200+ Free CPP Practice Questions
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Key Facts: CPP Exam
190
Exam Questions
PayrollOrg CPP page
4h
Time Limit
PayrollOrg CPP page
24%
Largest Blueprint Area
CPP outline (Core Payroll Concepts)
Jan 1, 2026
Law Date After Sep 5
PayrollOrg CPP page
Sep 5, 2026
2026 Legal Cutover
PayrollOrg CPP page
Spring + Fall
Annual Testing Windows
PayrollOrg CPP page
PayrollOrg lists the CPP as a 190-question exam with a 4-hour time limit. The published CPP content outline weights Core Payroll Concepts (24%), Compliance/Research/Resources (16%), and Calculation of the Paycheck (20%), with remaining coverage across systems, administration, audits, and accounting. PayrollOrg also states that exam content uses Jan 1, 2025 law through Sep 4, 2026, and Jan 1, 2026 law for exams beginning Sep 5, 2026.
About the CPP Exam
The Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) from PayrollOrg is an advanced payroll credential covering payroll compliance, research and resources, paycheck calculations, systems/processes, administration, audits, and accounting controls. It is designed for payroll professionals handling complex compliance and cross-functional payroll operations.
Questions
190 scored questions
Time Limit
4 hours
Passing Score
Scaled score (PayrollOrg standard)
Exam Fee
Varies by PayrollOrg member status and testing option (PayrollOrg)
CPP Exam Content Outline
Core Payroll Concepts
Worker classification, taxable wages, wage-hour fundamentals, and core payroll terminology
Compliance/Research/Resources
Federal/state/local requirements, forms, deadlines, deposit rules, and research methods
Calculation of the Paycheck
Gross-to-net calculations, taxes, deductions, supplemental wages, and paycheck math
Payroll Process and Supporting Systems
Workflow controls, system integrity, data governance, and process reliability
Payroll Administration and Management
Policies, governance, service quality, and operational management
Audits
Internal controls, audit readiness, documentation, and variance investigation
Accounting
Journal entries, reconciliations, liabilities, and payroll accounting impacts
How to Pass the CPP Exam
What You Need to Know
- Passing score: Scaled score (PayrollOrg standard)
- Exam length: 190 questions
- Time limit: 4 hours
- Exam fee: Varies by PayrollOrg member status and testing option
Keys to Passing
- Complete 500+ practice questions
- Score 80%+ consistently before scheduling
- Focus on highest-weighted sections
- Use our AI tutor for tough concepts
CPP Study Tips from Top Performers
Frequently Asked Questions
How many questions are on the CPP exam?
PayrollOrg lists the CPP as 190 multiple-choice questions with a 4-hour testing time.
What topics are weighted most on the CPP exam?
The published CPP outline lists Core Payroll Concepts (24%) as the largest domain, followed by Calculation of the Paycheck (20%), then Compliance/Research/Resources (16%).
What legal cutoff applies for 2026 CPP exams?
PayrollOrg states Jan 1, 2025 law applies through Sep 4, 2026 exams, and Jan 1, 2026 law applies beginning Sep 5, 2026.
What is the difference between FPC and CPP?
FPC is generally positioned as foundational payroll certification, while CPP is the advanced credential focused on higher-complexity compliance, control, and payroll-management decisions.
How should I prepare for CPP efficiently?
Study by blueprint weight, drill compliance/research scenarios first, and practice mixed gross-to-net calculations with overtime, deductions, garnishments, and reconciliations in timed sets.