Top 10 Payroll Certifications

Certifications in payroll demonstrate that a job candidate has the knowledge and skills required to accurately process payroll. This can be especially important for businesses, as it ensures that the person handling payroll is competent and trustworthy. Certifications also indicate that the individual is up-to-date on current regulations and laws related to payroll, which can help prevent costly mistakes or misunderstandings. Having a certified professional handle payroll can give employers peace of mind knowing that their employee payments are being handled properly. For job seekers, certifications may give them an edge over other applicants who lack such credentials.

This article reviews some of the top certifications for Payrolls and explains how they can contribute to a payroll professional's career growth.

What are Payroll Certifications?

Payroll certification is a credential that demonstrates an individual's knowledge and expertise in the area of payroll management. It is awarded by an organization or professional association to those who have met specific educational, experience, and examination requirements. Payroll certification helps individuals demonstrate their proficiency in payroll management, which can lead to increased job opportunities and higher salaries. Additionally, it can help employers identify qualified payroll professionals who are knowledgeable about the latest regulations and best practices in payroll administration. Finally, it can provide employees with a sense of confidence that they are up-to-date on the most current industry standards and practices.

Pro Tip: When obtaining payroll certification, make sure to research the various certifications available and select one that is specific to your industry. This will ensure your certification is relevant and up-to-date with current payroll laws and regulations.

Related: What does a Payroll do?

Top 10 Payroll Certifications

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

1. Certified Payroll Professional (CPP)

Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) is a professional certification program offered by the American Payroll Association (APA). It is designed to recognize payroll professionals who demonstrate a high level of knowledge and skill in payroll-related activities. The CPP program is based on the APA's body of knowledge, which covers topics such as payroll regulations, federal and state taxation, garnishment calculations, accounting principles, and payroll systems.

The CPP certification requires passing an exam administered by the APA. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions that cover all aspects of payroll operations. Candidates must have at least two years of full-time experience in payroll processing or related areas to be eligible to take the exam.

The CPP exam takes approximately three hours to complete and can be taken at any one of the Prometric Testing Centers located throughout the United States. The cost for taking the exam is $250 for members of the APA or $350 for non-members.

In order to maintain their certification, CPPs must recertify every three years by completing continuing education credits or retaking the CPP exam.

2. Certified Payroll Manager (CPM)

Certified Payroll Manager (CPM) is a certification program that provides individuals with the knowledge and skills necessary to manage payroll operations within an organization. This certification is designed for those who are responsible for overseeing the payroll process, including compliance with federal, state, and local regulations. It also covers topics such as payroll processing, tax withholding, and reporting requirements.

The CPM program typically takes between six to twelve months to complete depending on the individual’s experience level. The program consists of a combination of online courses, webinars, and in-person workshops. In order to become certified, applicants must pass a comprehensive exam administered by the American Payroll Association (APA).

In order to obtain the CPM certification, applicants must have a minimum of two years of experience in payroll or related fields. Additionally, applicants must submit proof of their education and experience as well as pay an application fee. Once accepted into the program, individuals will be required to pay tuition fees in order to complete their coursework. Tuition fees vary depending on the institution offering the program but typically range from $500-$2,000.

Once all coursework has been completed and the exam has been passed successfully, individuals will receive their CPM certification from APA. This certification is valid for three years before it needs to be renewed. Renewal requires completion of continuing education credits which can be obtained through attending workshops or seminars offered by APA or other organizations approved by APA.

3. Certified Payroll Administrator (CPA)

A Certified Payroll Administrator (CPA) is a professional who has completed a specialized certification program in payroll administration. The CPA designation is offered by the American Payroll Association (APA). This certification recognizes individuals who have demonstrated knowledge and skill in all aspects of payroll administration, including federal, state, and local wage and hour laws, payroll taxes and compliance, garnishments, benefits, recordkeeping requirements, and other related topics.

The CPA certification program consists of four courses: Principles of Payroll Administration; Payroll Taxation; Accounting for Payroll; and Human Resources Administration. The program also includes an online examination that tests the candidate’s knowledge of the material covered in the courses. Upon successful completion of the program and passing the exam, candidates earn their CPA credential.

The time required to complete the CPA certification program varies depending on the individual’s prior experience with payroll administration. It typically takes between three to six months to complete all four courses and pass the exam.

The cost of obtaining a CPA credential varies depending on which course provider you choose. Generally speaking, most course providers charge between $500-$1,000 for each course plus an additional fee for taking the exam.

Overall, becoming a Certified Payroll Administrator can be a great way to demonstrate your expertise in payroll administration and open up new career opportunities in this field.

4. Certified Global Payroll Specialist (CGPS)

Certified Global Payroll Specialist (CGPS) is a certification program offered by the American Payroll Association (APA). The certification is designed to provide a standardized level of knowledge and expertise in global payroll practices. It is intended for those who are responsible for managing payroll operations in multiple countries or regions.

The CGPS certification requires applicants to pass an online exam that covers topics such as global payroll compliance, taxation, currency conversion, and data security. The exam consists of 100 multiple-choice questions and must be completed within two hours. Applicants must also have at least three years of experience in the field of global payroll management.

The cost of the CGPS certification is $395 USD. This fee includes access to the online exam, a study guide, and a one-year membership with the APA. After successfully completing the exam, applicants will receive their CGPS certificate and can use it to demonstrate their expertise in global payroll management.

5. International Foundation of Employee Benefit Plans (IFEBP) Certified Payroll Professional Program

The International Foundation of Employee Benefit Plans (IFEBP) Certified Payroll Professional Program is a comprehensive training program designed to help payroll professionals develop the skills and knowledge they need to effectively manage employee benefits and payroll. The program is based on the IFEBP’s Payroll Principles and Practices, which are recognized as the industry standard for payroll management.

The program consists of three courses: Introduction to Payroll Management; Advanced Payroll Management; and Benefits Administration. Each course includes a series of lectures, case studies, and hands-on exercises that cover topics such as payroll taxes, garnishments, deductions, accounting principles, labor laws, employee benefits administration, and more. Upon completion of all three courses, participants will receive their IFEBP Certified Payroll Professional designation.

The entire program takes approximately 12 weeks to complete. Participants can choose to take one or two courses at a time or complete all three in sequence. Courses are offered online or in person at various locations throughout the United States and Canada.

The cost of the program varies depending on whether you take the courses online or in person. Online courses cost $1,400 per course while in-person courses cost $2,100 per course. In addition to the tuition fees there may be additional costs associated with materials such as textbooks and study guides.

Upon successful completion of all three courses participants will receive their IFEBP Certified Payroll Professional designation which is valid for two years from date of issue. To maintain certification individuals must complete 30 hours of continuing education every two years or retake the program every four years.

6. American Payroll Association’s Fundamental Payroll Certification (FPC)

The American Payroll Association’s Fundamental Payroll Certification (FPC) is a credential that verifies an individual’s knowledge and understanding of payroll fundamentals. It is designed to help payroll professionals develop their skills and increase their value in the workplace. The FPC credential is recognized by employers as a sign of professional competence in the field of payroll.

To become certified, candidates must pass a comprehensive exam that covers topics such as payroll regulations, wage and hour laws, taxes, deductions, and other related topics. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions and takes approximately two hours to complete. Candidates must score at least 70% on the exam to receive certification.

The cost for the FPC certification exam varies depending on whether you are an APA member or non-member. For members, the cost is $195; for non-members, it is $295. Additionally, there are study materials available from both the APA and third-party vendors that can help prepare for the exam.

Once you have passed the exam, you will be awarded your FPC certification which is valid for three years from the date of issue. To maintain your certification status, you must earn continuing education credits each year to demonstrate your commitment to learning new information and staying up to date with changes in payroll regulations.

7. Society for Human Resource Management’s Senior Professional in Human Resources-Payroll Certification (SPHR-P)

The Society for Human Resource Management’s Senior Professional in Human Resources-Payroll Certification (SPHR-P) is a professional credential that demonstrates expertise in payroll management and compliance. It is designed to recognize those who have achieved a high level of knowledge, experience, and competency in the field of payroll.

To become certified as an SPHR-P, applicants must meet certain educational and experience requirements. Applicants must have at least five years of professional HR experience with at least three of those years specifically in payroll management or related areas. Additionally, applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university or equivalent international education.

Once the educational and experience requirements are met, applicants must pass the SPHR-P exam administered by the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM). The exam consists of 200 multiple choice questions covering topics such as laws and regulations, compensation and benefits administration, payroll systems and processes, accounting principles, reporting requirements, and more.

The cost to take the SPHR-P exam is $400 for SHRM members ($600 for nonmembers). The exam can be taken at any Prometric testing center across the United States or online via remote proctoring. Once all requirements are met, certification is valid for three years before needing to be renewed through continuing education credits.

8. WorldatWork’s Certified Compensation Professional Program

WorldatWork’s Certified Compensation Professional Program is a comprehensive certification program designed to provide compensation professionals with the knowledge and skills necessary to become experts in their field. The program consists of four courses, each focusing on different aspects of compensation management. These courses are:

1. Foundations of Compensation: This course covers the basics of compensation, including job evaluation, pay structure design, and market pricing. It also provides an overview of regulatory compliance issues related to compensation management.

2. Advanced Compensation Practices: This course focuses on more advanced topics such as executive compensation, incentive plans, and performance-based pay systems.

3. Total Rewards Management: This course examines the role total rewards play in an organization’s overall strategy and how they can be used to attract, retain, and motivate employees.

4. International Compensation Practices: This course explores the complexities associated with managing global compensation programs across multiple countries and cultures.

To receive the Certified Compensation Professional (CCP) designation from WorldatWork, individuals must complete all four courses within a two-year period and pass a comprehensive exam at the end of each course. The cost for each course varies depending on whether you take it online or in person; however, most courses range from $400-$600 per course plus exam fees (which vary).

9. American Institute of CPAs' Global Payroll Management Certificate Program

The American Institute of CPAs' Global Payroll Management Certificate Program is a comprehensive program designed to provide professionals with the knowledge and skills needed to succeed in the global payroll management field. The program consists of three courses that cover the fundamentals of global payroll management, including topics such as taxation, compliance, payroll processing, and reporting. The program also includes an interactive simulation that provides students with hands-on experience in managing a global payroll system.

The program is self-paced and can be completed in approximately 6 months. Students are required to complete all three courses and pass the certification exam to receive their certificate.

To get started, interested individuals must first register for the program on the AICPA website. Once registered, students will gain access to course materials and can then begin working through each course at their own pace.

The cost of the Global Payroll Management Certificate Program is $1,195 for AICPA members or $1,395 for non-members. This fee includes all course materials and access to the interactive simulation.

10. National Association of Tax Professionals' Advanced Payroll Tax Practitioner Certificate

The National Association of Tax Professionals (NATP) Advanced Payroll Tax Practitioner Certificate is a professional certification program designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated advanced knowledge and skill in the area of payroll tax compliance. The certificate is earned by completing an online course, passing a comprehensive examination, and meeting other qualifications.

The online course covers topics such as payroll taxes, wage and hour laws, employee benefits, recordkeeping requirements, filing deadlines, and more. It takes approximately 10-15 hours to complete the course. Upon successful completion of the course and passing the exam with a score of 80% or higher, you will receive your Advanced Payroll Tax Practitioner Certificate.

The cost for the Advanced Payroll Tax Practitioner Certificate Program is $175 USD for NATP members and $225 USD for non-members. To qualify for the program you must be 18 years of age or older and have at least one year of payroll tax experience or equivalent training/education.

Do You Really Need a Payroll Certificate?

The answer to this question depends on a few factors. If you are looking to pursue a career in payroll, then a payroll certificate may be beneficial for you. A payroll certificate can provide you with the knowledge and skills necessary to handle payroll for both large and small companies. Additionally, many employers prefer that candidates have some sort of certification when it comes to payroll.

On the other hand, if you already have experience working in payroll or if you are just looking to gain a basic understanding of payroll processes, then a payroll certificate might not be necessary. There are plenty of resources available online and through textbooks that can help you learn more about the basics of payroll without having to invest in a certificate program.

Ultimately, the decision whether or not to pursue a payroll certificate should come down to your own personal goals and interests. If you want to become an expert in this field or if you need certification for employment purposes, then investing in a certificate program is likely worth your time and money. However, if you simply want to gain some knowledge about how payroll works without committing to an entire program, then there are other options available as well.

Related: Payroll Resume Examples

FAQs About Payroll Certifications

Q1: What is a payroll certification?

A1: A payroll certification is a professional credential demonstrating knowledge and expertise in payroll administration. It is typically obtained through an exam or other educational program, and can be used to demonstrate a level of proficiency in the field.

Q2: How do I get certified in payroll?

A2: To obtain a payroll certification, you must first complete the necessary training and education requirements. This could include taking classes or completing online courses, passing an exam, or obtaining experience in the field.

Q3: What are the benefits of having a payroll certification?

A3: Having a payroll certification can help demonstrate your knowledge and competence to employers, as well as increase your earning potential. It also provides recognition for your hard work and dedication to learning about the field.

Q4: What types of certifications are available?

A4: There are several different types of certifications available depending on your level of experience and interest. These include Certified Payroll Professional (CPP), Certified Payroll Manager (CPM), Certified Payroll Administrator (CPA), and more.

Q5: How long does it take to get certified in payroll?

A5: The amount of time it takes to get certified depends on the type of certification you are pursuing and the amount of training required for it. Generally speaking, most certifications require at least 6 months of study before taking an exam or completing other requirements.