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CERTIFICATION
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Certification

APA certification is a valuable, objective credential that verifies a specified level of knowledge, skills, and abilities in the payroll profession. Certification helps individuals demonstrate their payroll expertise, secure promotions, advance their careers, and enhance their standing within the profession. APA offers two levels of certification -- the Fundamental Payroll Certification (FPC) and the Certified Payroll Professional (CPP). It is the responsibility of each examination candidate to download and read the applicable FPC or CPP Examination Candidate Handbook. Exceptions will not be made for candidates that do not read the handbook.

Certified Payroll Professional (CPP)

The CPP is a certification credential for those with some experience in payroll.

Overview information

Content outline

Download CPP Candidate Examination Handbook


CPP Exam Testing Windows (at test sites throughout the U.S.)

Mar 29 - May 1, 2010

Sep 11 - Oct 9, 2010

Fundamental Payroll Certification (FPC)

The FPC is a certification credential for payroll beginners and service and support professionals.

Overview information
Content outline

Download FPC Candidate Examination Handbook


FPC Exam Testing Windows (at test sites throughout the U.S.)

Mar 29 - May 1, 2010

Sep 11 -  Oct 9, 2010


Learning Center Testing Opportunities

Attendees of Payroll 101: Foundations of Payroll Certificate Program and Payroll 201: The Payroll Administration Certificate Program at APA's Learning Centers in Las Vegas and San Antonio will have the opportunity to take their respective certification exam at the end of each course. Yes, that means year-round!

If you wish to take the exam at the conclusion of APA's Payroll 101 or Payroll 201 courses, DO NOT make exam reservations through Pearson Vue. Register as an attendee of either the Payroll 101 or Payroll 201 course and then contact the Certification Department by e-mail or call (210) 226-4600 to make your exam reservation.

The Payroll 101 and Payroll 201 courses should not be considered the only method of study for these exams. These testing opportunities are only recommended for candidates that have already studied and are ready to take the exams. Successful candidates who shared their study secrets with us have indicated that they engage in a minimum of 6 to 12 weeks of preparation before taking the exam.

Candidates testing February 1, 2010 through September 10, 2010 will be tested on federal tax laws and regulations in effect on January 1, 2009 and Candidates testing September 11, 2010 to September 9, 2011 will be tested on federal tax laws and regulations in effect on January 1, 2010.

The Fundamental Payroll Certification (FPC) exam is available on the Friday afternoon at the conclusion of all Payroll 101: Foundations of Payroll Certificate Program courses in Las Vegas and San Antonio. Advance registration is required.

The Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) exam is available on Friday afternoon at the conclusion of all Payroll 201: The Payroll Administration Certificate Program courses in Las Vegas and San Antonio. Advance registration is required.

 

Military/DANTES Testing Opportunities

Begining March 29, 2010, the APA will administer the FPC and CPP exams at all Pearson VUE DANTES locations. 100% of the cost of the Fundamental Payroll Certification (FPC) and Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) certification exams are approved for reimbursement to eligible military and certain family members through the G.I. Bill of the Department of Veterans Affairs. For detailed information, log onto their website at

http://www.gibill.va.gov

 

Download the Candidate Examination Handbook for complete registration instructions, fees and how to find international testing locations. Examinations are delivered ONLY in English and are based on U.S. federal rules and regulations.

 

International Testing Opportunities

Begining March 29, 2010, the APA will administer the FPC and CPP exams at over 3,500 locations worldwide. Please download the Candidate Examination Handbook for complete registration instructions, fees and how to find international testing locations. Examinations are delivered ONLY in English and are based on U.S. federal rules and regulations.

 

Candidates testing February 1, 2010 through September 10, 2010 will be tested on U.S. federal tax laws and regulations in effect on January 1, 2009 and Candidates testing September 11, 2010 to September 9, 2011 will be tested on U.S. federal tax laws and regulations in effect on January 1, 2010.

 

Approved Provider Program

Effective September 1, 2006, APA has instituted an Approved Provider program for organizations that present payroll education.

Approved Providers: 2009 :: 2008 :: 2006-07

Approved Chapter Meetings:

2009 :: 2008 :: 2006-07


Training Resources

The candidate for certification is advised to consult a variety of sources to prepare for either of the certification exams. The exam handbooks contain a list of suggested references.

The candidate can obtain study materials from the APA and attend APA preparation courses. APA courses are also approved to achieve recertification.

Request a transcript of APA's National programs attended.

Training and resources are available in a variety of formats including books, training courses, Web-based training, Webcasts and Audio Seminars.

 

4 Easy Steps to Order Your Certificate and Lapel Pin

 

1. Log into the APA website using your APA ID Number and Password. You can obtain your APA ID and password by contacting Membership Services at apa@americanpayroll.org or by phone at 210-224-6406.

 

2. Verify, on the welcome line, the spelling of your name as you want it to appear on your certificate.

 

3. Stay logged into the APA website and click on the certification tab in the left panel (this is necessary for validation of your designation).

 

4. Scroll down to the bottom of the certification page and click on either CPP or FPC. You will then be redirected to the ordering page where you can make your selections and place your order.

 

NOTE: If you need to make corrections to your name or to change your legal name, email your request (along with legal documentation for name changes) to certification@americanpayroll.org  Include in the Subject Line of the email the words: Certificate Order. Please allow 3 to 5 business days for updates to be completed,

 

If you have any questions contact the certification department at certification@americanpayroll.org or 210-226-4600.

 

 

FREE WEBINAR

Free CPP/FPC Prep Webinar

Free certification preparation webinar offer

Let the APA's free Preparing for the CPP and FPC Exams Webinar On Demand help you develop a plan for success when sitting for the certification exams. Register today for this FREE Webinar On Demand - a Membership Benefit.

SHOW YOUR BOSS

Download this article today that appeared in Forbes magazine to show your boss how important it is to have FPCs and CPPs on staff. Forbes article - CPP FPC

CERTIFICATION OPTIONS
EXAM NOTES

For both the CPP and FPC certification exams given during the Fall 2009 and Spring 2010 testing windows, exam questions should be answered based on Federal laws and regulations in effect as of 1/1/2009.

Mid-year changes are NOT reflected on the exams.

RECERTIFICATION

Recertification is required after 5 years for CPP and 3 years for FPC. Recertification may be achieved through accumulating recertification credit hours ((RCH) or by successfully retesting. For CPP 120 RCH are required; for FPC, 60.
CPP Recertification File Folder
FPC Recertification File Folder
STUDY GROUPS
Many APA Local Chapters conduct study groups for CPP and FPC exam preparation. Consult the study group list for a group in your area.
COLLEGE CREDIT
APA's certification programs bring college credit through the ACE College Credit By Examination Program. Details.
FAQ
Have a question about APA's Certification programs? The most common questions are answered on the FAQ page.
CONTACT US

APA's Certification Department
(210) 226-4600

APA LOGIN
APA ID
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San Antonio, TX
Las Vegas, NV
New York, NY
Washington, DC
American Payroll Association
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