24–30 weeks
Accounting and Payroll Compliance (PCP) Professional Certificate
Pursue the Payroll Compliance Professional (PCP) designation and prepares yourself for employment opportunities in payroll and accounting roles across a variety of industries in Canada.
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Build a Solid Foundation in Payroll Compliance
The Accounting and Payroll Compliance Professional Certificate Program at Western Community College is designed to provide students with the academic foundation necessary to pursue the Payroll Compliance Professional (PCP) designation and prepares them for employment opportunities in payroll and accounting roles across a variety of industries in Canada.
Next Intakes
- November 24, 2025 – Evening 5:00PM 9:00PM Virtual Program
This program includes six courses, four of which are the recognized courses required by the National Payroll Institute (NPI) to meet the academic course requirements for the PCP designation. Western Community College delivers these courses under a joint delivery arrangement with NPI: Payroll Compliance Legislation, Payroll Fundamentals 1, Payroll Fundamentals 2 (These three are collectively referred to as the “PCP Courses”) and a National Payroll Institute–approved “Introduction to Accounting” course.
While Western Community College delivers the required courses, the PCP designation is granted solely by the National Payroll Institute. To earn the designation, students must also fulfil the following requirements set by NPI:
• Successfully complete the three PCP courses (namely: Payroll Compliance Legislation, Payroll Fundamentals 1 and Payroll Fundamentals 2) with the required minimum grades;
• Successfully complete a National Payroll Institute–approved Introduction to Accounting course with the required minimum grade;
• Complete one year of weighted PCP work experience within six (6) years of starting the first PCP course. This experience must involve responsibilities that reflect the full annual payroll cycle, including paying employees accurately and on time in compliance with the applicable legislation;
• Maintain active membership in good standing with the National Payroll Institute.
Career Opportunities in BUSINESS
Become an Essential Member of the Accounting Workforce
$35*
Graduate Employment HOURLY RatE
*Based on Canada Job Bank
Graduates will be equipped with the skills necessary to ensure accurate and timely employee compensation, a critical aspect of business operations.
- Payroll Administrator: Manage and process employee payrolls, ensuring compliance with regulations.
- Payroll Coordinator: Support payroll processes and support compliance across departments for smooth payroll operations..
- Payroll Manager: Lead payroll teams and oversee end-to-end payroll functions with strategic oversight and compliance focus.
- Payroll and Benefits Specialist: Balance the intricacies of payroll and employee benefits to deliver a seamless total compensation experience.
Why Study at Western Community College
Western Community College offers students an inclusive and vibrant learning environment, with dedicated support services to ensure your academic success and personal well-being.
- Installment-based, low tuition fee.
- Choose weekday, weekend, or evening classes to fit your schedule.
- Part-time or full-time class schedule.
- Free CLB preparation classes (*Conditions Apply).
Begin Your Path in ACCOUNTING
Admission Requirements
Grade 12 or Mature Student Status (19 years of age or more)
Proof of Math Proficiency: Grade 12 Math or Equivalent or Successfully passed Western Community College’s mathematics proficiency assessment with a minimum grade of 60%
Proof of English Proficiency. Students will need to submit a proof of English Language and Math Competency by any one of the following options:
To demonstrate language proficiency, applicants must meet at least one of the following criteria:
Option 1: English 10 with a minimum grade of “C” or higher. Secondary Education Evidence that three years of full-time secondary education (Grades 8-12) have been successfully completed in English in a country where English is one of the principal languages. This includes successful completion of a BC Adult Graduation program.
Option 2: Post-Secondary Education Evidence that two years of full-time post-secondary education have been completed in English at an accredited institution in a country where the language of instruction is one of the principal languages. Language development (ELL) courses cannot be included.
Option 3: Standardized Language Test Achievement of minimum scores on a recognized standardized language test. Test results should be valid at the time of enrollment.
| Name of English language assessment/test | Minimum score(s)/level(s)* |
|---|---|
| International English Language Testing System (IELTS) | Minimum overall score of 5.5 |
| Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) IBT | Minimum overall score of 46 |
| Canadian Academic English Language Assessment (CAEL) | Minimum overall score of 40 |
| Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program (CELPIP) | Listening 6, Speaking 6, Reading 5, and Writing 5. |
| Duolingo English Test (DET) | Minimum overall score of 95 |
| Pearson Test of English (PTE) Academic | Minimum overall score of 43 |
| Cambridge English Qualifications: B2 First exam (FCE) Institutions may include other Cambridge Qualifications at a higher level (i.e., C2 Proficiency (CPE)). | Minimum overall score of 160 or “C” |
| Cambridge Linguaskill | Minimum overall B2 level |
| LANGUAGECERT Academic | Minimum overall B2 level |
| The Michigan English Test (MET) | Minimum overall B2 level |
| iTEP Academic | Minimum overall score of 3.5 |
| EIKEN | Minimum placement of Grade Pre-1 |
Validity period of above Language Assessment Tests is two years.
The following countries are recognized for education completed in English:
| American Samoa | Dominica | Lesotho | St. Kitts & Nevis |
| Anguilla | Falkland Islands | Liberia | St. Lucia |
| Antigua and Barbuda | Fiji | Malta | St. Vincent & the Grenadines |
| Australia | Gambia | Mauritius | Tanzania |
| Bahamas | Ghana | Montserrat | Trinidad & Tobago |
| Barbados | Gibraltar | New Zealand | Turks & Caicos Islands |
| Belize | Grenada | Nigeria | Uganda |
| Bermuda | Guam | Seychelles | United Kingdom |
| Botswana | Guyana | Sierra Leone | US Virgin Islands |
| British Virgin Islands | Ireland | Singapore | USA |
| Canada | Jamaica | South Africa | Zambia |
| Cayman Islands | Kenya | St. Helena | Zimbabwe |
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Take the next step toward your future!
Gain the skills you need for success and take the first step toward a rewarding career. Enroll today to learn essential industry knowledge, enhance your expertise, and open doors to new opportunities.
Apply NowProgram OUtline
Core Courses in Accounting and Payroll Compliance Professional Certificate
Our curriculum is designed to equip you with the practical skills and knowledge required for a successful career in Canadian Payroll Compliance.
This program has been approved by the Private Training Institutions Regulatory Unit (PTIRU) of the Ministry of Post-Secondary Education and Future Skills.
480
Total program
hours
99%
STUDENT SATISFACTION RATE
$35*
Graduate Employment HOURLY Rate
97%
Graduate Employment Rate
Program Duration
Hours: 480
Weeks Full-Time: 24
Fee Structure
Tuition & Financing
We offer competitive tuition rates and flexible financing options to make your education at Western Community College both accessible and affordable.
BC Student Loan
In-house Financing
Student Line of Credit
Scholarships
Our dedicated Financial Aid Officers will help you every step of the way.
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