Split placements are what make NPAworldwide tick. They’re at the very core of why we exist—helping independently owned recruitment firms work together to place more candidates, serve more clients, and grow their earnings. When two members team up on a placement, it’s a win-win. But for the process to stay smooth, transparent, and fair, we all need to follow the same playbook. That’s why NPAworldwide has clear rules for reporting split placements—because timely, accurate reporting benefits everyone.
Clearing Up Some Common Misconceptions
Every now and then, I hear about some confusion around how split placements should be reported. A couple of common misconceptions pop up—like thinking you don’t need to report until the candidate actually starts (not true) or believing you can hold off on sending the brokerage and split fee until the guarantee period ends (also not true).
Our NPAworldwide Bylaws and Operations Manual spell out exactly how and when to report a split placement and submit payments. Following those steps keeps everything running smoothly, ensures everyone gets paid on time, and helps maintain the trust that makes our network strong.
Step 1: The Placement Happens
You’ve got a candidate (exporter/candidate-side). Another member has the client (importer/job-side). The offer is made, and your candidate says YES. That’s the moment the reporting process kicks in.
Step 2: Who Reports First?
The responsibility starts with the job-side recruiter—the one billing the client whose job has been filled. As soon as the acceptance happens, the job-side recruiter must:
- Let the candidate-side recruiter know right away.
- Share the start date, salary, and billing details.
- File an acceptance report in the NPAworldwide Marketplace system within seven (7) days.
Bottom line? No split placement between members should ever go unreported.
Step 3: Why Timing Matters
Prompt reporting means:
- Payments get processed quickly and accurately.
- NPAworldwide can collect the 5% brokerage payment that keeps our programs running.
Everyone stays on the same page, which builds trust across the network.
Step 4: After the Client Pays
Once the job-side recruiter receives the client’s payment, here’s what happens next:
- Send NPAworldwide a copy of the Placement Report, proof of payment (invoice, check, wire transfer confirmation, etc.), and the 5% brokerage payment.
- Send the candidate-side recruiter 47.5% of the fee with the same documentation.
- If any placement details changed between acceptance and payment, make sure they’re updated in the report.
The Big Takeaways
- Job-side recruiter reports first—candidate-side recruiter reports if the job-side recruiter doesn’t.
- Always report a split placement via NPAmarketplace within seven days.
- Send payments and proof as soon as the client pays.
Following these steps keeps our placements—and our cooperative—strong. It protects relationships, ensures everyone gets paid, and maintains the trust that makes NPAworldwide such a powerful network.