Managing a company's and its employees' financial requirements is part of the responsibilities of a payroll professional. You can demonstrate your understanding of the field and gain new knowledge by earning a certification in payroll expertise. 

Knowing more about this career path can help you prepare for the accreditation procedure by letting you know what to anticipate, including how long it will take to become certified.

Educational Requirements

You must satisfy the APA's educational requirements before you can sit for the Fundamental Payroll Certification (FPC) exam. Obtaining a high school diploma or general educational development (GED) certificate is one of these options. To gain more knowledge and experience, it may also be beneficial to pursue an associate's or bachelor's degree in accounting or finance.

Hands-On Experience

Worry not, the APA has various training options that you can choose from to become eligible for your CPP exam:

Training at Work

The first training option requires at least three years of experience as a payroll specialist. A qualifying position must have duties like payroll accounting, reporting, administration, and instruction. It might be beneficial to locate a mentor at your place of employment who can guide you in understanding the fundamental ideas that might be covered on the test.

APA-Issued Training

The second way to qualify for the exam entails taking APA courses as well as working in a payroll job position for at least two consecutive years. Through a combination of classroom instruction and hands-on experience, this approach enables you to learn the fundamental ideas and industry best practices of a payroll professional. 

Complete the FPC

The third route to certification as a payroll professional entails passing the FPC exam and completing at least 18 months of payroll-related employment. Passing the FPC demonstrates your capability to perform the job responsibilities of an entry-level professional, according to the APA's standards. Additionally, you can complete three APA training courses, participate in an expedited training program, or complete a certification program if you choose this option.

Take the CPP Exam

The guidelines state that you must bring two official forms of identification to the testing location when you take the CPP exam. During the test, you are permitted to use a calculator, but you are not permitted to bring your phone with you. The four-hour CPP exam has 190 multiple-choice questions that you must correctly answer using a computerized system. You typically receive your results after finishing the exam, and the minimum passing score is 300 points.

Receive Your New Certification

You can order an official certification document by phone or email once you pass the exam. Your printed certificate will arrive in four to six weeks. After five years, you can renew your certification by completing at least 120 hours of continuing education courses.

When you’re ready to take the plunge into accounting courses, look no further than Computek College. At Computek, we offer an Accounting, Payroll, and Tax diploma program to help you get started on your accounting journey. Call us at 416-321-9911 or visit our website today to learn more.