Become a CPHR

Steps to Become a CPHR

* A program must be approved by CPHR to qualify as ‘Accredited’

Important note: Individuals obtain/retain the CPHR in the province in which they work. If an individual is not working in New Brunswick, they should be pursuing the CPHR in the province where they are working. In cases where individuals work in more than one province, they may apply to have their CPHR recognized in more than one province.

Degree

Requirements include:

Completion of Foundational Courses before being able to register for the National Knowledge Exam (NKE) PLUS
National Knowledge Exam (NKE) PLUS
Bachelor degree in any field or discipline PLUS
Three years of Advisory HR experience including up to a maximum of one year of Administrative HR experience within the past 10 years.

Non-Degree

Requirements include:

Completion of Foundational Courses before being able to register for the National Knowledge Exam (NKE) PLUS
National Knowledge Exam (NKE) PLUS
Eight years of HR Experience within the past 10 years.

Accredited Program

Requirements include:

CPHR accredited degree/diploma program in Human Resources from one of the schools that satisfies the professional competencies within noted timeframe and with the minimum GPA

Waive the National Knowledge Exam by applying for an NKE Waiver. First send your official transcript(s) to our Registrar.

Three years of HR experience required for Degree program, Post-Baccalaureate diploma or Post-Degree diploma within the past 10 years.
Four years of HR experience required for Diploma program and five years HR experience for a Certificate program within the past 10 years.

Please note: To apply for certification through Path 3, please send an email to admin@cphrnb.ca to request the NKE Waiver Application.

CPHR Canada and the member associations, including CPHR New Brunswick, are constantly reviewing and accrediting post-secondary programs in each region. For a full list of accredited post-secondary schools across Canada, please refer to cphr.ca.

Transfer

Provincial – transfer of a CPHR, CPHR Candidate or alternate designation holder in good standing of another Canadian province deemed to be substantially equivalent or greater than CPHR New Brunswick certification requirements.
International – Recognition of a CPHR equivalent designation holder in good standing of another jurisdiction with whom CPHR New Brunswick or CPHR Canada enjoys a Mutual Recognition Agreement or is deemed to be substantially equivalent or greater than CPHR New Brunswick certification requirements.

Questions? Please contact the CPHR Registrar.

Membership

In order to write the National Knowledge Exam (NKE) one must be a current member of CPHRNB. In order to become a CPHR in New Brunswick one must maintain membership with CPHRNB. Failure to renew your membership on a yearly basis will result in revocation of your CPHR™ designation.

Click here to view member benefits and membership types.

National Knowledge Exam (NKE)

The National Knowledge Exam® (NKE) is an academic exam that assesses one’s understanding of the Competency Framework.

The NKE is offered twice per year. Spring and Fall.

After successfully passing the NKE, one is considered to be a CPHR Candidate and is required to complete the VPE within ten (10) years.

For more information about the NKE click here.

Bachelors Degree

CPHR Canada and its member provincial HR Associations are working to raise the standards of the HR profession. An important part of our mission is to ensure current and future members are well prepared to meet the needs of business. And, the needs of business are changing. Employers, in Canada and internationally, expect HR practitioners to have a college or university degree.

If you don’t have a diploma or degree, please refer to the Non Degree path.

Click here for further information.

Validation of Professional Work Experience (VPWE)

The Validation of Professional Experience (VPWE) requires candidates to demonstrate three or more years of professional experience in human resources within the last ten (10) years. (the length of experience required depends on the route taken – see above)

The VPWE requires Candidates to demonstrate experience at the professional level, which means that you must be using technical HR knowledge and have a level of autonomy in the application of your HR knowledge. Duties that are purely administrative requiring no HR knowledge are not considered.

In order to apply for your VPWE for your CPHRNB designation, you MUST be a member with the New Brunswick association and work in New Brunswick.

For more information about the VPWE click here.

To view the full CPHR Competency Framework click here.

Download the VPWE Handbook.

Post-Secondary Institution (PSI) Accreditation Program

Graduates of Accredited Post-Secondary programs will be one step closer to receiving their CPHR designation and may be eligible to waive writing the NKE. Application for an NKE waiver must be made within five years from the date the accreditation agreement was signed with the institution. There is no waiting period for a graduate to submit their waiver application. At this time, previous graduates of an Accredited HR Program may also be eligible to apply for an NKE waiver depending on program eligibility.

For more information about the PSI Accreditation Program, click here.