PAYROLL ADMINISTRATION CERTIFICATE

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Villanova University is proud to partner with PayrollOrg in offering the premier payroll designation in the country.

Villanova University’s Payroll Administration Certificate is designed to increase your payroll knowledge and prepare you for the Fundamental Payroll Certification (FPC) exam and/or the Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) exam.

Information on certification from PayrollOrg (formerly the American Payroll Association) is available on the PayrollOrg website.

Courses consist of online modules which are supplemented with weekly live, virtual instructor-led sessions. Enrollees in the course receive an online assessment of current knowledge, course materials and access to interactive online games and applications to reinforce topics learned.

To complete the Payroll Administration Certificate through Villanova's College of Professional Studies and earn a certificate of program completion, students must complete both courses:

  • PayTrain® Fundamentals
  • PayTrain® Mastery
    (PayTrain Fundamentals is a prerequisite.)

Courses can be taken individually and not as part of the program, however students are encouraged to check any benefit restrictions from corporations, agencies and/or organizations from which they are receiving tuition assistance.

ENROLL TODAY
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WHO SHOULD ENROLL?

"The PayTrain course at Villanova was crucial for achieving my CPP. The instructor guidance and hands-on learning were essential, alongn with the structured schedule that kept me on track. The PayTrain quizzes, games and books were invaluable resources!" - Lindsay Grady, CPP
  • Experienced and entry-level payroll professionals
  • Human Resource Professionals
  • Managers and supervisors providing strategic payroll management
  • Sales professionals and consultants serving the payroll industry
  • Systems analysts and engineers writing payroll programs
  • Payroll service bureau client representatives
  • Fundamental Payroll Certification (FPC*) exam candidates
  • Certified Payroll Professional (CPP*) exam candidates

LEARNED SKILLS

  • Foundation of knowledge for starting or advancing your payroll career
  • Access to a network of peers to learn about payroll practices in other organizations
  • Solid grounding in compliance issues
  • Recertification Credit Hours (RCHs) or Continuing Education Units (CEUs) to maintain Fundamental Payroll Certification (FPC) or Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) credentials
  • Preparation for the FPC and CPP exams
  • Improved job performance potential, increasing accuracy and compliance skills

COURSES

PayTrain® Fundamentals

Next Start | Jan. 12, 2026

Course Cost:
APA Member: $1,215
Non-Member: $1,350

100% Online

No additional charge for course materials.

ENROLL

PayTrain® Fundamentals encompasses 10 learning modules that covers payroll concepts, calculations of pay, calculations of deductions and net pay, fringe benefits and other payments, retirement plans, cafeteria plans, payroll reporting and employment taxes, record keeping and payroll practices, payroll accounting and audits, and payroll administration and management as they apply to payroll.

The course is ideal for individuals who are new to the payroll industry, those who are new in supporting the payroll industry such as practitioners, consultants and service providers, and those who are preparing for the FPC certification examinations.

Offered 100% online, this course allows busy working professionals to attend class from anywhere in the world with internet access.

PayTrain® Mastery

Next Start | Jan. 12, 2026

Course Cost:
APA Member: $1,215
Non-Member: $1,350

100% Online

No additional charge for course materials.

ENROLL

Pre-requisite: PayTrain® Fundamentals

PayTrain® Mastery is a comprehensive course of 12 learning modules providing students with a solid understanding of advanced payroll topics including health benefits and international payments, necessary for payroll managers and supervisors.

This course is ideal for experienced payroll professionals seeking compliance training, professional development, or CPP certification preparation after completing PayTrain® Fundamentals.

CREDENTIALS

example of a payroll administration PayTrain Fundamentals digital badge

Earn a digital badge for every completed course. You'll also earn a program certificate and program digital badge upon completion of required courses. Showcase your new skills and gain a competitive edge by adding badges backed by Villanova University to your resume, LinkedIn profile or email signature.

THE VILLANOVA DIFFERENCE

The College of Professional Studies has cultivated a distinguished reputation for delivering the hallmark Villanova experience — academically rigorous, top-quality and innovative programs within a supportive community — to students who are pursuing higher education amidst busy professional and personal lives. As an internationally recognized institution, Villanova is proud of its vibrant community of alumni, faculty, students and staff who are dedicated to driving meaningful impact and transformative change within their communities.

At Villanova, we believe where you've been is just the beginning.  

Pursue the Next You.™

Villanova's Campus

FACULTY

FUNDING YOUR PROFESSIONAL EDUCATION

EdAssist by Bright Horizons

Villanova University has partnered with EdAssist by Bright Horizons to help you take the next step in your education journey. Employees of participating organizations receive 15% in tuition savings and waived application fees on eligible Villanova programs.

Employee Tuition Reimbursement

Many organizations offer tuition reimbursement for professional education programs. Check with your employer to learn about available opportunities. To support your request, you can also reference our library of supervisor request letters.

Military service members and veterans may be eligible for tuition payment/assistance through the Department of Veterans Affairs under the Post-9/11 G.I. Bill® or other benefits.

Resources available to help you navigate your military and veteran benefits:

  • Villanova Military Savings: active-duty, veterans and military-connected spouses and dependents are eligible to receive 15% savings per professional education certificate course.
  • Military Tuition Assistance
  • VA Education Benefits (including GI Bill®)

Please visit the Office of Veterans and Military Service Members' webpage for more information.

Employees of the U.S. government can take advantage of educational savings through Villanova's partnership with the U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Federal Academic Alliance. 

Villanova supports the continued education and professional development of Boeing's employees. Learn more about education benefits and tuition savings information for Boeing employees.

CPS students enrolled in a non-credit program and/or any individual non-credit course may participate in a payment plan.

Payment plans are offered through Nelnet Campus Commerce and students are encouraged to reach out to Nelnet directly through the NCC website.

Please note:

  • Payment plans are available for fall, spring and summer.
  • Payments must be made over the course of 2-5 months, depending on when you enroll in the plan.
  • There is an additional $45 payment plan fee for each semester.

Personal Loans

Students may use any loan provider they prefer. One option is Salle Mae's Career Training Loan, a credit-based loan that offers flexible repayment plans.

Tuition assistance and deferred payment plans can help you finance your education. Please consult with your employer to determine eligibility and specific reimbursement procedures, including any required documentation.

Learn more about Villanova University's professional education enrollment terms and conditions.

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