CPHR Designation

The Chartered Professional in Human Resources (CPHR) Designation

The Chartered Professional in Human Resources (CPHR) is the only human resources designation recognized across nine professional human resources associations in Canada. The CPHR represents 27,000 human resources professionals practicing human resources in Canada.

The CPHR designation, formerly Certified Human Resources Professional (CHRP), changed in October 2016 to align with industry expectations and provide assurance that a CPHR professional is best suited for business needs.

Why should you get an HR Designation? Is the CPHR Designation right for you?

• Professional designations enhance career opportunities – the CPHR designation proves your ability to master all aspects of human resources and demonstrates to employers across Canada that you’re an HR expert.
• Be a trusted advisor to your peers and employers - by achieving the CPHR Designation and adhering to CPHR Alberta’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 27,000 members strong. CPHR Canada is aligned with the United States’ Society for Human Resource Management, the largest HR organization in the world.

How You Get Your CPHR Designation

Your CPHR Designation: Step 1 – Apply for CPHR Alberta Membership

• To become a CPHR you have to be an Associate member of CPHR Alberta, this is your first step
  • If you’re not a member, apply for an Associate Membership. If you are a member, (either a General or Student member), you can transfer to an Associate membership

Your CPHR Designation: Step 2 - National Knowledge Exam

• To prove you have the knowledge required to become a Chartered Professional in Human Resources, you must register for and pass the National Knowledge Exam ® (NKE)
  • Did you graduate from a CPHR Canada accredited post-secondary education program? If so, you can apply for an NKE waiver
• When you pass the NKE or your NKE waiver is approved you will become a CPHR Candidate

Your CPHR Designation: Step 3 – Experience Validation Assessment

• The last step to achieve the CPHR Designation is by meeting the requirements of the Experience Validation Assessment (EVA ). This assessment ensures that CPHRs have sufficient real-world, professional human resources experience. CPHR Candidates have up to ten years to complete this step, and there are two approaches to completing it:
  • CPHR Candidates with a degree require 3 years of professional human resources experience to qualify
  • CPHR Candidates without a degree require 8 years of professional human resources experience to qualify
• Applicants will hear back from CPHR Alberta within 8 weeks of the EVA submission deadline. If your EVA is approved you become a Chartered Professional in Human Resources and a Chartered Member of CPHR Alberta

Learn about what happens after you get your designation here

Questions about the CPHR?