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Insights and Expertise
ChapterTitle

StreetSmarts SM

Let's level-up payments industry certifications

By Allen Kopelman tion/eta-cpp-details/#Apply.
Nationwide Payment Systems Inc. Level up the CPP program

fter years of trying, our industry has yet to I agree that the ETA CPP program can help MLSs, but it's
produce a certification program that mer- time to level up the program. While administrators have
chants would really care about. Let's face it, we added opportunities for networking, learning and career
A gather the same sensitive information as real advancement, they could do even more to protect mer-
estate and insurance agents, but unlike them, merchant chants and elevate our profession. I offer the following
level salespeople (MLSs) don't need a license to sell. suggestions.

Certification programs help individuals project lead- The ETA CPP program could include:
ership in mature and competitive industries like ours. • Discoverability with dedicated website and indi-
Twenty-two years ago, in 2003, Paul H. Green, founder of
The Green Sheet Inc., started the National Association of vidual CPP profiles
Payment Professionals (NAOPP), which never really took • Code of ethics to highlight merchant and agent ar-
off. In 2011, the Electronic Transactions Association (ETA) eas of responsibility
launched its Certified Payment Professional (CPP) pro- • Accountability with clear escalation path for mer-
gram; I was one of the first to take (and pass) the test. chants and accountability for MLSs

The ETA's CPP brochure lists the following membership • Affordability with discounted registration fees for
benefits: industry and educational events
• Advance your career and increase your earning po- Discoverability
tential
• Get recognized for your knowledge, skills, and com- Currently, merchants can confirm a representative's cer-
tification by entering an individual's name on the ETA's
petence CPP Directory at https://member.electran.org/eta-cpp-di-
• Enhance your credibility and professional reputa- rectory. But it is not readily accessible.
tion
• Demonstrate your commitment to excellence Rather than just a link on the home page, the ETA could
improve access to certified professionals via a dedicated
• Showcase your credential with a verifiable digital website with a bio, headshot, location, contact information
badge and link to website and LinkedIn profile. The page could
include how many years they've been in business, hours
To qualify, ETA members or nonmembers must pass an of operation, and products and services. WordPress and
exam, administered quarterly. More information about other plugins would make this cost-effective and easy to
this certification is available at https://electran.org/educa- do.

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