As of January 1, 2011, CHRP Candidates – those who have passed the National Knowledge Exam® (NKE) - will require a minimum of a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in order to register for the National Professional Practice Assessment® (NPPA)and qualify for the CHRP designation.
Provincial exceptions
In Ontario, individuals who have completed the required academic courses and passed the National Knowledge Exam® (NKE) by December 31, 2010 will be exempted from the new degree requirement provided that these individuals maintain continuous membership with the Association and that they apply for the validation of experience before June 1, 2014, or within 5 years of having passed the NKE. If you live or work in Ontario, please contact the Human Resources Professionals Association (HRPA) for more information.
In Quebec, it is currently a requirement to have a bachelor’s degree from a recognized university to write the NKE. Based on your area of study, additional requirements may apply. Contact l’Ordre des conseillers en ressources humaines agréés directly for more details.
Why are you changing the educational requirements for accreditation?
The Canadian Council of Human Resources Associations (CCHRA) 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.
Today’s HR professionals are expected to play an increasingly strategic role in aligning HR practices with the overall business strategy. Employers are looking for HR professionals with demonstrated skills in strategic thinking, business insight, change management and problem resolution. A degree prepares HR professionals to meet these demands. And, we know from experience that degreed CHRP Candidates consistently do better on the exams and get the CHRP designation sooner.
The CCHRA and provincial HR Associations are also ensuring CHRP designation requirements are aligned with global trends in certification.
I've got a diploma or a certificate in HR will it count?
No. As of January 1, 2011, CHRP Candidates – those who have passed the National Knowledge Exam® (NKE) - will require a minimum of a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in order to register for the National Professional Practice Assessment® (NPPA) and qualify for the CHRP designation.
Many universities will credit courses covered in your diploma or certificate program toward a university designation. It may be something you’d want to investigate.
Why won’t my diploma or certificate count?
Unlike degrees from accredited colleges and universities there is no national or international standard for diplomas or certificates.
Many universities will credit courses covered in your diploma or certificate program toward a university designation. It may be something you’d want to investigate.
Does the degree have to be in business or Human Resources?
No. A business or HR degree is not required, however, education in these areas may help prepare you for writing the National Knowledge Exam®.
Does it matter when I completed my Bachelor’s degree?
No, since a bachelor’s degree does not expire. As of January 1, 2011, CHRP Candidates – those who have passed the National Knowledge Exam® (NKE) - will require a minimum of a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in order to register for the National Professional Practice Assessment® (NPPA) and qualify for the CHRP designation.
What if I completed my degree overseas?
We will accept applications by CHRP Candidates with a minimum of a bachelor’s degree from accredited colleges or universities anywhere in the world.
If in doubt it is up to the CHRP Candidate to demonstrate that the college or university is accredited.
I don't have a degree and plan on writing the NPPA before the degree requirement deadline. What happens if I fail?
The CCHRA approves a one-time exception to the requirement to any CHRP Candidate who has attempted the National Professional Practice Assessment® (NPPA) at least once prior to December 31, 2010. If you do not pass the NPPA before this date, you will be granted a chance to re-write the exam, even if you do not have a degree. However, this exception is only valid for the May 2011 NPPA session.
For more information, please contact your provincial HR association.