Top 10 Payroll Manager Certifications

Certifications are important for a payroll manager in the job market because they demonstrate knowledge and expertise in the field. They provide proof of proficiency in payroll-related topics, such as federal and state regulations, accounting principles, and tax laws. Employers look favorably upon candidates who have earned certifications, as they are seen as reliable, trustworthy professionals who can be relied upon to effectively manage payroll operations. Certifications also provide an opportunity to stay up-to-date on best practices and industry trends.

The purpose of this article is to review some of the top certifications for Payroll Managers and explain how they can help advance a payroll manager's career.

What are Payroll Manager Certifications?

Payroll manager certification is a professional designation that recognizes individuals who have demonstrated a comprehensive understanding of payroll management and the ability to effectively manage payroll operations. This certification is offered by several organizations, including the American Payroll Association, the Institute for Certified Professional Managers and the International Foundation of Employee Benefit Plans.

The knowledge and skills acquired through this certification can help individuals in a variety of ways. For example, obtaining a payroll manager certification can help employers ensure compliance with federal, state and local laws related to payroll processing. Additionally, it may give employers more confidence in an individual’s ability to manage their payroll operations efficiently and accurately. It could also provide job seekers with an edge in a competitive job market as employers look to hire qualified professionals with specialized skills. Finally, certified payroll managers may be eligible for higher salaries than those without the credential due to their expertise.

Pro Tip: Make sure to research the specific payroll manager certification requirements for your state or country before enrolling in any courses or programs. Each jurisdiction has different rules and regulations regarding payroll manager certification, so it is important to make sure you are up-to-date on the latest requirements.

Related: What does a Payroll Manager do?

Top 10 Payroll Manager Certifications

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

1. Certified Payroll Professional (CPP)

Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) is a professional certification program designed to recognize individuals who have achieved a high level of knowledge and proficiency in the payroll profession. The CPP designation is offered by the American Payroll Association (APA), and it is recognized as the premier certification for payroll professionals.

To become a Certified Payroll Professional, applicants must pass an exam administered by the APA. The exam consists of 200 multiple-choice questions covering topics such as federal and state payroll regulations, payroll taxes, garnishments, deductions, benefits, recordkeeping, and more. The exam typically takes four hours to complete and can be taken at any Prometric Testing Center.

The cost to take the CPP exam is $395 for APA members or $495 for non-members. In addition to the exam fee, there are also annual renewal fees that must be paid in order to maintain certification status.

Once you have passed the CPP exam, you will receive your official certificate and be able to use the CPP designation after your name on resumes and business cards. You will also gain access to exclusive resources from the APA such as webinars, publications, discounts on conferences and seminars, networking opportunities with other certified payroll professionals, and more.

2. Certified Payroll Administrator (CPA)

A Certified Payroll Administrator (CPA) is a professional designation that demonstrates expertise in payroll administration. It is awarded by the American Payroll Association (APA), the leading authority on payroll education and certification. To become a CPA, you must successfully complete the APA's Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) examination.

The CPP exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions covering topics such as payroll laws and regulations, payroll accounting, and payroll systems. The exam takes approximately three hours to complete and is offered at various locations throughout the year.

To qualify for the CPP exam, you must have at least two years of full-time payroll experience or equivalent part-time experience within the past five years. You must also have completed an approved training program or course related to payroll management.

The cost of taking the CPP exam varies depending on your membership status with the APA. For non-members, it costs $399; for members, it costs $299; and for student members, it costs $199. Once you have passed the exam, you will receive your official CPA designation from the APA.

3. Certified Payroll Manager (CPM)

Certified Payroll Manager (CPM) is a professional designation that demonstrates mastery of payroll management. It is a voluntary certification program offered by the American Payroll Association (APA). The CPM credential is designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated a high level of proficiency in payroll management and compliance.

To obtain the CPM, applicants must pass an exam administered by the APA. The exam covers topics such as payroll regulations, tax laws, and best practices for managing payroll operations. Applicants must also meet certain eligibility requirements, including having at least three years of full-time payroll experience or equivalent education and training.

The cost to take the CPM exam varies depending on whether you are an APA member or non-member; members pay $295 while non-members pay $395. You can register for the exam online or by mail, and it typically takes about four weeks to receive your results after taking the test. Once you have passed the exam, you will receive your official CPM certificate from the APA.

4. Certified Human Resources Professional (CHRP)

Certified Human Resources Professional (CHRP) is a professional designation offered by the Human Resources Professionals Association (HRPA) in Canada. It is a certification that recognizes an individual's knowledge and expertise in human resource management.

It typically takes around two years to complete the CHRP program. In order to qualify for the program, individuals must have a minimum of two years of relevant work experience in human resources or a related field. The program consists of four courses: HR Law, HR Planning & Development, HR Administration & Operations, and Strategic HR Management.

To get CHRP certification, individuals must pass an online exam administered by the HRPA. The exam covers topics such as labor law, compensation, benefits administration, recruitment and selection, training and development, organizational development and change management. The exam fee is $200 CAD plus applicable taxes.

Once certified, individuals are required to participate in continuing education activities to maintain their certification status. They must also adhere to the Code of Professional Conduct established by the HRPA.

5. Professional in Human Resources (PHR)

Professional in Human Resources (PHR) is a certification offered by the Human Resource Certification Institute (HRCI). It is designed to recognize individuals who have achieved a high level of expertise in the field of human resources. The PHR certification demonstrates an individual’s comprehensive knowledge of HR principles, practices, and strategies.

The PHR exam consists of 160 multiple-choice questions that cover topics such as strategic management, workforce planning and employment, compensation and benefits, employee and labor relations, risk management, and HR development. It takes approximately three hours to complete the exam.

To be eligible for the PHR exam, candidates must have at least one year of professional experience in a human resource role or two years of professional experience in any role with a concentration in HR functions. Candidates must also meet certain educational requirements depending on their level of experience.

The cost for the PHR exam varies depending on where you take it and what type of registration you choose. In general, the fees range from $300 to $400 plus any applicable taxes.

In order to maintain your PHR certification, you must recertify every three years by earning 60 recertification credits through HRCI approved activities such as attending conferences or completing online courses.

6. Society for Human Resource Management – Senior Certified Professional (SHRM-SCP)

The Society for Human Resource Management – Senior Certified Professional (SHRM-SCP) is a professional certification offered by the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM). This certification is designed to recognize experienced professionals who have demonstrated their knowledge, skills, and abilities in the areas of HR management.

It typically takes about six months to complete the requirements for SHRM-SCP certification. The process includes studying for and passing a comprehensive exam based on SHRM’s body of knowledge. It also requires applicants to have at least three years of experience in human resources management or a related field.

To get the SHRM-SCP certification, applicants must first join SHRM as a member. They must then register for the exam and submit an application that includes proof of their education and work experience. Once approved, they can take the exam at a designated testing center.

The cost of obtaining the SHRM-SCP certification varies depending on whether or not you are already a member of SHRM. For non-members, it costs $300 to register for the exam; if you are already a member, it costs $200. Additionally, there may be additional fees associated with taking the exam at certain locations or during certain times of year.

7. American Payroll Association – Fundamental Payroll Certification (FPC)

The American Payroll Association (APA) Fundamental Payroll Certification (FPC) is a certification program designed to provide payroll professionals with the knowledge and skills needed to manage payroll operations. This certification is intended for individuals who are new to the payroll profession, or those who have been in the field but need additional training.

The FPC is a self-paced online course that takes approximately 20 hours to complete. The course covers topics such as federal and state wage and hour laws, tax withholding, deductions, filing requirements, and reporting requirements. Upon completion of the course, individuals must pass an exam administered by the APA in order to receive their certification.

To get certified as an FPC, individuals must first register with the APA and pay a fee of $295. After registering, they can access the online course materials and take the exam when they feel ready. The exam consists of 100 multiple-choice questions and must be completed within two hours. Once they pass the exam, they will receive their certificate in 4-6 weeks.

In addition to passing the exam, individuals must also meet certain criteria in order to maintain their certification status. This includes completing at least 15 hours of continuing education credits every three years and paying an annual maintenance fee of $50.

8. International Foundation of Employee Benefit Plans – Certified Employee Benefits Specialist (CEBS)

The International Foundation of Employee Benefit Plans (IFEBP) Certified Employee Benefits Specialist (CEBS) designation is a professional certification program designed to recognize individuals who demonstrate expertise in the employee benefits field. The CEBS program was developed by the IFEBP and is administered by the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania. The CEBS program consists of five courses that cover topics such as retirement plans, health and welfare benefits, legal and regulatory issues, investments, and total rewards.

In order to obtain the CEBS designation, an individual must complete all five courses within two years. Each course is offered online or in-person at various locations throughout the United States and Canada. The cost for each course varies depending on whether it is taken online or in-person; however, the total cost for all five courses ranges from $2,000 - $3,000 USD.

Once an individual has completed all five courses, they must pass a comprehensive exam in order to receive their CEBS designation. The exam consists of 200 multiple choice questions that are divided into two sections: Core Knowledge and Professional Practices & Applications. The Core Knowledge section covers topics such as retirement plans, health care benefits, legal & regulatory issues, investments, and total rewards; while the Professional Practices & Applications section focuses on topics such as communication skills and ethical considerations.

The exam fee is $495 USD per attempt; however individuals can purchase a discounted package which includes three attempts at the exam for $1125 USD. Once an individual has successfully passed their exam they will receive their official CEBS certificate from IFEBP.

9. American Institute of Professional Bookkeepers – Certified Payroll Manager (CPM)

The American Institute of Professional Bookkeepers Certified Payroll Manager (CPM) is a certification program designed to recognize and validate expertise in the field of payroll management. This certification demonstrates a commitment to professional excellence, as well as mastery of the principles and practices related to payroll administration.

In order to become certified, individuals must meet certain eligibility criteria and pass an exam administered by the AIPB. The exam covers topics such as payroll laws, regulations, and procedures; payroll calculations; accounting principles; payroll systems; and tax compliance. The exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions and takes approximately four hours to complete.

To be eligible for the CPM certification, applicants must have at least two years of full-time experience in a payroll-related role or have completed an approved course in payroll management from an accredited institution. Applicants must also submit proof of completion of continuing education credits related to payroll topics within three years prior to applying for the CPM certification.

The cost of the CPM certification is $295 USD plus applicable taxes. This fee includes the application fee, exam fee, and one year’s membership in the AIPB. Upon successful completion of the exam, applicants will receive their official CPM certificate from the AIPB.

10. International Public Management Association for Human Resources – Certified Professional in Human Resources (CPHR).

The International Public Management Association for Human Resources (IPMA-HR) Certified Professional in Human Resources (CPHR) is a professional designation that recognizes the knowledge and skills of human resources professionals. It is designed to demonstrate mastery of the core competencies required to manage human resources in today’s complex environment.

The CPHR certification process typically takes between six months and one year to complete, depending on the individual’s experience and preparation. The process includes completing an application, passing an examination, and meeting IPMA-HR’s continuing education requirements.

To obtain the CPHR designation, individuals must first submit an application to IPMA-HR. This includes providing proof of educational background, work experience, and any other relevant qualifications. Once approved, applicants must pass a comprehensive exam covering all aspects of human resources management.

Finally, applicants must meet IPMA-HR’s continuing education requirements by attending workshops or seminars related to human resources management or taking online courses from approved providers.

The cost of obtaining the CPHR certification varies depending on the applicant’s geographic location and other factors such as membership status with IPMA-HR and whether they are taking any additional courses or workshops to prepare for the exam. Generally speaking, however, it can range anywhere from $500-$2,000 USD.

Do You Really Need a Payroll Manager Certificate?

The answer to this question depends on a variety of factors. A payroll manager certificate may be beneficial if you are looking to advance your career or gain more knowledge in the field. It can also help you stand out amongst other applicants who may be vying for the same job.

Having a payroll manager certificate shows employers that you have taken the time and effort to learn about the profession and have a better understanding of payroll management than the average person. It is also a good way to show potential employers that you are committed to staying up-to-date with all of the latest developments in payroll management, as well as industry trends and regulations.

In addition, having a certification in payroll management can also provide credentials that will help you negotiate higher pay or better benefits from employers. This is especially true if your certification includes knowledge about specific software systems used for payroll processing, such as QuickBooks or ADP.

Finally, it is important to remember that having a certificate does not guarantee success in a particular position; it simply provides an additional layer of credibility and professionalism that can give you an edge over other applicants. Ultimately, whether or not you need a payroll manager certificate depends on your individual goals and objectives within the industry.

Related: Payroll Manager Resume Examples

FAQs About Payroll Manager Certifications

Q1. What is a Payroll Manager Certification?

A1. A Payroll Manager Certification is a professional credential that demonstrates your expertise in managing payroll systems and processes. It validates your knowledge of payroll regulations, best practices, and technology to ensure accuracy and compliance with federal, state, and local laws.

Q2. How do I become certified as a Payroll Manager?

A2. To become certified as a Payroll Manager, you must complete an accredited certification program or pass an exam administered by the American Payroll Association (APA). You may also need to have at least two years of experience working in payroll management or related fields.

Q3. What are the benefits of becoming certified?

A3. The primary benefit of becoming certified is that it can help employers recognize your qualifications and increase your job prospects in the field of payroll management. Additionally, certification can help you stay up-to-date on changes in payroll law and technology so that you can better serve employers and employees alike.

Q4. How long does it take to become certified?

A4. Depending on the type of program or exam you choose, it can take from six months to two years to become certified as a Payroll Manager. You will need to complete all required coursework or exams for certification within this time frame before you can receive your certification credential.

Q5. Is there an expiration date for my certification?

A5: Yes, most certifications have an expiration date that needs to be renewed every three years in order for them to remain valid and recognized by employers. It is important to keep track of when your certification expires so that you can take the necessary steps to renew it on time before it lapses into invalidity