NKE Educational Requirement

CPHR Canada has an educational requirement that ensures that writers have a foundation of HR knowledge aligned to the competency framework. The educational requirement builds on the credibility of the CPHR designation by establishing a standard for the educational needs of a CPHR.

The educational requirement must be completed prior to writing the National Knowledge Exam (NKE). This requirement is applicable unless the individual is covered by another eligible path that does not require passing the NKE.

You will need to prove that you meet the educational requirement before registering for the NKE. An official transcript sent directly from your post-secondary institution or an Academic Credential Assessment and Equivalency Report directly from an approved credentialing service is required to demonstrate you meet the educational requirement. 

We accept Academic Credential Assessment and Equivalency Reports from:

• World Education Services (WES) Canada

• International Qualifications Assessment Service (IQAS)

Ways to Meet the Educational Requirement

The educational requirement may be met in the following ways:

• Completion of a Bachelor's or Master's degree program with a major in HR
• Completion of a CPHR accredited program

  • Anyone who completed an accredited post-secondary program but did not meet the GPA requirement or did not apply within 5 years of completing the program (and thus is not eligible for a waiver) will not be required to take additional courses to complete the educational requirement before writing the NKE.

• The CPHR Canada Academic Program with Captus Press
  
  • Completion of individual HR courses at a post-secondary institution that add up to the nine courses required through the CPHR Canada academic program (only those listed in the Prior Learning Assessment Equivalency Course Database or those assessed as equivalent by Captus Press through an individual PLAR application are eligible).
  • Please note, individuals who meet the CPHR Canada Academic Program NKE Waiver requirements through the accreditation agreement will not be required to write the NKE and may apply for a waiver within 5 years of completing their program. 

Please order a transcript from your post-secondary institution or your Academic Credential Assessment and Equivalency Report and have it sent directly to CPHR Manitoba. Copies, web transcripts, or transcripts sent by you will not be accepted.

If you do not meet the educational requirement or if your transcript/assessment is not received by the registration deadline, you will not be allowed to write the NKE.

Note: ordering a transcript/report can take time so please do not leave this until the last minute to order or you may have to wait until the next exam sitting.

To verify path and NKE eligibility, contact kaylee@cphrmb.ca.