National Knowledge Exam 

The National Knowledge Exam^® (NKE) assesses one’s understanding of the RPCs^® 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. 

Exam dates, application deadlines and fees 

Registration is done with your provincial HR association.

Normally, the NKE and NPPA are held the first Saturday in May and October of each year. Exceptions will be made when these dates coincide with a major holiday or holiday weekend. Exam dates are posted one year in advance of the day the exam is held.

National Professional Practice Assessment® 

The National Professional Practice Assessment^® (NPPA) measures one’s understanding of the Required Professional Capabilities (RPCs^®)using a situational judgment test. This test confronts exam writers with 65 scenarios representing work-related problems an HR professional might confront in his or her career. Each scenario is followed by several possible outcomes, and exam writers are required to identify the most appropriate of the four options provided.

Required Professional Capabilities (RPCs®)

The Human Resources Body of Knowledge is a document collecting the knowledge, concepts, skills, abilities and other attributes required for demonstrating success as an effective human resources professional.