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CPHR Post-Secondary Institution Accreditation Program

Post-Secondary Institution (PSI) Accreditation Program & National Knowledge Exam (NKE) Waiver Overview

Graduates of an Accredited program may be eligible to apply for a waiver for the National Knowledge Exam (NKE), the academic exam that assesses your understanding of the CPHR Competency Framework. 

With a successful waiver application, you become a CPHR Candidate and are one step closer to receiving your CPHR designation.

Post-secondary programs are qualified to be accredited if it is determined that the content offered meets at least 80% of the CPHR Competency Framework.

Post-secondary institutions in Nova Scotia that have an HR program submit an application to CPHR Nova Scotia. 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.

If you graduate from a CPHR Nova Scotia Accredited Post-Secondary HR Program with an average of 70% or more (or grade-point equivalent), you can apply to waive the NKE. For more information, view the eligibility chart below:

Institution & Program Grade Requirement  Graduate Advantage Discount Waiver Application Deadline

Human Resource Management Graduate Certificate

Cumulative marks of 70% or higher

25% off waiver application fee if completed within a year of graduation

 

Within 5 years of graduating

Bachelor of Commerce with a major in Human Resources and Industrial Relations

Cumulative marks of 2.70 GPA or higher

25% off waiver application fee if completed within a year of graduation

 

Within 5 years of graduating

 Human Resources Management Certificate (Sobey School of Business)

 Cumulative marks of 2.70 GPA or higher25% off waiver application fee if completed within a year of graduation 

 

Within 5 years of graduating

Human Resources Management Certificate - Psychology Option

Cumulative marks of 2.70 GPA or higher25% off waiver application fee if completed within a year of graduation

 

Within 5 years of graduating

Bachelor of Business Administration degree majoring in Strategic Human Resources Management

Cumulative marks of 2.70 GPA or higher

25% off waiver application fee if completed within a year of graduation

 

Within 5 years of graduating

Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) with a Concentration in HR

Cumulative marks of 2.70 GPA or higher25% off waiver application fee if completed within a year of graduation January 2026 for 2015-2020 graduates or within 5 years of graduating
 

CPHR Academic Program from Captus Institute

Average of 70% or higher (no course below 65%) 25% off waiver application fee if completed within a year of graduation 
Within 5 years of graduating

  

If you are currently residing in Nova Scotia and are a graduate of an accredited program from another province listed here, please contact us and request the NKE Waiver Application.

 

 

NKE Waiver - Application and Fees

NKE Waiver fee: $400 + HST  (subject to change without notice)

Members who complete the waiver application within 12 months of graduates will be eligible for the Graduate Advantage Discount of 25% off the waiver application fee. Email us for more information on how to receive the discount code.

 

Steps to waiving the NKE:

  • Be a current member with CPHR Nova Scotia (member dues are in addition to the NKE Waiver Application)
  • Complete the NKE Waiver Application with payment. To request the NKE Waiver Application, send us an email
  • Request an official transcript be sent directly to our office from the granting institution
  • Once verified, CPHR Nova Scotia will approve your waiver and you will be officially recognized as a CPHR Candidate

   

Important note:  This waiver applies to the NKE only. All other steps required to obtain the designation will apply and can be found here.


More questions?  View the FAQ or contact our office at hello@cphrns.ca

Chartered Professionals in Human Resources of Nova Scotia
84 Chain Lake Drive, Suite 103 / Halifax, NS / B3S 1A2
Telephone: 902-446-3660
Toll Free: 1-888-678-3805 
Fax: 902-446-3677