Community Care Licensing Officer

Is this program right for you?

This program is designed for anyone looking to advance their career in adult or childcare, and for those interested in performing inspections, investigations, and licensing activities in care facilities.

Build Upon Prior Education and Experience  

 Earn a certificate that leverages your prior education and professional experience in community care.

Flexibility Online Learning

Study on your own terms with online courses. Choose your preferred schedule and enroll in one to three courses per term.

Discover a career as a Community Care Facilities Licensing Officer.

Prepare for a rewarding career ensuring compliance, safety, and quality care in licensed facilities.

  • Individuals aspiring to become Community Care Facility Licensing Officers (CCLOs) – curriculum developed with provincial Health Authorities.

  • Current CCLOs seeking professional development and advanced knowledge in licensing and inspections.

  • Professionals aiming for management or leadership roles in community care facilities, enhancing skills in communication and regulatory compliance.

  • Those with a diploma-level credential (or higher) in a related field (childcare, nursing, social work, adult care, psychology, criminology) and experience working in care facilities.

Program Strengths

  • Fully online courses with no mandatory class times – complete - at a time of the day that works for you (or on a schedule that works for you.

  • Taught by JIBC faculty experts with professional experience in community care.

  • Flexible program duration – part-time over three to four years or as little as 15 months.

  • Apply your existing professional experience in practical learning contexts.

  • Connect with peers and professionals in the field, suitable for both newcomers  and experienced staff.

  • Option to complete a final practice education placement alongside licensing officers or take a final online course without placement.

  • Current licensing officers can engage in professional research aligned with their interests.

 This program equips current and future Community Care Licensing Officers with the specialized knowledge, skills, and practical abilities to perform statutory duties delegated by a Health Authority’s Medical Health Officer. You will graduate prepared to maintain high standards of safety, care, and regulatory compliance in licensed facilities.

Skills Development

  • Competence in all areas of the BC Licensing Officer Occupational Profile.

  • Ethical decision-making within a legislative framework.

  • Understanding of administrative law as it pertains to licensing duties.

  • Knowledge of CCLO authority and its legal basis.

  • Effective verbal and written communication.

  • Conflict resolution, critical thinking, and interprofessional collaboration skills.

  • Ability to assess applications, exemptions, and health/safety plans, conduct inspections, investigate compliance, and ensure adherence to regulations.

  • Ensuring safe environments for children, youth, adults, seniors, and individuals with developmental or mental health needs in care facilities.

All CCLO courses are online and asynchronous. 

 

Students who enroll in one course per semester will complete the program in about three years (36 months). Students who take a full course load and start in the fall term can complete the program in 15 months. Participants have a maximum of four years to complete the program.

 

You must complete all courses to graduate.

 

Courses are usually scheduled in the same semester each year. You can register by contacting the JIBC registration office by phone or online through the myjibc.ca website. Courses will start on the dates listed in the JIBC academic calendar and run for 12 weeks. 

Students who have not worked as Licensing Officers

If you have not worked as a Licensing Officer you can register for CCLO-3410, the Practice Experience course, at the end of the program instead of completing CCLO-3411, the final online course. The practicum course allows you to gain valuable field experience. The final online course offers flexibility to maintain family or professional obligations while practicing CCLO occupational competencies and developing your resume and interview skills. 

 

The practicum placement for CCLO-3410 is six weeks long. You will work on-site with a practicum preceptor and online with a JIBC instructor. Placements are in your preferred Health Authority when possible. Travel may be required. If you cannot travel for placement, take time off work, or have family or professional commitments, you should take CCLO-3411 and complete your final course online. 

 

To enroll in CCLO-3410, you must complete the practice education application. You will receive a practicum schedule once the program area and a Health Authority licensing office have coordinated your placement.

Email cclo@jibc.ca if you want to take CCLO-3410 instead of CCLO-3411 within the next year. 

Working Licensing Officers

If you are a currently employed CCLO, you may be eligible to receive credit for up to half of the program. It is possible for an experienced CCLO to earn this advanced certificate after completing the five required courses. 

 

If you wish to be evaluated for Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR), contact the Program Manager at cclo@jibc.ca for details. 

Application Deadline

We are accepting program applications for the 2025 calendar year. All applications and supporting documents must be received by JIBC no later than the application deadline.

  • Winter 2026 semester (starts in January): Application deadline is November 4, 2025
  • Spring/Summer 2026 semester (starts in May): Application deadline is March 3, 2026
  • Fall 2026 semester (starts in September): Application deadline is July 7, 2026

Upcoming Courses (Tentative Schedule)

Winter Semester (starts January)Spring/Summer (starts May)Fall (starts September)
CCLO-3303
prerequisite: None
CCLO-3304 
prerequisite: None
CCLO-3300 
prerequisite: None
CCLO-3405 
prerequisite: None
CCLO-3407 
prerequisite: CCLO 3406
CCLO-3301 
recommended pre- or co-requisite: CCLO 3300
CCLO-3406 
prerequisite: CCLO 3300 & 3301
CCLO-3408 
prerequisite: None
CCLO-3302 
recommended pre- or co-requisite: CCLO 3300
  CCLO-3409 
prerequisite: All CCLO Courses
  CCLO-3411 
prerequisite: All CCLO Courses

Complete CCLO-3300 Administrative Law as early as possible. This course provides a foundation for all other courses in this program. We recommend completing it before, or at the same time as, CCLO-3301 and CCLO-3302. 

 

CCLO-3409 (for working Licensing Officers) and CCLO-3411 are generally scheduled in the fall term. 

Course offerings and schedules are subject to change without notice. 


CCLO Practice Experience Resources

Do you want to learn more about the practice experience placement? Visit the CCLO Practice Experience Course webpage. Access important CCLO resources such as:

  • Course information

  • Processes

  • Scheduling

  • Preparation

  • Completion

  • Policies

  • Procedures and required deadlines 

CCLO Program Handbook

The CCLO Program Handbook contains important information about the CCLO program including: 

  • Program staff information

  • Program description

  • Course descriptions

  • Registration

  • Withdrawal

  • Practice education requirements

  • Grading   

If you have any questions, email cclo@jibc.ca.

Tuition

Total tuition for the program is approximately $7,550 * and does not include additional fees.

Tuition is approximately $755.00 * per course, and students must complete 10 courses. 

Additional Fees

Additional costs include JIBC Learner Services Fee (per course), applicable tax, course textbooks and program application fees.
(All fees are subject to change)

Note:

* Program and course tuition and fees are approximate, subject to yearly tuition increases, and may change without prior notice.

* Costs are effective as of April 1, 2025.

Textbooks & Supplies

Textbooks can be ordered through the JIBC Store (unless otherwise noted). Below is a list of required textbooks:

CCLO-3303 – Lifespan Development
Boyd, D., Johnson, P., & Bee, H. (2021). Lifespan Development (7th Canadian ed.). Toronto, ON: Pearson. Vital Source Print ISBN: 9780135286746, 0135286743 (Note: you can purchase/rent the Lifespan Development, Seventh Canadian Edition textbook through Vital Source or the Pearson Canada website. (eText version only, CCLO students do not need to purchase the “Revel” resource package) 

CCLO-3405 – Human Relations
DuBrin, A. J. & Geerinck, T. (2015). Human Relations: Interpersonal, Job-Oriented Skills, Fourth Canadian Edition. Toronto: Pearson Education Canada (textbook with access to supplementary online resources)

365 Coaching Questions - Available for purchase at Coaching out of the box.
Required Pre-course Activity:  Complete MBTI.

CCLO-3407 – Investigations
Jones, G., Pettigrew, L. (2021). How To Investigate: Fundamentals of Effective Fact-finding, 2nd Edition. Toronto: Thomas Reuters. ISBN: 9780779898992

CCLO-3408 – Professional Accountability in Licensing
Wiersma, B. (2010). The power of professionalism: The seven mind-sets that drive performance and build trust. Fairfield, Iowa: Ravel Media. Available from Amazon in Kindle and Hardcover formats. (For Kindle, a free reading app is available and purchase of a Kindle E-reader is not required). 

Application Process

It is important that all applicants review the Recommended Requirements for Program and Career Success. Applicants may also want to review job postings for regulatory practitioners and licensing officers and/or contact the health authority in the region they plan to work in to learn more about the educational credential and career experience expectations for these roles. 

To Apply to the Advanced Certificate in Community Care Licensing program:

STEP 1 - Download, Complete and Compile Documentation

Please check the application deadline(s) listed at the top of this webpage and allow time for submission of official transcript(s) from your former school(s).  

  1. Complete the Online Program Application Form through Education Planner BC. There is an application fee of $75 dollars.
  2. An Admissions Officer will then email you information on how to submit supporting documents.

STEP 2 - Submit your supporting documents to Admissions by email, mail, or in person.

Note that you will need to arrange for original official academic transcripts to be provided directly from your former school(s) to show your completion of the admissions requirements above.
 

In-Person or by Mail 

Admission Office (Student Services Centre)
Justice Institute of British Columbia
715 McBride Boulevard
New Westminster, BC V3L 5T4

Admission Requirements

1. Minimum post-secondary diploma in a related field completed with original official transcripts required.*

  • Related fields may include childcare, nursing, social work, adult care, psychology, and criminology. It is strongly recommended applicants have a minimum of 5 years of career experience working in community care facilities.
  • Or, other post-secondary credentials in related areas equivalent to two years of full-time post-secondary study may also be considered. For example, Early Childhood Education, Infant and Toddler, and Special Needs Certificates all completed.
  • Or, bachelor and graduate degrees in unrelated fields of study may also be considered (see note below).

2. High school graduation diploma (or equivalent)

  • Students who have completed a post- secondary certificate, diploma, or degree program are still required to submit their high school transcript with their application documentation.

3. English 12 / English 12 First Peoples (Grade C+) or equivalent (original official transcript required); JIBC English 12 “C” Equivalencies listed here

Note: Program admission requirements may differ from the hiring requirements for entry-level positions in community care licensing in various BC health authorities. Acceptance into the program does not necessarily mean a student's educational qualification(s) meet a health authority hiring requirements. We recommend that applicants especially those with unrelated educational backgrounds, review job postings and/or consult with the health authority where they plan to work to learn more about hiring requirements. 

Applicants submitting foreign credentials or transcripts as proof of prerequisite completion towards a course or program must first have their credentials or transcripts reviewed by either of the following bodies:

Both ICES and WES will provide applicants with documentation which can then be forwarded to the JIBC as part of a program application.

Please note that currently working Licensing Officers are eligible to take up to three courses before formally applying to the program. Email cclo@jibc.ca to request permission for course registration.

We strongly recommend that students who do not meet the entrance requirements complete the required courses before applying to the program to avoid disappointment. Most high school adult upgrading courses can be completed free of charge.

Please phone or email us for assistance with program admission, program information, or course registration:

 Recommended Requirements for Program and Career Success

These requirements are very important for individuals looking for a career working as a licensing officer. If you do not have all the requirements below it is strongly recommended that you acquire them while you are completing the program.

Please note that proof of these requirements does not need to be submitted as part of your application to the CCLO program at JIBC.

  • Minimum of five years of experience working in a related field
  • Minimum of two years of experience working in a supervisory role
  • Minimum of one post-secondary academic writing course completed
  • Understanding of APA formatting and referencing
  • Valid BC Driver’s License and access to a vehicle
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills

Hiring requirements vary by region and operational role and it is recommended that interested individuals contact their local health authority or check job postings to ensure their credentials meet the hiring requirements of the health authority where they plan to work. This is especially important for individuals with educational credentials other than degrees in nursing and social work, or early childhood education.

Additional Program Requirements (once you are accepted into the program)

IMMUNIZATIONS AND CRIMINAL RECORD CHECK 
Students planning on completing the CCLO 3410 Practice Experience course will be working with vulnerable populations during their placement. Immunizations must be up-to-date so they can protect themselves and those in the care facilities being visited.

It is important to start the required immunizations early as some immunizations may take up to (or longer than) eight months to take effect. 

Once you have completed the required immunizations and tests, you will need to have the immunization checklist form signed off by your physician or health care provider. It will then become part of your practice education application package.

You cannot start your practice education course until all of the requirements on this checklist have been met.

Click here for Immunization FAQs.

Click here for the Practice Education webpage.

International Applicants

International applicants are encouraged to contact JIBC's Office of International Affairs at international@jibc.ca.

  • Students can apply for transfer credit or prior learning assessment only after they have been formally accepted into the program. Please ensure official transcripts and course outlines (where applicable) are included in the Transfer Credit or Prior Learning Assessment application.
  • Students may be eligible for transfer credit or prior learning assessment if they have completed academic courses similar at other post-secondary institutions.
  • Complete a transfer credit request to apply for credit for equivalent post-secondary academic courses at other institutions within the past ten years.
  • A prior learning assessment request is used to assess learning that is not eligible for transfer credits. There is an associated fee for prior learning assessment requests.
  • Please note that JIBC policy requires that at least 50% of program course credits be taken at JIBC. Therefore up to 15 credits from learning outside of JIBC can be transferred towards the 30 credits required for this certificate.
  • To avoid disappointment or delayed graduation students are recommended to apply for transfer credit or prior learning assessment as soon as they are accepted into the program.
  • The program area cannot pre-approve transfer credits in advance of program application or acceptance. If you have questions about your previous learning contact the program area.

Q: What do CCLOs do? 

A: They inspect and monitor private and public facilities for childcare, youth residential care, residential group care and long-term care in B.C. They also conduct investigations, provide education and support to licensees, and take action to bring facilities into compliance with the Acts and Regulations that govern them.

Q: What credentials are required to apply?

A: Applicants must have a minimum post-secondary diploma level credential in a related field such as childcare, nursing, social work, adult care, psychology, or criminology and have experience working in community care facilities. Other post-secondary credentials in related areas may be considered (for example, Early Child Education, Infant and Toddler, and Special Needs Certificates completed). See the recommended requirements for more information on the program and career success. In addition, applicants must include their high school transcript with the application documentation.

Q: Who hires Community Care Licensing Officers (CCLOs)?

A: CCLOs are employed by provincial health authorities. They play an important role in protecting vulnerable people. Applicants should review job postings for regulatory practitioners and licensing officers and/or contact the health authority in the region they plan to work in to learn more about the educational credential and career experience expectations for these roles. The training can also help facility operators have a better understanding of the laws and regulations.

Q: How can I be a favourable job candidate as a CCLO? 

A: Generally, employers favour candidates with work experience as a care provider or a manager in a community care setting, or another professional capacity within a Health Authority. If you don’t have that kind of work experience, you could consider pursuing the certificate while gaining related work experience.

Q: What do I need to graduate?

A: You must complete the 30 credits worth of courses to graduate. Students who are not working as Licensing Officers can choose to end their program with CCLO-3410 or CCLO-3411.

Questions about COMMUNITY CARE LICENSING Program?

By submitting this form, I agree to receive promotional communications from the Justice Institute of British Columbia via email or by phone.
CAPTCHA
Email
call604.528.5590, or fill out the form.1.877.528.5591, or fill out the form.