Eastern Michigan University
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Extended Programs

Professional Programs & Training

APA's PayTrain College and University Program

Advance your payroll career while ensuring your organization’s payroll compliance.The PayTrain College and Universityprogram is designed to increase your knowledge of payroll compliance from a basic understanding to an advanced level, and prepare you for the Fundamental Payroll Certification (FPC) and Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) certification exams. paytrain_logoThe two courses in this series meet Thursday evenings, 6–9 p.m. EMU–Livonia.

PayTrain Fundamental Skills | Sept. 19–Nov. 7, 2013
The PayTrain Fundamentals course teaches fundamental payroll calculations and applications providing you with basic knowledge and skills required to maintain payroll compliance and prevent costly penalties. This course is ideal for new payroll professionals, those who support the payroll industry, and those who are preparing for FPC certification. PayTrain Fundamentals is a prerequisite for the PayTrain Mastery course. These calculations are critical to successfully passing the FPC and CPP exams and are not covered in PayTrain Mastery. This course is designed for 22 contact hours, earning you 2.2 CEUs.

Topics include the introductory study of:

  • Payroll concepts
  • Paycheck calculations
  • Fringe benefits
  • Payroll reporting and employment taxes
  • Record keeping and payroll practices
  • Payroll accounting
  • Administration

PayTrain Mastery Skills | Jan. 16–April 3, 2014
PayTrain Mastery is a comprehensive course providing you with a solid understanding of advanced payroll topics necessary for payroll managers and supervisors. This course is ideal for experienced payroll professionals seeking compliance training, professional development, or CPP certification preparation. Please note that the PayTrain Fundamentals course is a prerequisite. This course is designed for 33 contact hours, earning the participant 3.3 CEUs.

Topics include the advanced study of:

  • Payroll concepts
  • Paycheck calculations
  • Fringe benefits
  • Payroll reporting and employment taxes
  • Record keeping and payroll practices
  • Payroll accounting
  • Management and administration
What Is PayTrain College and University?
In cooperation with the American Payroll Association, Eastern Michigan University presents the PayTrain College and University program for payroll professionals. Comprised of two professional development courses, PayTrain Fundamentals and PayTrain Mastery, this program is designed for all levels of payroll administration. Students in the courses receive live classroom instruction, textbooks and access to interactive online games and applications to reinforce topics learned.
Why Enroll in a PayTrain College and University course?
You will gain:
  • A foundation of knowledge for starting or advancing your payroll career
  • Improved job performance by increasing accuracy and compliance
  • Reducing your company's exposure to penalties
  • Access to a network of peers to learn about payroll practices in other organizations
  • Solid grounding in compliance issues related to tax and regulatory information
  • Preparation for the FPC and CPP exams
  • Recertification credit hours (RCHs) or continuing education units (CEUs) to maintain FPC or CPP credentials if you are already a FPC or CPP
Certification Information

Fundamental Payroll Certification (FPC)
The FPC is a certification credential for payroll beginners and service and support professionals. The exam is open to all those who wish to demonstrate a baseline of payroll competency. For more information visit the American Payroll Association site.

Certified Payroll Professional (CPP)
The CPP is a certification credential for those with some experience in payroll. To qualify for CPP certification, candidates must have earned three years of payroll experience in the five years prior to taking the exam. For more information visit the American Payroll Associate site.