Canadian HR Reporter is the national journal of human resource management. It features the latest workplace news, HR best practices, employment law commentary and tools and tips for employers to get the most out of their workforce.
Issue link: https://digital.hrreporter.com/i/1202688
www.hrreporter.com 19 In most CPHR Canada provincial associations, the second step to obtain the CPHR designation is an extensive experience assessment process. In Alberta, we call this process the Experience Validation Assessment (EVA). The assessment involves filling out a comprehensive and precise application form, recording numerous details about your work experience, and giving in-depth examples of your competency in each area of Human Resources based on the CPHR Canada Competency Framework. Because of the language of the profession and the complex nature of the CPHR Canada Competency Framework, completing the EVA application can be overwhelming. The idea of recording your entire career and justifying your skills and knowledge can be so overwhelming that people sometimes hold off pursuing their designation as a result. To help assuage these worries and fears and streamline the path to achieving the CPHR designation, CPHR Alberta's Professional Standards team implemented three initiatives in 2019 to help CPHR Candidates complete the EVA: the EVA Guide, Candidate Orientations, and EVA Coaching Sessions Our goal in starting these initiatives was to make the EVA process clearer for applicants and to increase the success rates for our members. We want our members to attain the CPHR designation to help them: • Boost their potential earning ability • Enhance their career opportunities • Expand their influence in their organization The first of these initiatives was the development of the EVA Guide. In early 2019, we completed this comprehensive tool, designed by the team that will be reviewing the applications, which breaks the application process down into easy to complete weekly tasks. The Guide offers the applicants week-by-week instructions for gathering documents, self-assessing, and filling in the separate areas of the application. The EVA Guide makes it clear that the application is not as overwhelming as it might first appear, and by following the steps as they are laid out, applicants feel more confident in their ability to successfully submit everything thoroughly and on-time. Using the helpful tips throughout the Guide gives the applicant an increased chance of success as it is more likely they will not make errors or leave out information that could result in a failed application. Our second initiative to assist Candidates pursuing the CPHR designation was the introduction of Candidate Orientations. In October 2019, the Professional Standards Team launched the first round of these orientations to resounding success. The Candidate Orientations are in-person events led by a member of the Professional Standards Team who leads attendees through a presentation that outlines what it means to be a Candidate member. Then, the most engaging part is when we break down in detail how to fill out the Experience Validation Assessment application form. The in-person events are a valuable way for those who are feeling unsure about how to proceed. In the Candidate Orientations, CPHR Candidates can ask specific questions and get direct feedback on their application. It also helps to dispel some of the myths or misunderstandings that people have about the EVA process. The October sessions filled very quickly, and the feedback from attendees was extremely positive. The success has led us to schedule more Candidate Orientations throughout 2020. Our final initiative was to introduce one- to-one EVA Coaching Sessions. Our Professional Standards Team currently spends a considerable amount of time on the phone with Candidates helping to guide them as they fill out their EVA application. The team decided it would be efficient and helpful if we scheduled dedicated times where Candidates could speak directly to a member of the CPHR Alberta Professional Standards team about their unique situation, to get help, advice, and guidance specific to their needs. This pilot project launched in November, 2019. Our Professional Standards Lead scheduled 18 one-to-one EVA coaching sessions with Candidate members who are looking to submit an EVA application in 2020. Our Lead counseled and offered feedback to Candidates on their application to help ensure they have the best chance of success. For those who did not meet the required three years of professional-level HR experience, she also offered advice on when they will qualify for the CPHR. These coaching sessions were top-rated by CPHR Alberta members. The appointments filled within 20 minutes of the invitation being sent which tells us that there is a strong need for this service. We look forward to offering more coaching of this type throughout 2020. The Experience Validation Assessment process can be challenging for Candidates. CPHR Alberta is working to make the experience less stressful and more successful by providing a variety of options for applicants to get guidance and assistance. Our goal is to remove the confusion and concerns around the experience assessment and to help more Candidates achieve their goal of attaining the CPHR designation. CPHRs have the education, skills, and experience to help organizations grow and succeed. They are committed to the highest standards of professional practice in HR in Canada and bound to the Code of Ethics and Standards of Professional Practice. The more we can help CPHR Candidates achieve the CPHR designation, the better protected the public is, and the stronger our profession becomes. CPHR Alberta Helps Guide Candidates through the Experience Assessment Process BY ERICA BLAIN, MANAGER, PROFESSIONAL STANDARDS, REGISTRAR AND ALICIA DJAN-DRAPER, LEAD, PROFESSIONAL STANDARDS AND DEPUTY REGISTRAR, CPHR ALBERTA