CPHR Pathways

For CPHR Alberta members, there are four paths to the CPHR Designation. For all paths to the CPHR designation, you must be an active member of the association.

Minimum Education Requirement to Pursue the CPHR Designation

There is a minimum education requirement to pursue the CPHR designation for all pathways to the CPHR. You must obtain a Degree, Masters, or two-year Diploma from an accredited Canadian post-secondary institution, or the equivalent from a non-Canadian institution.

For each pathway to the CPHR you must provide official transcripts from the institution you graduated from. If your education was achieved outside of Canada, we require an IQAS or WES assessment.

Official transcripts and assessments must be received by CPHR Alberta directly from the institution in order to be accepted. Electronic copies of official transcripts will be accepted if sent to registrar@cphrab.ca directly from your Canadian post-secondary institution (this includes transcripts sent via MyCreds).

Path 1: Standard Path to the CPHR

1. Apply for an Associate membership
2. Obtain a Degree, Masters or two-year Diploma in HR
3. Write the National Knowledge Exam
4. Complete the Experience Validation Assessment process:

• Three years of HR experience required for Degree holders
• Four years of HR experience required for Diploma holders

Standard Path FAQs

Path 2: Accredited Path to the CPHR

1. Apply for an Associate membership
2. Complete a CPHR Canada Accredited post-secondary program within the noted timeframe and with the minimum GPA
3. Waive the National Knowledge Exam by applying for an NKE Waiver. Find the NKE Waiver forms here. 
4. Complete the Experience Validation Assessment process:

• Three years of HR experience required for Degree holders
• Four years of HR experience required for Diploma holders

Accreditation Program FAQs

Path 3: Senior Path to the CPHR

1. Apply for a General membership
2. Provide evidence of a Degree or Masters in any major
3. Select “Senior Path Questionnaire” from your Menu in the portal and follow the prompts to complete and submit
4. Once approved, complete the Senior Path Experience Validation Assessment process:

• Ten years of HR Experience with at least five years in a Senior Leadership HR role. All HR Experience must have been gained in the past 15 years. 

Senior Path FAQs

Path 4: Coursework Path to the CPHR

1. Apply for a General membership
2. Obtain a Degree, Masters or two-year Diploma in a non-HR program
3. Complete required nine foundational HR courses
4. Write the National Knowledge Exam
5. Complete the Experience Validation Assessment process:

• Three years of HR experience required for Degree holders
• Four years of HR experience required for Diploma holders

Coursework Requirement FAQs

Questions about the CPHR Pathways?