Fundamental Payroll Certification (FPC)

1. Match your job responsibilities

   Job Title(s) -Use the following job descriptions to confirm you have selected the right path. Remember, job title alone is not sufficient in determining which Learning Path best fits your job duties.

   • Titles Vary
   
   
   

2. Assess your knowledge

   Knowledge Assessment Calculator(s) - This web-based tool contains multiple levels of assessments populated with the payroll body of knowledge. Use this tool to set a baseline as you begin your Learning Path and return to it any time you want to evaluate your progress.

   • Concepts and Terms
   • Preparing for the FPC Exam
   
   
   

3. Increase your knowledge by choosing a training program that's right for you

   Train in your city - Instructor-led core competency seminars offered live and in-person at locations across the United States. This seminar format provides flexible, interactive training on vital payroll topics.

   • Payroll Practice Essentials
   • Intermediate Payroll Concepts
   
   

   Train at APA's Learning Centers - Instructor-led core competency courses offered live and in-person at APA's award winning Learning Centers. This format provides an interactive, hands-on, computer-based classroom environment.

   • Payroll 101: Foundations of Payroll Certificate Program
   
   

   Train online

   • Fundamentals of Payroll
   • Payroll Practice Essentials: Virtual Classroom
   
   
   

4. Expand the depth of your payroll knowledge

   Ensure you are up-to-date with the latest in compliance and industry trends by taking advantage of the expertise offered in:
   
   

   Specialty Seminars - Offered live and in-person at locations across the United States, this seminar format provides interactive training on current payroll topics.

   • Preparing for Year-End
   • Payroll Tax Forum
   • Payroll Issues for Multi-State Employers
   • Garnishments Forum
   • Local Income Tax Compliance
   
   

   Specialty Webinars - Live online, web-based seminars that offer flexible learning from your office or home.

   • See all Specialty Webinars
   
   

   On Demand Learning - Recorded webinars, web-based programs, and audio seminars delivered via the web and available 24/7 from your office or home.

   • See all On Demand options
   
   
   

5. Complete your learning path by attaining APA certification

   Certification Recommendation - APA exams verify your payroll knowledge, skills, and abilities and are recognized by the payroll industry as the gold standard in payroll certification.

   • Fundamental Payroll Certification (FPC)
   
   
   

6. Continue your professional development and networking opportunities

   Conference Recommendation(s) - Attending conferences is a great way for you to meet other payroll professionals, earn continuing education credit toward recertification, and stay up-to-date with the latest in payroll industry trends, compliance, and hot topics.

   • APA's Annual Congress
   
   
   

7. Maintain FPC certification

   The Fundamental Payroll Certification (FPC) is valid for three full calendar years after the year of certification. To maintain certification, each FPC must accumulate a minimum of 60 qualifying Recertification Credit Hours (RCHs) within this recertification period OR retake and pass the Fundamental Payroll Certification examination.
   
   FPC Recertification Folder

Still need further clarification? E-mail education@americanpayroll.org

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