National Knowledge Exam™

The National Knowledge Exam® (NKE) assesses one’s understanding of the CPHR Competency Framework as they relate to academic knowledge. Academic knowledge refers to basic facts, policies, practices, methods, legislation, etc. It is information that can be written into procedures and transferred fairly accurately during the learning process. Examples of academic knowledge include: the rights and responsibilities of management and labour during union organizing and negotiation processes; the various methods of training and developing staff; and human rights, employment equity and pay equity legislation.

More details about NKE content and structure can be found on the CPHR website.

Exam Dates and Locations

National Knowledge Exam® Dates	Registration Deadlines
June 1, 2019	April 2, 2019

Exam sessions can be arranged in Fredericton, Moncton, North-East, North-West and Saint John. Your preferred location is chosen during the registration process.

Exam Registration

The registration fee is $400.00 + HST.

Special Accommodation

If an exam writer requires special accommodation for the exam, they must indicate it during the online registration process. Supporting documentation outlining the accommodation required must also be submitted to CPHRNB in order to allow the Association to make the arrangements. Only original, physician supported, documentation will be accepted. Supporting documentation must also be received by the exam registration deadline. Contact us to make arrangements.

Out of Province on the Day of the Exam

If you must be out of your home province however in another province that hosts the NKE exam on the day of the exam, you must advise CPHRNB when you register for the exam (indicate in the exam location field) as out of province writing may be possible. Please note that Ontario does not host the NKE exam so out of province writing cannot be arranged in that province. Contact us to make arrangements.

Learning Resources

Cancellation and Deferral Policy

The exam fee is non-refundable if you cancel your registration less than 60 days prior to the exam date. You may defer to the next sitting up to seven (7) calendar days prior to the exam, but will be charged a deferral fee of $100 plus HST. Within seven (7) calendar days to the exam, no deferrals will be allowed. In certain extenuating circumstances (such as death in the family) the $100 deferral fee may be waived at the discretion of CPHRNB. A maximum of two deferrals are allowed per exam fee.

To defer your exam registration click here.

Limits on number of NKE attempts

Candidates who are unsuccessful passing the NKE three times will be required to wait one full year prior to attempting the NKE for a fourth and final time. A fifth attempt may be permitted following a review process by the appropriate provincial HR association. During the break period between the third and fourth attempts, candidates are encouraged to take a NKE preparation course and/or review the material which their NKE results indicate require more study.

Exam Results

Exam results are emailed approximately eight weeks after each exam session.

Click here to find out more about exam scoring

CPHR Manual Rescore

Manual re-scores are available for those who believe that there has been an error in the scoring of their exam. Information is available following the release of the exam results.

Recognition as a CPHR Candidate

Members who have passed the National Knowledge Exam and have not yet completed the Validation of Professional Work Experience (VPWE) will be granted the ability to use “CPHR Candidate” as a professional title. Previously, candidates were referred to as such, but were not permitted the use of an official title.

The CPHR™ is valued by the employment community and the ability to be officially recognized as a CPHR Candidate will provide you with additional recognition. You may use this title in resumes, business cards, emails, Linked-In or any other public profiles.