The American Payroll Association (APA) offers many courses and workshops over the Internet. Webinars, 90 minutes in length, are available on topics including accounts payable, advanced preparing for year-end, calculating paychecks, garnishment, payroll issues for multi-state employers and a variety of other topics. Students taking these courses can earn continuing education credits.
APA also offers two, self-directed courses online. Fundamentals of payroll is designed for basic payroll processing while PayTrain is aimed at experienced payroll professionals. Each course prepares students for one of two certification exams. Two, instructor-led courses are also offered online, in conjunction with 60 colleges nationwide.
The APA offers two levels of certification. Beginners can take the fundamental payroll certification (FPC) test for $290 (as of 2010). No previous experience is required. The certified payroll professional (CPP) exam ($355 as of 2010) is meant for payroll professionals with at least 18 months work experience. FPC certification is valid for three years and CPP certification is valid for five years.