Advanced Certified Compensation Professional | ACCP^™

Candidates preparing for the Advanced Certified Compensation Professional (ACCP)™ examination should review the Body of Knowledge (BOK). The BOK represents the complete set of knowledge and skills required for advanced-level professionals in the compensation practice. Set as the industry standard, the BOK was identified by a representative committee of expert compensation practitioners and consultants as part of an in-depth study to define the scope of compensation practice for compensation practitioners with influential roles in their organizations. The BOK is comprised of four main knowledge domains representing the required knowledge, skills and abilities of the advanced-level compensation professional. The ACCP examination covers all topic areas addressed in the BOK.

Strategic Business Understanding in Compensation

• Understand organizational governance
• Understand finance and accounting concepts relevant to compensation practice
• Understand the business
• Recognize influences on compensation practice
  • Recognize internal drivers affecting compensation
    Culture Politics Existing rewards structure Business plan (short and long term) Existing goals/objectives Organization design
  • Recognize external drivers affecting compensation
    • Societal
    • Governmental
    • Global
    • Business
    • Trends/emerging practices
• Align and integrate the various elements of total rewards into a cohesive whole
• Act as a strategic business partner

Advanced Measurement and Analytics

• Identify data sources and interpret results
  • HR analytics
  • Finance
  • Accounting
  • Compensation
• Demonstrate technical mastery and understanding of tools used in compensation
• Make and/or influence business decisions with appropriate data

Compensation Program Management (30%)

• Demonstrate advanced compensation knowledge
• Perform compensation planning in alignment with:
  • Business needs
  • Organization and HR objectives
  • Total rewards/employee value proposition
  • Availability of company resources
  • The organization’s operational environment
• Administer domestic compensation programs
  • Broad–based compensation
  • Executive compensation
  • Expatriate compensation
  • Sales compensation
• Administer global compensation programs
• Demonstrate leadership skills
• Interact with consultants/vendors
• Interact with other key stakeholders
• Partner with other HR
• Understand incentive/motivation theory
• Manage total compensation expense

Change Management and Compensation Communication

• Lead and/or participate in change management initiatives
• Communicate effectively to different target audiences
• Utilize the appropriate media for the target audience