Foundational Courses

This is the first step to pursuing the CPHR Designation. CPHRNB requires completion of the foundational courses before writing the National Knowledge Exam (NKE). CPHR Canada added this coursework requirement to ensure that registrants for the NKE have a foundational knowledge of the CPHR Competency Framework. The coursework requirement builds on the credibility of the CPHR designation by establishing a standard for the educational needs of a CPHR. This requirement is applicable unless the individual is covered by another eligible path.

The coursework requirement may be met in the following ways:

Completion of an accredited program that covers the foundational courses
Continuing Education courses in HR
HR courses already completed within your non-HR post-secondary program OR
The CPHR Academic Program with Captus Press

Courses:

Accounting and Financial Management
Human Resources Management
Industrial Relations
Organizational Behaviour
Occupational Health and Safety
Recruitment and Selection
Strategic Compensation
Strategic Human Resources Planning
Training and Development

Course Equivalents Self-Assessment - Three Options

Captus Press has created a PLAR equivalency database that lists courses from post-secondary institutions across New Brunswick and Canada that are equivalent to the CPHR Canada required courses.

Option 1: Have you found a complete program or all nine courses? Please send your transcripts for the nine foundational courses to admin@cphrnb.ca. Once they are submitted, you will be sent and invoice for an $18 assessment fee to have your courses assessed for NKE registration eligibility by CPHRNB.

Option 2: Have you found some of your HR courses listed? Click here to create a Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR) with Captus Press.

Option 3: Have you taken some courses but don’t see them on the list? You would need to apply for a Prior Learning Assessment (PLAR) through Captus Press.

CPHR Academic Program

CPHR Canada, in partnership with Captus Press, has set up the following online courses to help members obtain the required foundational coursework. Taught by leading Canadian HR professors, each course provides extensive multimedia lectures with downloadable PowerPoint slides, progress quizzes, and a discussion board where you will interact with your instructor and other students and post answers to assignments.

Visit the CPHR academic program to review these courses and to see which are open for registration.

Course equivalencies may be offered at our Accredited Post-Secondary Institutions.

Descriptions of each of the nine courses can be viewed here.

To register with Captus Press Inc. click here.

Captus Institute, CPHR Academic Program (effective January 1, 2022) *All provinces, except Quebec, will accept completion of this full Program for the NKE Waiver. Please contact your Provincial CPHR Association to determine your eligibility and confirm the education requirements needed for this accredited option.

**Note- Captus offers English training only, various French language colleges and universities also offer these courses.

Foundational Courses FAQs

Why was the coursework requirement introduced?

This requirement has been introduced to set the bar for academic comprehension, establish a standard for educational requirements and build on credibility of the CPHR designation. This requirement will be applicable to anyone writing the National Knowledge Exam (NKE).

What are the required courses? Why?

There are nine (9) required HR courses you must complete to be eligible to write the National Knowledge Exam (NKE). These courses are:

Accounting and Financial Management
Human Resources Management
Industrial Relations
Organizational Behaviour
Occupational Health and Safety
Recruitment and Selection
Strategic Compensation
Strategic Human Resources Planning
Training and Development

These courses align with CPHR Canada’s Competency Framework and are fundamental knowledge areas of human resources.

How can I complete the required courses?

You can complete the required courses in a variety of ways:

With a post-secondary degree or diploma in HR
With HR courses completed within your non-HR diploma or degree
With a post-secondary certificate in HR

Via the CPHR Academic Program with online courses from Captus Press

Do any of the courses completed in my post-secondary program count for the required coursework?

Yes, eligible Human Resource courses you completed within your non-HR diploma or degree in Canada can be applied to the coursework requirement. A review of your official transcript of HR courses can be conducted by Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR) by Captus Press Inc. for $70/course. There is also an equivalency database also known as Pre-determined PLAR that will be available that will include courses and program equivalencies. If your course is listed in the database, it would count as one of the required coursework.

What is an equivalency database also known as Pre-determined PLAR?

An equivalency database is set up and maintained by Captus Press Inc. at no cost. It is a chance for individuals to login to see if their courses or programs has equivalencies to the CPHR Academic Program.

What is the minimum required grade for courses completed in my post-secondary program?

Your official transcripts need to show an average of C+ or a numerical grade of 65% for each course.

What is the time limit for courses previously taken to be considered for PLAR?

There is no limitation for the length of time between the completion of a course and its consideration for PLAR. In all cases, students must be able to supply all required documentation for PLAR to proceed.

What if I have a diploma or degree in Human Resources?

We will review your diploma or degree in HR to see if it fulfills the coursework requirement so you can move to the next step in obtaining your designation – registering for the National Knowledge Exam.

What if I have post-secondary certificate in Human Resources?

We will review any post-secondary certificate programs and courses you have taken to determine the eligibility of waiving some or all the required courses.