We are the exclusive granting body in Nova Scotia for the nationally recognized Chartered Professional in Human Resources (CPHR) designation.  

There are four paths to the Chartered Professional in Human Resources (CPHR) designation. To earn the CPHR designation, you must maintain an active membership with CPHR Nova Scotia for the full course of the CPHR path.

Path 1: Degree

Requirements include:

• Completion of Foundational Courses before being able to register for the National Knowledge Exam (NKE) PLUS
• National Knowledge Exam (NKE) PLUS
• Bachelor degree in any field or discipline PLUS
• Three years of Advisory HR experience including up to a maximum of one year of Administrative HR experience within the past 10 years.

Path 2: Non-Degree

Requirements include:

• Completion of Foundational Courses before being able to register for the National Knowledge Exam (NKE) PLUS
• National Knowledge Exam (NKE) PLUS
• Your highest level of education determines the years of experience required in the last 10 years:
  • Diploma in any field or discipline - Four years of Advisory HR experience 
  • Certificate in any field or discipline - five years of Advisory HR experience 
  • High school - eight years of Advisory HR experience   

Path 3: Accredited

Requirements include:

• CPHR Nova Scotia accredited degree/diploma program in Human Resources from one of the schools that satisfies the professional competencies PLUS
• If you have a degree (in any field), then three years of Advisory HR experience including up to a maximum of one year of Administrative HR experience within the past 10 years is required.
  

• • If you do not have a degree (in any field), then your highest level of education determines the years of experience required in the last 10 years:
    • Diploma in any field or discipline - Four years of Advisory HR experience 
    • Certificate in any field or discipline - five years of Advisory HR experience 
    • High school - eight years of Advisory HR experience   

Please note: To apply for certification through Path 3, please send an email to hello@cphrns.ca to request the NKE Waiver Application. For more information visit: Accredited degree/diploma.

CPHR Canada and the member associations, including CPHR Nova Scotia, are constantly reviewing and accrediting post-secondary programs in each region. For a full list of accredited post-secondary schools across Canada, please refer to cphr.ca.

Path 4: Senior  

Requirements include:

• Bachelor degree in any field or discipline
  • Submit proof that you hold a minimum of a Bachelor's degree from an accredited Canadian college or university or the equivalent from a non-Canadian institution
• Ten years of Advisory HR experience
• Hold or have held a Senior role.

For more information on the Senior Level Professional Experience requirement, click here

Unsure if you qualify for the senior pathway? Complete the Senior Path Pre-Screen Questionnaire.

Transfer

• Provincial - transfer of a CPHR, CPHR Candidate or alternate designation holder in good standing of another Canadian province deemed to be substantially equivalent or greater than CPHR Nova Scotia certification requirements.
• International - Recognition of a CPHR equivalent designation holder in good standing of another jurisdiction with whom CPHR Nova Scotia or CPHR Canada enjoys a Mutual Recognition Agreement (SHRM, CIPD, CIPM Nigeria or CIPM Sri Lanka) or is deemed to be substantially equivalent or greater than CPHR Nova Scotia certification requirements.

Questions? Please contact the CPHR Registrar.

Important note:  Individuals obtain/retain the CPHR in the province in which they work.  If an individual is not working in Nova Scotia, they should be pursuing the CPHR in the province where they are working.  In cases where individuals work in more than one province, they may apply to have their CPHR recognized in more than one province.