NZPPA’s Certification Framework

Initial NZPPA certification should be pursued at the appropriate level according to the Certification Matrix. Advancement to a higher certification level is granted only if the payroll practitioner demonstrates through the assessment process that they have fully completed the requirements of the previous certification level, as outlined in the Certification Matrix.

NZPPA Certification Levels

• Certified Payroll Technician (Entry Level) – CPT
• Certified Payroll Practitioner (Intermediate Level) – CPP
• Certified Payroll Specialist (Advanced Level) – CPS
• Certified Payroll Consultant (Advanced Level) – CPC
• Certified Payroll Leader (Leadership of Payroll) – CPL

Note: NZPPA Certification is not determined by job titles, as titles do not necessarily reflect payroll skills, knowledge, and experience.

Certification Caters to Different Payroll Environments

Certification levels are based on payroll skills, knowledge, and experience, not job titles. Payroll practitioners may perform varying payroll tasks depending on their work environment, and NZPPA certification recognizes these differences in complexity.

For example, a sole-charge Payroll Officer may handle a complex payroll system, covering all responsibilities that a Payroll Manager would typically manage in a team, excluding leadership tasks.

NZPPA Certification Levels

NZPPA Certification Levels: Certification Type	Label	Certification Level	Certification Description	Qualifying Period
Certified Payroll Technician	CPT	Entry	Basic payroll processing steps, under supervision or within prescribed authority. Performs parts of the payroll process, or other payroll tasks, under supervision or within prescribed authority. Basic understanding of payroll legislation.	More than 6 months
Certified Payroll Practitioner	CPP	Intermediate	End-to-end payroll processing at an intermediate level, under supervision or within prescribed authority. Excellent understanding of payroll legislation.	Over 2 years
Certified Payroll Specialist	CPS	Advanced	Senior practitioner managing payroll end-to-end at an advanced level. Proficient understanding of payroll legislation. Interacts at a senior level within the business.	3+ years as CPP More than 6 months in the role No direct reports
Certified Payroll Consultant	CPC	Advanced	Implements & configures payroll processes and systems, resolving complex payroll issues. Sound knowledge of audit and review processes to mitigate errors and risks. Proficient understanding of payroll legislation.	3+ years as CPS More than 6 months in the role
Certified Payroll Leader	CPL	Leadership	Meets all previous certification levels (CPT, CPP), with optional consulting experience as CPC. Leads and manages staff in a payroll environment. Sound payroll knowledge and experience in resolving complex payroll issues. Experience with implementing audit and review processes to mitigate errors and risks. Proficient understanding of payroll legislation.	3+ years as CPS 1 or more direct reports More than 12 months in a leadership role