If you're a graduate of an accredited program, you may qualify for a waiver for the National Knowledge Exam (NKE), an academic assessment of your grasp of the CPHR Competency Framework. Successfully obtaining this waiver makes you a CPHR Candidate, bringing you closer to attaining your CPHR designation. Regardless of the path chosen, all candidates must complete the Validation of Experience.
Post-secondary programs can earn accreditation if their content aligns with at least 80% of the CPHR Competency Framework. New Brunswick-based post-secondary institutions offering HR programs are invited to seek accreditation. Once an institution applies, its program undergoes review to ensure it meets the required standard. Approved programs receive the designation "Accredited by CPHR Canada" and are listed nationally.
Graduates of an Accredited Post-Secondary HR Program in New Brunswick with an average grade of 70% or higher, or a grade-point average of 2.7 or above, can apply to waive the NKE.
New Brunswick Accredited Programs
New Brunswick Community College — Graduates of the Diploma of Advanced Studies in Human Resources Management at New Brunswick Community College with an overall cumulative average of 70% (seventy percent) or equivalent in the grading system in the HR program.
New Brunswick Community College — Graduates of the Diploma of Advanced Studies in Human Resources Management at New Brunswick Community College with an overall cumulative average of 70% (seventy percent) or equivalent in the grading system in the HR program.
University of New Brunswick, Fredericton – Faculty of Management – Bachelor of Business Administration Honours/ Major in Human Resources Management or Certificate in Applied Human Resources Management. Applies to graduates from November 2019 with an overall GPA of 2.7 (B-) or higher in the HR Major courses.
University of New Brunswick, Saint John Campus – Bachelor of Business Administration with a Major in Human Resources Management with an overall cumulative average of 70% (seventy percent) or equivalent (B- = GPA of 2.7) in the grading system in the HR program.
University of New Brunswick, Saint John Campus – Bachelor of Applied Management (BAM) with a focus on Human Resources and an overall cumulative average of 70% (seventy percent) or equivalent (B- = GPA of 2.7) in the grading system in the HR program.
University of New Brunswick, Saint John Campus – Human Resources Management Certificate with an overall cumulative average of B- (or letter grade equivalent to 70%) in their program.
Collège Communautaire du Nouveau-Brunswick — Graduates of the Diploma in Human Resources Management at Collège Communautaire du Nouveau-Brunswick with an overall cumulative average of 70% (seventy percent) or equivalent in the grading system in the HR program.
Crandall University – Master of Management with a Concentration in Human Resources Management Program. Must apply for waiver within 5 years of graduation. Applies to graduates from May 2024 with an overall GPA of 2.7 (B-) or higher in the HR Major courses.
See additional CPHR Canada accredited programs
NKE Waiver - Application and Fees
To apply for an NKE waiver, follow the link below to complete the application and payment. Please note that member dues are additional to the fees listed.
You must be a member of CPHR New Brunswick to apply for an NKE waiver.
If you're not yet a member, sign up here. Download and Complete the NKE Waiver Application Form and send to
Applications must be submitted within five years of graduation of the accredited program.
Transcript: As part of your application, you'll need to submit an official transcript directly from the granting institution to CPHR New Brunswick. This serves as proof of graduation from an Accredited Program and ensures you meet the NKE waiver criteria.
NKE Waiver Application
NKE Waiver fee: $400 + HST
Once your NKE Waiver eligibility is confirmed, our CPHR Membership Coordinator will reach out to you directly, sending an invoice for the application fees. Upon verification of your transcript and receipt of payment, CPHR New Brunswick will approve your waiver, officially recognizing you as a CPHR Candidate.
For further information contact our CPHR Membership Coordinator at
