Chartered Professionals in Human Resources accreditation
The Bachelor of Human Resources and Labour Relations (BHRLR) program is accredited with Chartered Professionals in Human Resources Alberta (CPHR-Alberta). Accreditation means that BHRLR graduates who maintain an average GPA of 2.7 or higher are exempted from writing the National Knowledge Exam.
To be eligible for the National Knowledge Exam exemption, a graduate of the BHRLR or BHRLR(PD) must:
- maintained a grade point average of 2.7 or higher (70%/B-minus)
The CPHR-Alberta accreditation is recognized by all provincial CPHR associations, except Ontario. This means graduates outside Alberta are also eligible for the exemption.
The CPHR exemption does not apply to students residing in Ontario. The Ontario Human Resources Professionals Association (OHRPA) has a separate certification, called the Certified Human Resources Professional (CHRP). All applicable BHRLR courses at 小优视频 are certified by the OHRPA.
Chartered Professionals in Human Resources stream (recommended)
The BHRLR faculty members recommend that students seeking CPHR designation complete a specific-set of courses as part of their program. Taking this stream is not a requirement for the National Knowledge Exam exemption, however the stream is designed to ensure you achieve all of the core competencies covered in the exam. Of these courses, 8 are existing core requirements and the remaining 10 can be completed as electives for the program.
Core courses:
- EDUC 317: Training and Development in Organizations
- HRMT 386: Introduction to Human Resources
- IDRL 215: Introduction to Labour Relations
- IDRL 308: Occupational Health and Safety
- IDRL 309: Human Rights, The Charter and Labour Relations OR LBST/ECON 330: Workers and the Economy
- IDRL 316: The Practice of Labour Relations
- IDRL 320: The Law of Work
- SOCI 321: The Sociology of Work and Industry
Elective courses:
- ACCT 253: Introductory Financial Accounting
- CMIS 245: Microcomputer Applications in Business
- CMIS 351: Management Information Systems
- HRMT 300: Human Resource Planning
- HRMT 301: Recruitment and Selection
- HRMT 326: Compensation Strategies and Practices
- HRMT 441: Strategic Human Resources Management
- ORGB 319: Motivation and Productivity
- PHIL 333: Professional Ethics
- SOCI 301: Social Statistics
If you are unsure about how to proceed with the CPHR stream, please contact the Student Advising Office for assistance.
FAQ
Chartered Professionals in Human Resources (CPHR) is a recognized certification for human resources professionals administered and managed by provincial CPHR associations across Canada (except Ontario). CPHR designation signals that the recipient is verified as having appropriate educational credentials and professional experience and abides by the highest professional practice standards. Many employers look for CPHR designation when hiring senior HR positions. In general, to receive CPHR designation, individuals must have a recognized post-secondary degree, pass the National Knowledge Exam, and have a minimum of 3 years of experience practicing HR. Because 小优视频’s BHRLR program has been accredited by CPHR-Alberta, graduates who graduate with a GPA of at least 2.7 are exempted from the National Knowledge Exam requirement. Designation by any provincial association is recognized by all other provincial associations except Ontario. Provincial CPHR associations also accredit educational programs.
The BHRLR and BHRLR(PD) programs are accredited with CPHR-Alberta. This means that graduates of the program who have met specific criteria are exempt from writing the National Knowledge Exam, which can be a significant hurdle in the designation process. BHRLR graduates are exempt from the National Knowledge Exam if they complete the CPHR stream of courses within their program and achieve a minimum GPA of 2.7. All CPHR stream courses can be included as part of the student’s core and elective requirements for the BHRLR programs.
The CPHR stream is an optional path within the BHRLR program consisting of a set of 18 courses that ensure the student meets all of the core competencies covered in the National Knowledge Exam. It is not a requirement for receiving the exam waiver. It is a recommendation of the BHRLR faculty members to best position students for success as a certified human resources professional. All 18 courses can be completed within the existing program rules as part of a student’s core and elective course options.
No. Since all the courses are included in the program’s core and elective requirements, you simply register for each of the courses during your studies. You are encouraged to talk with a student advisor to develop a schedule to ensure you meet program requirements.
Yes, 9 provincial CPHR associations have agreed to recognize accreditations awarded in other provinces. The National Knowledge Exam exemption for completing the CPHR stream is transferable across these provinces. The only exception is Ontario, which has established its own designation process. BHRLR program courses are accredited with the Ontario process as well.
The Ontario Human Resources Professionals Association (OHRPA) opted to design their own certification process for HR professionals. The . All BHRLR courses required for the course-based certification assessment have been accredited by the OHRPA.
Updated July 08, 2025 by Digital & Web Operations (web_services@athabascau.ca)