CPHR Requirements

The Chartered Professional in Human Resources (CPHR) designation is a nationally recognized level of achievement within the field of human resources. It reflects a conviction that the professional practice of human resources management can safeguard the interests of employers, employees and the business community. The designation represents continuing recognition of the bearer’s professionalism.

There are many professional benefits to attaining your CPHR but the best evidence of the value CPHRs bring is clear. CPHRs earn more than non-designated HR professionals.

Beyond the evidence provided above, here are some of the advantages to attaining your CPHR designation:

Proven Expertise: HR professionals who pursue the CPHR must meet all requirements set out by their provincial HR association, which aim to measure their competence and experience as HR professionals. By pursuing the CPHR designation, you’ll prove your ability to tackle all aspects of HR and demonstrate to employers and colleagues alike that you are a true HR expert.

Continual Learning: To maintain your designation, you will be challenged to continually update your knowledge and skills in HR. As a CPHR, you’ll gain expertise and leading-edge knowledge to help you manage complex and dynamic HR issues and, ultimately, become a strategic advisor.

Demonstrated Commitment: CPHRs must undergo rigorous studies, a comprehensive exam and ongoing learning. They are, in short, committed to the profession over the long-term. By pursuing your CPHR, you demonstrate your commitment to constantly updating your HR skills and highlighting your long-term passion for the profession. You join the class of HR professionals that employers seek out.

Knowledge Community: As a CPHR, you are part of an exclusive, nation-wide community of HR experts. Through special events, conferences, publications, and websites, you can connect with other HR professionals from across Canada. This powerful network proves invaluable as HR professionals look for solutions, ideas and the ability to connect with others in the field.

Ethical Behaviour: CPHRs commit themselves to high standards of ethical behaviour. They are held to the CPHR Canada National Code of Ethics that covers a range of important professional issues including confidentiality, conflict of interest, professional growth and more. You gain confidence from your employer, colleagues, and peers with the knowledge that you are committed to a Code of Ethics that demands the highest standards for the profession.

The CPHR education, examination and experience requirements are designed to provide candidates opportunities to develop and demonstrate the required CPHR competencies.

The following are the pathways to obtaining the CPHR designation:

Pathway 1 – Degree

  • Membership: Meet the requirements for membership in CPHR PEI.
  • Knowledge: Demonstrate theoretical knowledge of the CPHR functional competencies by completing foundational courses and successfully passing the National Knowledge Exam (NKE).
  • Education: Demonstrate knowledge of the enabling competencies and the ability to apply functional knowledge, through the completion of a minimum of a bachelor’s degree.
  • Work Experience: 3 years work experience with the majority, 51% or more, being work in HR is required and includes:
    – a minimum of 2 years applied HR experience,
    – a maximum of 1 year foundational HR experience
    – within the last 10 years
    .
  • Professional Conduct: Commit to adhere to the Code of Ethics & Rules of Professional Conduct

Pathway 2 – Non-Degree

  • Membership: Meet the requirements for membership in CPHR PEI.
  • Knowledge: Demonstrate theoretical knowledge of the CPHR functional competencies by completing foundational courses and successfully passing the National Knowledge Exam (NKE).
  • Work Experience: 8 years work experience with the majority, 51% or more, being work in HR is required and includes:
    – a minimum of 5 years applied HR experience,
    – a maximum of 3 years foundational HR experience
    – within the last 15 years
    .
  • Professional Conduct: Commit to adhere to the Code of Ethics & Rules of Professional Conduct

Pathway 3 – Accredited

  • Membership: Meet the requirements for membership in CPHR PEI.
  • Knowledge: Must have completed one of the accredited programs outlined, here: https://cphr.ca/your-career/accredited-post-secondary-programs/
  • Education: Demonstrate knowledge of the enabling competencies and the ability to apply functional knowledge
  • Work Experience:
With accredited program without a degree

  • 8 years work experience with the majority, 51% or more, being work in HR is required and includes:
    – a minimum of 5 years applied HR experience
    – a maximum of 3 years foundational HR experience
    – within the last 15 years
With accredited program plus a degree

  • 3 years work experience with the majority, 51% or more, being work in HR is required and includes:
    – a minimum of 2 years applied HR experience
    – a maximum of 1 year foundational HR experience
    – within the last 10 years
  • Professional Conduct: Commit to adhere to the Code of Ethics & Rules of Professional Conduct
  • PLEASE NOTE:  To apply for certification through Path 3, please send an email to main@cphrpei.ca to request the NKE Waiver Application.

Pathway 4 – Masters

  • Membership: Meet the requirements for membership in CPHR PEI.
  • Education: Master’s Degree in Human Resources recognized through a recognition agreement, Memorandum of Understanding, or otherwise approved by CPHR PEI
  • Professional Level Work Experience: Demonstrate professional level work experience practicing human resources, where the depth of work performed required independence of action, responsibility for outcomes, and influence with decision makers. This work experience must meet the requirements of the Validation of Experience (VOE) assessment form with at least three years of experience in the last ten years.
  • Professional Conduct: Commit to adhere to the Code of Ethics & Rules of Professional Conduct.
  • PLEASE NOTE:  To apply for certification through Path 4, please send an email to main@cphrpei.ca to request the Application.

Pathway 5 – Transfer

  • Inter-provincial transfer of a CPHR (or alternate designation) holder in good standing of another Member Association deemed to be substantially equivalent or greater than CPHR PEI certification requirements. 
  • To transfer from Ontario: ask HRPA to send a Certification of good standing on your name at admin@cphrpei.ca or at main@cphrpei.ca
  • Transfers to Ontario: For CPHRs and CPHR Candidates transferring to Ontario, transferability is assessed on a case-by-case analysis. Please contact the HRPA Office of the Registrar at registrar@hrpa.ca to discuss your individual circumstances. If transferring to Ontario you will be required to complete a CPHR PEI transfer and the HRPA Certificate of Standing.

For any transfer related inquiry, please email admin@cphrpei.ca


Pathway 6 – International/Non-Resident

  • Recognition of a CPHR equivalent designation holder in good standing of another jurisdiction with whom CPHR PEI or CPHR Canada enjoys a Mutual Recognition Agreement or is deemed to be substantially equivalent (i.e. AHRI, CIPD, HKIHRM, SHRM, CHRL or CHRE) or greater than CPHR PEI certification requirements.

OR

  • International prospects having satisfied a certification path approved by CPHR PEI and deemed to substantially meet or exceed the conditions of CPHR PEI certification requirements.

Please note:

If you require transcripts, it is recommended you make contact with the university as soon as possible as it may take 3-4 weeks to receive the official transcripts. Transcripts must be received by CPHR PEI before a member can submit his or her Validation of Experience assessment form and documentation. If your degree was obtained outside Canada, you are required to have a basic report completed by World Education Services or another Credential Evaluation, Assessment and Qualification Service Provider. The cost for a basic report is about $125.

Please note that the above pathways are subject to change at any time.