Introduction to Electronic Processing is the first and most basic class within the College of General Studies. This class provides an industry history and statistical outline, and focuses on industry specific definitions as well as the roles and responsibilities of the various industry players. Finally, the class follows a "day in the life of a transaction" and examines in detail the seven stages of processing. This course provides a strong foundation and understanding of the business, the players and the process.

Introduction to Sales and Marketing (recommended prerequisite - Introduction to Electronic Processing OR equivalent experience) focuses on the rules and regulations for setting up a sales organization. It covers the guidelines for sponsorship of Independent Sales Organizations (ISO) and examines the requirements of an acquirer as well as an ISO, with an emphasis on risk and liability mitigation. The course also covers the guidelines for setting up merchants, including suggested contractual language and risk management practices. This course provides a complement to the Introduction to Electronic Processing course with an emphasis on sales and marketing practices.

Introduction to Operations (recommended prerequisite- Introduction to Electronic Processing OR equivalent experience) focuses on the back office operations associated with payment processing. The course provides a more in-depth look at Interchange from categories including chargebacks and retrieval procedures, as well as regulations. The final topic includes the general and best practices of customer service and support, including tools and technology available. This course provides a complement to the Introduction to Electronic Processing course with an emphasis on operations.

Introduction to Technology(recommended prerequisite - Introduction to Electronic Processing OR equivalent experience) focuses on the technology available to the merchant. The course divides the merchant landscape into segments, such as single proprietors ("mom and pops"), multi-lane, regional and the large national merchants. In each segment, the course will examine the types of POS technology used and the various telecommunications options utilized.  The various types of POS applications will be covered, looking at nuances by industry, such as restaurants, hotels, mail order/phone order and the Internet. The course will look at the impact of value-added programs, such as gift cards and loyalty on these systems as well as other card and payment instruments, such as electronic check, debit cards, and commercial cards. Finally the course will examine authentication methods such as PIN and biometrics and discuss the types of encryption and security associated with each. This course covers an extensive amount of technology on a surface level, but is meant to aid in understanding the role and use of technology. This course complements the Introduction to Electronic Processing course with an emphasis on technology.

ETAU Level II: Data Security Essentials (recommended prerequisite - Introduction to Electronic Processing and/or Introduction to Operations OR equivalent experience) The evolving cyber security threats that have emerged in the last decade have ushered in a new era of data security risk management and compliance requirements. Understanding the risks, technology, mitigation strategies, and regulations associated with data security has become a top priority for business executives. This course provides a comprehensive examination of the emerging data security threats, tools/technology available to manage this risk, and the compliance issues associated with traditional branded credit cards (Visa/MC, Discover Network, AmEx, JCB), smart cards, signature-based debit, and branded prepaid cards. Mitigate your exposure by learning the information necessary to comply with card company rules and self-regulatory requirements to which you are held accountable.

ETAU Level II: Sales Channel Development (recommended prerequisite - Introduction to Electronic Processing and/or Introduction to Sales and Marketing OR equivalent experience).  In this highly competitive business environment, successful payment organizations are always looking for new sales channels. In this course you will learn how to utilize a variety of distribution channels to maximize profitability and growth. You will gain a better understanding of what would work best for your company by learning about the benefits and risks of five primary distribution channels: direct sales, telesales, agent banks, referral entities, and the Internet. You will learn the framework for success, including several key components such as: advantages, disadvantages, programs, marketing, and compensation. View course outline

ETAU Level II: Acquiring Payments Risk/Fraud Management: Tactics & Trends (recommended prerequisite - Introduction to Electronic Processing OR equivalent experience). Examine the complete lifecycle of acquiring payments risk and fraud management from sales partner training, acquisition, underwriting, transaction monitoring, and account closure/collection. The course will also explore recent trends and developments in each of these areas. This course is intended for payments professionals with a basic understanding of the roles and responsibilities of the four-party payment system. 

ETAU Level II: PCI Fundamentals for the Small (Level 4) Merchant (recommended prerequisite - Introduction to Electronic Processing OR equivalent experience). Data breaches are on the rise and small merchants are frequently targeted, representing more than 80% of all compromise events. This course will provide business executives with an overview of PCI DSS, outlining the standard as well as card compromise trends affecting small merchants.  Compliance requirements from each of the credit card brands will be discussed as will tools/technologies to help small merchants achieve compliance and increase their overall security posture. The course will present practical suggestions to mitigate risk and to protect you and your merchants from potential fines, including ideas on developing a plan to drive high-compliance rates for your Level 4 portfolios.  The course will conclude with a panel discussion and roundtable, to provide first-hand insight from relevant parties into the challenges and approaches.