CPP online applications are available now. Download a hardcopy of the application here.

Applications must be completed, along with payment by October 1st (postmarked, if mailed).

Completed applications will be evaluated and candidate eligibility usually determined within seven (7) business days of receipt. As early as 30 days prior to the opening of the November 1-30 testing window, candidates will receive a Notice to Schedule (NTS) via email. You must submit your test scheduling request at least seven (7) days prior to your preferred test dates.

The CPP program sets the standard for professional performance in the payments industry and is a symbol of excellence. It signifies that an individual has demonstrated the knowledge and skills required to perform competently in today's complex electronic payments environment.

As a result of increasing governmental scrutiny and regulation, growing security and compliance requirements, and a host of emerging issues and trends, today’s payments professionals need to have a broad knowledge of the industry, the challenges and forces shaping its future. They must demonstrate mastery not only of sales, but of pricing and interchange; business process, operations and workflow; products and solutions; risk; and regulatory, compliance and security matters as well.

With the CPP designation, ETA codifies the significant increase in knowledge required of payments professionals on the job.

The primary market is the sales professional with 1-3+ years industry sales experience. Strong working knowledge of at least one other area (e.g. technology, operations, risk, compliance, security) is also preferred. Any W-2 or 1099 employee of a company that enables acceptance of electronic payments by merchants should seek the CPP credential.

The secondary market encompasses other payments professionals such as those new to industry; functional specialists; and even seasoned professionals seeking to demonstrate their existing knowledge.

The CPP will set you apart from other sales and payments professionals and provide you with a competitive edge when visiting clients and potential new customers. The personal rewards and benefits will be many:

The CPP will not only set individual employees apart, but will provide your company with a competitive advantage by increasing the value of your team. The CPP will:

To be eligible to sit for the CPP examination, candidates must demonstrate the following qualifications:

CPP candidates will then be required to sit for and pass a Certified Payments Professional written examination. Upon successful completion of the exam and the attainment of the CPP credential, certificants will be required to meet renewal / recertification requirements every three years, to include continuing professional education from ETA / QSP’s or the successful completion of the test.

The computer-based CPP examination is administered by Castle Worldwide through a network of more than 375 testing centers in cities throughout the US. Test centers, which are subject to change, are listed here.

The exam is offered during two 30-day testing windows. All forms and applicable fees must be submitted and / or postmarked by the specified deadlines. Forms submitted without appropriate fees will not be processed.

Conduct of payments professionals has a direct effect on the reputation of the profession. Candidates for the CPP as well as future CPPs who maintain their certification must abide by the ETA's Code of Conduct.

A feasibility study is an investigation into the potential benefits associated with undertaking a specific activity or project. The main purpose of a feasibility study is to consider all factors associated with the project, and determine if the investment of time and other resources will yield a desirable result. While considered a preliminary study, it is not unusual for a feasibility study to be highly detailed. ETA undertook a feasibility study specifically to determine whether the industry believes a credentialing program is necessary to enhance professional standards of practice and ethical behavior, to assess which credentialing method is most appropriate for this industry (if any), who the target audience should be and if the industry, particularly industry management, would monetarily support a program.

The results of ETA’s feasibility study indicated that an overwhelming majority of the survey respondents (75%) felt that a credentialing program would benefit the industry by heightening professional standards, as well as industry reputation and credibility. Two-thirds of survey participants, categorizing themselves in managerial positions, stated that they would financially support a program for W-2, 1099, and other employees, and would consider the credential in employee hiring and promotion decisions.

A job analysis identifies the knowledge, skills and abilities an individual must possess in order to perform their job competently. Once complete, the job analysis becomes the basis for all test development activities, helps to determine the type of examination, such as written or practical, to be developed in order to assess competence, and ensures a content valid examination. The results of ETA’s job analysis identified six content domains, including sales, pricing and Interchange, process / operations / workflow, products / solutions, risk, and regulatory / compliance / security. See full exam content outline here.

Test development involves many industry subject matter experts along with testing experts to ensure a legally defensible, statistically sound and content valid examination. Test development activities encompass establishing the body of knowledge the exam will be based upon, developing test questions, assembling the examination, determining the passing point, beta testing, and finally, exam launch. The 125-question multiple choice exam will be administered twice per year, during one-month testing windows, in a computer-based format at conveniently located testing centers around the country.

The Credentialing Commission, which determines the scope and purpose of the CPP program outside of the test development activities, is currently developing overall program strategy, eligibility and recertification requirements, appeals and disciplinary processes, and the general policies, procedures and guidelines that govern the program.

Administration of the first exam – Fall / Winter 2011. The exam will be administered twice per year, during one-month testing windows, in a computer-based format at conveniently located testing centers around the country.