FPC study materials
FPC study resources

FPC case studies

FPC · Put your knowledge to work in context.

The Fundamental Payroll Certification (FPC) is an entry-level credential offered by PayrollOrg, the organization formerly known as the American Payroll Association and the Global Payroll Management Institute. It is built for people who are new to the payroll function, who handle payroll as one part of a wider HR, accounting, or benefits role, or who want a recognized foundation before moving on to the higher-level Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) designation. Because the FPC sits at the fundamental level, it tests core payroll knowledge rather than specialist depth: how gross pay is built and net pay is calculated, the compliance rules that drive withholding, deposits, and reporting, the sequence of activities in a payroll cycle, and the systems, records, and controls that support accurate processing. Candidates should expect to apply concepts to practical payroll situations, not simply recall definitions. The FPC case studies are 5 cases and about 2,042 words.

1

1099 or W-2: A Consultant Who Looks Like an Employee

Northline Logistics engaged J. Torres 14 months ago as an 'account manager' under a 1099-NEC.

423 words, about 2 min
2

Salary-Basis Deductions for an Exempt Assistant Manager

Patel is an assistant store manager paid a 1,200 weekly salary and classified exempt. Patel schedules six employees, orders inventory, and handles escalations, spending about 60% of time on management and 40% cashiering.

471 words, about 2 min
3

Stacking a Child Support Order and a Creditor Garnishment

An employee earns 1,100 gross per week and has 900 in disposable earnings. Payroll receives a current child support income-withholding order for 300 per week.

383 words, about 2 min
4

Production Bonus and the Overtime Regular Rate

Chen is a nonexempt machine operator paid 20.00 per hour. In a four-week month, Chen worked 44, 46, 39, and 50 hours.

366 words, about 2 min
5

W-2 Box 1, 3, and 5 Do Not Match the Payroll Register

Rivera shows Box 1 60,000, Box 3 60,000, and Box 5 60,000. The payroll register shows the same 60,000 salary, plus these items: 401(k) elective deferral 6,000; Section 125 health premium 3,000; employer 401(k) match 3,000; group-term life imputed income 800 for coverage above 50,000; and personal use of a company vehicle 1,000.

399 words, about 2 min