Top 10 Payroll Clerk Certifications

Certifications are important for payroll clerks in the job market because they demonstrate a level of knowledge and proficiency in the field. Employers want to hire staff that have the skills and experience necessary to handle payroll correctly and efficiently. A certification indicates that an individual has met certain standards set by an accrediting body, meaning they have committed to staying current with industry trends and best practices. Having a certification also shows potential employers that the individual is dedicated to their career and is willing to go above and beyond to ensure they are providing quality service.

The purpose of this article is to review the best certifications for Payroll Clerks and explain how they can enhance a payroll clerk's career.

What are Payroll Clerk Certifications?

Payroll clerk certification is a professional designation that recognizes individuals who have attained a certain level of knowledge and experience in the field of payroll processing. This certification can be obtained through various organizations, such as the American Payroll Association (APA). It is designed to demonstrate an individual’s commitment to quality and excellence in the field of payroll processing.

By obtaining payroll clerk certification, individuals demonstrate their understanding of payroll regulations and procedures, their ability to efficiently and accurately process payroll information, and their dedication to providing quality customer service. Additionally, employers may prefer to hire candidates with this certification as it shows they have taken the initiative to stay up-to-date on industry standards and best practices.

The benefits of having payroll clerk certification include improved job prospects, higher salaries, greater job security, and increased respect from peers in the industry. It also provides individuals with access to exclusive resources such as seminars, webinars, conferences, and continuing education opportunities which will help them remain current on industry trends. Ultimately, having this certification can help those in the payroll processing field become more successful in their careers.

Pro Tip: Make sure to research and understand the different payroll clerk certifications available, as each one has its own set of requirements and benefits. Many employers may prefer candidates who have a certification in the specific software program they use for payroll processing, so it's important to be aware of what certifications are available.

Related: What does a Payroll Clerk do?

Top 10 Payroll Clerk Certifications

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

1. Certified Payroll Professional (CPP)

A Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) is a credential that demonstrates an individual’s expertise in payroll administration. The CPP designation is awarded by the American Payroll Association (APA) to individuals who have demonstrated a comprehensive knowledge of payroll principles, laws, and regulations. This certification is designed for payroll professionals who want to demonstrate their proficiency in the field and advance their career opportunities.

To become certified, applicants must pass an exam that covers topics such as payroll fundamentals, tax withholding, garnishments, benefits and deductions, reporting requirements, and more. The exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions and takes approximately four hours to complete.

The cost of the exam is $395 for APA members or $495 for non-members. In addition to the fee for the exam itself, there may be additional fees associated with study materials or courses offered by third parties.

Once you have passed the exam, you will receive your CPP designation from the APA and will be listed in their online directory of certified professionals. You will also receive a certificate suitable for framing and a lapel pin indicating your status as a Certified Payroll Professional.

2. Certified Payroll Manager (CPM)

Certified Payroll Manager (CPM) is a professional certification designed to recognize individuals who have achieved a high level of knowledge in the field of payroll management. The CPM certification is offered by the American Payroll Association (APA).

The CPM certification requires applicants to pass an exam that covers topics such as payroll laws and regulations, payroll accounting, payroll systems, and payroll tax compliance. The exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions and takes approximately three hours to complete. To be eligible for the exam, applicants must have at least two years of experience in the field of payroll management or a related field.

Applicants can register for the CPM exam online through the APA website. The cost of registration is $395 USD. Once registered, applicants will receive an email with instructions on how to access their online study materials and take the exam.

Once applicants pass the exam, they will be awarded their Certified Payroll Manager (CPM) designation. This designation is valid for three years and must be renewed every three years by taking continuing education courses offered by the APA.

3. Certified Payroll Administrator (CPA)

A Certified Payroll Administrator (CPA) is a professional designation that shows an individual has achieved a high level of expertise in payroll management. CPAs are responsible for ensuring that their organization's payroll system is compliant with all applicable laws and regulations, as well as accurately processing employee wages and taxes.

In order to become a CPA, an individual must first complete the Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) exam offered by the American Payroll Association (APA). This exam consists of four parts: Fundamentals of Payroll, Compliance, Accounting & Reporting, and Administration & Technology. The exam takes approximately three hours to complete and costs $250.

Once an individual passes the CPP exam, they can then apply for the CPA certification from the APA. To qualify for this certification, applicants must have two years of full-time payroll experience or four years of part-time payroll experience. They must also demonstrate proficiency in advanced topics such as accounting principles, taxation laws, payroll systems and procedures, and labor relations laws. The cost for the CPA certification application is $175.

Once approved by the APA, individuals who have earned their CPA will be recognized as having achieved a high level of expertise in payroll management and will be able to use the CPA designation on their resume or business cards.

4. Certified Government Financial Manager (CGFM)

Certified Government Financial Manager (CGFM) is a professional certification program offered by the Association of Government Accountants (AGA). It is designed to recognize individuals who demonstrate a comprehensive knowledge of government financial management. The CGFM program consists of three exams that cover topics such as budgeting, accounting, auditing, and financial reporting.

It typically takes between two to four years to complete the CGFM program. To get certified, applicants must first meet the eligibility requirements which include having a minimum of four years of professional experience in government financial management or related fields. Applicants must also have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university and pass all three exams.

The cost for the CGFM program varies depending on whether you are an AGA member or non-member. For members, the cost for all three exams is $1,295; for non-members it is $1,595. Additionally, there is a one-time application fee of $50 for both members and non-members.

5. Certified Human Resources Professional (CHRP)

Certified Human Resources Professional (CHRP) is a professional designation for human resources (HR) professionals who have met the standards of knowledge, experience, and competency set by the Human Resources Professionals Association (HRPA). The CHRP designation is recognized by employers in Canada as a sign of excellence in HR.

It typically takes between two to four years to complete the requirements for the CHRP designation. To become certified, applicants must first become a member of HRPA and then successfully complete an approved education program or demonstrate equivalent knowledge through a combination of education and experience. Applicants must also pass the National Knowledge Exam and submit an application demonstrating their professional experience.

The cost of becoming certified varies depending on whether you are already a member of HRPA and if you choose to take an approved educational program. Generally speaking, it can cost anywhere from $1,000 - $3,500 to obtain the CHRP designation.

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

The American Payroll Association’s Fundamental Payroll Certification (FPC) is a certification program designed to provide payroll professionals with the knowledge and skills necessary to accurately process payroll. The FPC is an entry-level certification that demonstrates proficiency in the fundamentals of payroll, including federal and state regulations, wage and hour laws, withholding taxes, recordkeeping requirements, and other related topics.

The FPC is a self-study program that can be completed in approximately 8-10 weeks. To get started, applicants must purchase the FPC study material from the American Payroll Association website. The cost of the study material is $299 for members and $399 for non-members. Once purchased, applicants have access to online study tools such as practice exams and flashcards to help them prepare for the exam.

Once prepared, applicants must register for and take the FPC exam at a Prometric Testing Center or online through their home computer or laptop. The cost of the exam is $170 for members and $220 for non-members. The exam consists of 100 multiple choice questions that must be completed within two hours. A score of 70% or higher is required to pass the exam.

Upon successful completion of the exam, applicants will receive their FPC certification from the American Payroll Association which is valid for three years before renewal is required.

7. Institute of Financial Operations' Certified Accounts Payable Professional (CAPP)

The Certified Accounts Payable Professional (CAPP) is a professional certification offered by the Institute of Financial Operations. It is designed to recognize individuals who have the knowledge, skills, and abilities to effectively manage accounts payable operations. The CAPP certification validates an individual’s expertise in accounts payable processes, procedures, and best practices.

To become certified as a CAPP, applicants must pass an online exam that covers topics such as accounts payable policies and procedures, internal controls and compliance requirements, financial management principles, technology applications for accounts payable automation, vendor relations and dispute resolution. The exam consists of 100 multiple-choice questions and takes approximately two hours to complete.

In order to be eligible for the CAPP certification program, applicants must have at least three years of experience in accounts payable or related areas. They must also submit proof of their professional experience in the form of a resume or CV.

The cost for the CAPP examination is $395 USD for members of the Institute of Financial Operations and $495 USD for non-members. Once you have successfully passed the exam, there is no additional fee required to maintain your certification status.

8. Institute of Financial Operations' Certified Accounts Receivable Professional (CARP)

The Certified Accounts Receivable Professional (CARP) is a professional certification program offered by the Institute of Financial Operations (IFO). It is designed to recognize and validate the knowledge, skills, and abilities of accounts receivable professionals. The CARP credential is an internationally recognized symbol of excellence in accounts receivable management.

To earn the CARP credential, applicants must demonstrate mastery of the core competencies associated with accounts receivable management. This includes areas such as credit and collections, customer service, dispute resolution, process improvement, and compliance. Applicants must also pass a comprehensive exam that covers these topics.

The CARP certification process typically takes between six to nine months to complete. To get started on the path towards earning your CARP credential, you will first need to register with IFO and pay a one-time application fee. You will then be given access to study materials and practice exams which you can use to prepare for the final exam.

Once you have successfully passed the exam, you will receive your official CARP certificate from IFO. The cost for obtaining the CARP credential varies depending on whether or not you are an IFO member; non-members pay $550 USD while members pay $450 USD for the application fee plus any additional fees associated with taking the exam.

9. Institute of Financial Operations' Certified Global Business Professional (CGPP)

The Certified Global Business Professional (CGPP) is a certification offered by the Institute of Financial Operations (IFO). This certification is designed to recognize and validate the knowledge and skills of professionals in global business operations. It provides a comprehensive understanding of international business practices, including finance, accounting, taxation, trade compliance, foreign exchange, risk management, and more.

The CGPP program consists of four modules: Global Business Environment; International Business Transactions; Global Financial Management; and International Trade Compliance. Each module consists of multiple courses that cover the topics in detail. The total program duration is approximately 40 hours.

In order to qualify for the CGPP certification, applicants must have at least two years of experience in international business operations or related fields. Applicants must also pass an online exam which covers all four modules of the program. The exam fee is $295 USD plus applicable taxes.

Once certified, individuals will receive a digital badge that can be displayed on their professional profile or website as well as a certificate from IFO recognizing their achievement. The certification is valid for three years before requiring renewal.

10. Society for Human Resource Management's Senior Professional in Human Resources Certification (SPHR).

The Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR) certification is a professional designation offered by the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM). It is designed to recognize individuals who have achieved a high level of competency in the field of human resources.

The SPHR certification requires applicants to demonstrate their knowledge and experience in strategic management, workforce planning and employment, employee relations, compensation and benefits, and workplace safety. The certification also requires applicants to pass an exam administered by SHRM.

It typically takes between three to six months to prepare for the exam, depending on the individual's prior experience and knowledge. To get started, applicants must first become a member of SHRM. After joining SHRM, they can then register for the exam through SHRM's website.

The cost of taking the exam varies depending on whether you are a SHRM member or not:

- For SHRM members: $300

- For non-members: $400

Once an applicant passes the exam, they will be awarded with the SPHR certification from SHRM. This certification is valid for three years from the date it was issued and can be renewed every three years by completing continuing education credits or retaking the exam.

Do You Really Need a Payroll Clerk Certificate?

The answer to this question depends on the specific job requirements and your own career goals. If you are looking for a position as a payroll clerk, then having a certificate could be beneficial because it would demonstrate that you have the knowledge and skills necessary to perform the duties of the position. However, if you already have experience in payroll management or accounting, then a certificate may not be necessary.

In some cases, employers may require that payroll clerks possess a certain level of education or certification before they can be hired. It is important to research the job requirements before applying to make sure that you meet all of them. Additionally, having a certificate could give you an edge over other applicants who do not have one.

Whether or not you need a payroll clerk certificate ultimately depends on both your skill set and the specific job requirements. If there is no requirement for certification but you believe it will help you stand out from other applicants, then getting certified could be worth considering.

Related: Payroll Clerk Resume Examples

FAQs About Payroll Clerk Certifications

Q1. What is a payroll clerk certification?

A1. A payroll clerk certification is a professional credential that demonstrates competency in the areas of payroll administration and compliance. It typically requires the completion of a course or series of courses, as well as passing an exam to demonstrate mastery of the subject matter.

Q2. Who should consider getting a payroll clerk certification?

A2. Payroll clerks, human resources professionals, finance professionals and anyone else who needs to understand and manage payroll processes can benefit from earning a payroll clerk certification. It can help demonstrate expertise in this field and give applicants an edge when competing for jobs.

Q3. What do I need to do to become certified?

A3. To become certified, you will need to complete an accredited training program or coursework related to payroll processing, pass an exam administered by the certifying body, and pay any applicable fees associated with obtaining the certification.

Q4. How long does it take to get certified?

A4. The length of time it takes to obtain your certification depends on how much prior knowledge you have about payroll processing and how much time you can dedicate to studying for the exam. Generally speaking, it can take anywhere from one month up to several months depending on these factors.

Q5. Is there an expiration date for my certification?

A5: Yes, most certifications have an expiration date that must be renewed periodically in order for them to remain valid