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Best payroll associate certifications

Payroll associate certifications allow job seekers to demonstrate their competency as an payroll associate to employers. However, not all payroll associate certifications provide the same value for job seekers.

The best certifications for a payroll associate are Certified Payroll Professional (CPP), Payroll Certification, and Fundamental Payroll Certification (FPC).

Below is a list of the best payroll associate certifications. Obtaining an payroll associate certification will give you a leg up when you apply for jobs and increase your potential salary.

3 best certifications for payroll associates

3 best payroll associate certifications

1. Certified Payroll Professional (CPP)

Certification details
  • More than two years of education or training after high school required? No
  • More than two years of work experience required? Yes
  • Oral or written exam required? Yes
  • Renewal required? Every 5 year(s)
Certifying organization
American Payroll Association

2. Payroll Certification

NBA's Payroll Certification assures employers you have payroll knowledge and skill. You obtain the Certification by passing the Uniform Payroll Certification Examination.

Certification details
  • More than two years of education or training after high school required? No
  • More than two years of work experience required? No
  • Oral or written exam required? Yes
  • Renewal required? 

3. Fundamental Payroll Certification (FPC)

The Fundamental Payroll Certification (FPC) is open to all those who wish to demonstrate a baseline of payroll competency. The FPC is designed for: Entry-level Payroll Professionals, Sales Professionals/Consultants serving the payroll industry, Systems Analysts/Engineers writing payroll programs, and Payroll Service Bureau Client Representatives. APA membership is not required.

Certification details
  • More than two years of education or training after high school required? No
  • More than two years of work experience required? No
  • Oral or written exam required? Yes
  • Renewal required? Every 3 year(s)
Certifying organization
American Payroll Association

What is the best certification for a payroll associate?

The best payroll associate certification is Certified Payroll Professional (CPP). The Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) is awarded by the American Payroll Association. This certification is great to have as it shows an improvement in your competency to perform your role. You can earn this certification at the beginning of your career, as it often doesn't require a minimum education level and work experience.

Here's a bit more background on how to obtain this payroll associate certification:

  • To become a certified Certified Payroll Professional (CPP), you need to pass the exam.
  • This certificate requires more than two years of work experience.
  • Renew certification every 5 year.

What are some of the most in-demand certifications for payroll associates?

The most in-demand payroll associate certification is Certified Payroll Professional based on all active job postings. Having this payroll associate certification will give you access to more payroll associate jobs with higher salaries.

What certifications can impact a payroll associate career and salary?

The Certified Payroll Professional certification will help you to secure a payroll specialist position, which will increase your pay and career trajectory. A payroll specialist's average salary is $41,377 whereas payroll associates make an average salary of $45,232.

Best certifications

The most common combination of payroll associate certifications include: Certified Payroll Professional (CPP), Payroll Certification, and Fundamental Payroll Certification (FPC).

Online courses for payroll associates to earn certifications

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