Professional Studies

Canadian Payroll Association's Certification Programs

In today's competitive business environment, the payroll professional's role is becoming increasingly more complex. The responsibilities range from payroll management to accounting, legislative and employment standards compliance, employee benefits administration, human resources functions, and more.


Why Get Certified?

Canadian Payroll Association (CPA) certification demonstrates to employers the attainment of a professional level of achievement and proficiency. Certified employees inspire confidence because they have made a commitment to high standards of quality, efficiency and knowledge.


In addition, according to Robert Half's Guide to Certifications, certified payroll professionals may receive starting salaries up to 10% above the market average.


The are two levels of certification :


  •  The Payroll Compliance Practitioner (PCP) certification is the foundation of your career in payroll. It provides you with the compliance knowledge required to process an organization's annual payroll cycle, effectively communicate payroll information to all stakeholders, and understand the accounting function as it relates to payroll.
  • The Certified Payroll Manager (CPM) certification builds upon the PCP compliance knowledge by developing your payroll management skills. It provides you with the knowledge to make decisions, supervise and manage, and contribute a payroll perspective to organizational policy and strategy discussions.
 
Certification requirements:
Payroll Compliance Practitioner (PCP) Certified Payroll Manager (CPM)

Compulsory Courses





Additional Requirements

  • CPE* + Professional Membership

Compulsory Courses

Additional Requirements

  • CPE* + Professional Membership

* These courses are offered online through the CPA website.  All other courses are offered through the University of Winnipeg, Professional, Applied and Continuing Education.

Classroom instruction of core payroll courses provided by Canadian Payroll Association (CPA) along with The University of Winnipeg Professional, Applied and Continuing Education (UWPACE).

UWPACE also offers all compulsory and elective courses necessary to achieve each of the CPA certification levels.

Application for Certification

Once the educational requirements are met, students will be required to complete the Application for Certification process to receive the certification. Students will also have to become members of the CPA if they have not already done so.

Ongoing Requirements

All certified individuals must comply with the following three requirements in order to maintain certification with the CPA:

  1. Maintain a membership with the CPA through a Professional Membership or through the Organization Membership of their employer
  2. Adhere to the CPA's Code of Professional Conduct
  3. Meet the Continuing Professional Education (CPE) requirements

For more information on certification and its requirements,  please visit the Canadian Payroll Association (CPA) website at www.payroll.ca  


Registration

Registration for CPA courses has been revised to be a more streamlined process for students. Please note that, in order to register for CPA courses, individuals must first become a member of CPA.

  1. Become a Canadian Payroll Association Member
  2. Register with Canadian Payroll Association ($300 + tax per course for members)
  3. Register with The University of Winnipeg ($425 per course)
  4. Students must register with the CPA at least one week prior to course start date to ensure receipt of students manuals for first class
  5. CPA will issue a transcript after completion of each course.  Students who complete the program will be eligible to the Payroll Compliance Practitioner (PCP) certificate

For more information contact the CPA at 1(800) 387-4693 ext. 272 or email: certification@payroll.ca

Upcoming Courses (Timetable)