How to Become a Certified Payroll Professional

Payroll certification signifies an advanced level of payroll knowledge, skills and expertise.

Payroll professionals can obtain certification through the American Payroll Association. APA conducts examinations that assess an individual's level of payroll knowledge, skills and expertise. Candidates for certification can prepare for the exams by using the various training options offered by APA. Payroll certification is an objective and valuable credential. Certified payroll professionals increase their chances for promotion and career advancement and gain credibility within an organization.

Instructions

1. Choose the payroll certification you wish to obtain: the Fundamental Payroll Certification or the Certified Payroll Professional. The FPC is open to entry-level payroll practitioners and service and support professionals with baseline payroll competency. Those with payroll knowledge and experience can obtain the CPP credential. If you are unsure about your payroll knowledge, use APA's Knowledge Assessment Calculator to help you determine which certification to take.

2. Check that you meet the eligibility requirements for the certification. FPC does not have any requirements. CPP requires a combination of payroll education and work experience.

3. Complete the application for certification. Register for the examination and pay the examination fee. You can register online, by mail or by phone. Fees are nonrefundable and nontransferable.

4. Prepare for the certification exams. APA offers learning methods and tools including study materials, training courses, webcasts, audio seminars and study groups. The APA learning centers in San Antonio, Texas, and Las Vegas, Nevada, offer classroom sessions. APA conducts training all over the U.S. through its partner colleges and universities. APA also has approved training providers that conduct payroll courses.

5. Take the certification exam on your registered date. APA offers the exam twice every calendar year across the U.S. and Canada. It conducts the exam year-round internationally. The FPC exam takes 3 hours and consists of 150 questions. The CPP exam has 190 questions and must be completed within 4 hours.

6. Once you have obtained your certification, you need to recertify every five years for CPP and every three years for FPC. You can recertify through successful reexamination or continuing education.

Tips & Warnings

• If you attend APA's Payroll 101 or Payroll 201 course, you can take the certification exam right after the course. Registration for the exam is separate.

• Prepare for the exam at least six months in advance and use more than one study source.

• Read the examination handbook so you know the exam regulations and what to expect at the testing center.

• The Certification Board may audit your application to check your eligibility for the CPP certification.

References

• American Payroll Association: Certification
• American Payroll Association: Certification Frequently Asked Questions