This is the content of the pop-over!

 

The Benefits of Taking an APA Certification Test

April-01-2021

The Benefits of Taking an APA Certification Test | Exam Edge

Payroll professionals are in higher demand than ever. With hundreds of thousands of jobs created each month, it's easy to understand why their services are so in need. Given the wide range of career options within the field, payroll professionals have their pick of opportunities. Anyone hoping for long-term job security would do well to pursue a career in this exciting field.

Of course, to find true success as a payroll professional, you'll need to get certified. The American Payroll Association - also known as the APA - offers a number of certification opportunities for aspiring and practicing payroll professionals. An American Payroll Association certification is often required for many payroll positions. If you're hoping to enter the business world in this line of work, you'll want to take and pass your APA certification test as soon as possible.

Here are just a few of the benefits of getting your APA payroll certification:

Earn the Respect of Employers with an APA Certification

Job hunting can be extremely competitive. If you're hoping to stand out from the pack of other candidates, you'll want APA certification listed on your resume. The American Payroll Association is a widely respected professional organization, offering opportunities for certification and continuing education. Their name carries real significance to hiring committees and managers.

Professional competency and credibility help make a candidate more viable in the eyes of employers. By earning your payroll association certification, you'll send a clear message to hiring managers that you're serious about your work. Not all payroll professionals earn these types of credentials, so your commitment to industry best practices will undoubtedly serve you well when applying for jobs.

Grow Your Career

The APA offers two certification opportunities for payroll professionals. The Fundamental Payroll Certification, or FPC, is an entry-level certification for those just starting their careers in payroll. It's also designed for sales professionals serving the payroll industry, system analysts who support payroll professionals, and payroll service provider-client representatives. There is a wide range of opportunities available to those who possess this payroll certification.

The Certified Payroll Professional certification, or CPP, on the other hand, is designed for more experienced professionals. In order to register for this APA certification test, you'll need to have worked in the field for at least three of the last five years. The experience requirement goes down to one year if you've taken a relevant payroll fundamentals course in the last 24 months.

Both APA tests offer opportunities for career advancement. For further guidance on APA certification requirements, see the official APA website.

Demonstrate Your Payroll Expertise

Both APA certification exams demand serious preparation. While experienced payroll professionals will be familiar with the content of the tests themselves, they may not be well-versed in the structure or pacing of the exams.

No matter how confident you might be in your payroll skills, it's important to spend plenty of time studying. APA practice questions can help give you an idea of what to expect, and practice tests give you insight into how you'd perform if the exam were happening today.

After all this preparation, you'll have the chance to demonstrate your payroll expertise by taking and passing your APA certification test. A passing score shows colleagues and employers that you're both well-versed in the theories behind payroll processing and committed to bettering yourself professionally.

How to Prepare for an APA Certification

There are a number of strategies to prepare for an American Payroll Association certification. Practice testing is one of the very best. Research shows that the process of retrieving details from memory helps people retain facts long-term. Practice tests mimic the content, pacing, and structure of real exams, giving examinees the opportunity to gauge their performance in advance of the test day.

That's not the only benefit of studying with APA practice questions, though. After taking a practice exam, you'll receive a detailed report of which questions you got right and which warrant further attention. Use the answers to craft a custom APA study guide that's tailored to your particular strengths and weaknesses. Follow up with another practice test to measure your progress as the exam date grows nearer.

Work Smarter with Exam Edge

A payroll association certification is a feather in the cap of anyone serious about their career in the payroll industry. If you're eager to boost your resume while demonstrating your mastery of key concepts and best practices, there is no better way to do so than by taking APA tests. Of course, it's absolutely essential not to take on this challenge lightly; serious preparation is needed if you hope to pass on your first attempt.

Exam Edge offers a number of resources for those preparing for APA tests. With a database of 15 different APA practice exams and more than 1,800 unique practice questions, we have the tools you need to get ready for test day. Regardless of your test prep strategy of choice, consider incorporating practice questions and tests into your routine. It's the best way to ensure a passing score on the real APA test!



Blogs related to: The Benefits of Taking an APA Certification Test


The Benefits of Taking an APA Certification Test  image
Payroll professionals are in higher demand than ever. With hundreds of thousands of jobs created each month, it’s easy to understand why their services are so in need. Given the wide range of career options within the field, payroll professionals have their pick of opportunities. Anyone hoping for long-term job security would do well to pursue a career in this exciting field.

How to Prepare for Your APA CPP Exam image
If you’re seeking a career in accounting or human resources, chances are good that you’ll need to be well-versed in payroll matters. The American Payroll Association is the nation’s leading authority on payroll services. They have created and continue to administer the CPP certification exam to designate Certified Payroll Professionals. Preparing for your APA CPP exam can be stressful, but you don’t have to worry. Exam Edge can help you get ready with our expertly crafted pack of CPP certification practice exams.