Top 11 Payroll Supervisor Certifications

Certifications are important for a payroll supervisor in the job market because they demonstrate to potential employers that the applicant has a certain level of expertise and knowledge related to payroll management. By obtaining certifications, a payroll supervisor can prove that they have an understanding of payroll processing and compliance regulations, as well as the necessary skills to properly manage a company’s payroll system. This can help them stand out from other applicants and increase their chances of being hired. Certifications also enable employers to easily verify that an applicant is qualified for the position, which can help speed up the recruitment process.

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

What are Payroll Supervisor Certifications?

Payroll supervisor certification is a program designed to provide individuals with the knowledge and skills necessary to become an effective payroll supervisor. This certification provides comprehensive education regarding payroll processes, laws, regulations, and best practices. It also prepares supervisors to manage the entire payroll process, from processing employee information and calculating wages to filing taxes and issuing payments. Through this certification program, individuals gain the ability to effectively supervise a payroll department and ensure that all payments are accurate and timely.

The benefits of having a certified payroll supervisor include improved accuracy in payroll processes, fewer errors or mistakes in calculations or filings, better compliance with applicable laws and regulations, improved efficiency in handling the payroll process, better communication between employees and supervisors regarding pay-related matters, increased morale among employees due to more accurate compensation payments, lower costs associated with training new supervisors on payroll processes, and more confidence among employers that their payroll operations are being handled properly. Having a certified payroll supervisor can help employers save time and money by streamlining their payroll processes while reducing the risk of costly mistakes or penalties related to non-compliance. Ultimately, it can help foster trust between employers and their staff while improving financial performance overall.

Pro Tip: Obtaining a payroll supervisor certification is an excellent way to demonstrate your knowledge and expertise in the payroll field. It can also help you stand out from other job candidates and increase your chances of gaining employment or promotions. Additionally, having a certification may open up opportunities for additional training and professional development.

Related: What does a Payroll Supervisor do?

Top 11 Payroll Supervisor Certifications

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

1. Certified Payroll Professional (CPP)

Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) is a professional certification program offered by the American Payroll Association (APA). The CPP program is designed to recognize payroll professionals who have achieved a high level of knowledge and expertise in the field of payroll. The CPP designation is considered a mark of excellence in the payroll industry, and it demonstrates that an individual has the skills and knowledge necessary to effectively manage payroll operations.

The CPP certification process consists of two parts: an online examination and a practical application assessment. To become certified, applicants must pass both parts with a minimum score of 70%. The online exam covers topics such as federal tax laws, state tax laws, employee benefits, garnishments, and more. The practical application assessment requires applicants to demonstrate their ability to apply their knowledge in real-world scenarios.

The entire process typically takes between six months and one year to complete. To get started, interested individuals must first join the APA as members before they can register for the CPP program. Membership fees vary depending on membership type, but typically range from $50-$100 per year. After joining, applicants will receive access to study materials and resources which help them prepare for the exams.

The cost of taking the CPP exam varies depending on location; however, most locations charge around $400 per exam plus any applicable taxes or fees. Once certified, individuals may be eligible for discounts on products and services related to payroll management provided by APA partners.

2. Certified Payroll Manager (CPM)

Certified Payroll Manager (CPM) is a professional certification that demonstrates expertise in payroll management. It is designed to recognize individuals who have achieved a high level of knowledge and proficiency in the areas of payroll management, compliance, and reporting. The CPM credential is awarded by the American Payroll Association (APA).

The CPM certification process typically takes about three months to complete. To be eligible for the CPM credential, applicants must have at least three years of experience in payroll management and must pass an online exam administered by the APA. The cost for taking the exam is $395 for APA members and $495 for non-members. Additionally, there are fees associated with maintaining the certification once it has been earned.

In order to maintain their CPM credential, certified professionals must complete continuing education requirements every two years. These requirements include attending approved seminars or webinars, reading approved publications, or completing other activities related to payroll management. The cost of these continuing education activities varies depending on the type of activity being completed.

3. Certified Payroll Administrator (CPA)

Certified Payroll Administrator (CPA) is a professional designation that demonstrates expertise in payroll administration. This certification is offered by the American Payroll Association (APA) and is designed to recognize those who have achieved a high level of proficiency in payroll administration.

To become a Certified Payroll Administrator, individuals must meet the following criteria:

• Have at least two years of full-time experience in payroll processing or related areas;
• Pass the CPA exam administered by the APA; and
• Maintain their certification status through continuing education.

The CPA exam consists of three parts: Part I covers payroll fundamentals, Part II covers payroll taxes, and Part III covers payroll reporting and compliance. The exam takes approximately four hours to complete and costs $150 for members of the APA or $300 for non-members. The exam can be taken either online or in person at an approved testing center.

Once an individual has passed the CPA exam, they will receive a certificate from the APA verifying their certification status as a Certified Payroll Administrator. To maintain their certification status, CPAs must complete 12 hours of continuing education every two years.

4. Certified Public Accountant (CPA)

A Certified Public Accountant (CPA) is a professional designation given to individuals who have passed the Uniform CPA Examination and met additional state education and experience requirements for certification as a CPA. CPAs are qualified to provide a wide range of accounting, auditing, tax, and consulting services.

It typically takes four years of college education plus one year of work experience in the field of accounting to become a CPA. Most states also require continuing professional education (CPE) courses in order to maintain the CPA license.

In order to become a CPA, you must first complete an accredited college degree program in accounting or business administration with a concentration in accounting. After completing your degree, you must then pass the Uniform CPA Exam administered by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA). Once you have passed the exam, you must meet any additional state requirements for licensure before you can practice as a CPA.

The cost of becoming a CPA varies depending on which state you are located in. In addition to tuition costs for completing an accredited degree program, there are also fees associated with taking and passing the Uniform CPA Exam and meeting any additional state requirements for licensure.

5. Human Resources Certification Institute (HRCI)

The Human Resources Certification Institute (HRCI) is an international organization that provides certifications in the field of human resources. HRCI is dedicated to advancing the HR profession by providing credentials, research, and educational programs.

HRCI offers two types of certifications: Professional in Human Resources (PHR) and Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR). The PHR certification is designed for those who have at least one year of experience in a professional-level HR position, while the SPHR certification is designed for those with at least five years of experience.

In order to obtain either certification, candidates must pass an exam administered by HRCI. The exams cover topics such as employment law, employee relations, compensation and benefits, and organizational development. The exams are offered throughout the year at various locations around the world.

The cost to take either exam varies depending on the type of exam and location. For example, the PHR exam typically costs between $300-$400 USD ($350-$450 CAD), while the SPHR exam typically costs between $500-$600 USD ($600-$700 CAD).

It typically takes about two months to prepare for either exam. Candidates should plan to spend at least 40 hours studying for each exam before taking it. After passing the exam, candidates will receive their certification within 4-6 weeks.

6. Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM)

The Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) is the world’s largest professional association devoted to human resource management. SHRM provides education, training and certification programs, conferences, research and publications, networking opportunities and other resources to its members. It also advocates on behalf of HR professionals in Washington D.C. and around the world.

It takes about two weeks to get certified through SHRM. To become a certified professional, you must first pass an exam that covers topics such as business management, workforce planning and employment law. After passing the exam, you will be awarded either a Professional in Human Resources (PHR) or Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR) certification depending on your experience level.

You can register for the exam online at SHRM’s website or by phone. The cost of the exam varies depending on whether you are a member of SHRM or not; it is $300 for non-members and $200 for members. You can also purchase study materials from SHRM’s website which will help prepare you for the exam.

Once you have passed the exam, you will need to pay an annual fee to maintain your certification status with SHRM; this fee is currently $100 per year for both PHR and SPHR certifications.

7. American Payroll Association (APA)

The American Payroll Association (APA) is a professional organization that provides education, certification, and advocacy to payroll professionals. It was founded in 1982 and is the largest association of its kind in the United States. The APA's mission is to promote the advancement of payroll knowledge and professionalism through education, certification, research, and advocacy.

To become certified by the APA, you must complete their Fundamental Payroll Certification (FPC) program. This program consists of three courses: Payroll Fundamentals, Payroll Law & Regulations, and an elective course of your choice. You must also pass a comprehensive exam after completing all three courses. The entire program typically takes about six months to complete.

The cost for the FPC program depends on which courses you choose to take and how you decide to take them (online or in-person). Generally speaking, it can range from $400-$1000 USD depending on your selection.

Once you have completed the FPC program and passed the exam, you will receive your certification from the APA as well as access to exclusive member benefits such as discounts on products and services related to payroll, networking opportunities with other payroll professionals, access to special publications related to payroll topics, and more.

8. International Foundation of Employee Benefit Plans (IFEBP)

The International Foundation of Employee Benefit Plans (IFEBP) is a not-for-profit organization that provides education, research, and resources to employee benefit plan professionals in the United States and Canada. It was founded in 1972 to serve as an educational resource for those involved in the design, administration, and management of employee benefit plans.

Membership in the IFEBP is open to any individual or organization involved in the employee benefits field. Membership fees vary depending on the type of membership chosen. There are three types of membership: Individual ($150/year), Corporate ($1,000/year) and Academic ($250/year).

To become a member of IFEBP, you must first complete an online application form. Once your application has been approved by the IFEBP Board of Directors, you will receive a welcome letter with instructions on how to access your account. After payment of your membership fee has been received, you will be able to access all IFEBP services and benefits including educational programs, publications and research tools.

The cost of membership varies depending on the type of membership chosen but typically ranges from $150-$1000 per year.

9. Certified Compensation Professional (CCP)

Certified Compensation Professional (CCP) is a professional certification program for compensation professionals. This certification is offered by the WorldatWork Society of Certified Professionals, an organization that provides educational resources and certifications to human resources professionals. The CCP certification is designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated expertise in the field of compensation management.

The CCP certification requires applicants to demonstrate their knowledge and experience in compensation planning, design, implementation, and evaluation. To become certified, applicants must pass a comprehensive exam covering topics such as job analysis and evaluation, total rewards strategy, performance-based pay systems, executive compensation plans, incentive plans, and international compensation practices.

It typically takes between six months and one year to complete the requirements for the CCP certification. Applicants must first complete at least two years of professional experience in a related field before they can take the exam. After completing their experience requirement, applicants must register with WorldatWork and pay the $650 fee for the exam.

Once registered with WorldatWork, applicants will receive access to study materials that include practice exams and other resources to help them prepare for the exam. The exam itself consists of multiple-choice questions and case studies that test an applicant’s knowledge of compensation practices. Upon successful completion of the exam, applicants will be awarded their CCP certification.

10. Global Payroll Management Institute (GPMI)

The Global Payroll Management Institute (GPMI) is an international organization dedicated to providing professional development and certification for payroll professionals. It was founded in 2003 to provide a comprehensive and unified approach to the profession of payroll management. GPMI offers a variety of courses, certifications, and resources designed to help payroll professionals stay up-to-date with industry best practices.

It takes approximately 6 months to complete the GPMI certification program. The program consists of three core courses: Payroll Fundamentals, Advanced Payroll Concepts, and International Payroll Practices. Each course is offered online or in person at various locations around the world. Upon successful completion of all three courses, candidates are eligible to take the GPMI Certification Exam.

The cost of the GPMI certification program varies depending on the type of course chosen and location. Online courses typically cost between $500-$1000 USD while in-person courses can range from $1,000-$2,000 USD. Additionally, there are fees associated with taking the certification exam which range from $200-$400 USD depending on the location.

Overall, obtaining your GPMI certification is an important step for any payroll professional looking to advance their career in this field. The comprehensive curriculum provided by GPMI provides a strong foundation for understanding global payroll management principles and practices that will help you succeed in your role as a payroll specialist or manager.

11. International Association of Human Resource Professionals (IAHRP).

The International Association of Human Resource Professionals (IAHRP) is a professional organization that provides resources, training, and certification to human resource professionals around the world. The IAHRP was founded in 2004 and is headquartered in the United Kingdom.

The IAHRP offers a range of certifications for HR professionals, including the Certified Professional in Human Resources (CPHR) and the Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR). These certifications are recognized by employers worldwide as proof of an individual’s knowledge and expertise in HR-related topics.

In order to become certified through the IAHRP, individuals must first meet certain eligibility requirements. This includes having at least three years of experience working in a human resource role, or having completed an accredited HR program. Once these requirements are met, individuals can register for either the CPHR or SPHR exam.

The CPHR exam consists of 200 multiple-choice questions covering topics such as employment law, employee relations, compensation and benefits, recruitment and selection, training and development, organizational development, performance management, labor relations, and strategic HR management. The exam takes approximately four hours to complete and costs $395 USD.

The SPHR exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions covering topics such as workforce planning and employment law compliance; total rewards; employee and labor relations; recruitment selection and placement; performance management; job analysis; risk management; organizational design; staffing systems; employee development; diversity inclusion strategies; change management strategies; technology applications for HR functions; business acumen skills related to HR functions. The exam takes approximately three hours to complete and costs $495 USD.

Both exams can be taken at any Pearson VUE testing center located around the world. Upon successful completion of either exam, individuals will receive their certification from the IAHRP which is valid for three years before needing to be renewed.

Do You Really Need a Payroll Supervisor Certificate?

The answer to this question depends on the individual and their goals. For those who are looking to advance in their careers, a payroll supervisor certificate can be beneficial. It is proof of knowledge and experience in managing payroll operations as well as financial responsibility for an organization. Those who have earned a certificate may find it easier to secure managerial positions or promotions within their current company. It can also make them more attractive to potential employers, as it shows they have the skills needed to handle payroll operations effectively.

On the other hand, some people may not need a payroll supervisor certificate if they already possess the necessary skills and experience required for the job. If they are able to prove their competency through interviews and references, then they might not need a certificate in order to be considered for a position. Additionally, if someone already has experience working with payroll systems and has a basic understanding of accounting principles, then they could likely manage payroll operations without obtaining certification first.

Ultimately, whether or not someone needs a payroll supervisor certificate will depend on their individual circumstances and career goals. Those who want to demonstrate their qualifications for a managerial role or progress in their current organization should consider obtaining certification, while individuals with extensive experience may be able to get by without one.

Related: Payroll Supervisor Resume Examples

FAQs About Payroll Supervisor Certifications

Q1: What is a Payroll Supervisor Certification?

A1: A Payroll Supervisor Certification is a professional certification that demonstrates an individual’s knowledge and expertise in payroll management and supervision. It is designed to provide individuals with the skills needed to ensure accurate payroll processing, manage payroll tax compliance, and provide quality customer service.

Q2: How do I obtain a Payroll Supervisor Certification?

A2: To obtain a Payroll Supervisor Certification, you must pass an exam administered by an accredited organization such as the American Payroll Association (APA). The exam covers topics such as federal and state payroll laws, payroll accounting, and payroll processing systems.

Q3: What are the benefits of obtaining a Payroll Supervisor Certification?

A3: Obtaining a Payroll Supervisor Certification can help individuals demonstrate their knowledge of payroll management and increase their chances of being hired for positions requiring this certification. Additionally, it may give individuals access to higher pay grades or promotions within their current organizations.

Q4: How long does it take to become certified as a Payroll Supervisor?

A4: The amount of time it takes to become certified as a Payroll Supervisor depends on an individual’s experience level with payroll processes and systems. Generally speaking, it can take anywhere from six months to one year to complete the necessary coursework and pass the certification exam.

Q5: Does having a Payroll Supervisor Certification guarantee me employment?

A5: No, having a Payroll Supervisor Certification does not guarantee employment. While having this certification can make you more competitive in the job market, employers also look for other qualifications such as experience and education when considering candidates for positions requiring this certification.