Certified Payroll Professional (CPP)
Credential: Certified Payroll Professional (CPP)
Credentialing Agency: American Payroll Association
Renewal Period: 5 years
The Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) certification is for those who have achieved professional profiency in all aspects of taxation and tax reporting, MIS, human resources, and accounting as each of these relate to the payroll environment. Candidates must meet the experience and/or education requirments as well as pass a written exam.
More information can be found on the certifying agency's website.
Certified Payroll Professional (CPP)
The following DOD Civilian Occupations provide training and/or experience that contributes to attaining this credential:
The following Federal Occupations provide training and/or experience that contribute to attaining this credential:
| Federal Occupation | Related As | |
|---|---|---|
| 0318 Secretary Series |  Some |
|
| 0503 Financial Clerical and Technician Series |  Most |
|
| 0525 Accounting Technician Series | Most |
|
| 0544 Civilian Pay Series | Most |
|
| 0545 Military Pay Series | Most |
|
| 0561 Budget Clerical and Assistance Series | Most |
|
| 1520 Mathematics Series | Some |
The following civilian occupations are related to this credential:
| Civilian Job | Bright Outlook | Registered Apprenticeship | Local Salary Info | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bookkeeping, Accounting, and Auditing Clerks |  Bright Outlook |
 Apprenticeship |
 find local salary |
|
| Human Resources Specialists | Apprenticeship |
find local salary |
||
| Payroll and Timekeeping Clerks | Apprenticeship |
find local salary |
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS
Eligibility Requirements (View Details)
- Credential Prerequisite
- Experience: 3 years
- Education
- Training
- Membership
- Other
- Fee
Note: This credential may have multiple options for becoming eligible. Listed are the minimum requirements based on the minimum degree required. To view other options, see the Eligibility tab.
Exam Requirements (View Details)
- Exam
- Written Exam
- Oral Exam
- Practical Exam
- Performance Assessment
RECERTIFICATION SUMMARY
Renewal Period: 5 years
AGENCY CONTACT INFORMATION
American Payroll Association
660 North Main Avenue
Suite 100
San Antonio, TX 78205-1721
Phone: (210) 226-4600
Fax: (210) 226-4027
Email: APA@americanpayroll.org
Education/Training and/or Experience REQUIREMENTS
Candidates should be directly or indirectly involved with practice of payroll for three out of five years preceding the date of the examination. The practice of payroll is defined as direct or related involvement in at least ONE (1) of the following:
- Payroll Production, Payroll Reporting, Payroll Accounting, Payroll Systems, and Payroll Taxation
- Payroll Administration
- Payroll Education/Consulting
Candidates should be employed in practice of payroll for at least the last 24 months and should have completed, within the last 24 months, ALL of the APA courses listed on the APA Website.
Option 3:Candidates should be directly or indirectly involved with the practice of payroll for at least the last 18 months, should have obtained the Fundamental Payroll Certification (FPC) and completed, within the last 18 months, ALL of the APA courses listed on the APA Website.
Written Exam
- Core Payroll Concepts (27%)
- Compliance/Research and Resources (21%)
- Calculation of the Paycheck (20%)
- Payroll Process and Supporting Systems and Administration (9%)
- Payroll Administration and Management (10%)
- Audits (7%)
- Accounting (6%)
Exam Preparation Resources
There are a number of resources available to help you prepare for the Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) examination:
- Best Sources
RECERTIFICATION
Certified Payroll Professional (CPP)
Renewal Period: 5 years
Additional considerations for the Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) include:
- APA membership is NOT required.
- Candidates must know all regulations regarding fees and examination scheduling as per the candidate handbook.
- Fees are non-refundable and non-transferable. If the candidate cannot take a test for any reason the appointment must be changed or canceled to avoid having to pay the exam fee.
OTHER