Four APRA levels, one standard: verified payroll work
Levels progress with time, volume and consistency. You cannot skip a level, and you cannot pay for one. Meeting the minimums creates eligibility; a human review confirms accuracy and conduct before recognition is granted.
Early, verified excellence
For bookkeepers and payroll administrators who have started processing payroll consistently and accurately on Payroll Africa.
Requirements
- 3 consecutive months of finalised payroll runs
- At least 5 employees paid in a single month
- No unresolved payroll corrections older than 30 days
- Company profile and statutory details complete
What APRA recognition gives you
- Public profile in the APRA directory of recognised professionals
- APRA Rising Professional digital badge
- Listed under your country and speciality
Consistent, accurate, dependable
For professionals with a sustained record of on-time, accurate payroll across a full statutory cycle.
Requirements
- 12 consecutive months of finalised payroll runs
- 25+ employees paid in a single month
- EMP201 submissions captured every month of the period
- Payslips issued to employees for every finalised run
What APRA recognition gives you
- APRA Payroll Professional badge and profile
- Eligible for recognition stories and interviews
- Eligible for APRA Awards nomination
Depth, scale and standards
For senior practitioners running payroll at scale, or across multiple companies, with an unbroken compliance record.
Requirements
- 24 months of verified payroll activity
- 100+ employees paid in a single month, or payroll for 5+ companies
- Full annual reconciliation (EMP501 / IRP5) completed
- Leave, self-service or filings modules in active use
What APRA recognition gives you
- APRA Payroll Excellence badge and featured directory placing
- Priority consideration for APRA Award categories
- Invitation to contribute to Payroll Africa practice guides
Building payroll practice in Africa
The highest recognition level. For professionals who set standards, mentor others and shape payroll practice across their organisation or industry.
Requirements
- 36 months of verified payroll activity
- 250+ employees paid in a single month, or a multi-company practice
- Documented mentoring, training or industry contribution
- Unbroken statutory filing record across the period
What APRA recognition gives you
- APRA Payroll Leader badge, featured profile and story
- Automatic shortlist for the APRA Awards
- Named contributor status on Payroll Africa publications
APRA recognition can also be withdrawn
Levels reflect current practice. Sustained inactivity, repeated statutory failures, or conduct that misrepresents a professional's record can result in a level being paused or withdrawn after review. The professional is always contacted first.
How APRA works