Top 10 Payroll Administrator Certifications

Certifications are important for payroll administrators in the job market because they demonstrate a level of knowledge and experience in the field. Employers want to hire people with the skills and expertise necessary to perform the job accurately and efficiently. Having certifications gives you an advantage over other applicants as it shows that you have taken the time to advance your knowledge and stay up-to-date on industry standards. It also provides employers with evidence that you have a comprehensive understanding of payroll laws, regulations, policies, and procedures. Certifications can help you stand out from other applicants and can make your resume more attractive to potential employers.

The purpose of this article is to review some of the best certifications for Payroll Administrators, and explain how they can help further a payroll administrator's career.

What are Payroll Administrator Certifications?

Payroll administrator certification is a professional credential that demonstrates a person's knowledge and proficiency in the payroll field. It is designed to help payroll administrators, who are responsible for managing payroll systems, understand the complex laws and regulations governing payroll. This certification helps demonstrate an individual's commitment to their profession, as well as their understanding of best practices and industry trends.

Payroll administrator certification can be beneficial for individuals looking to advance their career in the field. It provides employers with assurance that the person they are hiring is knowledgeable in the area and capable of performing their duties. Additionally, it may also give employers confidence that the individual has taken steps to stay up-to-date on changes in the industry and can provide them with accurate information about payroll processes. Finally, having this type of certification can open up additional job opportunities for those seeking advancement or new challenges.

Pro Tip: To become a certified payroll administrator, you should consider enrolling in a recognized payroll certification program. These programs can provide you with the necessary knowledge and skills to successfully manage payroll operations and ensure compliance with relevant laws and regulations. Additionally, many certification programs also offer continuing education courses that can help you stay up-to-date on changes in the industry.

Related: What does a Payroll Administrator do?

Top 10 Payroll Administrator Certifications

Here’s our list of the best certifications available to Payroll Administrators today.

1. Certified Payroll Professional (CPP)

A Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) is a professional who has demonstrated proficiency in payroll and related areas through the completion of a certification program. This certification is offered by the American Payroll Association (APA). The CPP certification is designed to recognize individuals who have achieved a high level of knowledge in payroll principles, practices, and regulations.

The CPP certification requires applicants to pass an exam that covers topics such as federal, state, and local payroll laws; payroll accounting; payroll tax withholding; employee benefits; and other related topics. The exam consists of 175 multiple-choice questions and must be completed within two hours. Candidates must achieve a score of at least 70% to pass the exam.

In order to apply for the CPP certification, applicants must have at least three years of full-time experience in payroll or related fields, or one year of full-time experience plus an associate degree in accounting or business administration. Applicants must also be members of APA in good standing.

The cost for the CPP certification is $395 for APA members and $495 for non-members. In addition, applicants are required to pay a $75 application fee when submitting their application for the exam.

Once an applicant has successfully passed the exam and met all other requirements, they will receive their official CPP certificate from APA. The certificate is valid for five years from the date it was issued and must be renewed every five years to maintain its validity.

2. Certified Payroll Administrator (CPA)

A Certified Payroll Administrator (CPA) is a professional who has been certified by the American Payroll Association (APA) to demonstrate expertise in payroll-related topics. The CPA credential is designed to recognize individuals who have knowledge and experience in all aspects of payroll compliance, including federal and state laws, regulations, and reporting requirements.

The CPA certification requires successful completion of an exam that covers both general payroll principles and specific areas of payroll administration. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions and takes approximately three hours to complete.

In order to become a CPA, individuals must first meet the eligibility requirements set forth by the APA. These include having at least two years of full-time experience in payroll administration or a related field, as well as completing an approved training program or demonstrating equivalent knowledge through work experience. Once these requirements are met, individuals can register for the exam online through the APA website.

The cost for taking the CPA exam is $250 for members of the APA and $350 for non-members. Additionally, there is an annual recertification fee of $50 to maintain the credential.

3. Certified Payroll Manager (CPM)

Certified Payroll Manager (CPM) is a professional certification for payroll professionals. It is designed to recognize the knowledge and experience of those who have mastered the complexities of payroll management. The CPM certification is offered by the American Payroll Association (APA), a professional organization dedicated to promoting excellence in payroll practice.

To become certified, an individual must complete the APA's Certified Payroll Manager program, which consists of two courses: Principles of Payroll Management and Advanced Practices in Payroll Management. Each course is completed online and takes approximately 10 hours to complete. The cost of the program is $395 for members and $495 for non-members.

In addition to completing the two courses, applicants must also meet certain requirements such as having at least three years of full-time payroll experience or five years of part-time experience, passing an examination, and submitting a signed application form with supporting documentation. Once these criteria are met, applicants may be eligible for certification.

The CPM certification is valid for three years from the date it was issued and can be renewed by completing continuing education credits or retaking the exam every three years.

4. Certified Payroll Specialist (CPS)

A Certified Payroll Specialist (CPS) is a professional who specializes in payroll processing and related duties. They are responsible for ensuring that all payroll information is accurate and up-to-date, as well as managing the payroll system and its associated processes. The CPS must also be knowledgeable about federal, state, and local laws regarding wages, taxes, deductions, and other payroll-related matters.

To become a Certified Payroll Specialist (CPS), you must complete an accredited training program or course of study that covers topics such as payroll fundamentals, accounting principles, tax regulations, employee benefits, and labor laws. In addition to this training program or course of study, you must pass the National Association of Certified Public Accountants’ (NACPA) Certified Payroll Professional Exam. This exam is administered by Prometric Testing Centers throughout the United States.

The cost to take the NACPA Certified Payroll Professional Exam varies by location but typically ranges from $200-$400 USD. Additionally, some employers may require additional certifications or continuing education courses in order to maintain their certification status.

Once you have passed the exam and received your certification as a Certified Payroll Specialist (CPS), you will be able to demonstrate your expertise in payroll processing and related duties to potential employers. This can help you secure higher paying positions within the industry or increase your earning potential at your current job.

5. American Payroll Association's Fundamental Payroll Certification (FPC)

The American Payroll Association’s Fundamental Payroll Certification (FPC) is a comprehensive certification program designed to recognize payroll professionals who have achieved a level of competency in the field. The FPC is the only payroll certification program that is recognized and endorsed by the American Payroll Association.

The FPC consists of two parts: an online exam and an online learning course. The online exam covers topics such as federal and state laws, payroll taxes, wage and hour laws, accounting principles, and payroll systems. The online learning course provides additional information on these topics as well as other related topics.

It typically takes about 8-10 weeks to complete both parts of the FPC program. To get started, you must first register for the FPC program through the American Payroll Association website. Once registered, you will be able to access the study materials and take the online exam when you are ready.

The cost of the FPC program varies depending on whether you are a member of the American Payroll Association or not. For non-members, it costs $395 for both parts of the program; for members, it costs $295 for both parts of the program.

Once you have completed both parts of the FPC program successfully, you will receive your official certification from the American Payroll Association which will last for three years before needing to be renewed.

6. International Foundation of Employee Benefit Plans' Certified Payroll Professional (CPP-I)

The Certified Payroll Professional (CPP-I) designation is a certification program offered by the International Foundation of Employee Benefit Plans (IFEBP). It is designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated expertise in payroll knowledge and practices. The CPP-I certification is awarded to those who have successfully completed an exam that covers topics such as payroll laws, regulations, processes, procedures, and systems.

To become certified, applicants must first meet certain eligibility requirements. These include having at least two years of payroll experience and having completed a minimum of 45 hours of approved payroll education courses. Once these requirements are met, applicants can submit their application to take the CPP-I exam.

The CPP-I exam consists of 100 multiple choice questions that cover topics such as federal and state payroll laws and regulations, payroll processes and procedures, accounting principles related to payroll activities, employer compliance with applicable laws and regulations, employee benefits administration, and other related topics. The exam takes approximately three hours to complete.

The cost for the CPP-I exam is $325 USD for members of IFEBP or $375 USD for non-members. After passing the exam, applicants will receive their official CPP-I certificate within 4–6 weeks from IFEBP.

7. Society for Human Resource Management's Certified Professional in Payroll (CPP-SHRM)

The Certified Professional in Payroll (CPP-SHRM) is a credential offered by the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM). It is designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated mastery of payroll principles, practices, and procedures. The CPP-SHRM focuses on the technical aspects of payroll, such as compliance with federal and state laws, regulations, and guidelines; calculating wages and deductions; understanding payroll taxes; and processing employee payments.

To obtain the CPP-SHRM certification, individuals must complete an application process that includes a background check. They must also pass an exam administered by SHRM. The exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions covering topics such as payroll accounting, taxation, labor laws, compensation management, benefits administration, and more.

The entire certification process typically takes about six months to complete. To prepare for the exam, SHRM recommends taking courses or self-study materials offered by SHRM or other approved providers. These courses may be completed online or in person.

The cost of obtaining the CPP-SHRM certification varies depending on which preparation materials are used. The fee for the exam itself is $375 for members of SHRM and $450 for nonmembers. Additional fees may apply if additional preparation materials are purchased from SHRM or other approved providers.

8. National Association of Certified Public Bookkeepers' Advanced Certified Payroll Professional (ACPBP)

The National Association of Certified Public Bookkeepers (NACPB) Advanced Certified Payroll Professional (ACPBP) is a professional certification for payroll professionals. It is designed to recognize the knowledge and skills of those who specialize in payroll management and administration.

To get the ACPBP, applicants must have at least three years of full-time experience in payroll processing or related activities, have completed a minimum of 40 hours of continuing education in payroll topics, and pass the NACPB's comprehensive exam. The exam covers topics such as payroll taxes, wage and hour laws, garnishments, benefits, recordkeeping requirements, and more.

The ACPBP certification process typically takes between six months to one year to complete. The cost for the exam is $225 for NACPB members and $275 for non-members.

9. Institute of Financial Operations' Accredited ACH Professional Certification Program

The Institute of Financial Operations’ Accredited ACH Professional (AAP) Certification Program is a comprehensive certification program designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated a high level of knowledge and proficiency in Automated Clearing House (ACH) operations. The AAP certification is awarded to individuals who demonstrate mastery of the ACH Network, its rules, regulations and best practices.

The AAP certification program consists of a two-part exam that tests the candidate's knowledge on topics such as ACH Network rules, regulations and best practices, risk management and fraud prevention, operating procedures, customer service and compliance. The exam can be taken online or in person at an approved testing center. It takes approximately three hours to complete the exam.

To get the AAP certification, candidates must first meet certain eligibility requirements, which include having at least two years of experience in ACH operations or related fields. Candidates must also pass both parts of the exam with a score of 70% or higher.

The cost for the AAP certification program varies depending on how you choose to take the exam; it costs $495 for online testing or $695 for in-person testing.

10. Intuit QuickBooks ProAdvisor Program

The Intuit QuickBooks ProAdvisor Program is an online training and certification program designed to help bookkeepers, accountants, and other financial professionals become experts in using the QuickBooks software. The program provides educational materials, tools, and resources to help ProAdvisors understand how to use QuickBooks for their clients’ businesses.

The program consists of two levels: the Basic level and the Advanced level. The Basic level is designed for those who are just starting out with QuickBooks, while the Advanced level is intended for experienced users.

It typically takes about 4-6 weeks to complete the Basic level of the program. During this time, you will learn how to set up a company file in QuickBooks, create invoices and sales receipts, manage customer accounts, create reports, and more. You will also be able to take practice tests at each stage of the course.

To get started with the Intuit QuickBooks ProAdvisor Program, you must first register on the official website. Once registered, you will be given access to all of the training materials and resources available through the program.

The cost of joining the Intuit QuickBooks ProAdvisor Program varies depending on which package you choose. The Basic package costs $299 per year while the Advanced package costs $499 per year. Both packages include access to all of the training materials as well as discounts on products and services from Intuit partners.

Do You Really Need a Payroll Administrator Certificate?

When considering whether or not to pursue a payroll administrator certificate, it is important to consider the potential benefits of completing such a program. A payroll administrator certificate can help you build your knowledge and skills in payroll administration, giving you the ability to confidently manage employee pay, deductions, and reporting requirements. It can also increase your job prospects as employers may be more willing to hire someone with certification in this field.

In addition to providing knowledge and skills associated with payroll administration, a payroll administrator certificate can also provide credibility within the industry. This is especially true if the program is accredited by a recognized organization such as the American Payroll Association or Institute of Certified Professional Managers. Such accreditation will demonstrate that you possess a high level of expertise in this field and are qualified to perform complex tasks related to payroll administration.

Finally, obtaining a payroll administrator certificate can open up opportunities for career advancement or even allow you to start your own business as an independent consultant or contractor. With the right credentials and experience, you could potentially become an expert in the field and secure consulting contracts from companies who need assistance managing their payrolls.

In conclusion, obtaining a payroll administrator certificate may be beneficial for those looking to gain knowledge in this field as well as improve their job prospects and/or career advancement opportunities. Additionally, having such credentials may make you more attractive to potential employers or clients who need assistance with their payrolls.

Related: Payroll Administrator Resume Examples

FAQs About Payroll Administrator Certifications

1. What is a payroll administrator certification?

Answer: A payroll administrator certification is a credential that demonstrates a person’s knowledge and skills in the field of payroll administration. It is typically offered by professional organizations such as the American Payroll Association or the Institute of Certified Professional Managers.

2. What are the requirements to obtain a payroll administrator certification?

Answer: The requirements vary depending on the organization offering the certification, but generally require applicants to have a certain amount of experience in payroll administration and pass an exam.

3. How long does it take to become certified as a payroll administrator?

Answer: The length of time required to become certified depends on several factors, including the type of program chosen and how much time an individual can dedicate to studying for and passing exams. Generally, it takes between six months and one year to complete all requirements for certification.

4. What are some benefits of having a payroll administrator certification?

Answer: Having a payroll administrator certification can provide individuals with increased job opportunities, higher salaries, greater credibility with employers, and more recognition in their field. It also demonstrates that an individual has achieved a certain level of expertise in their profession and is committed to staying up-to-date with changes in legislation and regulations related to payroll administration.

5. Is there any kind of continuing education requirement associated with having a payroll administrator certification?

Answer: Yes, most professional organizations offering certifications require individuals to complete continuing education courses or credits each year in order to maintain their certifications. This ensures that certified professionals remain up-to-date with changes in legislation and regulations related to their profession, as well as new developments within the industry itself.