Education & Certification

Fundamental Payroll Certification (FPC)

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Payroll certification opens many doors for payroll professionals. The wealth of knowledge covered on the Fundamental Payroll Certification exam, even if it doesn’t fit what you are doing today, is immeasurable for your future. Not only does this designation help secure promotions and demonstrate your value to your organization – it enhances your standing within the entire payroll profession.

The Fundamental Payroll Certification 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 supporting payroll systems
  • Payroll service provider client representatives

You do not have to be a PayrollOrg member to register for or take the FPC examination. As a first step, all candidates must download the FPC Candidate Handbook.

FPC Candidate Handbook

The FPC Candidate Handbook contains the information necessary to schedule an exam. It also contains information regarding suggested study tools, testing center guidelines, and how to maintain the FPC certification. Failure to follow the policies found in the handbook can result in a denial of the FPC designation.

Download Your Handbook

Certification Exam Application

A Fundamental Payroll Certification candidate must complete and submit an application to take the FPC Exam. The Certification Department must approve the application before the candidate can register for the exam.

Submit the Application

Already submitted an application?

Check Your Application Status

Exam Dates

North America residents can now register and test from the comfort of their home or office using OnVUE, PearsonVUE's online proctoring exam delivery system..

The exam is offered in North America during the following windows:

Fall 2023
Registration: July 5 - October 6, 2023
Exam: September 9 - October 7, 2023

Spring 2024
Registration: November 6, 2023 - April 19, 2024
Exam: January 8 - April 20, 2024

For information on taking the exam at the Learning Center in Las Vegas, internationally, and on military bases, review the Candidate Handbook.

Exams administered from September 10, 2022 through September 8, 2023, feature questions based on federal laws and regulations in effect as of January 1, 2022.

Exams administered from September 9, 2023 through September 7, 2024, feature questions based on federal laws and regulations in effect as of January 1, 2023.

Mid-year legislative and regulatory changes are NOT reflected on that year’s exam.

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Preparing for the Exam

A number of study aids are available as additional preparation for the FPC exam (refer to the FPC Candidate Handbook’s bibliography page). No one study tool should be considered the only basis for exam preparation. Successful candidates indicate that they pursued a six- to twelve-week course of study and review based on the FPC content outline and Knowledge, Skills, and Ability statements.

Candidates can obtain study materials from PayrollOrg and/or attend PayrollOrg preparation courses. PayrollOrg offers training and resources in a variety of formats including:

  • Books
  • Online research materials
  • Training courses
  • Web-based training
  • Webinars
  • Webinars on demand
  • Chapter Study groups

Recertification by Exam

Individuals who are currently FPC-certified and cannot meet the FPC recertification by continuing education requirements may apply for recertification through examination. Recertification by examination requires the individual holding the FPC designation to take and pass the FPC exam during the calendar year in which their current FPC designation expires.

Because examination dates are limited to the spring and fall exam windows and to limited dates after taking the Foundations of Payroll Certificate Program at the Learning Center in Las Vegas, candidates are encouraged to determine an examination date early in the year. The FPC Committee reserves the right to review an applicant's qualifications and eligibility.

Share Your Achievement

You have two options to share your achievement – online via digital badge and through hardcopy certificate.

Share your achievement on social media, and as part of your email signature or digital resume!

  • Once you have passed the FPC or CPP examination, you will receive an email notification from the Acclaim Platform ([email protected]) with instructions for claiming your digital badge and setting up your account.
  • When you successfully recertify, you will receive an email confirming that the recertification has been successfully approved and your date has moved forward. Your digital badge will automatically update.

You may also choose to order a hardcopy certificate through our vendor, Scribes, Inc.

Please allow 24-48 hours after passing the exam or recertifying to claim your digital badge or to place a certificate order.

Membership

Maximize the Value of Your Certification
Join PayrollOrg and get maximum return on your certification and career investment. PayrollOrg members receive three RCH’s annually just for being a member, along with free webinars and compliance resources, networking opportunities, and discounts on training and publications.
Become a PayrollOrg Member today!