The National Knowledge Exam® (NKE) is a nationally regulated exam that assesses one's understanding of the CPHR Competency Framework as they relate to academic knowledge. Academic knowledge refers to basic facts, policies, practices, methods, legislation, etc. It is information that can be written into procedures and transferred fairly accurately during the learning process. Examples of academic knowledge include: the rights and responsibilities of management and labour during union organizing and negotiation processes, the various methods of training and developing staff; and human rights, employment equity and pay equity legislation.

You are not required to complete your full required length of experience (three or eight years) prior to writing the exam. We encourage you to register and write the NKE as soon as possible following graduation.

More details about NKE content and structure can be found on the CPHR Canada website.

Exam Dates & Registration Deadlines

Fee (pre-payment required): $565.00 + HST
Registration Deadlines: September 11, 2026

National Knowledge Exam Dates: November 5, 2026

In-person exam sessions are held in Halifax or Dartmouth and we offer remote proctored sessions. 

CPHR Nova Scotia requires the foundational course requirement to be completed before writing the National Knowledge Exam (NKE). This requirement is applicable unless the individual is covered by another eligible path.

Please note that courses must be assessed and approved by CPHR Nova Scotia as 'NKE Ready' in order to register for the NKE.

• NKE Content and Structure
• CPHR Competency Framework
• Online Prep Course
• CPHR Academic Program
• Textbook List
• Practice Exam Questions

The NKE is comprised of 150 questions including 10 questions which are added to the exam to allow new questions to be pre-tested. Pre-test questions will not affect the score and are used in examinations as an effective and legitimate way to test the validity of future examination questions. They are placed randomly throughout the exam.

Exam writers have 3 hours and 15 minutes to complete the 150 questions on the NKE.

In-person exam sessions are held in Halifax or Dartmouth and we offer remote proctored sessions. 

There are several study methods exam writers use to prepare for the exam, some set up study groups with friends or colleagues, review text books, take a preparatory program, etc. We have online NKE study group on our Facebook page as well.

CPHR Canada has moved to computer-based testing (CBT). This transition gives members security, efficiency and convenience when writing the NKE and aligns the Association with industry best practice. For more information, please see our original announcement from June 5, 2019.

Writers should understand that indicating a preference does not guarantee that you will receive that preference. In the event a test center is unavailable, you will be assigned to remote proctoring. Cancellation and deferral dates remain in place.

Writers are responsible for ensuring they have the appropriate equipment to write in a remote-proctored environment.

Registration and Fees

Fee (Pre-payment required): $565.00 + HST

Cancellation and Deferral Policy

All registrations are subject to the deferral policy.

Registrations cancelled prior to the registration deadline will incur a processing fee of $75 plus HST. Cancellations after the registration deadline are not possible as the deferral policy then applies.

For information on our cancellation and deferral policy, click here.

Please register as soon as you know you plan on writing the exam as late registrations are not permitted, regardless of circumstance. When you register, you will need to confirm you agree to abide by the Code of Ethics and Rules of Professional Conduct ( click here to visit that page to view the PDF).

Click here to visit the exam registration page or visit the page in our calendar of events. You must be logged in as a member to register for the exam and be deemed 'NKE Ready'.

Exam results are emailed approximately six to eight weeks after each exam session. Click here to find out more about exam scoring.