Become a CPHR

Achieve HR Excellence. Become a CPHR.

As a human resources (HR) professional, you are a leader in your field. Employers, colleagues and clients turn to you for strategic advice, clear guidance, and leadership on all aspects of HR. Make the most of your HR knowledge and experience, and get started on the path towards the Chartered Professional in Human Resources (CPHR) designation – the gold standard of HR professionals.

Granted provincially, CPHR BC & Yukon is the sole certifying body in BC & Yukon for the nationally recognized Chartered Professional in Human Resources (CPHR) designation.

Why should you pursue the CPHR designation?

The CPHR designation can enhance your career opportunities and compensation potential. An increasing number of organizations require or prefer that successful candidates for HR positions hold, or are working towards obtaining, the CPHR designation. This is particularly true for senior HR positions.

Be a trusted advisor to your peers and employers – by achieving the CPHR Designation and adhering to CPHR BC & Yukon’s Code of Ethics, you demonstrate that you are committed to the highest standards of professional practice in HR.

Expand your network and career opportunities across the country – the CPHR designation is recognized across nine provinces in Canada and 31,000 members strong. CPHR Canada is aligned with the United States’ Society for Human Resource Management, the largest HR organization in the world.

Five Fundamental Requirements for CPHRs

1. Membership

To be a CPHR, you must hold an active membership with CPHR BC & Yukon. For more information on membership, including the various types of memberships and the benefits that membership offers, visit our Become a Member page.

2. Knowledge

Demonstrate theoretical and technical knowledge of the CPHR competencies by:

3. Education

Demonstrate knowledge and critical thinking by meeting the foundational knowledge coursework requirement and (usually) through the completion of a minimum of a two-year Diploma, Certificate or Bachelor’s Degree.

4. Experience Requirement

Demonstrate the required time and level of work experience practicing human resources through the Validation of Experience process. At least three or more years (in the last 10 years) are required depending on the path being taken. Experience does not need to be from Canada and can be achieved in any sector.

5. Professional Conduct

Being a CPHR means to adhere to a higher standard and remain a member with good standing within the Association. Holding the CPHR designation assures employers, the public and other HR professionals that you are committed to holding yourself to CPHR BC & Yukon’s Code of Ethics & Rules of Professional Conduct. Violation of these standards may result in disciplinary action, including the possible removal of the designation.

Being a CPHR also means having a strong ethical compass and that you are committed to developing professionally each year. Each CPHR has taken a three-hour ethics training course and must complete a minimum of 10 continuing professional development (CPD) hours each year and a minimum of 60 CPD hours over three years. 

There are many paths to the CPHR designation in BC & Yukon. These paths reflect the varied education and experience we see in the profession today.

Degree

Requirements include:

Non-Degree

Requirements include:

Certificate

Requirements include:

Diploma

Requirements include:

Accredited

Requirements include:

  • 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.

To apply for certification, create an online profile first (if you aren’t already a member with us). Then send official transcripts demonstrating an average of 70%, the exam exemption form and fee payment to cphr@cphrbc.ca.

A summary of steps can be found here.

You can save 25% off the exam exemption fee if you apply within 12 months of graduation.

How to Claim the NKE Waiver

Schools that currently have agreements with CPHR BC & Yukon that are valid include:

CPHR Canada and the member associations, including CPHR BC & Yukon, are constantly reviewing and accrediting post-secondary programs in each region, and requirements may vary slightly province to province. For a full list of accredited post-secondary schools across Canada, please refer to cphr.ca.

  • Acsenda School of Management (BBA-HRM option; graduated May 2014 or later)
  • BCIT (HRM diploma program; graduated May 2013 or later) or (Certificate in Human Resource Management after February 1, 2012 and must have completed all courses in Section 1 and 2 plus one elective of the current course matrix.  Note: BUSA 4800 Management Policy is required and FMGT 1152 Accounting for the Manager are required. FMGT 1100 Accounting 1 cannot be substituted for FMGT 1152 Accounting for the Manager) 
  • Captus Institute, CPHR Academic Program (effective January 1, 2022)
  • Camosun College (BBA (HRML) degree program or Post-Degree Diploma; graduated December 2012 or later)
  • College of New Caledonia (Post-Diploma in Human Resources Management program; graduated August 2016 or later)
  • Douglas College (Post-Degree Diploma in HRM, Post-Baccalaureate Diploma in Advanced HRM or BBA Concentration in HRM; graduated May 2020 or later)
  • Hang Seng University of Hong Kong (BBA degree program; graduated December 2018 or later)
  • Hong Kong Polytechnic University (BBA degree program in management or a BA in HRM; graduated December 2018 or later)
  • Kwantlen Polytechnic University (BBA degree program with a specialization in HR or a Post-Baccalaureate Diploma in HR; graduated May 2012 or later)
  • Okanagan College (BBA (HRM) degree program, Post-Baccalaureate Diploma in HRM; graduated May 2013 or later). Or Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in HRM; graduated May 2022 or later.
  • School of Professional Education and Executive Development, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (BA (Honours) in Business Human Resource Management) part time; graduated May 2022 or later.
  • Simon Fraser University Beedie School of Business (BBA HR program); graduated June 2017 or later.
  • Simon Fraser University Continuing Studies (HRM certificate program; graduated May 2016 or later)
  • Thompson Rivers University (BBA (HRM) degree program or Post-Baccalaureate Diploma in HRM; graduated May 2017 or later)
  • Trinity Western University School of Business (BBA degree program with a specialization in HR; graduated April 2019 or later)
  • University of British Columbia Sauder School of Business (BComm in Organizational Behaviour and Human Resource Management, HR Option; graduated May 2017 or later)
  • University of the Fraser Valley (BBA (HRM) degree program; graduated May 2017 or later)
  • University Canada West (MBA program, HR elective; graduated April 2021 or later)
  • University of Northern British Columbia (BComm (HRM) degree program; graduated May 2017 or later)
  • Vancouver Island University (BBA (HRM) degree program; graduated May 2017 or later)

Executive Level

  • Diploma, certificate or Bachelor degree in any field or discipline PLUS
  • 10 years of senior professional HR experience & have held an executive position

To apply for certification, please contact the CPHR registrar.

Schools that currently have agreements with CPHR BC & Yukon that are valid include:

  • Acsenda School of Management (BBA-HRM option; graduated May 2014 or later)
  • BCIT (HRM diploma program; graduated May 2013 or later) or (Certificate in Human Resource Management after February 1, 2012 and must have completed all courses in Section 1 and 2 plus one elective of the current course matrix.  Note: BUSA 4800 Management Policy and FMGT 1152 Accounting for the Manager are required.) 
  • Captus Institute, CPHR Academic Program (effective January 1, 2022)
  • Camosun College (BBA (HRML) degree program or Post-Degree Diploma; graduated December 2012 or later)
  • College of New Caledonia (Post-Diploma in Human Resources Management program; graduated August 2016 or later)
  • Douglas College (Post-Degree Diploma in HRM, Post-Baccalaureate Diploma in Advanced HRM or BBA Concentration in HRM; graduated May 2020 or later)
  • Hang Seng University of Hong Kong (BBA degree program; graduated December 2018 or later)
  • Hong Kong Polytechnic University (BBA degree program in management or a BA in HRM; graduated December 2018 or later)
  • Kwantlen Polytechnic University (BBA degree program with a specialization in HR or a Post-Baccalaureate Diploma in HR; graduated May 2012 or later)
  • Okanagan College (BBA (HRM) degree program, Post-Baccalaureate Diploma in HRM; graduated May 2013 or later). Or Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in HRM; graduated May 2022 or later.
  • School of Professional Education and Executive Development, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (BA (Honours) in Business Human Resource Management) part time; graduated May 2022 or later.
  • Simon Fraser University Beedie School of Business (BBA HR program); graduated June 2017 or later)
  • Simon Fraser University Continuing Studies (HRM certificate program; graduated May 2016 or later)
  • Thompson Rivers University (BBA (HRM) degree program or Post-Baccalaureate Diploma in HRM; graduated May 2017 or later)
  • Trinity Western University School of Business (BBA degree program with a specialization in HR; graduated April 2019 or later)
  • University of British Columbia Sauder School of Business (BComm in Organizational Behaviour and Human Resource Management, HR Option; graduated May 2017 or later)
  • University Canada West (MBA program, HR elective; graduated April 2021 or later)
  • University of the Fraser Valley (BBA (HRM) degree program; graduated May 2017 or later)
  • University of Northern British Columbia (BComm (HRM) degree program; graduated May 2017 or later)
  • Vancouver Island University (BBA (HRM) degree program; graduated May 2017 or later)

CPHR Canada and the member associations, including CPHR BC & Yukon, are constantly reviewing and accrediting post-secondary programs in each region, and requirements may vary slightly province to province. For a full list of accredited post-secondary schools across Canada, please refer to cphr.ca.

CPHR Association Transfer

CPHR Canada requires that Chartered Professional in Human Resources (CPHR) designation holders maintain membership in CPHR BC & Yukon or the association responsible for CPHR certification in their province of residence. When a member moves to another province, they are required to become a member of the association in their new province of residence.

An official Confirmation of Good Standing must be submitted to CPHR BC & Yukon prior to the change in residence. CPHR BC & Yukon will forward the transfer form to the new association which will complete the CPHR holder’s enrolment as a professional member in their province. A transfer fee is payable to CPHR BC & Yukon.

Persons holding the CPHR designation that move into BC are required to apply for membership concurrent to the transfer of their designation from their former provincial associations. Provincial memberships are non-transferable. Please note that any lapse in membership longer than 60 days between the expiry of a former provincial membership and gaining membership in CPHR BC & Yukon may result in the revocation of the transferee’s designation. CPHR Membership Application Form.

Exceptions:

  • When a CPHR BC & Yukon member holding the CPHR designation resides in another province for a limited time while maintaining their residency in BC.
  • When a CPHR BC & Yukon member holding the CPHR designation resides outside of Canada.
  • When a CPHR BC & Yukon member is relocating to Ontario, a $25 transfer fee and HRPA Confirmation of Good Standing form are required.

International / Non-Resident Transfer

  • Recognition of a CPHR equivalent designation holder in good standing of another jurisdiction with whom CPHR BC & Yukon 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 CPHR BC & Yukon certification requirements.

    OR
  • International prospects having satisfied a certification path approved by CPHR BC & Yukon and deemed to substantially meet or exceed the conditions of CPHR BC & Yukon certification requirements.

To apply for certification through International/Non-resident transfer, please contact the CPHR registrar.

If you are earning the CPHR designation you are required to submit proof that your bachelor’s degree is from an accredited Canadian college or university or the equivalent from a non-Canadian institution. Search a directory of accredited Canadian institutions.

If you received your degree within Canada, you will need to contact the university’s registry and have your transcript sent directly to the address below. The transcript fee is about $10 to $15.

CPHR Registrar
CPHR BC & Yukon
1101-1111 West Hastings Street
Vancouver, BC V6E 2J3
Canada

If your degree is from outside of Canada, you must have a report completed by either of the following:

The cost for a basic report is about $125.

As of January 2021, there is a new coursework requirement for anyone who wishes to write 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.

To pursue the designation, one must first be a member. If you do not have an HR focused education you must complete the coursework requirement.

The coursework requirement may be met in the following ways:

  • Through an accredited HR program.
  • Completion of an HR certificate or HR diploma that covers the foundational courses*
  • Continuing Education courses in HR*
  • HR courses already completed within your non-HR post-secondary program*
  • The CPHR Academic Program

*Please check the Equivalency Lists for Courses and Programs that have been approved. And please note that bullet points can be mixed and matched.

If your coursework is not in the pre-approved database you would need to apply for a Prior Learning Assessment (PLAR) through Captus Press. Captus Press would perform your assessment and notify CPHR BC & Yukon of the results. There are fees associated with this assessment and you can contact Captus Press directly for more details.

**Note: Effective January 1st, 2022 graduates who complete all nine courses in the CPHR Academic Program through Captus Institute are eligible to apply for exemption from writing the National Knowledge Exam®. Graduates who achieve an overall cumulative average of 70% GPA in the nine courses and become a member of CPHR BC & Yukon, may apply for exemption from the National Knowledge Exam [NKE].

FAQ – Coursework Requirement

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, through Captus Institute

If I complete all nine courses with a 70%+ GPA in the CPHR Academic Program through Captus Institute, am I exempt from the NKE?

Yes.

Effective January 1st, 2022, graduates who complete all nine courses in the CPHR Academic Program though Captus Institute are eligible to apply for exemption from writing the National Knowledge Exam®. Graduates who achieve an overall cumulative average of 70% GPA in the nine courses and become a member of CPHR BC & Yukon, may apply for exemption from the National Knowledge Exam [NKE] and follow pathway 3.

Once you complete all nine courses, please send official transcripts demonstrating your GPA cumulative average, to cphr@cphrbc.ca. Once reviewed and approved, the Registrar will send you the exam exemption form to complete and return with payment details.

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 have equivalencies to the CPHR Academic Program through Captus Institute.

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 eligible 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, if such documentation does not pre-exist within the PLAR Equivalency Database.

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

We will review your Canadian 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 a 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.

What if my education was achieved outside of Canada?

If you have completed an HR diploma or a degree in HR then we require a course-by-course International Credential Evaluation Service (ICES) or equivalent, assessment completed on your education. If you have completed a non-HR diploma or non-HR degree from outside of Canada, but you completed specific HR courses within the program, we require a course-by-course International Credential Evaluation Service (ICES) or equivalent, assessment completed on your education. If you did not complete any HR specific courses within your program, then we can accept a basic assessment.

When can I register for the National Knowledge Exam (NKE)?

You are eligible to register for the NKE when you have completed the coursework requirement and have shown the Registrar documentation.

The National Knowledge Exam® (NKE) assesses one’s comprehension of the academic knowledge related to professional competencies across nine functional areas of human resources as outlined in the CPHR Competency Framework. Find out more about the NKE content and structure below.

Exam Dates and Locations

Exam DateRegistration Deadline Time
Fall, 2025Nov. 6, 2025Sept. 12, 2025

*A Special Note Regarding Upcoming NKEs

Beginning in 2024 the National Knowledge Exam will only be offered once a year, each fall. Spring exam sessions will no longer be available.


Writers for the Fall 2025 exam can choose their preference for writing the exam via a test centre or remote proctoring. Once registered send an email to cphr@cphrbc.ca advising of your preference.


For those that choose a test centre as their preference, this is not a guarantee. In the event a test centre is unavailable, the registrant would be assigned to remote proctoring. CPHR Canada and Meazure Learning will continue to monitor the availability of test centres and will source seats following the close of registration. Test Centres will be sourced within a 2-hour driving distance (one-way) from each registrant. If a test centre seat is not available within a 2-hour driving distance (one-way), they will be booked for a live, remote proctored exam. A remote proctored exam can be taken anywhere in the world. The exam can be taken at one’s home, office, etc.


Writers will be assigned a time to write their exam. Writers will receive their assigned time, as well as additional information and instructions, approximately 3 weeks prior to the exam date(s).

Registration and Fees

To register for the National Knowledge Exam you must be a member of CPHR BC & Yukon. For more info on how to become a member, visit our membership page.

If you are already a member and have completed the course requirements you can register for the exam ONLINE. Online is the quickest and easiest way to register for the exam. Registrations will open early in 2025.

If you are unable to register online than you can submit the manual forms that can be found below to cphr@cphrbc.ca for processing.

Registration includes:

  • $60 CPHR Application Fee
  • $550 NKE Registration Fee

Please note: CPHR BC & Yukon fees such as the NKE registration fee are non-refundable. See below for information on exam deferral.

NKE Support

If you are looking for resources to support you to prepare for the NKE, visit the Knowledge Hub and look under Exam Centre section. If you have further questions, start with the CPHR FAQ.

Exam Accommodation

Do you require an accommodation to complete the exam? If yes, please complete the NKE Accommodation Request Form and submit to cphr@cphrbc.ca at the time of exam registration. Please download the NKE Accommodation handbook for more details.

Exam Content & Structure

The National Knowledge Exam (NKE) assesses one’s understanding of the Competency Framework as they relate to academic knowledge. Academic knowledge refers to basic facts, policies, practices, methods, legislation, etc. It is information that can be written into procedures and transferred fairly accurately during the learning process. Examples of academic knowledge include: the rights and responsibilities of management and labour during union organizing and negotiation processes; the various methods of training and developing staff; and human rights, employment equity and pay equity legislation.

Question Content

The NKE’s questions are based on the content in the following nine HR-related areas, or functional dimensions, under which the Competency Framework is organized.

Below, the percentages provide guidelines on the extent to which each area of knowledge is emphasized within the NKE.

  • Strategy 11%
  • Professional Practice 12%
  • Engagement 11%
  • Workforce Planning and Talent Management 11%
  • Employee & Labour Relations 11%
  • Total Rewards 11%
  •  Learning and Development 11%
  • Health, Wellness, and Safe Workplace 11%
  • HR Metrics, Reporting and Financial Management 11%

Question Structure

The NKE is comprised of 160 questions including 10 questions which are added to the exam to allow new questions to be pre-tested. Pre-test questions will not affect the score and are used in examinations as an effective and legitimate way to test the validity of future examination questions. They are placed randomly throughout the exam.

Exam writers have 3 hours and 15 minutes to complete the 160 questions on the NKE.

The questions are multiple choice. Research has shown that exams using four-option multiple-choice questions to test academic knowledge are valid and preferred because they:

  • Provide more flexibility and adaptability
  • Tend to be more reliable than other formats
  • Can accommodate a wide range of skills, knowledge and abilities to be measured
  • Provide better sampling
  • Have lower chance scores
  • Can be scored using efficient technology

Question Creation

Questions included in the exam are developed by an Operational Plan of Item Writers. This panel is coordinated by CPHR Canada and the Exam vendor. The panel members are considered “best in class” for their respective areas of HR expertise.

Exam Day

Permissible and Non-Permissible Items

A scan of each writers’ workspace and surrounding area will be conducted by the proctor prior to the start of your exam to ensure none of the following non-permitted items are present. This may be conducted with a cell phone with a front facing camera. The cell phone will be required to be removed from the testing area once the scan is complete.

Permitted items

  • Government issued photo identification*
  • Computer or laptop*
  • Mirror or reflective surface to show the proctor your monitor to ensure there are no notes or writing attached to the monitor.*
  • Water in a clear, unmarked container

*Required items

Non-permitted items

  • “Scrap paper”
  • Writing utensils
  • Notebooks, textbooks or other reference materials
  • Electronics (besides computer being used to write exam; this includes items such as cell phones, tablets, watches of any kind, headphones)
  • Bags, purses
  • Food
  • Visitors

Exam Deferrals

After the exam registration deadline has passed, exam fees are non-refundable. You cannot cancel your exam registration, you must defer to the next exam sitting. If you choose not to defer, you will be considered a “no show” for the exam and you will forfeit your exam fee.

  • Prior to the exam registration deadline – you may choose to either cancel your exam registration or defer to the next examination date.
  • Up to the registration deadline – you may defer to the next sitting at no cost.
  • Between the registration deadline and 14 days prior – you may defer to the next sitting but will be charged a deferral fee of $100 + GST.
  • Within 14 days prior to the exam – you may defer to the next sitting but will be charged a deferral fee of $225 + GST, except in cases of illness or bereavement (official verification required). CPHR BC & Yukon will review the application and determine whether you qualify based on illness, bereavement or other special circumstances.
  • Within 5 business days of the exam date – deferrals are not allowed unless there is verified proof of extenuating circumstances such as serious illness or loss of immediate family. Please contact cphr@cphrbc.ca as soon as possible should such a situation arise. Cancellations within 5 business days of the exam date for any other reason are considered to be no-shows and the full exam fee will be forfeited.

If you wish to defer writing the exam, you must submit a CPHR Exam Deferral Form. Once your application for deferral has been approved, you will be registered for the next exam sitting.

Registrants who defer to a future sitting and then cancel their registration any time prior to this sitting will forfeit their initial exam fee plus any deferral fee paid.

A maximum of two deferrals are allowed before the CPHR application process is terminated. Membership fees are non-refundable.

Exam Attempts

Candidates who fail the NKE three times are required to wait a full year before attempting the NKE for a fourth, and final, time. A fifth attempt may be permitted following a review process by your provincial HR association.

Exam Results

Exam results are emailed approximately eight weeks after each exam session. It also allows time for the results to be reviewed and the quality of the exam verified.

Overall scores are reported as scaled scores to ensure consistent reporting of scores between different versions of the NKE. It is achieved through mathematically converting raw scores into scaled scores with the passing scaled score always equal to 500.

Exam Scoring

The NKE is a multiple-choice assessment of knowledge in human resources. Of the 160 questions on the examination, 150 are designated as operational (intended to be scored), and 10 unscored are included for field test purposes. A candidate’s total score is calculated as their number of correct answers.

Candidate responses are extracted from the line test delivery tool, and imported into a scoring and reporting software. Then, a preliminary item analysis study is conducted in which the statistics that describe the quality of each question is used to identify if any questions demonstrate unsatisfactory measurement properties. Such questions are then reviewed one-by-one by experts in human resources, and these experts decide whether or not the questions should be scored. Thus, the number of questions that ultimately are scored may not equal 150. Once these decisions are made, they are recorded in the answer key and an additional item analysis study is conducted to verify that the decisions were recorded correctly.

Using the approved answer key, the answer records are then scored and equated. Equating is a statistical process used to be sure that everyone is held to the same passing standard. This is necessary because there are multiple versions of each exam, and these versions may vary slightly in difficulty. Thus, scores that result from this process account for the number of scored questions answered correctly by each individual as well as the difficulty of the version of the NKE used in the given test administration, such that scores represent the proficiency of each candidate relative to the standards established for the NKE. These scores are then scaled to a distribution that ranges from 200 to 800, with the criterion-referenced passing standard anchored at 500. A scaled score is a score that has been mathematically transformed from one scale to another scale that is used for reporting purposes. This transformation is similar to converting from pounds to kilograms. The weight of the object has not changed, only the units being reported. The scaling is performed by multiplying the raw score for each candidate by the expected standard deviation of the scaled-score distribution and then adding a constant that places the passing standard at 500.

Manual Re-scores

Scanned exam scores are very accurate, however manual re-scores are available for those who believe that there has been an error in the scoring of their exam. Requests for manual re-scores will be accepted for 60 days following the release of exam results. Please allow at least two weeks for processing of your request.

To request a manual re-score for the NKE, print a copy of the request form, complete and send along with payment of $65 CDN, to the address indicated on the form.

CPHR BC & Yukon and CPHR Canada each provide resources to help you prepare for the National Knowledge Exam® (NKE).

CPHR BC & Yukon Prep Course

In this two-day workshop, participants review and discuss important HR theory for each functional dimension in the CPHR Competency Framework. Sample exam questions will be analyzed, enabling participants to identify knowledge gaps. Participants will have an opportunity to practice in a simulated exam setting and discuss techniques for passing. For details on course locations, dates and fees, please refer to CPHR BC & Yukon’s online calendar.

Online Prep Courses

The Captus Online NKE Prep Course is the only online learning course fully endorsed and recognized by CPHR BC & Yukon. If you’re looking to prepare to take the National Knowledge Exam, we recommend you invest in this online course. Read more about the important features of the NKE Prep Course from Captus.

More Resources

Test your knowledge with practice questions from a sample NKE exam.

There are several textbooks related to human resources management that may be useful when studying for the NKE.

Learn more about the CPHR Pathways and then choose the preparation options that are best suited to you.

The Validation of Experience (VOE) Assessment is the final formal step in earning the CPHR designation.

The following are the requirements for the Validation of Experience Assessment.

Experience has always been an integral component in achieving the CPHR designation. The requirements to pass the VOE are:

Three (3), four (4), five (5) or eight (8) years of work experience with the majority, 51% or more, being work in HR at the advisory HR and administrative HR levels. Experience must be obtained within the past 10 years from the VOE submission deadline. The number of years required is based on the level of education as listed below:

Education HR Experience Required
Degree 3 years of HR experience to obtain the CPHR designation.
(1 year in an administrative role – 2 years in an advisory role)
Diploma 4 years of HR experience to obtain the CPHR designation.
(1 year in an administrative role – 3 years in an advisory role)
Certificate 5 years of HR experience to obtain the CPHR designation.
(1 year in an administrative role – 4 years in an advisory role)
No Diploma, Certificate, or Degree8 years of HR experience to obtain the CPHR designation. (3 year in an administrative role – 5 years in an advisory role)

  • Applicants must demonstrate that their experience is at the advisory HR level in a minimum of 8 specific examples that correspond to the competency framework
  • Membership in good standing with CPHR BC & Yukon
  • Agree to abide by the CPHR BC & Yukon Code of Ethics & Standards of Professional Conduct

Timeline to Complete VOE & Experience Requirements

CPHR Candidates have 10 years to complete the VOE after passing the National Knowledge Exam (NKE) or being exempt from writing the NKE.

Candidates can work toward the Experience Requirement in any sector of the economy: industry, government, public practice, professional associations, education, healthcare, or not-for-profits – essentially anywhere that has a human resources function.

The nine (9) HR Functional Knowledge areas are as follows:

  • Total Rewards
  • Learning, Development & Succession Planning
  • Workforce Planning and Mobility
  • HR Technology & Analytics
  • Innovation
  • Organizational Change and Development
  • Employee & Labour Relations
  • Total Health & Wellness
  • Inclusion, Diversity & Human Connections

For a complete list of functional competencies within each HR Functional Knowledge area, please refer to the CPHR Competency Framework.

The VOE Handbook

It is strongly encouraged that the VOE Handbook is read before one starts to complete their VOE Application.

Educational Requirements

Prior to starting your VOE Application, ensure you have requested original transcripts be sent directly to CPHR BC & Yukon from your educational institution. This can be done after passing the NKE or well in advance of starting the Application.

Education received outside Canada needs to be assessed through one of these organizations:

 Validation of Experience (VOE) Process

Once you have passed the National Knowledge Exam (NKE) or received approval to be exempt from the NKE and satisfied the educational requirements, you are eligible to submit documentation of your experience for assessment.

  • Complete the Validation of Experience Application Form CPHR Experience Assessment Review Fee and return it to:

    Email (preferred method): cphr@cphrbc.ca

    Mail: CPHR BC & Yukon Registrar
    1101 – 1111 W. Hastings St.
    Vancouver, BC V6E 2J3
  • Purchase $100 non-refundable CPHR Experience Assessment Review Fee on the Online Store.
  • Upon Successful completion of the VOE Assessment, a balance of $400 is due and you will be invoiced.

Submission Deadlines

  • February 15 – Results sent out in April
  • May 15 – Results sent out in July
  • September 15 – Results sent out in November

Fees

  • $100 CPHR Validation of Experience Application Fee
    • Payable the first time a VOE form is submitted for review
  • $400 CPHR Validation of Experience Assessment Completion Fee
    • Payable upon successful completion of the experience requirement

Notification of Receipt of Submission & Results

Applicants will be notified by CPHR BC & Yukon upon the receipt of their assessment via email.

Applicants will be notified the results of their VOE Application within 8 weeks from the submission deadline. Unsuccessful applications will be notified of gaps in their experience assessment and options available to them. There is no limit to the number of times an individual may apply.

If you choose to pursue the CPHR designation by being part of an accredited program you will need to send your official school transcripts demonstrating an overall cumulative average of 70%, complete the exam waiver form and pay the exam waiver fee of $483 dollars to cphr@cphrbc.ca.

 You can save 25% off the exam exemption fee if you apply within 12 months of graduation.

Step-By-Step Process For Graduates From Accredited Schools

  1. Be a Student Member of CPHR BC & Yukon while at school. 
  2. Complete your Accredited degree or diploma with a minimum overall cumulative 70% pass mark (GPA or Average Letter Grading will vary from school to school). 
  3. Send your Official Transcripts to the CPHR Registrar via email cphr@cphrbc.ca or hard copy to our Vancouver address. (You can do this yourself or ask your school to send it).

The CPHR Registrar will review and send you the appropriate form. There is an exam waiver fee payable. The CPHR Registrar  will confirm your fee and the process to pay it. If you are a new graduate or have graduated within the last 12 months you will save 25% off the exam exemption fee which is regularly $460+GST= $483 (this includes one-time $60 certification application fee). So the reduced fee is $345+GST=$362.25.

Once your NKE waiver application is fully processed, you will be sent confirmation. Congratulations – at that stage you are a CPHR Candidate!

Future Steps

  1. Maintain your CPHR BC & Yukon membership to maintain your CPHR Candidate status. (You will be able to take advantage of the New Graduate Membership rate on your first renewal after graduating). 
  2. The final step on your path to become a fully qualified CPHR is to attain 3 years with a degree or 8 years of HR experience without a degree, depending on the path you follow. See Validation Of Experience section above.

Questions? Please contact the CPHR registrar.