Initial certification is FREE for NZPPA members (up to the first 4 applicants; additional applicants are charged $45.00 + GST). For non-members, the initial assessment fee is $287.50 + GST, and the annual reassessment fee is $137.50 + GST.

NZPPA Certification Process

NZPPA Certification is based on a robust process that links directly to the NZPPA Qualification Framework. Certification results reflect payroll industry needs, and outcomes can be externally tested to ensure they are fair and free from bias.

Initial Certification Process

Please note: NZPPA members should email elearning@nzppa.co.nz to obtain a login for the Certification environment, where all forms and resources are located.

The NZPPA Certification process consists of the following five steps (three completed by the applicant and two by NZPPA):

Step 1:

• Email elearning@nzppa.co.nz to obtain a login for access to the certification area
• Download and complete the required forms

Step 2:
Submit your initial application, which includes the following:

1. Application form for the certification level you are applying for
2. A verification form from your employer or another authorised person confirming you are currently working in payroll and your position
3. CV Template Form
4. Organisation chart and job description

Step 3:

• NZPPA will complete an initial assessment and advise whether the applicant can proceed with the certification level sought based on their skills and experience. If not suitable, the applicant will be advised on areas for improvement and whether another certification level is more appropriate. If successful, the applicant will be emailed password details to complete the online assessment.

Step 4:

• Undertake an online assessment based on the certification level sought (provided through the NZPPA eLearning environment).

Step 5:

• NZPPA will provide certification results, confirming whether the applicant has been successful and awarded the certification level sought (see below for details), or outlining areas for improvement if not successful.
• The applicant may retry the online assessment once after the initial attempt, and again one month after the first assessment (a total of three attempts, including the initial attempt). If unsuccessful after three attempts, the application will be closed, and the applicant may reapply after a six-month stand-down period.

Annual Recertification Process

To ensure NZPPA certification remains current and relevant to industry needs, all certified members must complete annual recertification to maintain their certification level in line with new legislative changes. The cost is $45.00 + GST per applicant renewal.

As most employment law and tax changes take effect on 1 April each year, annual recertification occurs in May. If more than 12 months have passed since initial certification and you wish to remain current, you may request early recertification (after May of that year).

Recertification Process

NZPPA Annual Recertification Process

Step 1:

• Email the certified member advising that recertification is required to maintain their current NZPPA certification level
• Advise that evidence of professional development must be provided.
• Attach the evidence form and/or include a link to the form on the Certification page
• Advise that they must email certification@nzppa.co.nz by [date] if they wish to maintain their certification, along with their evidence

Step 2:

• Once reviewed (follow-up questions may arise regarding the evidence provided)
• An overview of what will be included in the reassessment will be available in the certification area
• A link will be provided to the recertification online assessment

Step 3:

• Results are provided
• Three attempts are allowed before a stand-down applies; feedback will be provided after each attempt

Step 4:

• Once both the evidence and online assessment are complete, a confirmation email will be sent stating whether certification has been successfully maintained

Certification Complaint Process

In general, all NZPPA Certification Panel decisions are final. However, a complaint can be made directly to the NZPPA CEO, who will assess whether it is valid. The CEO will request the panel to provide evidence explaining why certification was not achieved. This will be reviewed, and the applicant may be contacted for additional information if required.

The NZPPA CEO may request that the applicant’s assessment be reviewed by the NZPPA Certification Panel for reassessment. The applicant will receive written confirmation of the outcome, which will be final.