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CPHR British Columbia and Yukon designation pathway
Through a collaborative partnership with CPHR BC & Yukon, SFU's Beedie School of Business now offers an accredited pathway to the Chartered Professional in Human Resources (CPHR) designation. This partnership provides numerous benefits for students aspiring to pursue a career in human resources.
What is the CPHR Designation?
The CPHR designation is a nationally recognized achievement in the field of human resources. CPHR Canada represents 31,000 human resources professionals practicing human resources in Canada. Holding the CPHR designation enables you to expand your network and explore career opportunities across the country. By earning the CPHR designation, you establish your credibility as an HR expert, showcasing your mastery of all aspects of human resources and demonstrating to employers nationwide your commitment to the highest standards of professional practice in HR.
Accreditation pathway: SFU Beedie's HR program
SFU Beedie's HR program offers a designated pathway (Path 3 - Accredited) leading to the CPHR designation. To qualify for this pathway, you must complete the following courses (BUS 272, 237, and 381) plus a minimum of three out of four of the level 400 courses (BUS 481, 482, 483 or 484). Obtaining a minimum GPA of 70 per cent will pre-qualify you for exemption from the National Knowledge Exam (NKE).
| Course Number | Course Name | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| BUS237 | Introduction to Business Technology Management | 3 |
| BUS272 | Behaviour in Organizations | 3 |
| BUS381 | Introduction to Human Resource Management | 3 |
| BUS481 | Recruitment & Selection | 3 |
| BUS482 | Performance Management | 3 |
| BUS483 | Introduction to Employment Law | 3 |
| BUS484 | Employment Systems | 3 |
Please note that this accreditation pathway is also available retroactively to students who graduated June 2017 or later.
Exemption from the NKE
Graduates can follow these steps to claim exemption from the National Knowledge Exam (NKE):
- Be a student member of CPHR BC & Yukon while in school. SFU students receive 25 per cent off student membership. Please reach out to Jill Liu at bbacareers@sfu.ca to receive the discount code to use online.
- Complete your accredited degree including the SFU Beedie courses listed above (all of BUS 272, 237, and 381) plus a minimum of three out of four of the level 400 courses [BUS 481, 482, 483 or 484]) with a grade of 70 per cent or B-.
- Send your official transcript demonstrating an average of minimum 70 per cent to Trish Andrea, CPHR Registrar at cphr@cphrbc.ca.
Once the Exam Exemption Form is processed, you will be sent a confirmation and invoice for payment. Congratulations—you are now an official CPHR Candidate.
Benefits of joining CPHR BC & Yukon
By becoming a member of CPHR BC & Yukon and while completing the HR program at SFU Beedie, you gain several advantages. CPHR BC & Yukon encourages students interested in HR to join early to enjoy these benefits:
- Lower student membership dues
- Discounts on registration for the annual HR conference hosted by CPHR BC & Yukon
- Exclusive access to a mentoring program with experienced HR professionals
- Exclusive access to job postings on the membership site
- Access to networking events with HR professionals
- Events for HR students
- Volunteer opportunities to build your resume
- Exemption from the National Knowledge Exam (NKE) with a minimum GPA of 70 per cent in the required HR courses
For more detailed information, refer to the CPHR BC & Yukon info sheet available here.
Can paid co-op work experience be applied towards the work experience requirement to obtain the CPHR designation?
No, co-op experience does not contribute to the three years’ required HR work experience. Please consult the CPHR BC & Yukon Validation of Experience handbook or reach out to CPHR BC & Yukon if you have any questions regarding pathway requirements.
If I don’t meet the minimum 70 per cent GPA required in the core HR courses, does that mean I have to write the NKE?
Generally, yes. However, CPHR BC & Yukon considers each applicant on an individual basis, so we encourage you to reach out to them directly to inquire.
I graduated before 2017 with an HR concentration and would be interested in pursuing my CPHR designation. How can I do so?
Please reach out to Trish Andrea, CPHR Registrar at cphr@cphrbc.ca.
I’m moving outside of B.C. after graduation. Can I still obtain my CPHR designation through this program?
The accredited pathway offered by SFU Beedie has been approved by CPHR BC & Yukon. Some other chapters of CPHR, such as CPHR Ontario, are not part of CPHR Canada. Please reach out to Trish Andrea, CPHR Registrar, at cphr@cphrbc.ca directly to inquire.
Connect with Us
Learn more about the program and get in touch with our recruitment and admissions team.