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.

Question Content

The NKE’s questions are based on the content in the following seven HR-related areas, or functional dimensions, under which the RPCs^® are organized.

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

Question Structure

The NKE consists of 150 multiple choice questions. Each question lists four possible answers, only one of which is correct. The answer to each question can be derived independently of the answers to any other question.

Why multiple choice questions? Research has shown that exams using four-option multiple-choice questions to test academic knowledge are valid and preferred for the following reasons; 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; and
• can be scored using efficient technology.

Note: Exam writers have 3 hours to complete the exam (9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.).

Who Creates the Questions?

Questions included in the exam are developed by academics contracted by the CCHRA's Independent Board of Examiners (IBE) and considered 'best in class' for their respective area of HR expertise.

How to Prepare for the NKE

There are a number of resources available to help you prepare for the exam, including independent study resources; post-secondary and online courses; seminars; etc. To get started, you can visit the Exam & Other Resources section of our website, where you will find sample study questions, information on online preparation courses and provincial workshops, links to universities and colleges, and more.

You should also visit the Required Required Professional Capabilities (RPCs®) section of our website to view the content on which the exam is based, and the approximate weighting of each of the functional dimensions within the exam.

Many of the provincial HR associations, through their education and professional development portfolios, may also provide various resources to help you prepare for the NKE. These may help you assess your current knowledge and abilities, and determine further development activities to help you pass the exam.

How to Register for the NKE

When you are prepared to write the NKE, register with your provincial HR association and sign the CCHRA's National Code of Ethics (or your provincial equivalent). You must register and pay completed application form with the required fee ($250.00* + GST) to your provincial HR association by the exam registration deadline. The registration deadline is at least 60 days prior to the scheduled date of the exam, and is posted one year in advance on the CHRP website. (Please visit the Exam Centre for a list of upcoming exam dates) 

Prior to the scheduled exam date, you will receive confirmation of your registration to write the NKE or NPPA. From your provincial association, you will also receive information on the testing location and any additional details necessary. 

Please note: You must bring photo identification to gain entry to the test centre.

* Fees are subject to change without notice at the discretion of the CCHRA.

Passing the NKE

You will be informed of your test results approximately eight weeks after the date on which the exam was written – the date by which exam results are mailed will be communicated at the time of registration. Upon notification that you have successfully completed the NKE, you will be able to use the CHRP Candidate title as mentioned above.

The next step in the process of obtaining the CHRP designation is to write the National Professional Practice Assessment® (NPPA).

Please note: CHRP candidates have five years to complete the NPPA from the time they pass the NKE. Those who do not pass the NPPA within five years of passing the NKE can no longer use the CHRP Candidate title and will have to begin the certification process from Step 1 .

Please note: In Quebec and Ontario, it is not necessary for HR professionals to write the NPPA. Please contact the appropriate provincial HR association for more information about the process in those provinces.

Failing to Pass the NKE

If you do not pass the NKE, you can continue to take the exam and pay the required fee until a passing grade is attained, assuming all provincial requirements continue to be met.