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This question is about payroll representative certifications.
A Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) certification is a certification proving that an individual has skills in payroll systems, payroll applications, and payroll laws. The CPP certification is administered by the American Payroll Association (APA).
The CPP certification is a higher-level certification for experienced professionals that have extensive payroll systems knowledge and skills, and hold a senior-level role in their organization or company.
This certification has strict standards and recertification requirements. Holders of the CPP certification are:
Leaders who have in-depth knowledge of current payroll law
Senior professionals who maintain current knowledge of payroll systems
Those that understand and adhere to industry best practices
The APA requires payroll professionals to meet one of three criteria to be eligible for taking the Certified Payroll Professional test:
Served at least three of the past five years in a payroll position
At least 24 months of experience and completion of one of three APA payroll studies programs
At least 18 months experience, completing the APA's FPC certification and completing at least one APA payroll studies program
The cost of the exam is $380 for APA members and $550 for payroll colleagues and non-members. The CPP exams are held twice every year; in the United States, they occur during the Spring and Fall seasons. Most candidates are allowed to take the exam online, but there are in-person testing sites for those interested.

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