LER.me

Make All Learning Count.

Get Connected

  • What is a LER?
  • FAQs (opens in new tab)
  • Partner with Us
  • Visit EBSCOed (opens in new tab)

View our Policies

  • Accessibility (opens in new tab)
  • Standards (opens in new tab)
  • Terms of Use (opens in new tab)
  • Privacy Policy (opens in new tab)
  • Opt out (opens in new tab)

Get the app

Get it on Google PlayDownload on the App Store

© 2026 All rights reserved.

Powered by EBSCOed

Skip to main contentSkip to footer
  • Live Data
My LER
My LER
  1. Programs
  2. Fundamental Payroll Certification (FPC)

Fundamental Payroll Certification (FPC)

American Payroll Association

Certification

Become a contributor for free to openly demonstrate student outcomes, industry alignment & eligibility criteria.

The Fundamental Payroll Certification (FPC) is open to all those who wish to demonstrate a baseline of payroll competency.

Format

Online

Eligibility Calculator

Which aid programs apply to this program?

Record QualityEligibility Calculators
Loading Skills & Competencies
Program Pathways

Credentials this program stacks toward

No program pathways.

Loading What You'll Learn
Program Details

Detailed information about this program

The Fundamental Payroll Certification (FPC) is open to all those who wish to demonstrate a baseline of payroll competency. The exam consists of 150 questions, and candidates have 3 hours to complete it. 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.

Requirements

What you need to earn this credential

No requirements listed.

Financial Aid

Eligible funding programs

No funding information available.

Scholarships

No scholarships listed.

Visit Program Website
Locations

Where this program is offered

No locations specified.

Loading Student Outcomes
Related Programs

Programs related to this one

No related programs.

Skills & Competencies

Skills developed through this program

  • Apply core payroll concepts including worker classification, Fair Labor Standards Act compliance, taxable wages, and employment standards
  • Comply with payroll legislative and regulatory requirements including research and application of federal, state, and local payroll laws
  • Calculate paychecks including gross-to-net computations, deductions, benefits, and wage garnishments
  • Manage payroll process systems and administration including workflow, data accuracy, and process efficiency
  • Manage payroll administration including recordkeeping, confidentiality, and department procedures
  • Conduct payroll audits including internal controls, data validation, and reconciliation of discrepancies
Career Pathways

Occupations this program prepares you for

  • Payroll and Timekeeping Clerks43-3051.00
  • Compensation and Benefits Managers11-3111.00
  • Bookkeeping, Accounting, and Auditing Clerks43-3031.00
What You'll Learn

Key competencies developed through this program

Auto-populated·from NSX Competency Framework

Mastery: developing (Level 2)(based on Certification)

  • Attendance records and pay adjustments — verify and post onto designated records with reduced oversight across regular bi-weekly or semi-monthly pay cycles.
  • Employee paychecks and earnings-and-deductions statements — process and issue accurately using payroll software with minimal errors across multiple employee classifications.
  • Gross wages, overtime, and statutory deductions — compute and enter into the payroll system independently, applying current tax tables and benefit rate schedules.
  • New hire and termination paperwork — complete and enter into HR and ERP software, ensuring all required fields and compliance documents are captured on schedule.
  • Period-end payroll reports — prepare and balance using spreadsheet software, reconciling totals to prior-period records with routine supervisor sign-off.
  • Payroll discrepancies identified in time sheets and wage computations — investigate causes and apply standard corrective adjustments within established authorization limits.
  • Employee status changes such as exemptions, promotions, and resignations — record promptly in the payroll system to maintain accurate and up-to-date personnel records.
  • Payroll processing timelines and checklists — monitor progress across each pay period, proactively communicating delays or data gaps to supervisors.
  • Payroll inquiries from employees — respond clearly and professionally, explaining deductions, adjustments, and payment schedules using accessible language.
  • Time accounting and compliance software — use routinely to track labor hours, flag potential regulatory issues, and generate standard audit-ready reports.

Some details on this page are auto-populated from public workforce data sources: O*NET (opens in new tab), BLS (opens in new tab), College Scorecard (opens in new tab), DOL Training Provider Results (opens in new tab), NSX (opens in new tab). Provided in partnership with LER.me Career Intelligence.

Student Outcomes

Performance metrics for this program

Auto-populated·from Scorecard + DOL
Completion Rate
91%
Placement Rate
38%