What does Accredited mean?

Accredited means that a program has been approved and graduates of that program may be eligible to apply for an NKE waiver.

Post-secondary institutions in Nova Scotia that have an HR program apply to become accredited. Once an institution has submitted their application, it will be reviewed to ensure that it meets this standard. All approved applications then become accredited and will appear on the list of Accredited Post-Secondary HR Programs.

What programs qualify to become accredited?

Post-secondary programs will qualify to be accredited if it is determined that the content offered meets at least 80% of the CPHR Competency Framework content. Institutions must complete an application detailing the content of their program(s), which undergoes a thorough review by CPHR Nova Scotia in order to be granted Accredited status.

What other requirements must I complete once I receive a waiver as a graduate of an accredited program?

Those who successfully complete the waiver application become CPHR Candidates and have ten (10) years to complete the remaining steps to the designation. Membership is required to maintain CPHR Candidate status. The last step is completing the Validation of Experience (VOE). The number of years required for the VOE depend on the level of education.

If someone received their degree from an accredited program in the past, can they qualify to waive the NKE?

Each accredited program has unique eligibility criteria for previous graduates depending on when changes were made to the curriculum.

What if my post-secondary program becomes accredited part way through my education?

As long as the program content has been the same for your whole education in that program, CPHR Nova Scotia will recognize your accredited education toward waiving the NKE.

How do I find out if my post-secondary program is currently accredited?

A full list of CPHR Accredited Post-Secondary Programs can be found here.

Is there a fee associated with waiving the NKE?

Yes, the fee for waiving the exam is $400 plus HST (subject to change in the future)

Graduates of accredited programs will also need to order an official transcript from their educational institution (and incur any related costs) and have it sent to us directly.

What other requirements must be met in order for a student to apply to waive the NKE?

In order to waive the NKE, graduates must meet the grade requirement as well as be a member in good standing of CPHR Nova Scotia. Should you not meet the 70% requirement, you will still be able to write the NKE. Application for an NKE waiver must be made within five (5) years of graduating from an Accredited Post-Secondary Institution.

If someone waives the NKE, do they still need to pass the Experience Requirement?

Yes, completing the Validation of Experience is required in order to attain the CPHR designation.

Why is CPHR Nova Scotia prepared to waive the National Knowledge Exam (NKE) for post-secondary graduates?

CPHR Nova Scotia recognizes that many post-secondary programs cover the majority of the information included on the National Knowledge Exam. The PSI accreditation process will allow CPHR Nova Scotia to assess which programs cover 80% or more of the CPHR Competency Framework content.  If a student has achieved 70% or higher as an overall grade in a PSI accredited program, CPHR Nova Scotia is confident that the student already possesses the knowledge tested in the National Knowledge Exam.