CHRP - General FAQs

• 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 an 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 in Alberta, you are required to become an Associate member of the HRIA and then write two exams - first the National Knowledge Exam^TM (theory based) and then the National Professional Practice Assessment^TM (which is scenario based) You need to obtain a 70% pass mark in both the exams to obtain your CHRP designation.
  
  

• 4. I am residing in another province and would like to transfer my CHRP to HRIA, what do I need to do?

  The CHRP designation and the CHRP Candidate Status are portable across Canada. Contact your current Provincial Association to obtain the transfer form. There is a $25.00+GST 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 HRIA membership. Upon receipt of the transfer form your CHRP or CHRP Candidate Status will be transferred and you will be billed for prorated membership dues.
  
  

CHRP - Exams FAQs

• 1. Is the CHRP National Knowledge Exam Workshop Obligatory?

  The CHRP Knowledge Exam Workshop offered by HRIA is optional. It is a personal decision to take the course based on your comfort level with the sample exam questions.
  The goal of the National Knowledge Exam Workshop is to assist candidates intending to write the National Knowledge Exam^TM by providing a high-level theory review and the skills and strategies for writing and preparing for multiple choice exams. HRIA recommends at least one academic HR introductory course.
  
  

• 2. Can I self-study to prepare for the CHRP National Knowledge ExamTM?

  Candidates can visit the CCHRA website at www.cchra.ca for exam information and resources. The website lists useful text books, sample exam questions and study skills and assessment preparation strategies. In addition, to support their knowledge base, candidates can attend specialty area courses offered by academic institutions. A list of some of the HR programs offered in Alberta is available on this website.
  Improve your exam readiness with the convenience of affordable online learning sponsored by the CCHRA. Online courses are available for the National Knowledge Exam^TM(NKE) and the National Professional Practice Assessment ^TM (NPPA) as well. Each course contains features that simulate the actual examination. Multimedia lectures, a diagnostic test and practice exams help candidates prepare for the NKE. Comprehensive decision tree simulations of situations and incident quizzes replicate the form of testing on the NPPA examination. Both courses provide sample grading and automatic feedback. Discussion Boards enable participants to interact with other candidates and form study groups. Learn more about the courses and register for access on the CCHRA website at www.cchra.ca
  
  

• 3. Do I need to be a member of HRIA to write the CHRP National Knowledge ExamTM?

  National Knowledge Exam^TM(NKE) candidates must be members of their provincial association and register with the association to write the exam. In Alberta only Associate members are eligible to write the National Knowledge Exam^TM (NKE).
  
  

• 4. How often is the CHRP National Knowledge Exam Workshop offered?

  The NKE Workshop is offered in the fall and spring of each year (4-6 weeks in advance of each exam).
  
  

• 5. What is the CHRP National Knowledge ExamTM format?

  The exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions, based on knowledge of the seven Functional Dimensions and related Required Professional Capabilities (RPCs). 
  The pass mark is 70%.
  Once you have passed the NKE, you are a CHRP Candidate. You must keep your membership active with your provincial HR association.
  Candidates can take the exam as many times as needed, but must pay the exam fee for each sitting.
  
  

• 6. How do I know my CHRP National Knowledge ExamTM registration has been received?

  Exam registrants will receive a receipt for their exam fee once their registration has been processed. A formal registration letter is mailed out from the CCHRA 1 month prior to the exam date; at the same time, the HRIA will mail the exam location details.
  
  

• 7. Why do I need to pay for each CHRP exam?

  National Standards is a national initiative supported by the Canadian Council of Human Resources Associations (CCHRA). The Professional Standards Committee within CCHRA is the administrative body responsible for implementing the national exam process.
  70% of the fee for the CHRP exam is submitted to the CCHRA. The 30% of the fee remains with the local association for administration and processing costs.
   
  

• 8. How Long Do I Have To Complete the Certification Process?

  Exam candidates have 5 years from the time they pass the NKE to the time they successfully complete the NPPA. CHRP Candidates and CHRPs must keep keep their membership active (in good standing) with their provincial HR association in order to keep their CHRP Candidate Status or CHRP active. Please note the degree requirement as of Jan 1, 2011.
  
  
  

• 9. I don’t have a degree and plan on writing the NPPA in the fall of 2010. What happens if I fail?

  The CCHRA approves a one-time exception to the requirement to any CHRP Candidate who has attempted the National Professional Practice Assessment® (NPPA) at least once prior to December 31, 2010. If you do not pass the NPPA before this date, you will be granted a chance to re-write the exam, even if you do not have a degree. However, this exception is only valid for the May 2011 NPPA session.

• 10. When are the CHRP exams held?

  Exams are held across Canada in May and October.
  
  

• 11. What is the cost of the exams?

  The cost of National Knowledge Exam^TM (NKE) is: $250 + GST.
  The cost of National Professional Practice Assessment^TM (NPPA) is: $500 + GST.
   
  

• 12. Is there a deadline to register for the exam?

  Exam registrants must register for the NKE or NPPA at least two months in advance. Please check the details on the exam page.
  
  

• 13. Can I defer writing the exam?

  Yes, you may defer writing the exam by completing an online deferral application form. Depending on the date of your deferral request, you might incur a $ 100.00+GST deferral fee. Please read carefuly our deferral policy as deferral is not always an option (permitted twice per exam only).
  
  
  

• 14. 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. 
  
  

• 15. 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 on the exam. A fee of $75 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 a request of a manual rescoring of an exam (NKE or NPPA) is one (1) month following the receipt of results letters. Please send a cheque for the $75 fee along with a written request to: CCHRA, 150 Metcalfe St, Suite 603, Ottawa ON, K2P 1P1.
  
  

• 16.What are the new NPPA requirements for exams effective May 2009?

  For full details click here. 

CHRP - Recertification FAQs

• 1. How do I renew my designation under the new National Standards Program?

  You have two options for your CHRP Certification renewal:
  
  1.  Complete the CHRP National Recertification Log, acquiring at least 100 points over the three year renewal period for HR related professional development activities.
  
  2.  Write the National Professional Practice AssessmentTM (NPPA). Successful completion (score 70% or higher) provides you with the 100 points required to recertify.  You must register and write the NPPA prior to your CHRP expiry date.
  
  IMPORTANT:  All membership dues must be up to date in order to apply to maintain/renew your CHRP certification.
  
  

• 2. How do I practically renew my designation?

  To Recertify, please follow the steps outlined below:
  
  1. Login to the HRIA website.
  2. Click on Recertification.
  3. Choose an option for renewal (Professional Development or NPPA)
  4. Download the Word version of the recertification log, fill it in electronically and upload the complete log for the Professional Development option or download, fill in and then upload the Application for renewal Page for the NPPA route.

  5. Upload a recent resume.
  6. Submit payment for your Recertification Fee of $ 50.00+GST.
  7. Register and pay for the NPPA if you have chosen the NPPA option.
  

• 3. How do I complete the Recertification Log?

  The log must be filled in electronically, handwritten logs are no longer accepted.

   

  Every activity must be listed separately.
  
  Every activity must be accompanied with a date(s). Credit will not be given for any activity that is not associated with a date.
  
  The number of hours that the activity took to complete must be listed in your application [eg: 2 hours, 2 days, 50 hour project etc.]
  
  Activities must take place during the 3 year review period prior to your CHRP expiry date.
  
  Do not use acronyms for companies, courses, institutions etc.
  
  Full activity requirements must be met; partial points are not given.
  
  A current resume, biography or curricula vitae must accompany your application.
  
  Payment of the $50.00 + GST Recertification Fee must be processed online when you submitt your application, prior to your CHRP expiry date.
  
  PLEASE NOTE: Incomplete or improperly filled out recertification documents will be denied for renewal.
  

• 4. What do I include with my renewal application?

  Your online CHRP renewal application must include
  
  a)      Electronically completed CHRP National Recertification Log
  
  b)      A copy of your current biography, resume or curricula vitae; and
  
  c)      Payment of the $50.00 + GST re-certification fee.
  
  

• 5. Can I include development activities that do not fall within my 36-month renewal period?

  No credit is given for activities that were completed prior to commencement of your current 36-month period or any events after your renewal date.
  
  

• 6. Will the Human Resources Institute of Alberta audit my renewal?

  The HRIA Audit Committee performs an annual audit on the renewal of certification processes.  The Audit Committee reviews randomly selected CHRP member files in greater depth and detail. As a result, a member of the Audit Committee may contact you at some point during your current membership period.
  
  We recommend you keep a copy of your current renewal documents and any associated paperwork (course registration forms, published articles, volunteer activity information, etc.) for a period of three years after the specified renewal.
  
  

• 7. Can I record all of my professional development activities in one development category?

  There are two categories where you may acquire the full 100 points – Development Category A: Continuing Education and Development Category F: National Professional Practice Assessment^TM.
  
  

• 8. What happens to my designation if I am unable to renew due to unforeseen circumstances?

  CHRP Members who are unable to renew due to unusual circumstances, such as long-term illness, may request a leave in writing which provides a description of the circumstances to the HRIA office.  An extension may be granted up to a maximum of one year.  A note from your Physician will be requested to serve as supporting documentation for an extension.  Maternity leave extensions must be submitted PRIOR to the commencement of the leave. Please refer to our recertification extensions policy.
  
  

• 9. How long does it take to process my renewal application?

  The renewal process typically takes 60 days for the Membership and Certification Coordinator to review the application and the HRIA office to process the documents.  This process may be delayed if proper documentation is not supplied or the application is improperly completed.
  
  
  

• 10. Is there a cost associated with renewing my designation?

  Yes, there is a $50.00 + GST re-certification fee to renew the CHRP designation.  In addition, you must be a certified member in good standing – annual membership dues must be paid in full and up to date.
  
  

FAQs New Recertification Log

• 1. Why did the CCHRA modify the Log?

  The current Recertification Log was introduced in 2006.  In the years since the Log was introduced, the provincial human resources associations have become familiar with it, allowing them to provide guidance for revisions.  A review of the log was undertaken in 2009.

• 2. Can we expect big changes?

  The modifcations to the Log are minor.  They were made to ensure that the Recertification Log reflects the importance of the values gained by a blend of experience, learning and leadership in the practice of human resources.

• 3. I have already started recording Recertification activities. How will the new Log affect me?

  The current recertification log will be accepted until December 31, 2011. If you submit for recertification after that date, please use the revised Log as this will be the only Log in use as of January 1, 2012.

• 4. I have not started recording activities, but my Certification period ends in 2011. Which Log should I use?

  During the period of January 1, 2011 to December 31, 2011, either of the two Recertification Logs may be used to record your activities. The current Log will not be accepted after December 31, 2011.

• 5. My Certification period ends in 2012, but I have already started recording activities. Which Log should I use?

  To record activities for submission after January 1, 2012, you must use the revised Log. The current Recertification Log will not be accepted after December 31, 2011.

• 6. What changes were made?

  o   The categories of activities were reordered to focus attention on activities that reflect the importance of experience and the application of learned behaviors, as follows:

  ·         Significant Work Projects/Initiatives

  ·         Leadership

  ·         Instruction

  ·         Continuing Education

  ·         Research or Publication

  ·         National Professional Practice Assessment

  - CHRPs are required to accumulate the required one hundred (100) points in two (2) or more categories.  (Previously, categories were capped at a maximum number of points per category.) CHRPs remain encouraged to gain a breadth of experience.

  - The allocation of points of each Development Activity was compared to each of the other Development Activities to ensure equity – some were reordered to reflect descending values where appropriate.  (Development Activity reordering was necessary in the Leadership, Instruction and Continuing Education Development Categories.)