Business Certificate
About the Business Certificate
Gain marketable and employable skills right away with this introduction into the world of business. Our one-year business certificate is designed for individuals who are looking to learn introductory business skills and foundational knowledge in the key areas of business.
Business students at Red Deer Polytechnic benefit from the strong relationships we have with the business community. This creates invaluable opportunities for students to have practical, applied and work-integrated learning, all while creating important connections for the future.
When you complete the Business Certificate program, you will have the skills to enter the business world and join the workforce or you have the option to continue your education. This program provides credit toward the Business Diploma and Bachelor of Business Administration. You will have the option to complete your courses in person or online.
Work-integrated Learning
Work-integrated learning opportunities will depend on the area of focus you choose. Learn more about the many types of experiential learning opportunities available at Red Deer Polytechnic through the Career Education and Experience Development Centre.
Further Study
Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) – Red Deer Polytechnic, Donald School of Business, Science and Computing
Years 1-4 at RDP
The Business Certificate provides credit toward the Bachelor of Business Administration. Once you have completed the Business Certificate, you can enter the BBA program at RDP in Year 2.
Bachelor of Commerce (BCom) – University of Calgary, Haskayne School of Business
Year 1 at RDP, Years 2-4 at U of C
Entry to the BCom program at U of C requires six half-courses (18 credits) of pre-professional studies. An advisor can suggest a list of relevant courses that can be completed in one year, and that would make you eligible to apply to the BCom program at U of C in Year 2. All courses which you intend to submit to U of C for admission requirements must be completed by the end of winter term of the year of application.
Bachelor of Commerce (BCom) – University of Alberta, Alberta School of Business
Years 1 & 2 at RDP, Years 3 & 4 at U of A
Entry to the BCom program at U of A requires 20 courses (60 credits) of pre-professional studies. An advisor can suggest a list of relevant courses that can be completed in two years, and that would make you eligible to apply to the BCom program at U of A in Year 3. This program will vary slightly depending on the major you choose.
Bachelor of Management (BMgt) – University of Lethbridge, Faculty of Management
Years 1 & 2 at RDP, Years 3 & 4 at U of L
Applicants who have completed three or more transferable semester courses at one or more post-secondary institutions will be considered for admission as New Transfer applicants. An advisor can suggest a list of relevant courses that can be completed in two years, and that would make you eligible to apply to the BMgt program at U of L in Year 3. This program will vary slightly depending on the major you choose.
Bachelor of Commerce - Athabasca University
For specific program requirements and regulations, please contact Athabasca University directly. AU has an open admission policy. An advisor can suggest a list of relevant courses that can be completed at RDP and transfer credit to the BCom program at AU.
Bachelor of Business Administration – Mount Royal University, Bissett School of Business
Students who have completed a University Transfer Studies Diploma (20 University Transfer Courses), with ten core BBA Business Courses, may apply for entry to the third year of MRU’s BBA Program. Business Diploma or Financial Services Diploma holders may also be eligible for entry into the third year of MRU’s BBA program. An advisor can suggest a list of relevant courses that can be completed at RDP and transfer credit to the BBA program at MRU.
Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) – Burman University
Burman University provides students with the opportunity to transfer into its BBA program. To meet the core, cognate, and major requirements for transfer into this program, you should consult with an Academic Advisor at Burman University.
Related Careers
Business Certificate graduates find employment in a variety of fields. The certificate was designed to give entrepreneurs a one-year overview of the key functional areas of a business.
It can also provide upward mobility for retail or sales associates. Graduates may find employment as:
Shift managers
Appointment coordinators
Customer service associates
Administrative assistants
Collections representatives
Meet the Faculty
At Red Deer Polytechnic we are proud of our faculty members and staff who are experts in their disciplines and subject areas.
Intakes
Fall (Domestic) - Start Date: Sep 04, 2024
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Spring (Domestic) - Start Date: May 01, 2025
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Fall (International) - Start Date: Sep 04, 2024
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Spring (International) - Start Date: May 01, 2025
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Winter (Domestic) - Start Date: Jan 07, 2025
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Winter (International) - Start Date: Jan 07, 2025
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- International students have to pay their tuition deposit to receive their letters of acceptance
- Important dates may change
Admission Requirements
Admission requirements for specific programs will often refer to Alberta Grade 12 course groups. Visit the Admission Requirements page for detailed group descriptions.
International Students: If you are an international student or have completed your high school education outside of Alberta, please refer to our International Course Equivalencies page for information on how your coursework may align with our admission requirements.
Eligibility for admission to the Business Certificate program at Red Deer Polytechnic requires applicants to meet minimum academic requirements. Qualified applicants who meet all minimum requirements will be offered admission on a first-come, first-served basis.
Academic Requirements
Students applying to the Business Certificate must have the following:
- Minimum of 65% or higher in ELA 30-2, OR 60% or higher in ELA 30-1, or their equivalents
- Minimum of 65% or higher in Math 30-2, OR 60% or higher in Math 30-1, or their equivalents
Or:
Exam Placement with a minimum score of 250 on the Reading component, 250 on the Writing component, 5 on the WritePlacer Test and 250 on the Arithmetic component.
Please note that students who enter the Business Certificate through exam placement will be required to upgrade before transferring to the diploma.
Additional Requirements
English Language Proficiency
Applicants who declare English as a first language are exempt from ELP requirements. Applicants whose first language is not English must demonstrate English Language Proficiency (ELP) for admission to credit programs by providing official documentation to the Office of the Registrar at international.admissions@rdpolytech.ca or by regular mail, after an online application has been submitted. All ELP tests must have been obtained within two years of the date their program starts. ELP requirements are in addition to the other admission requirements noted above.
In this program, applicants whose first language is not English must present one of the following English Language Proficiency requirements to be eligible for admission:
Successful completion of three years full-time education in English at a secondary or post-secondary level.
Successful completion of English Language Arts (ELA) 30-1 or equivalent with a minimum grade of 60%.
Successful completion of the ILAC University Pathway Program (Level 3.2 or 3.3) with a minimum grade of 70%.
Successful completion of one of the recognized English Language Proficiency Tests.
Prior Learning and Transfer
Students presenting courses from other recognized post-secondary institutions may be granted transfer credit towards the Business Certificate, visit our Recognition of Prior Learning and Transfer Credit page to learn more.
Program Cost
These costs are an estimate of tuition and fees based on the recommended course load per year.
NOTE: Additional fees apply. View here for a detailed, estimated breakdown of tuition, non-instructional mandatory fees, health and dental plan costs, and estimated textbooks and supplies costs.
These costs are an estimate of tuition and fees based on the recommended course load per year.
NOTE: Additional fees apply. View here for a detailed, estimated breakdown of tuition, non-instructional mandatory fees, health and dental plan costs, and estimated textbooks and supplies costs.
Financial Aid Options
Student life can be very expensive, and few individuals have enough money to pay up-front for their post-secondary education.
Program Content
In the Business Certificate program, you will complete 10 courses. All students will complete seven common courses. You’ll select one of two economics courses and two of eleven business options.
Program Courses
Graduation Requirements
Completion of 10 courses with a minimum grade of "D" and a minimum GPA of 2.00 (62%).
Continuing and Professional Education
Further your career by advancing your existing skills through flexible courses, micro-credentials and programs.