ETA Certified Payments Professional (ETA CPP) Program

BERKELEY SCHOOL OF BUSINESS, ARTS & SCIENCES

The ETA CPP Program equips payment industry professionals with the knowledge and practical understanding required to navigate today's complex payments landscape. Through comprehensive exam preparation and industry-focused learning, participants strengthen their expertise in payment operations, compliance requirements, risk controls, and emerging payment innovations, supporting career advancement within the global payments sector.

ETA Certified Payments Professional (ETA CPP) Program
Overview
ETA Certified Payments Professional (ETA CPP) Program

The ETA Certified Payments Professional (ETA CPP) is a globally recognized professional certification offered by the Electronic Transactions Association (ETA). It is considered one of the leading credentials for professionals working in the electronic payments industry, including payment processing, merchant acquiring, fintech, risk management, compliance, underwriting, sales, and payment technology. The certification demonstrates comprehensive knowledge of the payments ecosystem and validates professional competence in the industry. 

Offered By

Electronic Transactions Association (ETA) 

Head office

Washington, D.C., United States

Members

Payments industry professionals including payment processors, financial institutions, fintech companies, merchants, risk and compliance specialists, and technology providers worldwide.

What are the Objectives?

To advance professionalism and excellence in the electronic payments industry by certifying skilled professionals, promoting ethical standards, supporting education, and strengthening knowledge in payments operations, compliance, and emerging technologies.

Eligibility

Candidates must meet one of the following requirements:

  • High School Diploma, associate degree, or bachelor's degree plus at least 1 year of industry-related experience; or
  • 3 years of industry-related work experience. 
Who can do?
Who can do?
anyone who is interested to learn about following concepts can pursue ETA Certified Payments Professional (ETA CPP) Program:
Payments industry professionals seeking certification, Banking and fintech employees, Risk and compliance officers, Sales and merchant services professionals, Payment processors and operations managers, Financial services consultants, Professionals entering the electronic payments industry.
individuals with the following designations:
Payment processing professionals, Merchant services representatives, FinTech professionals, Risk and compliance officers, Underwriters, Sales and business development professionals, Payment facilitators (PayFacs), Independent Sales Organizations (ISOs), Banking and financial services professionals involved in payments.

Course Structure

The ETA CPP curriculum covers the entire payments ecosystem. The examination is based on industry best practices, payment regulations, underwriting standards, and electronic payment technologies. 

Domain 1: Sales

Included

Merchant acquisition

Included

Sales processes

Included

Prospecting techniques

Included

Customer relationship management

Included

Merchant needs analysis

Included

Solution selling

Included

Payment industry terminology

Domain 2: Pricing and Interchange

Included

Interchange fundamentals

Included

Card association fees

Included

Pricing models

Included

Cost structures

Included

Merchant discount rates

Included

Payment economics

Included

Revenue calculations

Domain 3: Process / Operations / Workflow

Included

Payment transaction lifecycle

Included

Authorization and settlement

Included

Clearing processes

Included

Chargebacks and disputes

Included

Merchant onboarding

Included

Customer service operations

Included

Payment network participants

Domain 4: Products / Solutions / Mobile Technology

Included

Credit and debit card processing

Included

Mobile payments

Included

Digital wallets

Included

POS systems

Included

Payment gateways

Included

E-commerce solutions

Included

Contactless payments

Included

Emerging payment technologies

Domain 5: Risk Management

Included

Fraud prevention

Included

Chargeback management

Included

Merchant risk analysis

Included

Transaction monitoring

Included

Financial risk assessment

Included

Operational risk controls

Domain 6: Regulatory / Compliance / Security

Included

PCI DSS compliance

Included

Data security standards

Included

Consumer protection regulations

Included

AML (Anti-Money Laundering)

Included

KYC requirements

Included

Payment industry regulations

Included

Cybersecurity fundamentals

Domain 7: Underwriting

Included

Merchant underwriting

Included

Credit analysis

Included

Financial statement review

Included

Business risk assessment

Included

Reserve requirements

Included

Merchant approval processes

Lecture plan

Lecture 1: Sales Fundamentals in Electronic Payments (3 Hours)

Lecture 2: Applied Sales & Customer Management (3 Hours)

Lecture 3: Pricing Structures & Interchange Basics (3 Hours)

Lecture 4: Financial Analysis in Payments (3 Hours)

Lecture 5: ETA CPP Study Guide Overview (3 Hours)

Lecture 6: Online Review & Practice Testing (3 Hours)

Lecture 7: CE Credit Requirements (3 Hours)

Lecture 8: Qualifying Activities & Credit Management (3 Hours)

Lecture 9: Remote Proctoring & Verification (3 Hours)

Lecture 10: Exam Rules & Prohibited Materials (3 Hours)

Lecture 11: Results & Retake Policies (3 Hours)

Lecture 12: Professional Recognition (3 Hours)

Lecture 13: Career Advancement Opportunities (3 Hours)

Lecture 14: Comprehensive Module Review (3 Hours)

Lecture 15: Final Mock Exam & Readiness (3 Hours)

Learning Methodology

Berkeley offers expertly developed learning materials tailored to meet participants' needs, ensuring comprehensive coverage of the syllabus and optimal exam preparation.

‣ Tailored Material: Guides are designed to cover the entire syllabus, offering full preparation and deep understanding.

‣ In-Depth Content: Unlike superficial outlines, our materials provide fully developed theories and concepts, equipping participants with complete knowledge.

‣ Strategic Study: We help participants prioritize study time by indicating the weight of each topic, allowing efficient focus on crucial areas.

‣ Difficulty Levels: Topics are labeled as "Awareness" or "Proficiency," guiding participants to allocate time based on the required depth of knowledge.

‣ Comprehensive Coverage: Our materials include detailed theory and a glossary of technical terms to clarify complex concepts.

‣ Effective Learning Techniques: Visual aids and memorization techniques ensure long-lasting retention, helping candidates succeed.

Berkeley’s methodologies equip participants with the essential knowledge and tools for both exams and future success.

Lectures
Lectures

Our lecture plan integrates structured learning with interactive teaching methods, promoting engagement and collaboration. This approach ensures a comprehensive understanding of concepts, fostering critical thinking and practical application in real-world scenarios

Practice Session
Practice Session

Practice sessions offer hands-on experience through guided exercises, enhancing skills and reinforcing knowledge. This practical approach ensures mastery of concepts, promoting confidence and competence in real-world applications

Mock Examination
Mock Examination

Mock examinations simulate real test conditions, providing valuable practice and assessment. This helps identify strengths and weaknesses, ensuring thorough preparation and boosting confidence for actual exams

Berkeley Middle East Performance Standards

Evaluates and ensures professional competency and certification standards for the ETA Certified Payments Professional (ETA CPP) Program. This is measured through the following indicators:

 

What Is The Exam Information?

ETA Certified Payments Professional (ETA CPP) Program
ItemDetails
Exam FormatMultiple Choice Questions
Number of Questions125 Questions
Delivery MethodLive Online Proctored Examination
Testing WindowsMarch, June, September, December
Exam DurationApproximately 3 Hours
ResultPass/Fail based on overall performance
Exam LanguageEnglish
Testing Windows and Application Deadlines
Application DeadlineTesting Window
February 1March
May 1June
August 1September
October 31December
Benefits of ETA CPP Certification
  • Recognized industry credential
  • Enhanced professional credibility
  • Improved career opportunities in payments and fintech
  • Strong understanding of payment systems and technologies
  • Demonstrated expertise in compliance, risk, and operations
  • Access to a network of certified payment professionals

The ETA CPP designation is widely regarded as the benchmark certification for professionals seeking advanced knowledge and recognition within the global payments industry.

Recommended Study Resources

ETA provides several preparation resources:

  1. ETA CPP Examination Study Guide
  2. ETA CPP Study Review Course
  3. ETA CPP Practice Test (65 questions)
  4. Candidate Handbook

These resources are specifically designed by ETA's credentialing committee to help candidates prepare effectively for the examination.

Fee Structure

ETA CPP Exam Fee (ETA Members)

AED 1,836.00

ETA Certified Payments Professional (ETA CPP) examination fee for ETA members. Includes application processing fee and online remote-proctored examination.

ETA Member Rate Application Fee Included Live Remote Proctored Exam Industry Recognized Credential
  • ETA CPP Examination Registration
  • Application Processing Fee Included
  • Online Computer-Based Exam
  • Live Remote Proctoring
  • ETA Member Pricing

ETA CPP Exam Fee (Non-Members)

AED 2,387.00

ETA Certified Payments Professional (ETA CPP) examination fee for non-members. Includes application processing fee and online remote-proctored examination.

Non-Member Rate Application Fee Included Live Remote Proctored Exam Industry Recognized Credential
  • ETA CPP Examination Registration
  • Application Processing Fee Included
  • Online Computer-Based Exam
  • Live Remote Proctoring
  • Non-Member Pricing
Success Stories
Success Stories

“As a strong advocate for education and human development, I commend Berkeley for its exceptional commitment to empowering future leaders. The institution stands as a symbol of excellence, innovation, and opportunity. Students who walk its halls are nurtured with knowledge, values, and vision—qualities that contribute to building a stronger and more prosperous future for our nation.”- H.H. Shaikh Khalifa Al Hamid

Visit our Alumni

Alumni Benefits

‣ Exclusive Networking Events: Access invitations to industry-leading events and thought-leadership gatherings featuring renowned speakers.


‣ Monthly Updates: Stay informed with a newsletter highlighting the latest research, events, and activities from the school.


‣ LinkedIn Community Access: Join the Executive Education LinkedIn group for networking and professional development opportunities.


‣ Educational Discounts: Enjoy a 20% discount on open-enrollment programs and access to workshops focused on emerging trends.


‣ Global Alumni Network: Connect with a diverse alumni community through the Berkeley School’s online network and engage in country and interest groups.

Is It Worth the Investment?

  • Industry-Recognized Credential: The ETA CPP certification validates professional expertise in the electronic payments industry and enhances credibility with employers and clients.
  • Career Advancement: Supports progression into senior roles in payments operations, risk management, compliance, and financial technology.
  • Global Industry Relevance: Recognized across the global payments ecosystem, opening opportunities in banking, fintech, and merchant services.
  • Specialized Payments Knowledge: Develops advanced understanding of pricing, interchange, operations, and regulatory compliance in electronic payments.
  • Professional Recognition: Certified professionals can display digital credentials across professional platforms, strengthening personal branding.
  • Competitive Advantage: Demonstrates commitment to professional excellence and industry standards, improving employability and career mobility.

Career path

Certification Maintenance

The ETA CPP credential remains valid for three years. To maintain certification, holders must earn and report 36 Continuing Education (CE) Credits during each three-year cycle. Approved activities include industry conferences, training programs, webinars, publications, speaking engagements, and related professional development activities. 

What You Earn

You will get a certificate of completion, which is highly reputed and accepted by employers.

What You Earn

Payments Industry Expertise

Develop advanced knowledge of pricing, interchange, risk management, and payment technologies used in modern financial systems.

Operational Excellence

Strengthen skills in payment processing workflows, underwriting practices, and operational efficiency.

Career Advancement Opportunities

Enhance employability and qualify for senior roles in banking, fintech, merchant services, and payments management.

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