Top 10 Payroll Specialist Certifications

Certifications are incredibly important for a payroll specialist in the job market because they demonstrate that the individual is qualified and knowledgeable about payroll processes. Employers want to hire individuals who have the necessary skills and knowledge to handle payroll correctly and efficiently. Certifications can also provide employers with assurance that the individual has a certain level of expertise in this field, which can be an important factor when making hiring decisions. In addition, certifications can help to increase an individual’s marketability by providing potential employers with evidence that they have taken the initiative to further their education and hone their skills in this area.

This article reviews some of the top certifications for Payroll Specialists and explains how they can contribute to a payroll specialist's career, providing insight into the value of certification and its potential impact on job opportunities.

What are Payroll Specialist Certifications?

Payroll specialist certification is a professional designation that recognizes an individual's proficiency in payroll processing and management. It is offered through various organizations, including the American Payroll Association (APA), which offers the Fundamental Payroll Certification (FPC) and Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) designations. The FPC is designed to provide individuals with a general understanding of payroll principles and procedures, while the CPP designation requires more in-depth knowledge and experience.

Having payroll specialist certification can help individuals stand out from other job applicants when applying for payroll positions. It also demonstrates to employers that they have an understanding of the complexities involved in managing payroll systems, as well as the ability to ensure compliance with all applicable laws and regulations. Additionally, it can open up opportunities to advance within the field or pursue higher-level positions related to payroll management. Finally, having a certification may give employers confidence that their staff are qualified and knowledgeable when it comes to payroll matters.

Pro Tip: Before applying for a payroll specialist certification, make sure you have a comprehensive understanding of the payroll process and the relevant laws and regulations. This will help you to demonstrate your knowledge and skills during the certification process.

Related: What does a Payroll Specialist do?

Top 10 Payroll Specialist Certifications

Here’s our list of the best certifications available to Payroll Specialists 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 help payroll professionals demonstrate their knowledge and expertise in the field of payroll. The CPP certification is earned through a comprehensive exam that covers topics such as federal and state regulations, payroll processing, accounting principles, and more.

To become certified, applicants must have at least two years of full-time experience in the payroll field or have completed an APA-approved course in payroll fundamentals. Once these requirements are met, applicants can register for the CPP exam. The exam consists of 100 multiple-choice questions and takes approximately four hours to complete.

The cost of the CPP exam varies depending on whether you are an APA member or not. For non-members, the cost is $395; for members, it’s $295. Additionally, there may be additional fees for application materials and testing centers.

Once you pass the exam, you will receive your official CPP designation from the APA which will be valid for three years before needing to be renewed. Renewal requires continuing education credits which can be obtained through various resources such as attending conferences or taking online courses.

2. Certified Payroll Manager (CPM)

Certified Payroll Manager (CPM) is a professional certification program designed to provide payroll professionals with the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively manage payroll operations. The CPM program is offered through the American Payroll Association (APA). It is a comprehensive course of study that covers all aspects of payroll management, including legal compliance, accounting principles, tax regulations, and more.

The CPM program consists of four levels: Basic, Intermediate, Advanced, and Professional. Each level requires the completion of online courses and exams. The length of time it takes to complete each level varies depending on the individual's experience and learning style. Generally speaking, it can take anywhere from six months to two years to complete the entire program.

In order to become certified as a Certified Payroll Manager (CPM), an individual must first pass all four levels of the CPM program and meet other requirements such as having at least two years of payroll experience or completing an APA-approved payroll training course. Once these requirements are met, individuals can apply for certification by submitting an application along with their transcripts and test scores.

The cost of becoming a Certified Payroll Manager (CPM) depends on the level being pursued. Generally speaking, it can range from $400-$1,000 per level depending on the type of courses taken and whether they are self-study or instructor-led courses.

3. Certified Payroll Administrator (CPA)

Certified Payroll Administrator (CPA) is a professional designation that recognizes an individual’s expertise in payroll administration. The CPA designation is awarded by the American Payroll Association (APA), which is the leading professional organization for payroll professionals. To become a CPA, individuals must complete an APA-approved certification program and pass the APA’s Certified Payroll Professional exam.

The certification program typically takes between 6 and 12 months to complete and consists of a combination of online classes, webinars, and in-person workshops. The cost of the program varies depending on the provider but generally ranges from $1,000 to $2,500.

Once you have completed the program and passed the exam, you will receive your CPA designation. This credential will demonstrate your knowledge of payroll laws and regulations, as well as your ability to accurately process payroll transactions. Additionally, having a CPA designation can help you stand out among other job applicants when applying for positions in payroll administration or related fields.

4. Certified Payroll Tax Professional (CPTP)

Certified Payroll Tax Professional (CPTP) is a professional designation that recognizes individuals who have achieved a high level of expertise in payroll tax compliance. This certification is offered by the American Payroll Association (APA). The CPTP credential demonstrates an individual’s commitment to understanding and staying up-to-date on the complex laws, regulations, and best practices related to payroll taxes.

To become a Certified Payroll Tax Professional (CPTP), you must meet certain requirements and pass an exam administered by the APA. Candidates must have at least two years of verifiable payroll tax experience, or one year of verifiable experience plus completion of the APA’s Payroll Compliance Practitioner course. In addition, all candidates must agree to abide by the APA’s Code of Ethics.

The CPTP exam consists of 100 multiple choice questions covering topics such as federal income tax withholding, Social Security and Medicare taxes, unemployment insurance taxes, state income tax withholding, local taxes, fringe benefits taxation, and more. The exam takes approximately three hours to complete and can be taken at any one of the APA's testing centers located throughout the United States.

The cost for taking the CPTP exam is $395 for members of the American Payroll Association and $495 for non-members.

5. Certified Government Financial Manager (CGFM)

Certified Government Financial Manager (CGFM) is a professional certification program developed by the Association of Government Accountants (AGA). It is designed to recognize and promote excellence in government financial management. The CGFM is an internationally recognized certification that demonstrates knowledge and proficiency in all areas of government financial management.

The CGFM program consists of three exams: Governmental Environment, Governmental Accounting, Auditing, and Financial Reporting; and Governmental Financial Management and Control. To become certified, applicants must pass all three exams within a five year period.

To get the CGFM certification, applicants must first be members of the AGA. Membership fees vary depending on the type of membership selected. After becoming a member, applicants must then register for the CGFM program with AGA and pay an application fee of $75. Once approved, applicants will receive study materials and can begin preparing for the exams.

The cost of taking each exam varies depending on whether or not you are an AGA member. For members, each exam costs $150 while non-members have to pay $250 per exam. In addition to these fees, there may be additional costs associated with taking the exams such as travel expenses or test preparation materials.

Once all three exams have been successfully completed within five years, applicants will receive their CGFM certification from AGA along with a certificate suitable for framing.

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

The American Payroll Association’s Fundamental Payroll Certification (FPC) is a professional certification for payroll professionals. It is designed to demonstrate a mastery of the fundamentals of payroll and to give employers assurance that their payroll staff has the necessary skills and knowledge to handle their payroll needs.

The FPC certification consists of two exams: the Basic Payroll Certification Exam and the Advanced Payroll Certification Exam. The Basic exam covers topics such as payroll concepts, withholding taxes, reporting requirements, wage calculations, and more. The Advanced exam covers topics such as payroll processing, compliance issues, accounting principles, and more.

It typically takes about six months to complete both exams. To get started on your FPC certification journey, you must first become a member of the American Payroll Association (APA). Once you are an APA member, you can register for either exam through the APA website or by mail.

The cost of each exam varies depending on whether you are an APA member or not. For non-members, each exam costs $150; for members it costs $125 per exam. Additionally, there is a one-time application fee of $50 that must be paid when registering for either exam.

Once you have successfully completed both exams and met all other requirements set forth by the APA, you will receive your FPC certification from the APA in recognition of your achievement.

7. QuickBooks Online Advanced Certification

QuickBooks Online Advanced Certification is a certification program offered by Intuit, the makers of QuickBooks. It is designed to help users become more proficient in the use of QuickBooks Online, the cloud-based version of their popular accounting software. The certification is intended for those who wish to gain an advanced understanding of QuickBooks Online and its features.

The certification consists of two parts: an online course and a proctored exam. The online course covers topics such as creating and managing accounts, tracking expenses, generating reports, setting up payroll, and more. It takes approximately 8 hours to complete the course.

Once you have completed the online course, you can take the proctored exam at any Prometric testing center. The exam consists of 60 multiple-choice questions and must be completed within 90 minutes. A passing score on this exam will earn you your QuickBooks Online Advanced Certification.

The cost for taking the QuickBooks Online Advanced Certification exam is $179 USD (or equivalent in local currency). This fee does not include the cost of taking the online course or any other related fees associated with taking a proctored exam at a Prometric testing center.

8. Sage 50 U.S. Edition – Fundamentals of Accounting and Payroll

Sage 50 U.S. Edition – Fundamentals of Accounting and Payroll is a comprehensive accounting and payroll software solution designed to meet the needs of small businesses. It offers a range of features and tools to help you manage your finances, including accounts receivable, accounts payable, bank reconciliation, invoicing, budgeting, payroll processing, tax filing, and more. The software is easy to use and provides real-time insights into your financials.

Getting Sage 50 U.S. Edition – Fundamentals of Accounting and Payroll typically takes about 10 minutes from start to finish. To get started, you will need to purchase a license from an authorized reseller or directly from Sage. You can then download the software onto your computer or laptop and begin the installation process.

The cost of Sage 50 U.S. Edition – Fundamentals of Accounting and Payroll varies depending on the version you purchase and any additional features that may be included with it (e.g., payroll services). Generally speaking, the cost ranges from $250-$1,000 per year for basic versions with additional costs for add-ons such as payroll services or advanced features like inventory management or project tracking capabilities.

9. ADP Workforce Now Certification

ADP Workforce Now Certification is a certification program offered by ADP, a leading provider of payroll and human capital management solutions. The certification is designed to help employers and their HR teams learn how to use the ADP Workforce Now platform efficiently and effectively. It covers topics such as payroll processing, benefits administration, time tracking, workforce analytics, reporting, and compliance.

The certification process takes approximately two hours to complete and consists of an online assessment that tests your knowledge of the ADP Workforce Now platform. The assessment includes questions on topics such as data entry, report generation, navigation within the system, and more. Upon successful completion of the assessment, you will receive your certification certificate via email.

Getting certified in ADP Workforce Now requires no prior experience or knowledge of the platform. However, it is recommended that you have some basic understanding of payroll processing and human capital management before attempting the assessment.

The cost for the ADP Workforce Now Certification is $299 USD per person plus applicable taxes. This fee includes access to the online assessment as well as a certificate upon successful completion of the exam.

10. Intuit QuickBooks Desktop ProAdvisor Certification

Intuit QuickBooks Desktop ProAdvisor Certification is a program designed to help bookkeepers, accountants, and other financial professionals become certified in using the QuickBooks Desktop software. The certification process involves completing an online course that covers QuickBooks topics such as setting up a company file, managing customers and vendors, tracking inventory, creating reports, and more. The course takes approximately 12 hours to complete and includes both written material and video tutorials. Once the course is completed, the participant will be able to take an exam to become certified.

The cost of the certification program varies depending on the version of QuickBooks being used; however, it typically costs between $250-$400 USD. In addition to the cost of the certification program itself, participants may also need to purchase additional materials such as books or software in order to complete the coursework.

Once certified, Intuit provides access to exclusive benefits such as discounts on products and services from Intuit partners, marketing resources for promoting your business, free webinars and training sessions from industry experts, and more. Additionally, ProAdvisors are eligible for free technical support from Intuit’s customer service team.

Do You Really Need a Payroll Specialist Certificate?

The answer to this question depends on a few factors. First, it is important to consider your current job situation and the type of payroll specialist role you are looking for. If you are already working in a payroll position and have some level of experience, then a certificate may not be necessary. However, if you are looking to move into a more specialized role or want to demonstrate your knowledge and qualifications in payroll services, then obtaining a payroll specialist certificate may be beneficial.

A payroll specialist certificate can demonstrate your commitment to the profession and provide evidence of your expertise in processing payrolls, managing employee records, tax filing and other related tasks. It can also demonstrate that you have the skills needed to effectively handle complex financial transactions with accuracy and efficiency. Having a certificate can also help when applying for jobs as employers will view you as an expert in the field.

In summary, whether or not you need a payroll specialist certificate depends on your current job situation and what type of specialization you are looking for. If you are looking to take on more challenging roles or demonstrate your knowledge of the field, then obtaining a certification could be beneficial.

Related: Payroll Specialist Resume Examples

FAQs About Payroll Specialist Certifications

Q1. What is a payroll specialist certification?

A1. A payroll specialist certification is a credential that demonstrates an individual’s knowledge and expertise in payroll processing, tax compliance, and other related areas. It can be obtained through professional organizations such as the American Payroll Association or through accredited colleges and universities.

Q2. What is the benefit of obtaining a payroll specialist certification?

A2. Obtaining a payroll specialist certification provides employers with assurance that you have the skills necessary to accurately process their payrolls and remain compliant with all relevant laws and regulations. It also demonstrates to potential employers that you are committed to your profession and willing to invest in furthering your education and career development.

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

A3. To become certified as a payroll specialist, you must first meet the eligibility requirements set by your chosen certifying body (e.g., American Payroll Association). After meeting the eligibility requirements, you will need to pass an exam covering topics such as federal tax law, state tax laws, withholding calculations, deductions, record keeping, reporting requirements, etc.).

Q4. How long does it take to become certified as a payroll specialist?

A4. The amount of time it takes to become certified as a payroll specialist varies depending on the certifying body you choose and the amount of time you are able to dedicate towards studying for the exam(s). Generally speaking, it may take anywhere from several weeks up to six months or more to complete all of the requirements for certification.

Q5. What is the cost associated with obtaining a payroll specialist certification?

A5. The cost associated with obtaining a payroll specialist certification depends on which certifying body you choose and any additional fees they require (e.g., application fees). Generally speaking, costs range from several hundred dollars up to several thousand dollars depending on the certifying body's requirements and credentials offered.