1. Are the National Exam Preparation Workshops obligatory?

The Workshops offered by HRIA are optional. It is a personal decision to take the course based on your comfort level with the sample exam questions.

The goal of the Workshops is to assist candidates intending to write the National Exams by providing a high-level review and the skills and strategies for writing and preparing for multiple choice exams.

2. Can I self-study to prepare for the National Exams?

Candidates can visit the CHRP website 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.

Improve your exam readiness with the convenience of affordable online learning sponsored by the CCHRA. Online courses are available for the National Knowledge Exam (NKE) and the National Professional Practice Assessment® (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 CHRP website.

3. Do I need to be a member of HRIA to write the National Knowledge Exam®?

National Knowledge Exam®(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 NKE.

4. How often are the Exam Preparation Workshops offered?

The Workshops are offered in the fall and spring of each year (4-6 weeks in advance of each exam). Please review the NKE Workshop schedule here and the NPPA Workshop schedule here.

5. What is the CHRP National Knowledge Exam® format?

The exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions, based on knowledge of the seven Functional Dimensions and related Required Professional Capabilities (RPCs).

• Once you have passed the NKE, you are a CHRP Candidate. You must keep your membership active with your provincial HR association.  You need to pass the NPPA or the Experience Validation Assessment within five years of passing the NKE.
• Candidates can take the exam as many times as needed, but must pay the exam fee for each sitting.

6. 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  or the Experience Validation Assessment. CHRP Candidates and CHRPs must keep their membership active (in good standing) with their provincial HR association in order to keep their CHRP Candidate Status or CHRP active.

7. When are the CHRP exams held?

Exams are held across Canada in June and November. Please refer to the NKE schedule and the NPPA schedule for specific dates. 

8. What is the cost of the exams?

Please refer to the exam fee schedule for details.  

9. 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 refer to the NKE schedule and the NPPA schedule for specific dates. 

10. 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 deferral fee. Please carefully read our deferral policy as deferral is not always an option.

11. 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.

12. Can I request to have my exam rescored 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 will be charged for this service as per CCHRA. 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 fee along with a written request to: CCHRA, 130 Slater St, Suite 1025, Ottawa ON, K1P 5L7.

13.  What is the cut-score (passing score) for the National Exams?

The cut-score varies with each exam session. The October 2009 administration of the exams saw the introduction of the use of Angoff panels to set the cut-score on the exam.  An Angoff panel is a method which makes use of the combined judgment of panel members to establish the probability that a candidate at the threshold of competence would be able to answer the question correctly. More information on this method.