A boon for CPP hopefuls

The Western States Acquirers Association has something new in store for those who attend its 10th annual conference Oct. 8 and 9, 2013, at the San Francisco Airport Hyatt Regency hotel in Burlingame, Calif. The organization just launched a scholarship program to benefit 10 individuals who want to sit for the Electronic Transactions Association's Certified Payments Professional (CPP) exam.

The program will fund the CPP application and examination fees, which amount to $350 for each recipient. The study guide will also be included; purchased separately, it would cost $49.95.

The ETA stated that the objectives of the CPP program are to "establish a uniform, defined standard of practice and knowledge for ISOs, sales personnel and other payments industry professionals; quantify the expertise and potential performance of payments industry professionals; enhance the productivity and reputation of payments companies and the credibility of the industry; thwart inappropriate practices that may sully the reputation of the industry; and provide an important service to the payments industry."

Who can apply?

Eligibility set by the ETA for exam candidates includes a requisite amount of industry experience and education, approval of a supervisor or a person in management at a payments industry company, as well as a signed attestation from the applicant.

Those seeking scholarships can nominate themselves or be nominated by others. In addition, WSAA established the following requirements for scholarship applicants. The individual must be:

• A first-time applicant and must complete the CPP exam within two years of scholarship approval
• Registered to attend the 10th Annual WSAA Conference
• A full-time ISO, merchant level salesperson or "independent contractor"
• Able to demonstrate a commitment to the payments industry via articles, blogs, webinars or participation at conferences.

According to the ETA's website, the next CPP testing window is Nov. 1 through 30; the ETA application deadline for that test period is Oct. 1. For more information about WSAA's upcoming conference and this scholarship program, please visit www.westernstatesacquirers.com ; for details on the CPP program, please visit www.electran.org .

Editor's Note:

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