What certification level should I select?

Positions in payroll are not standard, off the shelf or the same from payroll to payroll. NZPPA Certification takes this into account and understands what you do as a payroll practitioner can be a mixture of various payroll levels.

How we have included this in certification is by ensuring that the level selected includes assessment from the levels below so the applicant is assessed across a range of areas not just at the one defined area.

To aid you in selecting the certification levels that best suits the range of skills and experience you have as a payroll practitioner we have provided a range of payroll job descriptions that are aligned to the NZPPA certification levels. If you logon to the NZPPA Certification Portal you can assess the range of payroll job descriptions.

If you want any assistance please email: [email protected] with any questions.

NZPPA Certification Levels:

Certification Type	Label	Certification Level	Certification description	Qualifying Period
Certified Payroll Technician	CPT	Entry	Can run basic payroll processing steps, under supervision or within their prescribed authority. or Performs part of the payroll process, or other payroll tasks, under supervision or within their prescribed authority. Understanding of Payroll Legislation	More than 6 months
Certified Payroll Practitioner	CPP	Intermediate	Can run a payroll end to end at an intermediate level under supervision or within their prescribed authority. Excellent Understanding of Payroll Legislation	Over 2 years
Certified Payroll Specialist	CPS	Advanced	Senior Practitioner that manages payroll, end to end at an advanced level Proficient Understanding of Payroll Legislation Interacts at a senior level within the business	3+ years CPP More than 6 months in role No direct reports
Certified Payroll Consultant	CPC	Advanced	Can implement & configure payroll processes and payroll system criteria and resolve complex payroll issues*. Sound knowledge of audit and review processes to mitigate errors and risk Proficient Understanding of Payroll Legislation	3+ years CPS More than 6 months in role
Certified Payroll Leader	CPL	Leadership	Meets all the requirements set at the previous certification levels (CPT, CPP) and may have consulting experience under CPC (optional) Leads and manages staff in a payroll environment. Sound payroll knowledge and experience that enables complex payroll issue resolution Experience with implementing audit and review processes to mitigate errors and risk Proficient Understanding of Payroll Legislation	3+ years CPS 1 or more direct reports More than 12 months in leadership role

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