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.
Steps to Become a CPHR

CPHR Path #1: Degree
Steps to obtaining the CPHR™ designation via Path #1:
- Foundational Courses
- Bachelor degree in any field or discipline
- Pass the National Knowledge Exam (NKE)
- Three (3) years advisory-level experience within the past ten (10) years
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- Canadian experience is not required
- Once becoming a CPHR Candidate, you have ten (10) years to complete the process to obtain the CPHR
CPHR Path #2: Non-Degree
Steps to obtaining the CPHR designation via Path #2:
- Foundational Courses
- Pass the National Knowledge Exam (NKE)
- Eight (8) years advisory-level experience within the past fifteen (15) years
- Canadian experience is not required
CPHR Path #3: Accredited Program
Steps to obtaining the CPHR designation via Path #3:
Option #1
- Credit level HR Certificate/Diploma program accredited by CPHRNB/CPHR Canada
- you must apply for a National Knowledge Exam (NKE) waiver, click here for complete details
- Bachelor degree in any field or discipline
- Three (3) years advisory-level experience within the past ten (10) years
- Canadian experience is not required
- Once becoming a CPHR Candidate, you have ten (10) years to complete the process to obtain the CPHR
Option #2
- Credit level HR Certificate/Diploma program accredited by CPHRNB/CPHR Canada
- you must apply for a National Knowledge Exam (NKE) waiver, click here for complete details
- Eight (8) years advisory-level experience within the past fifteen (15) years
- Canadian experience is not required
CPHR Path #4: Accredited Degree, Masters
Steps to obtaining the CPHR designation via Path #4:
- Bachelor/MBA/Masters degree in Human Resources program accredited by CPHRNB/CPHR Canada
- you must apply for a National Knowledge Exam (NKE) waiver
- Three (3) years advisory-level experience within the past ten (10) years
-
- Canadian experience is not required
- Once becoming a CPHR Candidate, you have ten (10) years to complete the process to obtain the CPHR
CPHR Path #5: Senior Level
Steps to obtaining the CPHR designation via Path #5:
- Bachelor degree in any field or discipline
OR
Diploma in an HR program - Ten (10) years Senior Professional HR Related Experience
- Canadian experience is not required
Path five for Executive level HR professionals is now available to receive applications. Please fill out this form, ensuring that it is reviewed and signed by your immediate supervisor and previous supervisor for all positions submitted in the application, scan and send in one document, along with a proof of your degree or diploma to admin@cphrnb.ca with the subject title “Path 5 application” and it will be reviewed by the Professional Standards Committee.
CPHR Path #6: Transfer
Requirements include:
- Inter-provincial transfer of a CPHR (or alternate designation) holder in good standing of another province deemed to be substantially equivalent or greater than CPHR NB certification requirements.
CPHR Path #7: International
Requirements include:
- Recognition of a CPHR equivalent designation holder in good standing of international jurisdiction with whom CPHRNB or CPHR Canada enjoys a Mutual Recognition Agreement or is deemed to be substantially equivalent (i.e. AHRI, CIPD, HKIHRM, SHRM, CHRL or CHRE) or greater than CPHRNB certification requirements.
OR
- International prospects having satisfied a certification path approved by CPHR NB and deemed to substantially meet or exceed the conditions of CPHRNB certification requirements.
Membership
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.
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 Path #2.
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.
Your experience must cover at least two of the nine functional dimensions of the CPHR Competency Framework or demonstrate depth of experience in one functional dimension.
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.