Payroll certifications are valuable for HR professionals looking to enhance their expertise in payroll management and ensure compliance with legal and regulatory standards.
I've summarized the best payroll certifications with notes about who and what each is best for so you can find the right one for the next step in your career.
Best Payroll Certifications Shortlist
- Certified Payroll Professional (CPP™) — Best for understanding payroll regulations in the Philippines
- Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) — Best for U.S. payroll management expertise
- Payroll Specialist Certificate — Best for U.K. payroll practices
- Certified Payroll Manager — Best for leadership roles in payroll
- Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) and Fundamental Payroll Certification (FPC) Program — Best for comprehensive U.S. payroll education
- Certified Payroll Professional — Best for extensive payroll knowledge
- Certified Payroll Specialist (CPS) — Best for bookkeeping and payroll integration
- Payroll/PayTrain Certificate (FPC/CPP) — Best for preparatory payroll studies
- Payroll Certification — Best for basic payroll principles
- Payroll Certification — Best for continuing payroll education
- Certified Payroll Specialist — Best for ADP Workforce Now proficiency
Overview of the Best Payroll Certifications
Below are my detailed summaries of the best payroll certifications on my shortlist.
1. Certified Payroll Professional (CPP™) - Best for understanding payroll regulations in the Philippines

This certification helps you gain essential knowledge in payroll, labor laws, taxes, and audits, ensuring you're ready to manage payroll effectively and comply with regulations. It's perfect for payroll staff, accountants, HR professionals, or anyone who wants to learn the best payroll practices. It also provides the advantage of being affiliated with CIPP UK and access to helpful study resources.
Issued by: National Institute of Accounting Technicians (NIAT)
Focus:
- Payroll concepts
- Labor laws
- Taxation
- Audit procedures
Prerequisites:
- Education: No formal education requirements
- Work Experience: Not required
Renewability: No
Who It’s For: Individuals pursuing payroll careers in the Philippines, validating their expertise in local regulations and practices.
2. Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) - Best for U.S. payroll management expertise

This certification is a valuable credential for payroll professionals who want to improve their skills in managing payroll. It covers important topics like payroll processing, compliance with laws, reporting, and helping professionals stay updated with U.S. regulations. Earning this certification shows you are highly skilled and dedicated to payroll.
Issued by: PayrollOrg
Focus:
- Payroll processing
- Compliance with U.S. payroll regulations
- Payroll reporting and documentation
Prerequisites:
- Education: No formal education requirements
- Work Experience: Not required
- Exam: Yes
Renewability: Yes, it is renewable. Recertification can be achieved through continuing education credits or by retaking the exam if continuing education requirements are not met.
Who It’s For: Payroll professionals seeking career advancement and expertise in payroll management.
3. Payroll Specialist Certificate - Best for U.K. payroll practices

This certification is an online qualification recognized by Ofqual, and offered by the Chartered Institute of Payroll Professionals (CIPP). It is designed for people in payroll, HR, or finance, and teaches advanced payroll laws and responsibilities. Completing this certification shows you have a strong understanding of managing complex payroll situations.
Issued by: Chartered Institute of Payroll Professionals (CIPP)
Focus:
- Advanced payroll legislation
- Contractual obligations
- National minimum wage
- National insurance contributions
- Income tax deductions
- Benefits and expenses
- Child-related statutory payments
- Payroll administration
Prerequisites:
- Education:
- Proficiency in Maths and English at level 2
- Must have completed PTCA, PTC, L3 Payroll Administrator Apprenticeship, Payroll Centre L3 Payroll Techniques
- Work Experience: Preferably some payroll experience
Price:
- Course fee: £2,645 + VAT
- Assessment resit fee: £75 + VAT
- Assessment retake fee: £15 0 + VAT (for third attempts at assessment only)
- Course deferral fee: £150 + VAT
Who It’s For: Professionals looking to enhance their payroll expertise and manage complex payroll scenarios.
4. Certified Payroll Manager - Best for leadership roles in payroll

This certification is for HR and payroll professionals who want to master managing payroll rules and compliance at both the federal and state levels. It covers payroll processes, tax rules, employee compensation, and other important topics, with practical examples and interactive learning. After completing the course and passing the exam, participants earn the "Certified Payroll Manager" title and gain access to additional training courses.
Issued by: HRcertification.com
Focus:
- Payroll tax rules
- Employee compensation
- Deductions
- Payroll forms
- Year-end processes
- Auditing
Prerequisites:
- Education: No formal education requirements
- Work Experience: Not required
- Exam: Yes
- Other Certifications Required: Not required
Renewability: Yes
Price: $1,995, with discounts available for bulk purchases
Who It’s For: Ideal for HR and payroll professionals aiming for leadership roles and improving payroll compliance and management skills.
5. Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) and Fundamental Payroll Certification (FPC) Program - Best for comprehensive U.S. payroll education

This certification program prepares individuals for the FPC and CPP exams by teaching essential payroll management skills. It covers topics like pay, deductions, fringe benefits, and payroll reporting, helping participants handle complex payroll tasks. The program is held over six Saturdays, offering flexibility, and participants receive a certificate of completion.
Issued by: University of La Verne
Focus:
- Calculations of pay and deductions
- Fringe benefits
- Retirement plans
- Payroll reporting
- International payments
Prerequisites:
- Education: No formal education requirements
- Work Experience: Not required
- Exam: Yes
- Other Certifications Required: Not required
Renewability: Yes
Price: $2,999
Who It’s For: Ideal for payroll professionals looking to advance their careers, boost their knowledge, and increase earning potential.
6. Certified Payroll Professional - Best for extensive payroll knowledge

This certification is for experienced payroll professionals who want to deepen their knowledge and prepare for the CPP certification exam. The program covers advanced payroll topics through in-class lessons, workbooks, and online resources. It helps participants improve their skills and advance their careers in the payroll industry.
Issued by: Collin College
Focus:
- Advanced payroll topics
- Preparation for the CPP exam
- In-class instruction
- Interactive online resources
Prerequisites:
- Education: No formal education requirements
- Work Experience: At least three years of payroll experience
- Exam: Yes
- Other Certifications Required: Fundamental Payroll Certification (FPC) or equivalent experience
Renewability: Yes
Who It’s For: Payroll professionals looking to validate their expertise and boost career opportunities in payroll management.
7. Certified Payroll Specialist (CPS) - Best for bookkeeping and payroll integration

This certification is for payroll professionals who want to showcase their expertise in payroll management and QuickBooks online, especially for small businesses. It helps build credibility, confirms knowledge, and demonstrates a commitment to professional ethics. Earning this certification sets you apart in the payroll field.
Issued by: National Association of Certified Public Bookkeepers (NACPB)
Focus:
- Payroll practices
- Gross pay computations
- Employer payroll taxes
- QuickBooks Online
Prerequisites:
- Education: Completion of Payroll and QuickBooks Online certifications
- Work Experience: At least one year of payroll experience
- Exam: Yes
Renewability: Yes
Price:
- Member: $638 (with eTextbook)
- Pro Member: $798 (with eTextbook)
Who It’s For: Ideal for payroll professionals looking to boost career prospects and validate their expertise in payroll and bookkeeping for small businesses.
8. Payroll/PayTrain Certificate (FPC/CPP) - Best for preparatory payroll studies

This certification offers training for payroll professionals at two levels: Level I covers basic payroll calculations and compliance, while Level II focuses on advanced topics for experienced payroll managers. It helps prepare participants for the CPP and FPC exams and provides a certificate of completion. Scholarships and payment plans may be available, but the program doesn’t qualify for Federal Financial Aid.
Issued by: Cuyahoga Community College
Focus:
- Fundamental payroll calculations
- Payroll compliance
- Advanced payroll management
Prerequisites:
- Education: No formal education requirements
- Work Experience: Must have spent at least 3 of the last 5 years working in the payroll profession
- Exam: Yes
- Other Certifications Required: Not required
Who It’s For: Individuals seeking both basic and advanced payroll knowledge, preparing them for the FPC and CPP examinations.
9. Payroll Certification - Best for basic payroll principles

This certification helps validate your knowledge of payroll and sets you apart in the job market. To earn it, you need to complete the Payroll Fundamentals course and pass the exam with at least a 75%. The payroll certification exam covers payroll practices, gross pay calculations, and employer payroll taxes.
Issued by: National Association of Certified Public Bookkeepers (NACPB)
Focus:
- Payroll practices
- Gross pay computations
- Employer payroll taxes
Prerequisites:
- Education: Completion of the Payroll Fundamentals course
- Exam: Yes
- Other Certifications Required: Not required
Price:
- $80 for members
- $100 for non-members
- Bundle discounts available for both members and non-members
Who It’s For: Ideal for individuals wanting to validate their payroll knowledge and stand out in the job market.
10. Payroll Certification - Best for continuing payroll education

This certification helps professionals gain skills in payroll processing, focusing on compliance, reporting, and key payroll management tasks. It provides a structured learning path to improve payroll expertise and ensure accurate operations. Completing this certification prepares you to manage payroll effectively and efficiently.
Issued by: MY-CPE
Focus:
- Payroll compliance
- Reporting
- Payroll processing skills
Prerequisites:
- Education: No formal education requirements
- Work Experience: Not required
- Exam: Yes
Price: $199
Who It’s For: This certification is ideal for professionals seeking to broaden their knowledge in payroll processing and compliance, ensuring they remain up-to-date with industry standards and enhance their career opportunities in payroll management.
11. Certified Payroll Specialist - Best for ADP Workforce Now proficiency

This certification is designed for individuals who use ADP Workforce Now and want to improve their skills with this payroll system. The program includes a 12-week course with self-paced study, virtual lessons, and optional office hours. It prepares you for both a practice exam and a final certification exam with 75 multiple-choice questions covering key payroll topics.
Issued by: ADP
Focus:
- Company setup
- Payroll cycles
- Employee maintenance
Prerequisites:
- Education: No formal education requirements
- Work Experience: At least six months of experience using ADP Workforce Now
- Exam: Yes
Price: $595
Who It’s For: Ideal for individuals looking to validate their skills in using ADP Workforce Now and enhance their payroll management expertise.
FAQs about Payroll Certifications
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Other Useful Resources
Here are a few other useful resources to check out:
- Best payroll software
- Guide to payroll processing
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