Overview
Work towards your Certificate in Payroll Compliance Practitioner or your Certificate in Canadian Payroll Management today
Whether you are pursuing a new career in Payroll or working towards your PCP or CPM designation, our Payroll programs can help get you there. Gain the latest in-demand skills you need to succeed in this rewarding profession.
- Developed in affiliation with the National Payroll Institute (NPI) – formerly Canadian Payroll Association
- Gain the knowledge, tools and skills to enhance operations, comply with legislative requirements and utilize emerging technologies
- Course credits can be used towards an undergraduate degree at McMaster University
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Program highlights Learn More
- Earn one of two Certificate options
- Taught by payroll experts
- Open enrolment program
Payroll programs features:
- Option to earn one of two Certificate options:
-
- Payroll Compliance Practitioner
- Canadian Payroll Management
- Recognized by the National Payroll Institute
- Flexible online, online self-study or virtual classroom options
- Learn from industry professionals
- Network with professionals
- Earn academic credit towards Degree studies

What you'll learn Learn More
- Payroll and compensation fundamentals
- Payroll management, compliance and legislation
- Accounting, business finance and communications
Through our Payroll programs, you’ll learn:
- Payroll fundamentals including generally accepted accounting principles
- To calculate all key payroll components of individual pay from remunerations to deductions
- Payroll-related legislation affecting organizations and how to effectively communicate to stakeholders
- How payroll technology solutions support and have advanced this sector
- Payroll management and organizational behaviour
- Generally accepted accounting principles
- The knowledge and skills associated with clearly receiving, transmitting and communicating information within the business environment
Learn more about our Payroll programs
- Entry-level payroll professionals
- Bookkeepers
- Small business owners
- Anyone interested in pursuing a Payroll Compliance Practitioner (PCP) or Certified Manager (CPM) designation
Earning a Certificate in Payroll Compliance Practitioner or a Certificate in Canadian Payroll Management can lead to a range of rewarding careers including:
- Payroll Specialist
- Payroll Administrator
- Accounts Payable
- Accounts Receivable
- Benefits Officer
- Salary Administration
- Payroll Compliance Practitioner*
- Certified Payroll Manager*
*Upon earning your PCP or CPM designation
The National Payroll Institute has been representing employers’ payroll interests since 1978. As the source of payroll education and advocacy, the National Payroll Institute delivers professional designation courses, professional development seminars, and products and services that enable payroll practitioners to enhance operations, comply with legislative requirements and utilize emerging technologies.
McMaster University’s Certificate in Payroll Compliance Practitioner and Certificate in Canadian Payroll Management, offered in affiliation with the National Payroll Institute, provide learners with the opportunity to receive a McMaster University certificate, while working towards their payroll designation! A Two-In-One credential!
Payroll Designations
Payroll Compliance Practitioner (PCP)
Qualified payroll professionals are in demand and Payroll Compliance Practitioner designation is the foundation. Understand legislation, keep your organization compliant, and leverage the resources and support of a community of over 43,000 members nationwide.
For those pursuing the National Payroll Institute’s PCP designation by taking course equivalencies through McMaster Continuing Education without pursuing our academic certificate, please note the following requirements.
The PCP designation requires three core payroll courses, an Introduction to Accounting course transfer credit and one year of weighted payroll work experience:
- Payroll Compliance Legislation (PAY 101)
- Payroll Fundamentals 1 (PAY 102) – Prerequisite: Payroll Compliance Legislation
- Payroll Fundamentals 2 (PAY 103) – Prerequisites: Payroll Compliance Legislation and Payroll Fundamentals 1
- Introduction to Accounting (ACC 925)
- PCP Work Experience Requirement Application (a minimum of one year weighted payroll work experience)
Certified Payroll Management (CPM)
Aspire to manage? A Certified Payroll Management designation extends your reach and elevates your career. You’ll gain comprehensive payroll compliance knowledge and management skills that will enhance your job prospects and drive career success.
For more information regarding PCP or CPM designations, visit National Payroll Institute or e-mail certification@payroll.ca
Check out our latest Program Preview webinar to learn more about the Payroll program
What our recent graduates say

Adam
Business Administration graduate
I feel very strongly that McMaster Continuing Education can really help you reinvent your career.
I feel very strongly that McMaster Continuing Education can really help you reinvent your career. I found that the Business Administration program was really the best fit for me, because the learning that I was able to take in through this program was really cutting edge and current to the labour market. The learning that I took on is something I use every day.
Adam
Business Administration graduate
Judelyn '23
Business Administration with a concentration in Finance/Accounting
I appreciated the opportunity to discover my full potential and strengths, which inspired me to do better.
My family migrated to Canada in 2006 from the Philippines (Asia). I hold a bachelor’s degree in accounting from my home country.
Although challenging, I am grateful for the opportunities I have been given. I started my journey in Canada with temporary junior accounting jobs. It allowed me to integrate myself into the Canadian workforce and culture. After gaining more Canadian work experience, I landed a permanent job. Currently, I work as Treasury Analyst in a HydroElectric Generation company.
Despite the obstacles, I was determined to gain Canadian credentials. The pandemic made it more challenging, but I persisted. I balance work, study, and family.
In December 2019, I enrolled at McMaster University. Later earned a Diploma in Business Administration with a Concentration in Finance and completed a Diploma in Accounting.
While studying at McMaster University, I developed my self-discipline and changed how I perceive things, which is priceless. I have to experience it to learn and discover it. I am self-motivated. I noticed I enjoyed studying – understanding in depth and not memorizing, which I usually did when I was younger.
The McMaster University courses were challenging to be honest, and my teachers taught me to be a critical thinker. I began thinking outside the box. The good thing is that if I had an idea or answered a question, they let me explain why I came up with that answer – that, for me, was so engaging for a student to understand more and strive to improve rather than simply dismissing a student’s incorrect answer.
From personal experience, the teaching style of McMaster University is different, and I appreciated the opportunity to discover my full potential and strengths, which inspired me to do better. Until now, I have applied the ways and self-discipline I had gained even with this Treasury Designation exam I took recently. I want to thank and let McMaster know the influence/the lessons they had instilled in me that changed my outlook and mindset, making me better and excel in what I want to be.
Judelyn
Business Administration with a concentration in Finance/Accounting

Tracy
Project Management graduate
I am constantly reinventing myself. McMaster Continuing Education has been transformative.
I am constantly reinventing myself. McMaster Continuing Education has been transformative. I was introduced to new ideas and new skills. Because of that, I’ve had new opportunities in my career. McMaster Continuing Education is the best place to take professional development courses. The programs fit into your life.
Tracy
Project Management graduate
I feel very strongly that McMaster Continuing Education can really help you reinvent your career.
I feel very strongly that McMaster Continuing Education can really help you reinvent your career. I found that the Business Administration program was really the best fit for me, because the learning that I was able to take in through this program was really cutting edge and current to the labour market. The learning that I took on is something I use every day.
Adam
Business Administration graduate
I appreciated the opportunity to discover my full potential and strengths, which inspired me to do better.
My family migrated to Canada in 2006 from the Philippines (Asia). I hold a bachelor’s degree in accounting from my home country.
Although challenging, I am grateful for the opportunities I have been given. I started my journey in Canada with temporary junior accounting jobs. It allowed me to integrate myself into the Canadian workforce and culture. After gaining more Canadian work experience, I landed a permanent job. Currently, I work as Treasury Analyst in a HydroElectric Generation company.
Despite the obstacles, I was determined to gain Canadian credentials. The pandemic made it more challenging, but I persisted. I balance work, study, and family.
In December 2019, I enrolled at McMaster University. Later earned a Diploma in Business Administration with a Concentration in Finance and completed a Diploma in Accounting.
While studying at McMaster University, I developed my self-discipline and changed how I perceive things, which is priceless. I have to experience it to learn and discover it. I am self-motivated. I noticed I enjoyed studying – understanding in depth and not memorizing, which I usually did when I was younger.
The McMaster University courses were challenging to be honest, and my teachers taught me to be a critical thinker. I began thinking outside the box. The good thing is that if I had an idea or answered a question, they let me explain why I came up with that answer – that, for me, was so engaging for a student to understand more and strive to improve rather than simply dismissing a student’s incorrect answer.
From personal experience, the teaching style of McMaster University is different, and I appreciated the opportunity to discover my full potential and strengths, which inspired me to do better. Until now, I have applied the ways and self-discipline I had gained even with this Treasury Designation exam I took recently. I want to thank and let McMaster know the influence/the lessons they had instilled in me that changed my outlook and mindset, making me better and excel in what I want to be.
Judelyn
Business Administration with a concentration in Finance/Accounting
I am constantly reinventing myself. McMaster Continuing Education has been transformative.
I am constantly reinventing myself. McMaster Continuing Education has been transformative. I was introduced to new ideas and new skills. Because of that, I’ve had new opportunities in my career. McMaster Continuing Education is the best place to take professional development courses. The programs fit into your life.
Tracy
Project Management graduate
Other programs you may be interested in
Certificates in Payroll
Payroll Compliance Practitioner Certificate
Pursue your Payroll Compliance Practitioner (PCP) Certificate with McMaster Continuing Education
Explore the requirements below and register today!
Information Box Group

Payroll Compliance Practitioner (PCP) Certificate
Earn your Payroll Compliance Practitioner Certificate by completing all 5 required courses listed below.
Payroll Compliance Practitioner (PCP) Certificate Requirements
Academic credit: 15 units
A minimum grade of 65% on both the final examination and overall final grade is necessary to pass.
If you have already completed courses through the National Payroll Institute, please visit our transfer credit page for more information.
Students must first register with McMaster Continuing Education and pay the course fees. They must also register with the National Payroll Institute and pay the Institute’s course fee and the membership fee to receive course materials and access the learning platform. Students should register with the Institute no later than five business days before the start date of the course.
Note: BUS 850 is a required course to qualify for the certificate.
For those pursuing the National Payroll Institute’s PCP designation by taking course equivalencies through McMaster Continuing Education without pursuing our academic certificate, please note the following requirements:
The PCP designation requires three core payroll courses, an Introduction to Accounting course transfer credit and one year of weighted payroll work experience:
- Payroll Compliance Legislation (PAY 101)
- Payroll Fundamentals 1 (PAY 102)– Prerequisite: Payroll Compliance Legislation
- Payroll Fundamentals 2 (PAY 103)– Prerequisites: Payroll Compliance Legislation and Payroll Fundamentals 1
- Introduction to Accounting (ACC 925)
- PCP Work Experience Requirement Application (a minimum of one year weighted payroll work experience)
For more information regarding PCP designation, visit www.payroll.ca or e-mail the Certification department at certification@payroll.ca.
Courses (complete all 5)
Canadian Payroll Management (CPM) Certificate
Pursue your Canadian Payroll Management (CPM) Certificate with McMaster Continuing Education
Explore the requirements below and register today!
Information Box Group

Canadian Payroll Management (CPM) Certificate
Earn your Canadian Payroll Management (CPM) Certificate by completing all 5 required courses listed below.
Students may choose elective course ACC 928 or HRM 817 to complete certificate requirements.
Canadian Payroll Management (CPM) Certificate Requirements
Academic credit: 15 units
Students must be a member of the National Payroll Institute with a Payroll Compliance Practitioner designation and meet the weighted payroll experience prerequisite prior to registering.
Students must submit a Payroll Experience Prerequisite Application and receive approval from the National Payroll Institute before enrolling for PAY 201.
All courses require a passing grade of 65% in order to be accepted toward Certified Payroll Manager designation.
If you have already completed courses through the National Payroll Institute, please visit our transfer credit page for more information.
Students must first register with McMaster Continuing Education and pay the course fees. They must also register with the National Payroll Institute and pay the Institute’s course fee and the membership fee to receive course materials and access the learning platform. Students should register with the Institute no later than 10 business days before the start date of the course.
For more information regarding CPM designation, visit www.payroll.ca or e-mail the Certification department at certification@payroll.ca.
Courses (complete all 4)
Courses (complete 1 of 2)
Payroll Courses
Payroll Courses
Advance your career with online Payroll courses
Explore course options below and register today!
Payroll Compliance Practitioner Certificate
Canadian Payroll Management Certificate
*Students may choose elective course ACC 928 or HRM 817 to complete the Canadian Payroll Management certificate requirements.
Payroll Schedule
Payroll Schedule
This schedule table displays courses planned to be offered this year and is a guide to planning your courses for the academic year. Please note: Spring term registration opens mid-March and Fall/Winter term registration opens mid-July. The schedule table is subject to change. Please visit the course pages to browse classes currently available for registration and the latest cost information. The cost for Payroll courses is $618.48 – $771.08 per course.
Learning format definitions:
- VC = Virtual Classroom learning format
- O = Online learning format
- OSS = Online Self-Study learning format
For more information about our learning formats and to choose a format that works best for you, please visit our Learning Formats page.
Course Name (Course Code) | Winter 2023 | Spring 2023 |
---|---|---|
Introductory Financial Accounting (ACC 925) | Date: Thu, Jan 12 – Apr 6
Time: 6:30 – 9:45 p.m. Format: VC |
Date: Wed, May 3 – Jul 26
Time: 6:30 – 9:45 p.m. Format: VC |
Date: Jan 15 – Jun 15
Format: OSS |
Date: May 15 – Oct 15
Format: OSS |
|
Date: Mar 15 – Aug 15
Format: OSS |
Date: Jul 15 – Dec 15
Format: OSS |
|
Business Communications (BUS 850) | Date: Jan 16 – Apr 16
Format: O |
Date: May 8 – Aug 6
Format: O |
Date: Feb 13 – May 14
Format: O |
Date: Jun 19 – Sept 17
Format: O |
|
Payroll Compliance Legislation (PAY 101) |
|
|
Payroll Fundamentals 1 (PAY 102) | Date: Jan 11 – Apr 5
Time: 6:30 – 9:30 pm Format: VC |
|
Payroll Fundamentals 2 (PAY 103) |
|
Date: Wed, May 3 – Jul 26
Time: 6:30 – 9:30 pm Format: VC |
Organizational Behaviour (HRM 821) | Date: Jan 16 – Apr 9
Format: O |
Date: May 8 – Jul 30
Format: O |
Date: Feb 13 – May 7
Format: O |
Date: Jun 19 – Sep 10
Format: O |
|
Compensation (HRM 898) | Date: Jan 16 – Apr 9
Format: O |
Date: May 8 – Jul 30
Format: O |
Date: Feb 13 – May 7
Format: O |
Date: Jun 19 – Sep 10
Format: O |
|
Introduction to Payroll Management (PAY 201) |
|
|
Applied Payroll Management (PAY 202) |
|
|
Introductory Management Accounting (ACC 928) | Date: Thu, Jan 12 – Apr 6
Time: 6:30 – 9:45 p.m. Format: VC |
Date: Mon, May 1 – Aug 14
Time: 6:30 – 9:45 p.m. Format: VC |
Date: Jan 15 – Jun 15
Format: OSS |
Date: May 15 – Oct 15
Format: OSS |
|
Date: Mar 15 – Aug 15
Format: OSS |
Date: Jul 15 – Dec 15
Format: OSS |
|
Business Finance & Accounting (HRM 817) | Date: Jan16 – Apr 9
Format: O |
Date: May 8 – Jul 30
Format: O |
Date: Feb 13 – May 7
Format: O |
Date: Jun 19 – Sep 10
Format: O |
Admission Requirements
Admission Requirements
This program is open enrolment, which means there is no formal application or admission procedure. To enrol in a course, simply register online. Our courses can be taken as part of a program or individually.
To enrol in McMaster Continuing Education programs, you must:
- Have an Ontario Secondary School Diploma or equivalent
- Be a mature student as defined in the Undergraduate Calendar of McMaster University or
- Be deemed an exceptional case
To ensure you are successful in your online courses, you are required to have knowledge and skills with general computer applications, such as keyboarding, file management, video conferencing and word processing.
Language Requirements
If your first language is not English, you must meet the University’s English language proficiency requirements. Completion of TOEFL exam with a minimum acceptable score of 20 on each of the four components (reading, writing, speaking and listening), valid for 2 years.
Expandable List
- Visit continuing.mcmaster.ca/programs to find your program of choice
- Click on each tab on the program page to learn about credential options and requirements, schedule and fees, and a list of all courses in the program
- Select a course and then select an available offering, noting important information such as cost, delivery format, and start/end dates; then click ‘add to cart’
- Once you have added your courses, click the shopping cart icon at the top right-hand corner of the page (bottom of the browser screen on mobile)
- Review your cart and, once you’re ready to proceed with enrolment, click ‘proceed to checkout’
- As the next step, you will be redirected to Mosaic – McMaster’s Administrative Information and Enrolment system
- Once you are in Mosaic, select ‘new to McMaster’ or log in with your existing MacID and password (if applicable)
- Complete all required fields and select a program of study when prompted (i.e., a specific program or open studies for standalone courses)
- Finally, payment is required in full to secure a spot in your course(s)
A payment receipt email will be issued to you immediately after registering, and a course confirmation email will be sent to you overnight. Within approximately 24 hours of registering, you will also receive an important email containing credentials used to activate your MacID, which you must do before you can access courses in Avenue to Learn. Please review our Getting Started page to learn more about the next steps for beginning your studies after registration, and our Help Centre for our Refund Policy and other frequently asked questions. Please note that on average, each course requires 6-8 hours of study per week, per course (sometimes more) and some courses may have listed prerequisites. Please plan your schedule accordingly. Most students take 1-2 courses per term across a few different terms and a full-time equivalent course load is typically 3-4 courses per term.
For more information and a walkthrough on how to register, please check out this video.
- Payment must be made in full at the time of enrolment
- Online credit card or debit payments are preferred
- Accepted credit cards: Visa, MasterCard and American Express
- Accepted debit cards: Visa Debit and Debit Mastercard
- Google Pay is available for faster checkout
- Payments can be made from a Canadian Financial Institution and can take 2 to 4 business days to arrive in your McMaster student account. Once payment has arrived, you can register for your course. Please note that if the amount of the course fees owing is more than what was transferred to your student account, you will be dropped from the course.
Ready to get started?
Visit the Courses tab to select your course and proceed with the registration steps.