Frequently Asked Questions
What does "Accredited by CPHR Canada" mean?
Accredited by CPHR Canada means that a program has been approved and graduates of that program may be eligible to apply for an NKE waiver. Post-secondary institutions in New Brunswick that have an HR program have been invited to apply to be accredited. Once an institution has submitted their application, it will be reviewed to ensure that it meets this standard. All approved applications then become “Accredited by CPHR Canada” and will appear on the list of CPHR Canada Accredited Post-Secondary HR Programs. The list can be found here.
What programs qualify to become accredited?
Post-secondary programs will qualify to be accredited if it is determined that the content offered meets at least 80% of the CPHR Competency Framework content. Institutions must complete an application detailing the content of their program(s), which undergoes a thorough review by CPHR New Brunswick in order to be granted Accredited status.
What other requirements must I complete once I receive a waiver as a graduate of an accredited program?
There are two options for graduates of certificate/diploma programs:
- Complete, at minimum a 90-credit Bachelor’s degree and complete three (3) years of professional HR experience
OR - Complete eight (8) years of professional HR experience
If someone received their degree from an accredited program in the past, can they qualify to waive the NKE?
If the degree was received within the past five years and the student’s grades met the requirements, they will be eligible to waive the NKE. This only applies if the HR program has not changed substantially in the five years prior to being accredited.
What if my post-secondary becomes accredited part way through my education?
As long as the program content has been the same for your whole education in that program, CPHR New Brunswick will recognize your accredited education toward waiving the NKE.
Will other provinces in Canada recognize an accredited program from New Brunswick, and vice versa?
Yes, all provinces that are members of CPHR Canada will recognize the programs accredited by CPHR New Brunswick and CPHR New Brunswick will do the same for programs accredited by other member associations of CPHR Canada.
How do I find out if my post-secondary program is currently accredited or in the process of becoming accredited with CPHR New Brunswick?
If your program is accredited, it is listed on the CPHR Canada website or you can contact CPHR New Brunswick directly to ask about it. If it is in the process of becoming accredited, CPHR New Brunswick will not provide that information, but you can inquire with the administration of your program for more information.
Is there a fee associated with waiving the NKE?
Yes, the fee for waiving the exam is the same as the fee for registering to write the NKE ($400 + HST).
What other requirements must be met in order for a student to waive the NKE?
In order to waive the NKE, a student must achieve a 70% cumulative average of 70% (or equivalent in the grading system) in the HR program as well as be a member in good standing of CPHR New Brunswick. Should you not meet the 70% requirement, you will still be able to write the NKE.
If someone waives the NKE, do they still need to pass the Validation of Professional Work Experience (VPWE)?
Yes, the VPWE is required in order to attain the CPHR designation. Depending on which path one is taking, the length of experience required varies.
Why is CPHR New Brunswick prepared to waive the National Knowledge Exam (NKE) for post-secondary graduates?
CPHR New Brunswick recognizes that many post-secondary programs cover the majority of the information included on the National Knowledge Exam. The PSI accreditation process will allow CPHR New Brunswick to assess which programs cover 80% or more of the CPHR Competency Framework content. If a student has achieved 70% or higher as an overall grade in a PSI accredited program, CPHR New Brunswick is confident that the student already possesses the knowledge tested in the National Knowledge Exam.