The C.P.S. certification process gives payroll professionals a qualification that can help them succeed in today’s competitive business environment.
The C.P.S. qualification is the base-level benchmark in Australian payroll and as such, reflects the knowledge and skills that could be reasonably expected of any Payroll Specialist processing pays for Australian based employees.
| Complete Guide to C.P.S. | C.P.S. Application Form |
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Who is it for?
The certificate is particularly relevant to experienced pay staff who wish to acquire documentary
proof of their proficiency without needing to undertake a lengthy course of study. The certificate
would be viewed by employers as confirmation that competent payroll practitioners are being
employed to fulfill their payroll obligations.
How It Is Obtained?
Certified Payroll Specialist status is obtained by successfully completing an examination which
takes one full day to complete. The examination can be done in the TAPS training facilities or
under supervision at your own workplace.
Who Is Eligible To Apply?
Any person with at least two year's practical experience in payroll may apply.
The number of candidates on each sitting day will be restricted to ensure proper stewardship of
the exam.
Employer Advantages
The certificate will be seen as a benchmark for payroll staff development and career progression.
Employers should regard the certificate as a prerequisite when wishing to recruit experienced
payroll practitioners in the future.
Employee Advantages
The certificate will be seen as a documentary evidence of having attained a national standard
in payroll proficiency. It may be used to secure employment and improve career prospects in the
payroll fields. Successful completion of the examination entitles the bearer to the accreditation
C.P.S. (Certified Payroll Specialist)
Marks
The examination tests all facets of payroll knowledge and is divided into seven sections. To achieve a pass mark, the student must receive 60% in each section and 70% overall.
The sections are divided as follows:
| Section | Total Points |
| General Knowledge | 20 |
| Award Interpretation | 20 |
| Superannuation | 20 |
| Annual Leave Legislation | 20 |
| Long Service Leave Legislation | 20 |
| General Payroll Calculations | 50 |
| Termination Payments - Knowledge & Calculations | 50 |
The completed test papers will be marked and all candidates informed of the results within
one month.
The aim of TAPS’ continuing professional education programme is to enable payroll practitioners
to continuously develop their skills. Studying for professional qualifications provides a valuable base of knowledge but making a commitment to keep informed in an ever-changing environment is equally vital. Maintaining and refreshing the original value of professional studies is a key requirement in retaining your C.P.S. designation.
Retaining your C.P.S. status
To retain the Certified Payroll Specialist designation, it is a requirement that a certain number
of points of continuing professional education be attained.
If you gain your C.P.S. between April and September you will require 750 points by the September
twelve months later to maintain your C.P.S. standing. Similarly, if you gain your C.P.S. between October and March you will require 750 points by the March twelve months later.
You will then be required to attain 1500 points in each successive twelve month period.
Documentary evidence needs to be attached to the renewal form.
Points earned in addition to the minimum requirement will not carry forward into the next year.
Note: Courses relating to use of software products do not count towards ongoing education.
(e.g. attending an excel workshop or learning about new features in your payroll system)
| C.P.S. Renewal form |
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Documentary evidence:
If you have attended a TAPS training course, you will have been advised of the points earned either on the certificate of attainment or on the attendance certificate you requested at registration (e.g. at Payroll Briefings or Compact Conferences).
For non-TAPS courses, you will need, as a minimum, the following:
• Name of provider
• Proof of attendance (not merely confirmation of registration)
• Length of course
• Course Content
If you attend training provided by another organisation, you will be required to calculate the
points yourself. One hour of education is equivalent to 100 points. e.g. Training run 9am to
5pm with one hour for lunch will be deemed to have 7 hours of education.
7 hours x 100 points = 700 points