Failed PCP exam twice — what finally helped me pass on third attempt

by Chris D. 23 views3 replies
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Chris D.OP
May 27, 2026

I've been working in HR for about four years and finally decided to go for my PCP certification this year. Honestly, I underestimated how much ground this thing covers. First attempt I scored a 58%, second time a 62% — both times I walked out thinking I'd done better than that. Payroll legislation and the Quebec-specific rules absolutely wrecked me.

What changed for my third attempt was actually being systematic about it. I stopped just reading the textbook and started doing timed PCP practice test questions every single day — even just 20-30 questions on my lunch break. I also found a study guide that broke down the payroll compliance sections in plain language instead of the dense CPA wording, which made a huge difference for retention.

Ended up passing with a 74%. Not a perfect score but I'll absolutely take it after two failures. Happy to share what resources I used if anyone's in the same boat right now. Anyone else find the remittances and legislative compliance section way harder than expected?

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Chloe W.
May 28, 2026
Congrats on passing! I'm currently on my first attempt prep and the remittances section is exactly where I'm struggling too. I've been using practice tests but I think I need a better study guide for that legislative piece specifically. Did you use the official CPA materials or something third-party? I've got about six weeks until my exam date and I'm hovering around 65% on practice sets.
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Preethi N.
May 28, 2026
The Quebec rules got me too on my first try, no joke. My exam tip that genuinely helped: don't just review wrong answers, figure out WHY you got the right ones right. Sounds obvious but I was breezing past my correct answers without reinforcing the reasoning. Once I slowed down and actually understood the logic, my scores jumped from 63% to passing in about three weeks of focused study.
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Jessica L.
May 28, 2026
Six weeks is plenty of time if you're consistent. I passed on my first try doing two hours a night for five weeks. The practice test questions are honestly the best prep — way more useful than just re-reading chapters. Stick with it!

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