Top 10 Payroll Processor Certifications

Certifications are important for a payroll processor in the job market because they demonstrate that the applicant has the necessary skills and knowledge to successfully perform their duties. Certifications can also demonstrate that a payroll processor is committed to their profession and is up-to-date on best practices and industry standards. Having certifications can give employers confidence that their payroll processing needs will be met with accuracy and efficiency. In addition, certifications can provide a competitive edge in the job market, as employers often prefer applicants who have taken the time to gain additional qualifications.

The purpose of this article is to provide an overview of the most beneficial certifications for Payroll Processors and explain how they can enhance a payroll processor's career.

What are Payroll Processor Certifications?

Payroll processor certification is a professional credential that demonstrates an individual’s knowledge and expertise in payroll processing. It shows employers that the individual has the necessary skills to accurately and efficiently manage payroll operations. Payroll processor certification also serves as a benchmark for quality assurance and establishes industry standards for payroll professionals.

The certification requires individuals to demonstrate their knowledge of payroll laws, regulations, policies, procedures, and technology. Candidates must pass an exam to be certified, which covers topics such as payroll taxes, garnishments, deductions, benefits administration, recordkeeping requirements, and compliance with state and federal laws.

Payroll processor certification can help individuals stand out from other job applicants when applying for jobs in the field of payroll processing. Certification also provides recognition for current employees who want to show their commitment to their profession. Furthermore, it helps employers verify the qualifications of new hires and ensure they are up-to-date on all relevant laws and regulations related to payroll processing. Lastly, having certified employees can help protect employers from potential liabilities due to errors or omissions in payroll processing activities.

Pro Tip: Make sure to research and understand the certification requirements for payroll processors in your area. Depending on where you are located, certain certifications may be required to ensure accuracy and compliance with local regulations. Additionally, some certifications may provide additional benefits such as access to discounts or special services.

Related: What does a Payroll Processor do?

Top 10 Payroll Processor Certifications

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

1. Certified Payroll Professional (CPP)

Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) is a certification program offered by the American Payroll Association (APA). It is designed to provide payroll professionals with the knowledge and skills necessary to accurately process payroll in compliance with federal, state, and local laws. The CPP credential is recognized as a mark of excellence in the field of payroll.

The CPP certification consists of four exams: Fundamentals of Payroll, Compliance, Calculations & Administration, and Management & Reporting. Each exam must be passed with a score of 70% or higher to earn the CPP designation.

It typically takes six months to one year to prepare for the CPP exams. The APA offers online courses and study materials that can help you prepare for each exam. Additionally, there are several practice tests available online that can help you gauge your readiness for each exam.

The cost for taking all four CPP exams is $1,095 ($695 for members). This fee includes registration fees, study materials, and proctoring fees. The APA also offers discounts on their courses and practice tests if you are an APA member or if you purchase multiple exams at once.

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 proficiency in the field of payroll. The CPA certification is designed to recognize those individuals who have achieved a high level of knowledge and expertise in payroll administration.

To become a CPA, an individual must pass the APA's Certification Examination for Payroll Professionals. This exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions covering topics such as payroll law, payroll calculations, and payroll systems. The exam takes approximately three hours to complete and costs $395 USD.

In addition to passing the exam, applicants must also meet certain educational requirements in order to be eligible for certification. Applicants must have either completed at least two years of college-level coursework in accounting or business administration, or have at least five years of verifiable experience working in payroll administration.

Once an individual has passed the exam and met all other eligibility requirements, they may apply for their CPA certification through the APA website. Upon approval, they will receive their official CPA certificate which can then be used to demonstrate their expertise in payroll administration.

3. Certified Payroll Manager (CPM)

Certified Payroll Manager (CPM) is a professional certification that demonstrates a high level of expertise in payroll management. The CPM credential is offered by the American Payroll Association (APA). It is designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated knowledge and experience in payroll-related activities, such as compliance with federal, state, and local laws; the preparation of accurate and timely payrolls; and the management of payroll systems.

It typically takes six months to one year to complete the requirements for obtaining the CPM certification. To become certified, you must pass an exam administered by the APA. The exam covers topics like payroll law, accounting principles, and payroll systems. Additionally, applicants must have three years of full-time work experience in a related field or two years of full-time work experience plus an associate's degree or higher in a related field.

The cost for taking the CPM exam varies depending on your membership status with the APA. For non-members, it costs $395 to take the exam. For members of the APA, it costs $295 to take the exam. There are also additional fees for retaking exams if needed.

Overall, obtaining a Certified Payroll Manager (CPM) certification can be beneficial for those looking to advance their career in payroll management or demonstrate their expertise in this area.

4. Certified Global Payroll Specialist (CGPS)

A Certified Global Payroll Specialist (CGPS) is a professional designation for those who specialize in global payroll administration. This certification is offered by the American Payroll Association (APA). It is designed to recognize individuals who have achieved a high level of proficiency and expertise in the field of global payroll management.

In order to obtain the CGPS certification, applicants must pass an exam administered by the APA. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions that cover topics such as international employment laws, taxation regulations, accounting principles, and other aspects of global payroll administration. Applicants must also complete a course on global payroll management prior to taking the exam.

The CGPS certification typically takes 6-12 months to complete depending on how quickly you can study and take the exam. The cost of the program varies depending on your country or region but typically ranges from $500-$1000 USD.

5. Accredited Payroll Professional (APP)

Accredited Payroll Professional (APP) is a designation offered by the Canadian Payroll Association (CPA). It is designed to recognize payroll professionals who have achieved a high level of expertise in payroll administration and management. The APP designation is recognized across Canada as the gold standard for payroll professionals.

To qualify for the APP designation, individuals must meet certain educational requirements, pass an examination, and demonstrate a minimum of three years of payroll-related experience. The CPA offers courses on various topics related to payroll administration that can help prepare individuals for the APP exam.

It typically takes between six months and one year to complete all the requirements for the APP designation. This includes completing any required courses, studying for and passing the exam, and gathering evidence of your experience in payroll administration or management.

The cost of obtaining the APP designation varies depending on which courses you take and how many times you need to retake the exam if necessary. Generally speaking, it will cost around $1,000-$2,000 CAD in total to obtain your APP designation.

6. Advanced Certified Payroll Professional (ACPP)

Advanced Certified Payroll Professional (ACPP) is a professional certification program designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated an advanced level of knowledge and expertise in payroll management. The ACPP certification is offered by the American Payroll Association (APA).

The ACPP certification requires applicants to pass a comprehensive exam that covers all aspects of payroll management, including federal and state regulations, accounting principles, payroll processing systems, and more. The exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions and takes approximately four hours to complete.

To be eligible for the ACPP certification, applicants must have at least five years of full-time experience in payroll management or related fields. They must also have completed at least two APA approved courses in payroll management or related topics.

The cost to apply for the ACPP certification is $395 for members of the APA and $495 for non-members. This fee includes access to online study materials, practice exams, and other resources to help prepare for the exam.

Once an applicant has passed their exam, they will receive their official ACPP certificate from the APA within 8 weeks. This certificate will serve as proof that they are certified as an Advanced Certified Payroll Professional.

7. International Association of Human Resource Professionals – Certified Global Payroll Manager (IAHPRP-CGPM)

The International Association of Human Resource Professionals – Certified Global Payroll Manager (IAHPRP-CGPM) is a certification program designed to recognize individuals who have achieved a high level of proficiency in the management of global payroll operations. The certification requires applicants to demonstrate knowledge and expertise in areas such as international payroll laws, regulations, compliance, best practices, and technology.

To obtain the IAHPRP-CGPM certification, applicants must complete an online application and pass a comprehensive exam. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions covering topics such as global payroll laws and regulations, compliance requirements, best practices, and technology. The exam takes approximately two hours to complete.

The cost for the IAHPRP-CGPM certification is $495 USD for members of the International Association of Human Resource Professionals (IAHPRP). Non-members may apply for the certification at a cost of $695 USD. Additionally, there are fees associated with re-certification every three years.

Once certified, individuals are required to maintain their credentials by completing continuing education courses or attending seminars related to global payroll operations every three years in order to remain certified.

8. International Foundation of Employee Benefit Plans – Certified Payroll Professional (IFEBP-CPP)

The International Foundation of Employee Benefit Plans (IFEBP) Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) is an internationally recognized certification program that provides payroll professionals with the knowledge and skills necessary to accurately and efficiently manage payroll operations. The CPP program is designed to provide a comprehensive understanding of all aspects of payroll, including federal, state, and local regulations, tax laws, and other related topics.

The CPP program consists of two parts: the Certification Exam and the Certification Course. The exam is a three-hour computer-based test that covers topics such as payroll accounting, payroll taxes, employee benefits, labor laws, and more. To qualify for the exam, applicants must have at least one year of full-time experience in a payroll-related position or have completed an accredited payroll course.

The Certification Course consists of self-study materials that cover the same topics as the exam. It is designed to help candidates prepare for the exam by providing additional information on key concepts and allowing them to practice their skills through hands-on exercises. The course also includes online resources such as webinars and discussion forums where participants can ask questions and receive feedback from fellow students.

It typically takes between four to six months to complete the CPP program depending on how much time you are able to dedicate each week. To get certified you must pass both the Certification Exam and the Certification Course with a score of 70% or higher on each part.

The cost of obtaining your IFEBP-CPP certification varies depending on which materials you choose to purchase for your study preparation. The cost typically ranges from $500-$800 USD plus any applicable taxes or fees associated with your purchase.

9. American Institute of Professional Bookkeepers – Certified Payroll Technician (AIPB-CPT)

The American Institute of Professional Bookkeepers (AIPB) Certified Payroll Technician (CPT) certification is a professional credential that demonstrates an individual’s knowledge and expertise in payroll processing. The CPT is designed to recognize professionals who have demonstrated a mastery of the fundamentals of payroll processing, including wage and hour laws, withholding taxes, garnishments, deductions, and more.

It typically takes about four weeks to complete the CPT program. The program consists of three courses: Introduction to Payroll Processing, Advanced Payroll Processing, and Payroll Compliance. Each course requires approximately 10-15 hours of study time. After completion of all three courses and passing the final exam with a score of 80% or higher, applicants will receive their CPT certification.

To get certified as a Certified Payroll Technician (CPT), you must first register for the program through AIPB's website. You will then be able to access the online course material and take the final exam when you are ready.

The cost for the AIPB-CPT program is $399 USD for members and $499 USD for non-members. This fee includes access to all three courses and one attempt at the final exam.

10. Society for Human Resource Management – Senior Professional in Human Resources – Global Mobility Specialist (SHRM-SPHR-GMS).

The Society for Human Resource Management - Senior Professional in Human Resources – Global Mobility Specialist (SHRM-SPHR-GMS) is a professional certification that recognizes the expertise of experienced HR professionals in global mobility. It is designed to demonstrate an individual’s knowledge and proficiency in managing global workforce mobility issues, including immigration, relocation, expatriation, and repatriation.

To obtain this certification, applicants must have at least five years of experience in human resources management and three years of experience in international human resource management or global mobility. Candidates must also pass a comprehensive exam that covers topics such as international laws and regulations, cultural considerations, compensation and benefits, tax implications, relocation policies and procedures, and more. The exam takes approximately four hours to complete.

The cost of obtaining the SHRM-SPHR-GMS certification varies depending on the applicant's location. In the United States, it typically costs between $400-$500 to take the exam. This fee includes study materials and access to online practice exams. Additionally, there are some additional fees for registration and membership with SHRM if applicable.

Overall, obtaining the SHRM-SPHR-GMS certification can be a beneficial investment for experienced HR professionals looking to demonstrate their expertise in global mobility.

Do You Really Need a Payroll Processor Certificate?

The answer to this question depends on the job you are applying for and the requirements of that particular job. In some cases, a payroll processor certificate may be a requirement for certain jobs. However, in many cases, it is not necessary to have a certificate in order to be able to do the job.

If you are looking for employment as a payroll processor, it would be beneficial to have some sort of certification or training in the area. Having a payroll processor certificate could demonstrate your knowledge and proficiency in the field, which could give you an edge over other applicants who may lack such qualifications. Additionally, having certification may help employers trust that you understand all of the rules and regulations associated with processing payroll.

On the other hand, if you already have experience working with payroll systems or have taken courses related to the field, this could also be enough for potential employers. Many companies will look at your past experience and education when considering whether or not to hire you for a position as a payroll processor. Therefore, it may not always be necessary to obtain a certification in order to get hired for these types of positions.

In conclusion, whether or not you need a payroll processor certificate depends on each individual situation. It is important to assess your skillset and experience before determining whether or not obtaining certification is necessary.

Related: Payroll Processor Resume Examples

FAQs About Payroll Processor Certifications

Q1. What is a payroll processor certification?

A1. Payroll processor certification is an industry recognized credential that demonstrates proficiency in the field of payroll processing. It demonstrates knowledge of payroll calculations, compliance regulations, federal and state tax laws and other related topics.

Q2. Who should consider getting certified as a payroll processor?

A2. Professionals working in human resources, finance, accounting or other business operations can benefit from obtaining a payroll processor certification to demonstrate their expertise in the field and gain recognition for their knowledge and skills.

Q3. How do I become certified as a payroll processor?

A3. To become certified as a payroll processor, you must complete an approved training program and pass an exam administered by the certifying body (such as the American Payroll Association).

Q4. What are the benefits of becoming certified as a payroll processor?

A4. Benefits of becoming certified include increased job opportunities, higher pay scale, better job security, improved professional credibility and recognition, and greater respect from colleagues and employers alike.

Q5. How long does it take to become certified as a payroll processor?

A5. The amount of time it takes to become certified depends on your current level of knowledge in the field and how quickly you can master the material covered in the approved training program. Generally speaking, it can take anywhere from six months to two years to become fully certified as a payroll processor depending on your individual circumstances.