The CHRP Designation

"There is no question in my mind that the designation provides immediate recognition in the marketplace and between HR professionals. I was reluctant at first to apply for my designation thinking my reputation and tenure in the HR profession was enough ... I was wrong - the designation makes a difference and speaks to the professionalism of our field of endeavor."

Pierre Battah BBA, MBA, CHRP
Managing Partner / Associé principal

CHRP stands for Certified Human Resource Professional. It is a right to title as opposed to a right to practice. Anyone can practice human resources with or without the designation, but only a CHRP may use that title. In this respect, it is similar to the CA, CGA, CMA in the accounting profession.

CHRP Overview
The Changing Face of Canadian HR: CHRP

IMPORTANT CHANGE
NEW DEGREE REQUIREMENT AS OF 2011

As of January 1, 2011, CHRP Candidates – those who have passed the National Knowledge Exam™ (NKE) - will require a minimum of a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in order to register for the National Professional Practice Assessment™ (NPPA) and qualify for the CHRP designation.

The designation that distinguishes Canada's human resources practitioners has taken on significant new dimensions effective March 1, 2003, with the creation of national standards for the CHRP (Certified Human Resources Professional) designation.

As of March 1, 2003 practitioners are required to write two exams for initial certification; the first testing knowledge and theory and the second assessing experience in HR, applied to various case studies.

Existing CHRP designees will maintain their CHRP credential and will continue to be required to re-certify every three years. The criteria and activities that are eligible for re-certification have been expanded somewhat under the new national standards.

What is CHRP?
The Certified Human Resources Professional (CHRP) 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.

Following an approach taken by national HR associations in the UK, USA, Australia and South America, the CHRP designation, awarded to qualifying HR practitioners, has been in existence in Canada since the early 1990's.

Although the purpose, characteristics and qualifications of this designation were relatively common, each province, under the direction of a Provincial HR Association (PHRA), was responsible for setting certification standards and granting CHRP designations. Currently over 6,000 HR practitioners across Canada have earned their designation from provincially administered CHRP certification programs.

HR professionals have quickly recognized the need for a more national profile and portability of the CHRP accreditation. In March 2003, a national CHRP accreditation program, managed by the Canadian Council of Human Resources Associations (CCHRA) and administered by the Provincial Human Resources Associations (PHRA), became a reality.

The national CHRP certification program will raise the bar for HR practitioners across the country. HR practitioners now meet an even more demanding set of professional performance standards. The national designation is geared towards HR generalists. CHRP candidates must demonstrate capabilities in a wide range of HR functions as well as skills in strategic thinking, business insight, change management and problem resolution.

Through national CHRP certification, the HR profession continue to play an important role in linking business strategies and people management, and secure our position as an equal business partner at the senior management table.

Why CHRP?
Benefits of becoming a CHRP

The CHRP recognizes achievement and capability. The designation means that the CHRP holder has achieved and actively demonstrates mastery of the HR body of knowledge - each CHRP designate must demonstrate the core competencies relevant to the HR profession. In other words, certification is seen as an essential tool for maintaining high performance standards.

The designation assures employers, clients and other HR professionals that the CHRP holder has agreed to abide by a set of ethical standards, a breach of which will mean that disciplinary action including the possible removal of the designation.

CHRP holders are required to complete ongoing professional development in order to qualify for re-certification every three years; the process inherently provides a mechanism to ensure that CHRP holders keep their knowledge and skills current.

A CHRP designation can enhance the HR professional's career opportunities and compensation. An increasing number of HR job postings require or prefer that the successful candidate holds or to be working towards the CHRP designation.

The CHRP designation is recognized throughout Canada. With the implementation of national standards, the CHRP is portable to all provinces and territories.

Becoming A CHRP

Certification
The certification process will require candidates to write two exams, the Knowledge Exam and the Outcome Assessment. Both processes require candidates to be members in good standing with HRANB and abide by the code of ethics.

Exam writers must register at least 60 calendar days prior to the exam.

Within 29 days if anyone chooses to defer, they will be charged an administration fee of $100 + GST. The only ones who will not be charged a fee are persons with extenuating circumstances beyond their control such as illness or bereavement.

No shows will not be refunded – unless there is proof of extenuating circumstances.

Exam Application

Re-certification
The re-certification process will give the CHRP holder the options of either documenting professional development experiences or re-taking the Outcome Assessment. Both options must be completed within three years of the previous certification or re-certification . Both options require candidates to be members in good standing with HRANB and abide by the code of ethics.

More on renewing your CHRP.

Certification Process

The new certification process implemented March 2003, differs greatly from the previous process. To obtain the CHRP designation you will be required to successfully complete two exams. The Knowledge Exam, assesses your HR knowledge and the theory upon which HR practices are based and the Outcome Assessment,which assesses your HR experience and your ability to determine how to best handle typical situations. Both will cover your expertise in the following eight core areas of Human Resources:

Professional practice in human resources

• Organizational effectiveness
• Staffing
• Employee and labour relations
• Total compensation
• Organizational learning, development and training
• Workplace health and safety
• Human resources information management
• Knowledge Exam

The Knowledge Exam will consist of 150 multiple choice questions. Each question lists four possible answers, only one of which is correct. As an addendum to the Knowledge Exam, there may also be a section on provincial legislation affecting HR.

Outcome Assessment
The Outcome Assessment consists of scenarios designed to test the acumen and insight you have gained from your HR related experience. Questions will present a brief description of a situation and you will be asked to select the most effective action to take from four choices. The situations and possible actions have been vetted by HR professionals across the country. One answer is clearly superior to the others. Partial points will be given for selecting an action that is suitable, but not the best.

Download and Print a sample of Sample Questions for Knowledge Exam and Professional Practise Assessment.

Exam Support
Effective April 1, 2003, information will be available from CCHRA to help you prepare for both exams:

• scope of material covered
• self-assessment tools
• sample questions
• information sources

Resources

• Go to Exam Study Resources
• Print off exam application.
• Read required professional capabilities- entry level (PDF document).
• Read required professional capabilities - experienced professionals (PDF document).

HRANB is presently considering several options to support members in their exam preparation.

You must be an HRANB member in good standing to begin the CHRP application process.

The steps in the new process are outlined in the Process Map.

More can be learned about the CCHRA, its constituent member associations, and the National Competencies Project by visiting the CCHRA home page.

Maintaining Your CHRP - click here

CHRP Links
Canadian Council of Human Resource Associations website

Exam Resources Center

Exam Dates & Registration Deadlines

Sample Exams and Questions

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