CPP (Certified Payroll Professional)

Unveiling the World of CPP Payroll: A Guide to Certification

What Is a CPP Payroll?

A Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) is a seasoned expert certified in advanced payroll processing, software, and legislation. Businesses aiming for in-house payroll excellence often encourage their staff to pursue payroll certifications through the CPP test.

The CPP Test: A Comprehensive Overview

Developed by the American Payroll Association (APA), the CPP test certifies the expertise of payroll specialists, managers, and supervisors. This rigorous exam covers seven key sections:

1. Core Payroll Concepts (24%)
2. Compliance/Research and Resources (16%)
3. Calculation of the Paycheck (20%)
4. Payroll Process and Supporting Systems and Administration (12%)
5. Payroll Administration and Management (10%)
6. Audits (9%)
7. Accounting (9%)

Conducted electronically over four hours, the exam comprises 190 multiple-choice questions, with 25 trial test questions not factored into the score. Examinees receive instant pass or fail notifications.

Gauging the Difficulty of the CPP Exam

Perceived difficulty varies based on individual factors like background, experience, and study time. The passing score is 300, and the weighted nature of the questions emphasizes the importance of correctly answering higher-value questions. Those who do not pass can retake the exam in the next testing cycle.

Cost and Logistics of the CPP Exam

As of January 2020, the CPP exam costs $380 for APA members and $550 for non-members in the United States.

Obtaining a Payroll Certificate: A Step-by-Step Guide

1. Checking Eligibility:

• Determine if employees meet APA’s strict requirements based on experience and education prerequisites.
• Eligibility criteria include:
  • Three years of payroll employment in the last five years.
  • 24 months of payroll employment with completion of APA-approved courses.
  • 18 months of payroll employment with completion of APA-approved courses.

2. Apply for the CPP Exam:

• If eligibility is confirmed, complete an application, gain approval from the APA’s certification department, and pay the exam fee.
• Processing typically takes 10 to 15 days.

3. Schedule/Register for the Exam:

• Upon approval, the APA issues an identification number for scheduling the exam within a year.

4. Study and Take the Exam:

• Access preparatory materials like training booklets, classes, online webinars, and the CPP Bootcamp package.
• APA chapters host informational and study sessions ahead of exam season.

5. Seek Recertification:

• CPPs must renew certification every five years.
• Recertification involves accumulating over 120 recertification credit hours (RCHs) through APA-accredited events and webinars.