Job Training for Payroll Specialists

Payroll specialists may train formally or informally.

Job training requirements for a payroll specialist vary widely. While not all positions require on-the-job experience or training past the high school level, we explore in this article the options of earning a certificate degree or two graduated levels of certification offered by the American Payroll Association. Certification exams are offered twice a year in spring and fall. Select your best training options in preparing for a career as a payroll specialist.

Informal Training

Some payroll specialist positions require nothing more than a high school education. Also known as payroll and timekeeping clerks, they work closely with an experienced payroll person for a few months to a year training on-the-job. According to O*NETonline.org, 47 percent of payroll specialists require nothing more than a high school diploma or equivalent. This form of career training may or may not be advertised as an apprenticeship. Some related experience, knowledge of payroll, or other work skills may be helpful in getting hired, however.

Certificate Programs

Although not always required for employment, there are non-degreed certificate programs that prepare a payroll specialist for career placement and, possibly, for career advancement. Completing a payroll specialist certificate program gives you a broad, but basic, understanding of payroll specialist issues and responsibilities. According to Education-Portal.com, "Graduates should be well-versed in the classification of employees, calculation of gross pay, data management, federal tax regulations, year-end reporting procedures, payroll calculations and payroll software applications."

Fundamental Payroll Certification (FPC)

The Fundamental Payroll Certification (FPC) may be taken by payroll beginners or by service and support professionals with knowledge of the payroll industry. Unlike the Certified Payroll Professional (below), job experience is not required to sit for the FPC exam. The American Payroll Association (APA) administers the exam, but you are not required to be a member of the APA to take the FPC exam. Study materials may be obtained from the APA, and courses, which are taught in a variety of formats, prepare you for the certification exam.

Certified Payroll Professional (CPP)

According to the American Payroll Association, the CPP credential is for those with payroll knowledge and experience. You may obtain study materials directly from the APA and avail yourself of their courses and other test prep venues. The test is administered by the American Payroll Association in over 300 locations nationwide. Alternately, by attending online classes through a school such as GatlinEducation.com you study a payroll practice and management program. This program trains you to perform the duties of a payroll specialist and to take the exam required to become a Certified Payroll Professional (CPP).

References

• O*NET Online; Summary Report for: 43-3051.00 - Payroll and Timekeeping Clerks
• Education-Portal.com; Payroll Specialist Education Requirements and Career Info; 2011
• Gatlin Education: Payroll Practice and Management
• American Payroll Association; Certification; 2011
• American Payroll Association; Fundamental Payroll Certification; 2011

Resources

• PearsonVue.com: American Payroll Association (APA)
• Facebook.com: American Payroll Association
• VillaNovaUniversity; The PayTrain® College & University Program; 2011