Initial Certification Process

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

Access the Certification Area and Forms

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

Step 1

• Email certification@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. 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 you can proceed with the certification level sought based on your skills and experience. If not suitable, you will be advised on areas for improvement and whether another certification level may be more appropriate. If successful, password details will be emailed to you for access to the online assessment.

Step 4

Undertake an online assessment based on the certification level sought through the NZPPA eLearning environment.

Step 5

NZPPA will provide certification results confirming whether you have successfully achieved the certification level sought or outlining areas for improvement if unsuccessful.

You may retry the online assessment once after the initial attempt and again one month after the first assessment (a maximum of three attempts, including the initial attempt). If unsuccessful after three attempts, the application will be closed and you may reapply after a six-month stand-down period.

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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 renewal fee is $45.00 + GST per applicant.

Payment for annual recertification can be made through the NZPPA Certification payment page:

Pay for recertification online

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

You are required to log in to the certification area and submit the required documentation online within the next month.

You will need to provide evidence of your professional development completed during the previous year.

Please note: Continuing Professional Development (CPD) requirements are 15 hours.

Access the Certification Area and Certification Matrix

Step 1

• Submit your completed CPD template and invoice for review.
• Include any additional documentation you consider relevant for recertification.

Step 2

• Submit completed paperwork and invoice if you wish to be assessed for the next level of certification.
• You must meet the requirements outlined in the Certification Matrix.

Step 3

• NZPPA will review your submission. Follow-up questions may be asked, and additional evidence may be requested if required.

Step 4

• You will receive the password required to complete the online assessment at the applicable certification level.

Step 5

• For certification level progression, you are entitled to 2 assessment attempts with a required pass mark of 90%.
• For annual recertification, you are entitled to 3 reassessment attempts with a required pass mark of 90%.

Step 6

On successful completion of the assessment, you will receive either confirmation of your certification level increase or confirmation of your recertification.

Certification Complaint Process

In general, all NZPPA Certification Panel decisions are final. However, a complaint may be made directly to the NZPPA CEO, who will assess whether it is valid. The CEO will request the Certification Panel to provide evidence explaining why certification was not achieved. This information 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, and that decision will be final.