The Accounts Receivable Network - The Accounts Receivable Certification Programs

Accounts Receivable Certification

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The Accounts Receivable Certification Programs

The Accounts Receivable Network is committed to:

Enhancing the quality of the receivables profession—including billing, credit, collections and cash application—by offering educational opportunities
Fostering the exchange of receivables expertise
Raising public awareness of receivables professionalism
Offering programs to support the needs of receivables managers, staff and departments

To that end, it has developed The Accounts Receivable Certification Programs.

Download the
AR Certification Booklet.

The Accredited Receivables Manager (ARM) and Accredited Receivables Specialist (ARS) designations indicate a combination of education and experience in the field, as well as proof of AR expertise by passing a comprehensive exam.

ARM and ARS Certifications are open to all persons and departments working in the order-to-cash process. The certification is administered by The Accounts Receivable Network and its selected agents to those who: meet the eligibility requirements for admission to the examination as set forth in the certification booklet; 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 Receivables Specialist (ARS) is designed for the accounts receivable professional who has been working for several years. The ARS accreditation signifies that the individual has demonstrated the knowledge and skills required to excel in accounts receivable functions.

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

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

Certification with Distinction
The AR 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. Distinction is signified on the certificates of those performing at this level by blue ribbons added to the gold accreditation seal.

Eligibility for Certification

Accredited Receivables Manager (ARM)
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 Receivables Specialist (ARS)
No degree	3 years AR experience
2-year degree	2 years AR experience
4-year degree	1 year AR experience

The Accounts Receivable Certification Examinations

Content of the Exams

The ARS examination includes questions pertaining to the following topics. The ARM includes the same categories, but in addition includes a large section devoted to management.

Category/Section	ARS	ARM
Order Processing	10%	5%
Credit Management	20%	15%
Billing	15%	10%
Cash Receipt, Cash Application	15%	10%
Collections	20%	15%
Internal Controls	10%	10%
Accounting, Records & Regulation	10%	10%
Management	0%	25%
	100%	100%

Candidates who take tests at "live" testing sites will receive the same exam as others in the room; those who take the test online via the Web will receive their own version of the exam from the bank of approved questions. Each exam comprises 100 multiple-choice questions.

Candidates have 90 minutes to complete the exam.

Passing the Exam

The Accounts Receivable 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 The Accounts Receivable Network at (770)984-1184 to arrange online retesting.

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

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

Download the AR Certification Booklet.

Sign Up Now

Register for Certification

Register Multiple Candidates for Certification

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

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

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