The Validation of Experience (VOE) Assessment is the final formal step in earning the CPHR designation.

Effective January 2024, the following are the requirements for the Validation of Experience Assessment.

Experience has always been an integral component in achieving the CPHR designation. The requirements to pass the VOE are:

3-8 years of work experience with the majority, 51% or more, being work in HR at the Advisory HR and Administrative HR levels. Experience must be obtained within the past 10 years from the VOE submission deadline.

The number of years required is based on the level of education as listed below: 

• Applicants must demonstrate a minimum of 8 examples aligned to the HR competencies of work experience at the Advisory HR
• Membership in good standing with CPHR Nova Scotia
• Agree to abide by the CPHR Nova Scotia's Code of Ethics & Standards of Professional Conduct

CPHR Candidates have 10 years to complete the VOE after passing the National Knowledge Exam (NKE) or NKE Waiver.

Candidates can work toward the Experience Requirement in any sector of the economy: industry, government, public practice, professional associations, education, healthcare, or not-for-profits – essentially anywhere that has a human resources function.

The nine (9) HR Specific Competency areas are as follows:

1. Organizational Change and Development
2. Inclusion, Diversity and Human Connections
3. Innovation
4. Workforce Planning and Mobility
5. Employee and Labour Relations
6. Total Rewards
7. Learning and Development and Succession Planning
8. Total Health and Wellness
9. HR Technology and Analytics

For a complete list of functional competencies within each HR Functional Knowledge area, please refer to the CPHR Competency Framework.

Validation of Experience (VOE) Resources

It is strongly encouraged that the VOE Handbook is read before one starts to complete their VOE Application. 

View CPHR Nova Scotia's Validation of Experience Handbook and more resources:

• Common questions and answers in the FAQ

• Example Application

• Example Job Description

• Example Org Chart

Educational Requirements

Prior to starting your VOE Application, ensure you have requested original transcripts be sent directly to CPHR Nova Scotia from your educational institution. This can be done after passing the NKE or well in advance of starting the Application. 

Education received outside Canada needs to be assessed through one of these organizations:

• International Qualification Assessment Services (IQAS)
• World Education Services (WES)

Validation of Experience (VOE) Process

Once you have passed the National Knowledge Exam (NKE) or received approval for the NKE Waiver and satisfied the educational requirements, you are eligible to submit documentation of your experience for assessment. 

• Complete the Validation of Experience Application Form and return it to:
  
  Email (preferred method):  hello@cphrns.ca
  Mail: CPHR Nova Scotia Member Relations Manager
          Suite 103, 84 Chain Lake Drive
          Halifax, Nova Scotia  B3S 1A2
  
  
• Purchase $175 non-refundable Validation of Experience Application fee. Find the registration form in our Calendar of Events here
  
  
• Upon Successful completion of the VOE Assessment, a balance of $375 is due and you will be invoiced.
  
  

VOE Checklist

• Candidate member in good standing
• Official transcript sent to confirm degree requirement (unless non-degree pathway)
• Completed VOE Application
• Current chronological resume
• Job description(s) and organizational chart(s) with your position circled from the Employer(s) for all roles listed in the VOE Application. (If unable to submit Employer job descriptions and organizational charts, applicant’s may create and have the Manager of that role sign and date on their organizational letterhead) 
• Payment for $175 VOE Application fee

Submission Periods

Applications are accepted throughout the year, but reviewed twice a year. The due dates for the submissions are:

• February 28
• September 30

Fees

• $175 CPHR Validation of Experience Application Fee
  

o     Payable the first time a VOE form is submitted for review

• $375 CPHR Validation of Experience Assessment Completion Fee
  

o     Payable upon successful completion of the experience requirement

Notification of Receipt of Submission & Results

Applicants will be notified by CPHR Nova Scotia upon the receipt of their assessment via email.

Applicants will be notified of the results of their VOE Application within 8 weeks from the submission deadline. Unsuccessful applications will be notified of gaps in their experience assessment and options available to them. There is no limit to the number of times an individual may apply.