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.

Examples of knowledge tested by the NPPA include: choosing the most effective training methodology; determining how best to manage a sexual harassment charge involving a senior executive; and choosing the right individual from a pool of qualified applicants for a very strategic, high-profile position.

Question Content

The NPPA is quite different from the National Knowledge Exam^®  in both format and focus. Although the NPPA questions are based on the content in the seven functional dimensions of the RPCs^®, emphasis is more experience-based, or focused on the application of the knowledge.

In the chart below, the percentages provide guidelines on the extent to which each functional dimension is emphasized within the NPPA (i.e., approximately 20% of the questions focus on Professional Practice).

Question Structure

The NPPA consists of 65 scenarios based on “critical incidents” experienced by real world HR professionals, including five scenarios which have been added to each exam to allow the CCHRA to pre-test new questions. 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.

The situational judgment technique presents the CHRP Candidate with a description of a practical situation an HR professional may encounter. The Candidate is then asked to select the most effective action the HR professional should take to deal with the situation from four possible answers. Exam writers will obtain one point for each correct selection.

Note: Exam writers have 3.5 hours to complete the exam (9:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.).

How are the Questions Created?

The NPPA questions are based on situations encountered by HR professionals across Canada. Focus groups of Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) representing a cross section of senior HR professionals described situations that they had encountered in their work setting – critical incidents. A panel of senior HR professionals – also SMEs representing a cross section of professionals in Canada – reviewed the critical incidents and developed answer options. All provincial CHRP designation granting associations participated in this exam development initiative.

How to Prepare for the NPPA

There are a number of resources available to help you prepare for the exam, including independent study; post-secondary and online courses; seminars; etc. To get started, you can visit the Exam Centre 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 look at the HR Body of Knowledge section of our website to view the content on which the exam is based.

Provincial HR associations, through their education and professional development portfolios, can also provide various activities to help you prepare for the NPPA. They can help you assess your current knowledge, experience and abilities and determine development activities to help you pass the exam.

How to Register for the NPPA

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 ($500.00* + 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. 

You must bring photo identification to gain entry to the test centre. Click here for more information on exam guidelines and procedures.

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

Passing the NPPA and Receiving Your CHRP Designation

Upon successful completion of the NPPA and sign the CCHRA's National Code of Ethics, your provincial HR association will issue your CHRP designation in certificate form. In addition, unless you notify your provincial HR association otherwise, your name will be listed in the National CHRP Registry (except where provincial registers exist).

Your provincial HR association will advise you of the requirements necessary to retain your designation and maintain currency in the profession. You will also be notified of your ongoing obligation to adhere to the CCHRA's National Code of Ethics or provincial equivalent.

Failing to Pass the NPPA

If you do not pass the NPPA, you can continue to take the exam and pay the required fee ($500.00* + GST) until a passing grade is attained, within a five year period of passing the NKE. Provided you remain a member in good standing of the provincial HR association where you live or work, the limit to the number of times you can take the NPPA would be the 10 sessions that it is available within the five year period.

Please note: Those who not pass the NPPA within five years of passing the NKE can no longer use the CHRP Candidate title and would begin the certification process from Step 1.