Professional Practice Certification (PPC)

Pathway to Public Practice for RPA Members

As the accounting profession continues to evolve, the Society of Professional Accountants of Canada (RPA Canada) remains committed to enhancing professional standards, public trust, and ethical accountability. The Professional Practice Certification (PPC) is a mandatory credential for all RPA members who wish to engage in public practice and offer professional services such as bookkeeping, accounting, taxation, and compilation engagements.

Why Certification Is Required

To strengthen public confidence and elevate the reputation of RPA practitioners, the Society has implemented the Professional Practice Pathway. This structured certification process ensures all members who offer public accounting services are fully equipped with the necessary knowledge, ethical standards, and practical competencies.

As of October 16, 2021, any RPA member in good standing who intends to:

• Issue compilation engagement reports (Notice to Reader), and/or

• Establish a professional accounting practice,

must hold an active Professional Practice Certificate (PPC).

Certification Structure

The PPC pathway is built on four progressive stages:

1. Completion of Training Modules

2. Mid-Program Evaluation (Case Study A)

3. Final Evaluation (Case Study B)

4. Accreditation & Practice Review

Curriculum Overview

The training program consists of eight mandatory online courses that cover core areas of professional practice, along with two applied case studies and two essential complementary modules.

Core Modules:

• PPC1

• PPC2

• PPC3

• PPC4

• Case Study A (submitted after PPC4)

• PPC5

• PPC6

• PPC7

• PPC8

• Case Study B (final submission after all modules)

Additional Required Courses:

• Business Ethics & Professional Responsibility

• CSRS 4200 – In-Depth Course (Compilation Engagement Standards)