CPHR Canada's Competency Framework is Evolving

Changes Reflect the Future of Work

CPHR Canada’s Competency Framework is Evolving

In 2019, CPHR Canada commenced a review of the CPHR Competency framework, the last being in 2013.

The result of the review includes HR Competencies that are more specific to the work of today’s HR professional as well as broadening the scope of non-HR competencies, now termed General Competencies. The separation of competencies into HR Specific Competencies and General Competencies helps the field move beyond the silos of “functional” HR areas, which results in the structure of the updated framework being more strategic and integrative. These enhancements showcase the greater breadth of the practice of HR and reflect how the evolution of the professional is playing out in workplaces across Canada.

“Our competency framework will always be evolving to reflect the reality of HR,” says Anthony Ariganello, CPHR, CEO CPHR Canada. “Best practice suggests we review and update every five or so years, which is what we have done and is how we plan to proceed in the future.”

Enhancements to the framework have the most direct impact on the people who are preparing for the designation; writing the National knowledge Exam (NKE) and gaining HR experience at the applied level through the Validation of Experience (VOE) requirement. The changes also impact accredited Post Secondary Institutions (PSIs). Each provincial association will work with their primary stakeholder groups and PSIs to educate on the changes and what it means for each of them. The following is the timeline of implementation:

• Beginning fall 2022, the NKE will test the revised Competency Framework;
• Beginning 2023, the VOE assessment process will follow the revised competency framework;  
• Post Secondary Institutions align curriculum to the revised competency framework from 2022, and no later than 2025; and,
• Continuing Professional Development (CPD) reporting will begin using the revised Competency Framework starting June 1, 2022. CPHRs will continue to report CPD hours during the current membership year (June 1, 2021-May 31, 2022) based on the former Competency Framework.
  

For current CPHRs, Ron Gauthier, CEO and Registrar of CPHR Manitoba,  says there is an ongoing benefit. "The format of the revised competency framework has been simplified and has greater useability for current CPHRs through expanded content on what is expected of a CPHR designation holder. This includes a new section covering advanced human resources competencies to support those in more senior strategic roles.” 

To support the supply of emerging HR professionals across the country, minimal impact is anticipated for accredited PSIs and students. Each member association will work with their PSIs over the coming years to meet the 2025 deadline. The overall 80% of curriculum aligned to the competency framework requirement remains unchanged, although there is a requirement for curriculum to now also align to a portion of the General Competencies reflecting the greater breadth of skills needed by future HR professionals.

CPHR Canada Member Associations see this as being a positive step forward for the CPHR designation and their stakeholders to ensure preparation and alignment of members to a quality professional designation standard.

The updated Competency Framework recognizes that there is no longer an ideal role, position or way of functioning for the HR Professional, instead, providing a strategic approach that matches the pace of change. It is made up of HR Specific Competencies and General Competencies as below:

You can see the updated Competency Framework here (the former Competency Framework is also still available here). If you have specific questions about the updated Competency Framework contact:

Ron Gauthier,

CEO and Registrar, CPHR Manitoba

ron@cphrmb.ca or 204-943-0884

Q: When is the first National Knowledge Exam (NKE) that will be based on the revised CPHR Competency Framework?

A: The Fall 2022 NKE sitting will be the first exam based on the updated Competency Framework. (The spring 2022 exam will be based on the former Competency Framework).

Q: When will assessments for the Validation of Experience (VOE) use the revised CPHR Competency Framework?

A: VOE assessments submitted in 2023 will be based on the revised Competency Framework. The documentation for this will come out in 2022. (Assessments made in 2022 will use the existing forms and Competency Framework). 

Q:  What does the revised Competency Framework mean for me as a CPHR designation holder? How does it affect CPD reporting?

A:  This does not impact you directly other than for you as a CPHR to be aware of the revised Competency Framework in your work and learning. You do not have to ‘do’ anything differently, but please review the contents of the revised framework as your updated professional standard. You will continue to report your CPD hours in the current membership year (June 1, 2021-May 31, 2022) using the current Competency Framework as a reference tool.

Q: What does the revised Competency Framework mean for me as a CPHR Candidate?

A: It does not affect your status as a CPHR Candidate, however if you submit your VOE assessment in 2023 onwards, the VOE application will be based on the updated Competency Framework. Further details will be released mid-2022.

Q: What does the revised Competency Framework mean for me as a general (non-CPHR) member?

A: It only impacts those who proceed on a pathway to obtain the designation. See the FAQs above regarding the NKE and VOE.

Q. I see there are 12 General Competencies in the revised Competency Framework. What should I know about these? 

A: The 12 General Competencies replace the 5 Enabling Competencies in the former framework. The General Competencies will account for 10% of the NKE when the NKE adopts the revised Competency Framework in fall 2022 (with 90% of the exam testing the HR Specific Competencies at that time).