ETA Expert Insights: ETA CPP Program Best Practices
By Katie Hackney, Senior Trainer, Learning & Development and ETA CPP, North
Introduction
A successful corporate ETA Certified Payments Professional (CPP) program requires careful planning and ongoing support. These 8 best practices, compiled by Katie Hackney, Senior Trainer, Learning & Development and ETA CPP, at North, will help your organization create a robust framework for ETA CPP candidates, from initial orientation to recertification.
1. Host an Orientation
Make sure candidates know what’s expected of them and what the experience entails before they commit. Topics may include an overview of sponsorship requirements, how and when to apply, the application eligibility window, study resources and events, what to do if they pass vs. fail, etc. Include a few sample exam questions to give them a feel of the exam content.
2. Create and Maintain an ETA CPP Company Policy
This document should address sponsorship expectations and any other company-specific considerations. Obtain acknowledgment from candidates and their leaders before purchasing their application vouchers.
3. Emphasize Technology Requirements
Because the exam is only offered via live online proctoring, it’s imperative the candidate is properly equipped to take the exam. Candidates must use a PERSONAL computer! The exam proctor needs to be able to remote into their machine; third-party access is typically prohibited on company-issued computers as well as those in public locations, i.e., libraries. Several other restrictions and technical requirements apply. Make sure your candidates fully understand these requirements before they submit the application!
4. Encourage Study Groups
Candidates who participate in study groups not only have higher rates of success on the exam, but they also build their professional network. Large companies, especially those with a lot of M&A activity, benefit academically and socially from the connections they make with colleagues from different teams, entities, and geographic locations.
5. Host Practice Test Calls
Sample exam questions are available in multiple locations, including but not limited to the ETA CPP Study Guide, Candidate Handbook, Quizlet, etc. Explore online polling tools or trivia apps in conjunction with these resources to coordinate a fun, collaborative call with your candidate pool!
6. Form Chat Rooms
Create a space where candidates can ask and answer each other’s questions, share resources, solicit study group interest, announce upcoming calls, etc. Act as a moderator; generate conversation in addition to answering questions and posting reminders.
Chat rooms can also be created for ETA CPPs after they’ve passed the exam so they can keep each other in the loop of upcoming webinars and other experiences to earn continuing education credits.
7. Host an Annual Recertification Call
Invite all current/active ETA CPPs in your organization, and ask ETA to co-facilitate. Record the call and make the recording and other resources available. (Remember: It costs far less to renew than it does to re-test!)
8. Promote [email protected]
When candidates have questions, especially about portal access issues, scheduling concerns, or any ETA-owned materials, refer them to [email protected]. ETA’s Education Coordinator is committed to providing support in a timely manner!