SEPA STUDY GROUPS 
9/3/10 -New study groups forming
Hello everyone, I hope you had a great summer. With back to school time, it’s also time for the chapter to finalize our plans for study groups for the Spring 2011 FPC/CPP testing. Normally we like to start the groups in Oct. so that we have plenty of time for the sessions with the holidays and potential weather issues. If you are definitely interested in moderating or participating, please contact me by Sept. 17th so that I can get locations confirmed and registered with the APA. We currently have an offer to host with several participates interested in a center city location, so if you are able to moderate, be sure to let me know.
There is no charge to attend but you do need to be a SEPA chapter member and will need the current FPC or Payroll Source (the 2010 edition will still be used for the Sprin 2011 test). If you are not already a SEPA member, use the “Become a member” link on the left to join. Members can register through the members only section or studygroups@sepaapa.org.
12/9/09 - End the year right, by signing up for a study group
Study groups are forming now to begin in January 2010.
The SEPA chapter is sponsoring 2 study groups for the Spring 2010 FPC and CPP test window. Beginning in January, one group will be meeting Monday nights at 5:30 at the Chester County Hospital and another will meet Thursday nights at 5:30 in Ft. Washington. Both groups will be using the Payroll Source 2009 as the primary material and additional hand outs are provided.
Both the APA and our recent CPP and FPC “graduates” recommend a study group as one way to improve your preparation for testing.
8/26/09 - Time to schedule those tests!!
I know it's hard to believe, but the time has come for you to make your committment. The test schedule is available for the Sept. 12 - Oct. 10. test for both FPC and CPP candidates. Remember, some dates fill very quickly, so if you have a definate date in mind don't wait to register. You can go to the APA site, Certification, Exam or go directly to the proctor site at www.pearsonvue.com.
The APA site also has a link for a free Webinar on Demand on test prep. There were a couple of interesting suggestions in the presentation, so it may be a good investment of your time (since it doesn't cost any of your money). One thing it did confirm is that your tests will be on information in place as of 1/1/09, so that means that things like minimum wage ($6.55) and IRS mileage rate (.55) will be different than what you are using on your job. Just be sure you keep those straight. It also explained the weighting used (it isn't by question, it is by test).
The other thing is that there are Knowledge Assessment tests available for both the FPC and CPP certifications. These only cost $20 each and can help you target your study as you move into the final weeks. Since different knowlege areas will have different numbers of questions, these tests can help you can focus your final reviews on those areas that will have more questions.
PS - I don't know of many people who ever felt they were ready to take the test and yet the majority of them passed. Don't talk yourself out of taking the exam just because you feel very nervous about it. That's normal, its a lot of information. Don't take yourself out just because you don't know everything on every topic. Who does? Stick with your reviews and memorize the few rates or limits that you have to. I would suggest that, as with any other goal, unless you make a firm committment to doing something you'll be less likely to invest the necessary time and effort in preparing. If you just say "I'd like to get more excercise," that doesn't mean anything is going to happen. But if you say, "I'm going to run a 5K in Sept. and I've sent off the registration fee," you are much more likely to get out every day or every weekend to get ready to run that race. You've been getting ready for this race every week since July. See you at the finish line.
7/20/09 - Unbelievable, Amazing, Wow !
3 study groups have begun and the participants have started their amazing race to certification! The group meeting at Day/Zimmerman was first out of the gate, holding their initial meeting at the end of June. The Ft. Washington group started after July 4th. The Arkema group was the final starter, but certainly last is not least in their case. This group continues to add new participants (and SEPA chapter members)! Currently we have 27 people in our study groups with 5 moderators.
It’s not too late to join one of the groups if you are considering taking either the FPC or CPP exam in the next test window (Sept/Oct 2009). Both Arkema and Ft. Washington have one FPC tester in their groups. With the FPCs, we start with the same study notes as for the CPPs, but we identify which topics will be on the FPC test so that they can target their study and participation to the broader level of testing material rather than the detail in the CPP exam. Either FPC or CPP, SEPA has you covered for test prep!
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Remember you can register through the SEPA Chapter web site in the Members Only Section or you can contact me directly at studygroups@sepaapa.org.
We have always heard very high praise for the study groups in assisting participants in reaching their certification goals. If you've been considering testing for your FPC or CPP, a study group can help you, too. Remember, moderators recieve recertification credits for classes they lead as well as entries into a drawing for a seminar (for even more recertification credits). WIN-WIN ALL THE WAY!!
Join Today!
Members Only Section to sign up.
4/2009 - Congratulations to our newest CPP Chapter Members –
Bruce Tumolo, CPP and Christine Boyle, CPP
If I’ve missed any chapter members who passed their FPC or CPP in the Spring 09 test window, please let me know. We want to recognize each of you for the time and effort you put in to achieve this level in your career.
Thank you, thank you, thank you!!! to moderators – James Alturo and Mike Gallen for your commitment in supporting your fellow payroll professionals. I appreciate your offer (James) and your willingness to submit to a little gentle arm twisting (Mike). Thank you also to Bruce Tumolo for being our host contact at Day and Zimmermann.
We value the support of this employer in allowing us to use their facilities.
Now that the Spring sessions are over, it is already time to think about the Fall testing session. We normally begin the next round of classes in late summer and I’ve started getting requests for study groups as well as a few offers to host or moderate. The Fall session will use The Payroll Source 2009 and additional summaries and notes. Because we will be in a new test cycle, any current CPP is eligible to receive training credits for classes they moderate.
We have offers for 2 host locations in Philadelphia with several interested participants. The locations offered are Day and Zimmermann (Spring Garden St.) and Arkema, Inc. (Market St.). Anyone wanting to participate in a Philadelphia study group, please let me know your preference for location so we can finalize the details. I also hope to have a group outside of Phila. If you are interested in moderating or participating, please contact me ASAP. We'd like to have details finalized before the end of JUNE. My direct contact is studygroups@sepaapa.org. You can also reach me through the study group link on the SEPA web site studygroups@sepa.org. You must be a SEPA chapter member to participate in our study groups.
studygroups@sepaapa.org or Beth Trujillo - 215-540-2150, ext. 224.
10/15/08 - Congratulations to our new CPPs!!
James Alturo, Helen Galey, Maureen Distel, Stacey Hart, Audrey Bradin.
I want to thank all of the moderators who dedicated their time to our Fall 2008 study groups – Jennifer Conner, Eleanor Hertrich, Kelly Strohecker, Meg Falcone, Christa Speck, Cindy Miller, Debby Hecker, Linda Overholt, John Meighan, Patience DePasque, and Penelope Skapetsos. Thank you for your commitment to supporting your fellow payroll professionals. All of our moderators will receive recertification credits for their efforts but special congratulations are also in order to the moderators who won a free year-end seminar - John Meighan and Meg Falcone.
Mailing address:
P.O. Box 80187 Valley Forge, PA 19484