APA Practice Tests & Test Prep

APA  factsheet

Federal regulations and legislative requirements for payroll processing are constantly changing. It takes a savvy professional to keep up with this evolution. To ensure their staff is knowledgeable about industry best practices, many employers require their Human Resources team members to take qualifying exams. An American Payroll Association certification serves as evidence that an employee is adequately trained on the best techniques, practices, and changing rules and regulations regarding payroll processing.

Because our practice tests are web-based, there is no software to install and no need to wait for a shipment to arrive to start studying. Your APA practice tests are available to you anytime from anywhere on any device, allowing you to study when it works best for you. We offer 2 APA subjects with 15 different exams utilizing 1,875 unique questions specifically designed to help you pass your APA certification exam. Our practice tests simulate the actual testing experiences by covering the required competencies and incorporating content and the application of skills necessary for you to be ready for opportunities requiring certification by the APA.

What are American Payroll Association Certification Tests?

The American Payroll Association (APA) is an organization centered on the ongoing training and education of payroll professionals. The group helps ensure that HR professionals are up to date on the latest regulations surrounding payroll processing. A passing score on any APA exam sends a clear message to employers that the candidate is knowledgeable about payroll and can keep up with the demands of their position.

There are two main tests offered by the APA:

• The Fundamental Payroll Certification (FPC) is for fundamental-level payroll practitioners. There are no eligibility requirements to take the FPC.
• The Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) is for experienced payroll professionals, managers, and supervisors. Unlike the FPC, the CPP focuses on higher-level skills like management and payroll systems. Professionals must meet one of two APA test criteria: (1) they must have practiced payroll for at least three out of the previous five years, or (2) they must have practiced payroll for the last 24 months and completed specific APA courses.

Either APA certification will earn you serious credibility with colleagues and employers.

Who Should Take American Payroll Association Tests?

Anyone who hopes to work in an office processing payroll can benefit from taking the American Payroll exam. Whether you've been working in payroll for years or are just beginning your career, a passing score on an APA exam allows you to communicate your commitment to this field. You'll instantly become more marketable and demonstrate confidence in your abilities. Employers often consider certification as a qualification for promotions or higher-level job opportunities.

Passing Test Scores

A passing score on the APA exam is 300 points or more out of 500 total points. Thankfully, examinees won't have to wonder for long how they did. Scores are revealed on the day of the exam. Taking APA practice exams can help increase your odds of scoring higher than 300.

How to Prepare for Your American Payroll Exam

Practice testing is a fantastic way to prepare for your APA exam. Studies have shown that practice testing is an incredibly effective form of study. They show your strengths and weaknesses and areas where you need to focus more attention.

Exam Edge® offers the opportunity to see how you'd perform if the test were happening right now. We offer a total of 15 APA FPC and CPP practice exams, each with a total of 125 questions. Detailed explanations of each answer allow you to craft a customized study guide to refer back to amidst your test preparation efforts. There's truly no better tool for studying than practice testing.

No matter your professional goals, taking an American Payroll exam can help you achieve them. Employers love to see their employees engaged with professional development opportunities like the American Payroll Association certification. A passing score on an APA exam is a great way to illustrate your passion for your job. Walk into the testing center with your head held high – take a free sample practice test now!

Exam Edge® also offers other business industry practice exams for certifications in project management, human resources, risk management, business analysis, and more. Take the next step in your career today!

Be sure to take one of our FREE American Payroll Association (APA) Practice Tests

The American Payroll Association (APA) offers certification opportunities for its members. Certification can lead to career advances, promotions, and raises. Need help passing your APA certification exam? Exam Edge has you covered. Our APA free practice test is a great place to begin. Practice testing can reveal important insight into how you'd perform if the test were happening today. Detailed score reports provide context for why you got a question right or wrong. Study tools don't come more convenient than our APA free practice tests! With just the click of a few buttons, you can get started with yours right now.

Who is American Payroll Association ?

The APA, or the American Payroll Association, is a professional organization aimed at providing education, skills development, and certification for payroll professionals in the United States. The APA offers two certification examinations: the Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) and the Fundamental Payroll Certification (FPC).

Step 1: Eligibility and Application

Before you can take an APA certification exam, you must meet certain eligibility criteria. For the CPP, you need to have worked in payroll for at least three of the five years before the date of the exam. For the FPC, there are no prerequisites, but it is recommended that you have some payroll knowledge and experience. Once you meet the eligibility criteria, you can apply for the exam on the APA's website (payroll.org). The application includes a fee, which varies depending on whether you are a member of the APA.

Step 2: Scheduling the Exam

Once your application has been accepted, you will receive an Authorization to Test (ATT) letter. This letter allows you to schedule your exam with Pearson VUE, the testing service that APA uses. You can schedule your exam at any Pearson VUE testing center in the United States, or at select international locations. The exam is offered during several testing windows throughout the year, which are listed on the APA's website.

Step 3: Taking the Exam

On the day of the exam, you should arrive at the testing center at least 15 minutes before your scheduled start time. You will need to bring two forms of identification, one of which must include a photograph. The exam itself is a computer-based test, and you will receive your results immediately after finishing.

You can find more detailed information about the APA certification exams, including a study guide, on the APA's website. The website also includes a list of Pearson VUE testing centers and the dates of upcoming testing windows.