Post-Secondary Institution (PSI) Accreditation Program & National Knowledge Exam (NKE) Waiver Overview

Graduates of an Accredited program may be eligible to apply for a waiver for the National Knowledge Exam (NKE), the academic exam that assesses your understanding of the CPHR Competency Framework. With a successful waiver application, you become a CPHR Candidate and are one step closer to receiving your CPHR designation. All paths to the CPHR designation require one to complete the Validation of Experience .

Post-secondary programs are qualified to be accredited if it is determined that the content offered meets at least 80% of the CPHR Competency Framework.

Post-secondary institutions in Manitoba that have a HR program have been invited to apply to be accredited. Once an institution has submitted their application, it is reviewed to ensure that it meets this standard. All approved programs earn the status "Accredited by CPHR Canada", making the national list of CPHR Canada Accredited Post-Secondary HR Programs. 

If you graduate from a CPHR Manitoba Accredited Post-Secondary HR Program with an average of 70% or more, or grade-point average of 3.0 or higher, you can apply to waive the NKE. For more information, view the Eligibility Criteria chart below.

COVID-19 Update: For those students who receive a pass/fail mark without a grade on transcripts, as some post-secondary institutions have implemented during the pandemic, CPHR Manitoba will accept a "pass" mark as satisfactory for any required course(s) and will not factor that course(s) in the calculation of the member's 70% overall GPA requirement.

NKE Waiver - Application and Fees

In order to apply for an NKE waiver follow the link below to complete the application and payment (note: member dues are in addition to the below fees).

To apply for an NKE waiver, you must be a member of CPHR Manitoba.

• If you are not yet a member, please click here to sign up.
• If you are a member, please log in to the CPHR Manitoba website as a member and access the waiver application form using the link below.
• Transcript: As part of your application, an official transcript sent directly to CPHR Manitoba from the granting institution will be required as proof of graduation from an Accredited Program and to ensure that you have met the criteria for the NKE waiver.

Fees*

NKE Waiver fee:      $400 + GST
Administration Fee:  $50 + GST

The $50 membership administration fee covers setting up your file with CPHR Canada as a CPHR Candidate and does not include your membership fee.

Once your eligibility for the NKE Waiver has been verified, our Standards and Membership Manager will contact you directly and send you an invoice for the fees associated with your application. Once your transcript has been verified and payment has been received, CPHR Manitoba will approve your waiver and you will be officially recognized as a CPHR Candidate. Payment is due upon receipt of the invoice. 

For more information:

See our Frequently Asked Questions page or contact us at hello@cphrmb.ca.


Note: You must graduate from the accredited program, meet the GPA requirement and any additional course requirements in order to qualify for an NKE waiver.