, but also has demonstrated the knowledge and skills required at the managerial level.

Departmental Certification (APD) was developed due to the mandate from senior management to demonstrate that the entire AP department meets high proficiency standards. To earn departmental certification, a minimum of 60% of the members of an organizations' accounts payable department, excluding clerks, must have earned the APS or APM certification. Those departments that have achieved an 85% certification rate may hold Platinum certification.

Certification with Distinction

The AP Certification Programs offer the opportunity to earn certification with distinction. That designation goes to those who perform at an excellent level on the examination. The "with distinction" score has been set through a rigorous scoring methodology.

Eligibility for Certification

Accredited Payables Manager (APM)
No degree	5 years related work experience
2-year degree	4 years related work experience
4-year degree	2 years related work experience
Advanced degree	1 year related work experience

Accredited Payables Specialist (APS)
No degree	3 years AP experience
2-year degree	2 years AP experience
4-year degree	1 year AP experience

The Accounts Payable Certification Examinations

The AP Certification Exams are designed to test a well-defined body of knowledge representative of professional practice in the discipline. Successful completion of the exam verifies broad-based knowledge in AP. The exam is robust and challenging, and covers the following topics:

Content of the Exams

Category/Section	APM	APS
Internal Controls	10%	15%
Process Functions	15%	35%
Vendor File & Vendor Relations	10%	10%
Technology	10%	10%
Tax & Regulatory	10%	10%
Travel & Entertainment	10%	20%
Management	35%	0%
	100%	100%

Each exam comprises 100 multiple choice questions. You will have 90 minutes to complete the exam.

Passing the Exam

The Accounts Payable Certification Programs, upon receipt of examination results, will notify candidates of certification via e-mail whether they successfully passed their examination. Anyone who fails to achieve certification may retake the exam within 60 days at no charge. Contact TAPN at (770)984-1184 to arrange online retesting.

Those passing the APM or APS Examination will receive a framed certificate and other materials by mail. They are then entitled to use the letters "APM" or "APS" after their name, as dictated by professional circumstances. Certified individuals may also use the APS, APM, and APD logos as seen fit.

For assistance in applying, test-taking, determining eligibility or any other information you may need, please call TAPN at (770)984-1184 during normal working hours. Or, you can e-mail your questions to getcertified@theapnetwork.com. We will be glad to help.

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Register for Certification

Register Multiple Candidates for Certification

Or call TAPN at 866-827-6389 or 770-984-1184.

Additional Information:
Accounts Payable Certification - Why Get Certified?
The Accounts Payable Certification Programs Development Team and Advisors
Accounts Payable Certification - Preparing for the Exam

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