Back in March, the ETA (Electronics Transactions Association) announced they were going to launch the first industry-wide professional certification testing program later this year. Successfully passing the 125-question ETA test will earn ISO's (Independent Sales Organizations) MLS's (Merchant Level Salespersons) and other payment professionals a Certified Payments Professional certificate. This multiple choice test will given twice a year in numerous centers around the country. MLS's must have at least one year of industry experience and a degree or three years' industry experience to be eligible to even take the test.
For those of us
that have been around this industry for many years, and have personally witnessed some of the outright deception that exists, it seems necessary, for the merchants benefit, that something must be done. However, many payment professionals, myself included, don't see the value in certification programs unless certification is accompanied by a stare or federally regulated licensing program. Let's face it, just because reps go through a "certification" program with their processor, earn a plaque upon successful completion and can place a "seal" on their business card, does it really mean anything to the merchant? Certification really has no "teeth" to it but when coupled with real regulation, unethical behavior could result in the loss of the agent's license and his or her ability to work in the industry.My success in this business
has always been attributed to building relationships with my merchants and educating them on this cost center of their business. Dealing with merchants in a totally ethical manner is the only way that I know to do business. Until, and if, this certification and/or licensing in the payment industry becomes a reality, merchants really need to continue to be diligent in thoroughly understanding these services that they are contracting and paying for in their business. Always perform your due diligence and thoroughly investigate any proposals made to you. I wish you the best. Thanks for reading.
My name is Michael Saum and I'm a 62 year old semi-retired,
merchant services rep. In my current capacity, I write informative,
articles relative to the acceptance of credit/debit cards in your
business I also offer my comprehensive, FREE, email course, on the
subject of credit card processing with NO SOLICITATION or HYPE.
Article Source: By Michael Saum