Frequently Asked Questions
   
1. Why the CHRP?
The Certified Human Resources Professional (CHRP) designation is a nationally recognized level of achievement signifying a practitioner meets specific professional criteria, keeps current in the field, and adheres to a professional Code of Ethics. It represents both an achievement and a responsibility for the individual practitioner. It also reflects a conviction that the professional practice of human resources management can safeguard the interests of the employer, employees and the general public.

Recertification represents your commitment to continuous earning in a profession impacted by economic, social, business and legislative changes.

2. How do I say CHRP?
Like MBA or CGA, CHRP should be pronounced by saying each letter separately, otherwise it sounds like a birdcall.
3. I am interested in obtaining my CHRP; please advise what I need to do?
To obtain your CHRP designation, you are required to write two exams - first the National Knowledge ExamTM (theory based) and then the National Professional Practice AssessmentTM (which is scenario based) You need to obtain a 70% pass mark in both the exams to obtain your CHRP designation.

Exam preparation varies, based on your education and experience. See our section on Study Resources for further information on prep courses and self study guides
4. When are the CHRP exams held?
Exams are held across Canada in May and October.
5. What is the cost of the exams?
The cost of National Knowledge ExamTM (NKE) is:
$60 (application fee) + $250 + $15.50(GST) = $325.50
The cost of National Professional Practice AssessmentTM (NPPA) is:
$500 + $25(GST) = $525.00
6. Is there a deadline to register for the exam?
Exam registrants must register for the NKE or NPPA two months in advance. More information about exam dates and deadlines is available from the CCHRA at http://www.cchra.ca/Web/exam/content.aspx?f=30013.
7. Can I defer writing the exam?
Yes, you may defer writing the exam by completing a deferral application form and forwarding proof of your extenuating circumstance. There may be a fee of $100 to defer writing the exam until the next sitting. Completed deferral form MUST be received 7 business days prior to the exam date. Any deferral requests received after the cut off will be considered ‘no shows’ and lose the option to defer your exam to the next sitting. Please note our deferral policy.
8.

What if I do not show up on the day of the exam, will I be refunded my exam fee?
If you do not attend on the day of the exam, you forfeit your exam fee.  

9. I am residing in another province and would like to transfer my membership and CHRP to BC HRMA, what do I need to do?
The CHRP designation is portable across Canada.  Contact your current Provincial Association to obtain the transfer form. There is a $25.00 fee to transfer your designation from one association to another. Please keep in mind, provincial membership is not transferable, you will need to apply for a BC HRMA membership. Upon receipt of the transfer form your CHRP status will be transferred and you will be billed for your membership and professional dues.
10. Is the CHRP Knowledge Exam Preparation Course Required?
The CHRP Knowledge Exam Preparation course offered by BC HRMA is optional. The goal of the Knowledge Exam Preparation Course is to assist candidates preparing to write the Knowledge Exam by providing a high-level theory review and strategies for writing and preparing for multiple choice exams. BC HRMA recommends at least one academic introductory HR course.
11.

Can I study on my own to prepare for the NKE?
Candidates can find test questions and other preparation resources on the CCHRA Exam Study Resources page of their website.

In addition, to support their knowledge base, candidates can attend workshops offered by BC HRMA or other associations or longer-term programs provided by academic institutions. A list of academic institutions whose programs support the CHRP is available on this website.

12. Do I need to be a member of BC HRMA to write the NKE
Yes, the National CCHRA policy states all registrants must be a member of an authorized provincial HR association in order to write the exam.
13. Is the CHRP Knowledge Exam Preparation Course offered annually?
Yes, Preparation courses are offered in the winter and summer of each year.
14. What is the NKE format?

  • The exam consists of 150 multiple choice questions which are framed around the Required Professional Capabilities (RPCs).
  • The exam is based on knowledge of the seven core human resources areas
  • You must successfully pass the exam where the pass mark is 70%.
  • Once you have passed the exam, you will be granted CHRP Candidate status.
  • Exam writers can write the exam as many times as needed, but must pay the exam fee for each sitting.
15. How do I know my exam registration has been received?
Exam candidates will receive a confirmation once their registration has been processed. Processing can take up to one week to complete. If you have not received your confirmation form within the one week time frame please contact the BC HRMA office and inquire about the status of your registration.
16. Why do I need to pay for each additional component?
National Standards is a national initiative supported by the Canadian Council of Human Resources Associations. The Professional Standards Organization is the administrative body responsible for establishing the Professional Standards Organization office and implementing the national exam process. 80% of the fee for the CHRP exam is submitted to the CCHRA National Association. The national fee covers the cost of exam development, candidate assessment and ongoing quality control. 20% of the fee remains with the local association for administration and processing costs.
17. Why does it take so long to get my exam results?
The CCHRA receives all of the (approximately 3000) exam packages from the 40+ exam locations across Canada and organizes them by exam and province. They open each individual envelope and account for its contents (demographics sheet, confidentiality agreement, exam booklet and answer sheet). If any of these contents (with the exception of the demographics form) are missing, the exam cannot be scored.

They then check the materials received against the exam sign-in sheets and registration data to confirm that all necessary information has been received. The answer sheets are then forwarded to Dalhousie for scoring. Following the scoring, the Independent Board of Examiners reviews the data to verify if any questions were problematic and should be removed. Scores are adjusted if necessary, and then provided to CCHRA.

Once the scores are received, they are merged into the registration database. Only then can the CCHRA prepare the results letters for mail out on the same date for the whole country.
18. Can I request to have my exam remarked if I feel there has been a mistake?
Exam writers have the option of having their exams manually rescored by CCHRA should they feel their exam result does not properly reflect their performance. A fee of $25 (NKE) or $75 (NPPA) will be charged for this service. If the result of the manual rescore is different from the original mark received, the adjustment will be made and the fee will be returned to the exam writer. The deadline for submitting a manual rescoring request is one (1) month following the receipt of results letters. Please send a written request and a cheque for the appropriate fee to: CCHRA, 150 Metcalfe St, Suite 603, Ottawa ON, K2P 1P1.

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