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.

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

Completed applications will be evaluated and candidate eligibility usually determined within seven (7) business days of receipt. However, you will not receive a Notice to Schedule (NTS) until 30 days prior to the opening of a testing window. Candidates will receive the NTS, which will provide instructions on setting up a testing appointment, via email. It is recommended that you schedule your testing appointment as soon after receiving your NTS as possible, to increase your chances of testing on your preferred testing date. You must submit your test scheduling request at least seven (7) days prior to your preferred test dates.

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.