Foundational Courses

This is the first step to pursuing the CPHR Designation. CPHR Nova Scotia requires completion of the foundational courses before writing the National Knowledge Exam (NKE). CPHR Canada added this coursework requirement to ensure that registrants for the NKE have a foundational knowledge of the CPHR Competency Framework. The coursework requirement builds on the credibility of the CPHR designation by establishing a standard for the educational needs of a CPHR. This requirement is applicable unless the individual is covered by another eligible path.

The coursework requirement may be met in the following ways:
• Completion of an accredited program that covers the foundational courses
• Continuing Education courses in HR
• HR courses already completed within your non-HR post-secondary program OR
• The CPHR Academic Program with Captus Press

Courses

• Accounting and Financial Management
• Human Resources Management
• Industrial Relations
• Organizational Behaviour
• Occupational Health and Safety
• Recruitment and Selection
• Strategic Compensation
• Strategic Human Resources Planning
• Training and Development

Course Equivalents Assessment - Three Options

Captus Press has created a PLAR equivalency database that lists courses from post-secondary institutions across Nova Scotia and Canada that are equivalent to the CPHR Canada required courses. You can access this database to self-assess.

• Preapproved Program
  If you have completed a program that is preapproved on the list here, you can submit these for review by CPHR Nova Scotia. These programs or courses are already recognized as meeting the foundational requirements. An $18 assessment application fee is required to review your transcript. Click here to complete the assessment form.

• Complete Program Not on the Preapproved List
  If your complete program with nine courses are not on the preapproved list, you can still submit it for review by CPHR Nova Scotia. They will assess the program to determine if it meets the foundational course requirements. This process involves a detailed evaluation to ensure the program aligns with the necessary competencies. The assessment application fee is $54 to review transcript and required supporting documentation. To request an assessment, click here.
  

• Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR)
  If you have completed courses that you believe meet the foundational requirements but are not preapproved or less than 9 courses, you can apply for a PLAR through Captus Press. This involves creating a CPHR Academic Program Portal Account, registering for PLAR, and submitting your academic transcripts for assessment. The PLAR process evaluates your prior learning to determine if it satisfies the foundational course requirements. Get started with a PLAR here.
  

Unsure which option you should follow? Fill out the form here to provide us information on the courses or program you have taken and we can guide you on the next steps for assessing your courses.

CPHR Academic Program

CPHR Canada, in partnership with Captus Press, has set up the following online courses to help members obtain the required foundational coursework. Taught by leading Canadian HR professors, each course provides extensive multimedia lectures with downloadable PowerPoint slides, progress quizzes, and a discussion board where you will interact with your instructor and other students and post answers to assignments.

Visit the CPHR academic program to review these courses and to see which are open for registration.

Course equivalencies may be offered at our Accredited Post-Secondary Institutions.

Descriptions of each of the nine courses can be viewed here.

To register with Captus Press Inc. click here.

Do you have more questions about the CPHR Academic Program? View our FAQ page here.

Questions about the Foundational Courses? Review the Foundational Course Requirement FAQs