7 Best Payroll Certifications for Upskilling in 2026
The best payroll certifications are advantageous for payroll professionals who hold them. For this reason, a certified payroll professional is one step ahead in the competitive business world.
However, what is a payroll certification, and what are the top ones for payroll specialists?
This blog content will provide important information, including the payroll certification meaning, what a certified payroll specialist is, and the best payroll certifications, for anyone interested in learning how to become a certified payroll professional.
Best Payroll Certifications Shortlist ✨
1.HR certification Certified Payroll Manager - Suitable for leadership roles in the payroll field.
2. PayrollOrg - Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) - A good option for comprehensive payroll education in the United States
3. Mitteldeutsches Institut - Specialist for payroll accounting with DATEV (similar to Lexware) - Best for professionals who want to learn payroll using German systems.
4. NIAT Certified Payroll Professional (CPP™) - Ideal for learning payroll regulations in the Philippines.
5. cipp Payroll Specialist Certificate - Best for professionals who want to learn payroll procedures in the UK.
6. MYCPE ONE Payroll Certification (Payroll) - Suitable for acquiring deep knowledge and establishing a strong foundation for payroll processing.
7. NACPB Payroll Certification - Ideal for payroll professionals looking to stand out with credible, validated core competencies.
What Is Payroll?
Payroll is a list of every employee that a business pays, together with their hourly or salary payments. It may also refer to a department that manages employee payments or the calculation, management, and distribution of compensation. Payroll guarantees that staff are paid accurately and on schedule.
Having a comprehensive payroll strategy is becoming more crucial to organizations in the modern business climate. According to MHR research, 91% of companies in the United Kingdom and Ireland commit payroll errors on a monthly basis, costing businesses up to £150,000 annually. The study also found that 72% of organizations still use manual payroll processes, which leads to these errors.
What Is a Payroll Certification?
Payroll certification is a professional credential that demonstrates a person's superior payroll skills and expertise. It shows they understand how to properly manage employee pay, taxes, benefits, and compliance with laws.
This certification for payroll professionals enables them to advance in their careers, build employer trust, and stay current with payroll requirements. Typically, individuals obtain it by passing an exam and completing experience or education requirements. It is helpful to anyone in payroll or human resources.
What is a Certified Payroll Professional (CPP)?
A Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) is an individual who has received a payroll certification from the American Payroll Association (APA). It is a commonly recognized credential that proves that a person knows about payroll, taxes, reporting, compliance, and more. If they work in the payroll field and want to advance their career, it is a good idea to become a certified payroll professional.
Is Payroll Certification Worth It?
Having a payroll certification can take professionals one step ahead because it helps them to grow in payroll and HR. It demonstrates that participants understand payroll laws and how to manage them. Also, when employers usually tend to trust specialists who have obtained this certification, these people may find better jobs and even their salary may increase as time goes on.
On the other hand, professionals’ objectives and background will determine if payroll certification is worthwhile or not. It assists beginners in developing strong fundamentals. For those who already work in payroll, it proves their abilities and may lead to promotions. Even if it requires time and money, it is generally a wise investment in one’s career.
Top Payroll Certifications
1. HR certification - Certified Payroll Manager
The Certified Payroll Manager course teaches HR and Payroll professionals how to manage complex payroll laws. This course covers federal and state standards in straightforward language, using examples, recommendations, and Q&A sessions. It also includes an optional exam for obtaining the “Certified Payroll Reporting Administrator” designation.
Cost 💸
The price is $1,995.00.
Duration ⏱️
All training materials are available for one year after the purchase date.
Exam Information
It includes an optional exam to acquire the “Certified Payroll Reporting Administrator” designation.
Format
It is online.
Requirements for Eligibility
No prior experience is needed.
2. PayrollOrg - Certified Payroll Professional (CPP)
This certification is beneficial for payroll specialists looking to improve their payroll management skills. It discusses crucial subjects such as payroll processing, compliance with law, and reporting. Having this certification proves one is highly qualified and dedicated to the payroll industry.
Cost 💸
The exam fee can be checked on the official website.
Duration ⏱️
The exam comprises 190 questions, with candidates having 4 hours to complete them.
Exam Information
There is an exam.
Format
It can be taken at home or in the office using OnVUE, an online proctoring exam delivery system from Pearson VUE.
Requirements for Eligibility
Prior experience is required.
3. Mitteldeutsches Institut - Specialist for payroll accounting with DATEV (similar to Lexware)
DATEV's Specialist for Payroll Accounting module (similar to Lexware) provides an opportunity for office workers, clerks, returnees, and career starters to gain extra qualifications in commercial accounting.
Cost 💸
The institute can be contacted by phone at 0341 900410-0 or through the inquiry form.
Duration ⏱️
Full-time courses last three months, while part-time courses can last up to six months.
Exam Information
No exam is required.
Format
The course is available both online and in person.
Requirements for Eligibility
There are no special eligibility requirements.
4. NIAT - Certified Payroll Professional (CPP™)
The Certified Payroll Professional (CPP™) certification provides a solid basis for a career in payroll. This training provides each candidate with a comprehensive set of learning opportunities that will help them maintain an organization's compliance throughout the annual payroll cycle, effectively communicate payroll information to all stakeholders, and understand the accounting functions related to payroll.
Cost 💸
It costs ₱9,530.00.
Duration ⏱️
It consists of three Saturday Sessions.
Requirements for Eligibility
It is open to payroll staff, account assistants, payroll accountants, payroll supervisors and managers, HR professionals, and anyone who manages payroll, and to anyone who wants to learn about and adopt payroll best practices.
5. cipp - Payroll Specialist Certificate
The online Payroll Specialist Certificate program provides advanced payroll knowledge and practical abilities. It enables students to understand complex payroll legislation and effectively manage real-world circumstances. This certificate also encourages independent learning and allows people to excel in a rapidly evolving payroll landscape.
Cost 💸
The course costs £2,795 + VAT for both members and non-members.
Duration ⏱️
It takes 38 weeks.
Exam Information
It includes an online, remotely proctored exam.
Format
It is online.
Requirements for Eligibility
It is suitable for payroll professionals, managers, and HR and finance staff with payroll responsibilities who want to expand their expertise and advance their careers.
6. MYCPE ONE - Payroll Certification (Payroll)
HR payroll is growing increasingly sophisticated and specialized. Payroll, with its tax deductions, employee classifications, wage-hour rules, withholdings, and other HR-related responsibilities, necessitates a wide range of knowledge. This payroll training course will provide professionals with an advanced understanding and a solid basis for processing payroll.
Cost 💸
Learners can choose the Silver plan at $199 per year or the Gold plan at $299 per year.
Duration ⏱️
The total length of the videos is 30 hours.
Exam Information
After finishing each course, participants can download a certificate with the title and hours.
Format
It is online (on demand).
Requirements for Eligibility
No prior experience is needed.
7. NACPB - Payroll Certification
This HR payroll certification validates professionals' understanding of payroll and distinguishes them in the job market. To get it, students must finish the Payroll Fundamentals course and pass the exam with a minimum of 75%. The payroll certification test focuses on payroll processes, gross pay computations, and employer payroll taxes.
Cost 💸
It costs $80.00 for members and $100.00 for non-members.
Duration ⏱️
It is self-paced
Exam Information
There is an exam.
Format
It is online.
Requirements for Eligibility
No prior experience is needed.
Conclusion
In this blog content, you have discovered what payroll, payroll certification, and certificated payroll professionals are, whether payroll certification is worth it, and the best ones for your career..
Whether you are a payroll professional, an HR employee, an employer, or someone interested in HR, this content provides important information about payroll, but there is still much more to learn. Visit Hirex now and explore other HR topics!
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