Certification

A Guide to FPC and CPP Recertification

A Guide to FPC and CPP Recertification


Your Fundamental Payroll Certification (FPC) or Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) certification is a testament to your hard work and dedication to payroll. However, if you don't recertify, you risk losing this important credential.

A lapsed certification requires a lengthy reinstatement process, costing you time and potentially impacting your career advancement. The good news is that recertification is an easy process with some planning and attention to detail. Below, we'll break down the steps to recertifying with PayrollOrg so you can keep your credentials up to date and avoid the hassle of a reinstatement. Don't risk losing your certification and starting from scratch; stay ahead of the game and keep your designation current.

Understand Your Recertification Timeline
Before you start the recertification process you must understand your timeline. FPC certifications are valid for three full calendar years following the year in which the certification was most recently obtained. For example, if you earned your FPC in 2022, your certification would expire on December 31, 2025.

CPP certifications are valid for five full calendar years, so a CPP earned in 2020 will expire on December 31, 2025. Be sure to mark your recertification deadline and plan accordingly to avoid a lapse in certification.

Recertify Through Continuing Education
For most FPCs and CPPs, recertifying through continuing education is the most convenient option. To recertify, you'll need to earn a minimum number of recertification credit hours (RCHs) within your current recertification period. FPC designees must earn at least 60 RCHs every three years, and CPP designees must earn at least 120 RCHs every five years.

You can earn RCHs by participating in courses and seminars offered by PayrollOrg or Approved Providers. Starting in 2019, PayrollOrg no longer accepts courses from unapproved providers, so be sure to verify that any outside courses you take are eligible for RCHs.

To keep track of your RCHs, log into the PayrollOrg website to access your online Recertification Log. Here, you can record all your RCHs. Courses taken through PayrollOrg will automatically generate to your online log, but any courses taken through an outside approved provider will need to be manually added. Be sure to retain documentation verifying your participation, as you may be randomly selected for an audit.

A Step-by-Step Guide
Once you've earned the required number of RCHs, you can begin the recertification process. The following is a step-by-step guide to help you smoothly navigate the process:

  1. Log into your PayrollOrg account and select the "Recertification" tab.
  2. Under "Recertification," select "Recertification Log."
  3. Review your recorded RCHs to confirm you have met the requirements for recertification.
  4. Review the recertification checklist to ensure you have completed all necessary steps.
  5. Pay the recertification fee.
  6. Type your name in the designated field to electronically sign your application.
  7. Submit your log for review*.

After you've submitted your log, it will appear on your Certification Dashboard. PayrollOrg will review your application and verify your RCHs. This process typically takes 10-12 weeks, so be sure to plan and submit your application well before your certification expires.

*Important: Once you've submitted your log, you will no longer be able to access it on the PayrollOrg website. Be sure to keep records of all your RCHs and supporting documentation, as you may be randomly selected for an audit.

Recertify by Examination
While most FPC and CPP designees recertify through continuing education, you also have the option to recertify by examination. To recertify by exam, you'll need to pass the FPC or CPP exam prior to your certification expiration date. For example, if your certification expires on December 31, 2024, you'll need to pass the exam before December 31, 2024.

If you're an FPC, you'll need to pass the FPC Exam during the third year of your most recent certification or recertification. CPP designees must pass the CPP Exam during the fifth year of their most recent certification.

To recertify by exam, log into your PayrollOrg account and select the "Recertification by Examination" tab. From there, you can register for the exam, prepare for the test, and submit your results. Be sure to submit your exam results well before your certification expires.

Stay Ahead With Continuing Education
Recertification is more than just a requirement-it is an opportunity to stay current, expand your skills, and advance your career. By earning RCHs and recertifying, you are demonstrating your commitment to excellence in payroll and your dedication to providing the highest level of service to your organization.

Whether you recertify through continuing education or examination, the process is an important part of maintaining your FPC or CPP designation. With a little planning and attention to detail, you can easily navigate the recertification process and keep your certification up to date. So why wait? Start earning RCHs or register for the exam and take the first step towards recertification today.