Canadian HR Reporter

The CPHR designation has evolved since its inception in the 1980s. Over the years, CPHR Canada (previously CCHRA) has made numerous changes to the paths to the designation in response to the changing world of work, and the needs of HR professionals. An examination has long been part of any professional designation process, and the National Knowledge Exam has been a foundation for the Chartered Professional in Human Resources designation. Although examinations have their place and purpose, it is clear that having all designates write an exam may not make sense nor be feasible. CPHR Canada has implemented two new pathways that will allow individuals to forgo the examination process and move directly into the experience assessment step to receive their designation. First, in 2016, the CPHR Canada Post-Secondary Accreditation program was launched. This initiative allowed post-secondary institutions to review their current Human Resources programs and submit them for review to their corresponding provincial HR Association. Each HR Association used a committee to review these programs to assess whether completion of these programs would qualify an individual to prove they had all the knowledge they would typically prove through the National Knowledge Exam (NKE). If the program covered everything tested in the NKE, the program was Accredited and meant that graduates from these programs who maintained a certain GPA, would qualify to waive the NKE. Graduates from accredited programs can apply to waive the NKE because they have the knowledge needed to move to the next step of achieving the CPHR - the experience assessment. In addition to Accreditation, many provincial HR associations also implemented a Senior Path to the CPHR. A significant number of HR professionals have worked in human resources for a number of years, and many of them are in the upper echelons of the profession working on, or consulting to executive or leadership teams in a variety of organizations. The bottom line is that these people have been working in the business for many years and are far removed from the textbook HR knowledge from current post-secondary programs. As a result of this, an exam becomes an obstacle for busy, senior-level professionals. These individuals have the experience, expertise, and the knowledge to warrant a professional designation. As a result, several provincial members of CPHR Canada decided to make a path for professionals in this situation. CPHRAB.CA CPHR Alberta CPHRab CPHRAlberta CPHR Canada has implemented two new pathways that will allow individuals to forgo the examination process and move directly into the experience assessment step to receive their designation. The Senior Pathway to the CPHR in Alberta By Erica Blain, Manager, Professional Standards and Registrar, CPHR Alberta " " The Senior Path allows members with considerable experience to skip the exam portion of the designation process and move directly into the experience validation assessment. Creating these two paths benefits two types of members: • Those graduating from university with a diploma or degree who have met the theory requirements • Those who can demonstrate a significant amount of experience in place of writing an exam. These paths help us to designate more HR professionals across the province and the country without compromising our standards. As a result, the public is better protected because Chartered members are bound to the Code of Ethics and Standards of Professional Practice. " " These paths help us to designate more HR professionals across the province and the country without compromising our standards. As a result, the public is better protected because Chartered members are bound to the Code of Ethics and Standards of Professional Practice. Through the Continuing Professional Development program, Chartered members are also required to continually learn new skills, upgrade their knowledge, and stay on top of legislation changes and, therefore, can be trusted to offer sound advice and make fair, ethical decisions for organizations. While CPHR Alberta went ahead with the Accreditation program along with the other CPHR Canada provinces, we did not immediately pursue the option for a Senior Path. We wanted to explore this option and its feasibility fully and ensure that that we were applying a rigorous process for those going through the Senior Path. The CPHR Alberta Board and staff carefully considered the benefits, concerns, and implications of introducing a Senior Path. In June 2019, our Board approved the implementation of a Senior Path to the CPHR. The establishment of a Senior Path provides an opportunity for HR professionals with significant HR experience at the senior level formal recognition within their profession. Applicants will need to pass a rigorous Experience Validation Assessment, similar to the current EVA process for Candidates, to be granted the CPHR designation. The introduction of the Senior Path in Alberta further aligns our association with our BC and Saskatchewan jurisdictions who also offer this route to the CPHR. CPHR Alberta plans to launch the option for the Senior Path in January 2020. For questions about the Senior Path to the CPHR, email registrar@ cphrab.ca.

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