PayTrain® Fundamentals gives you the knowledge and skills required for basic payroll processing. Whether you are seeking professional development or studying for the Fundamental Payroll Certification (FPC) exam, PayTrain Fundamentals can help you meet your goals.
Course Materials
PayTrain Fundamentals guides you on your path to success through three key steps. The curriculum is drawn from the FPC exam’s content outline. Comprehensive reading materials are combined with interactive study tools to reinforce what you learn.
- Determine your current knowledge with the online Pre-test.
- Identify topics for improvement to help guide your studies.
- Read learning modules that cover payroll concepts, recent changes, trends, and best practices.
- Listen as you read along to boost your comprehension.
- Reinforce your learning with quizzes, calculations, exercises, and flashcards.
- Build exam-day confidence with a post-test that mimics the FPC exam format and weighting.
- Score 80% or higher on the post-test to qualify for a certificate of achievement and earn Recertification Credit Hours (RCHs) or Continuing Education Units (CEUs).
Reading Materials
PayTrain Fundamentals course topics include:
- Module 1: Payroll Concepts
- Module 2: Calculations of Pay
- Module 3: Fringe Benefits and Other Payments
- Module 4: Retirement & Cafeteria Plans
- Module 5: Health Benefits
- Module 6: Payroll Reporting & Employment Taxes
- Module 7: Record Keeping & Payroll Practices
- Module 8: Payroll Accounting
- Module 9: Payroll Management Administration
- Module 10: International Payments
Interactive Study Tools
Key learning components include:
Assessment
- Online assessment helps determine your current knowledge and identify areas for improvement.
Calculations
- Complete calculations for each topic based on scenarios provided.
- Hints and feedback guide you in developing the calculation and payroll skills.
Exercises
- Complete exercises for each topic based on scenarios provided.
- Answer a series of questions by filling in a form, completing an entire paycheck calculation, etc.
Quizzes
- Check your understanding of the lessons covered in reading modules, calculations, and exercises.
- Decide whether you need further study or practice on the topic.
Flashcards
- Printable and online flashcards are both included.
- Practice learning key terms and concepts reinforcing your knowledge.
Glossary
- Look up key terms from anywhere in the system with the glossary.
- Use the Search box or browse by letter.
Resource Center
- Additional resources including tax tables, forms and publications mentioned in the modules.
- Certification information on the PayrollOrg website.
- Feedback forum for evaluation and suggestions.
- Payroll updates with legislative changes and new developments.
Post Tests
- Tests are weighted and balanced based on the same percentages as the FPC exam.
- Includes flag for review, review each item, and time limits, similar to the FPC exam.
Reports
- Track your progress as you progress through the program.
- View a breakdown of your quiz scores by module to determine your learning gain.
Pricing
IMPORTANT NOTE:
The 2025 PayTrain Fundamentals program covers material for the Fall 2025 and Spring 2026 FPC exam. Purchasers of the 2025 materials will have access to the online portion until September 15, 2026.
PayTrain Fundamentals 2025 Pricing
SELF-STUDY
Join PAYO and SAVE
$735
Member Price
Colleague: $895
Non-Member: $1,055
GUIDED-STUDY
Join PAYO and SAVE
$835
Member Price
Colleague: $995
Non-Member: $1,155
More of a tactile learner? Learning modules are available in print format for an additional fee. You’ll be able to keep the books as a reference manual, with answers to Payroll challenges right at your fingertips.
Self-Study
- Course includes; comprehensive learning modules (available while logged in via ereader and in optional print format), interactive exercises, quizzes, calculations, and flashcards
- Anticipate spending approximately 24 hours to complete the PayTrain Fundamentals course
- Member discounts available
Guided-Study
- Course includes comprehensive learning modules (available while logged in via ereader and in optional print format), interactive exercises, quizzes, calculations, flashcards and online instruction
- Online instructor provides weekly assignments and feedback
- Anticipate spending 3 hours/week for 8 weeks to complete the PayTrain Fundamentals course
- Member discounts available
Taxes are not included in above pricing.
Printed books can be added to your order for an additional $100 plus shipping and taxes.
Please note:
The cost of PayTrain Fundamentals does NOT include the FPC exam fee. For details about the FPC exam, visit Payroll.org.
International and military purchasers: If you are preparing to take the FPC certification exam at an international testing site or a military testing center before September 2025, please contact Abby Fett to determine which preparation materials to purchase. Email Abby at [email protected] or call +1-888-852-6664 (Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m. CT).