Study Groups are forming, in preparation for Fall exams for Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) and Fundamental Payroll Certification (FPC) certification programs.

According to the APA Payroll Source, “Certification is the recognition of one’s professional skills by one’s peers. A payroll professional must be proficient in all aspects of taxation, tax reporting, information technology, human resources, benefits, and accounting as each of these relates to the payroll environment.”

The least expensive options are working on your own with the APA Payroll Source or joining a local APA chapter Study Group. I facilitate a few study group sessions each year. It is a good way for me to earn recertification hours to maintain my CPP as well as assist other payroll professionals as they study to attain or retain their CPP or FPC certifications.

The American Payroll Association (APA) offers several ways to prepare for these exams. I took Payroll 201: Payroll Administration Certificate Program, followed by the CPP exam at the end of the week-long course. I enjoyed the benefits of a total immersion structure. There are less expensive eLearning options, such as PayTrain and other online APA courses. You can also check your local community colleges for their curriculum.

I have met so many payroll professionals at Study Group and truly enjoy expanding my network. We are ongoing resources for each other when we want to find out how other companies are handling the latest compliance requirement. Join me at Study Group.