As third-and-fourth-year Human Resource Management students, many are laser-focused on one big milestone: graduating and launching their careers in the real world. One often overlooked opportunity is the potential of earning a Certified Human Resource Professional (CHRP) designation. While many have only heard it can open doors, the details have often alluded to new applicants. This article aims to break down and uncover what you need to know to get ahead.

What is it?

Most business students are familiar with the certification for accounting students, the Certified Public Accountant (CPA) certification. However, HR has a similar credential. The CHRP certification “validates your knowledge of HR, your workplace readiness, and your commitment to career-long learning,” (“CHRP”). In Ontario, there are three levels of this certification. The CHRP, CHRL, and CHRE are only obtained through the HRPA (Human Resources Professionals Association) organization. “The essence of a designation is that it validates capability. It’s like an MBA if you like,” says Bill Greenhalgh, chief executive of Ontario’s Human Resources Professionals Association (HRPA), which administers the designations.” (McQuillan)

The CHRP is the lowest level of the certification, with fewer requirements. Whereas the CHRL (Certified Human Resources Leader) “validates your knowledge of HR and of workplace and employment law and your ability to apply this knowledge to business solutions. It signals your commitment to career-long learning and ethical practice.” (“CHRL”), and has more intense requirements, including professional experience. CHRE (Certified Human Resources Executive) “is the executive level designation. Through personal attributes and achievements, HR professionals at the CHRE level have reached the profession's upper echelons. Although most senior HR professionals will be found in the corporate world, senior professionals are also found in other settings such as consulting.” This is obtained through a written application that the CHRE Review Panel will review.

Most graduating HR students would be interested in the CHRP or CHRL.

Why get it?

“On HRPA’s job board, some 75 percent of ads seek HR professionals with a CHRP.” (McQuillan) It opens the door for employers to know what you are capable of and could mean opening the door for jobs when hiring staff are merely skimming a resume. However, the most prominent reason for obtaining this certification is the fact that HR professionals with the CHRP earn more and get more promotions.

It is not necessary to get this certification, it is possible to work in the HR field without it. However, depending on where you want to take your career in HR, this certification might get you farther. It could be the difference between being promoted or obtaining a higher salary grid before experience comes into play. According to some professionals, it is particularly beneficial in the private sector. It is also a way of regulating HR professionals in the industry, similar to accountants.

Another benefit of being CHRP certified and holding the annual membership of the HRPA is the ability to further your knowledge in the field through courses, conferences, webinars, and other networking opportunities.

However, to be a member is pricey, with the annual HRPA membership running over 300 dollars, and it allows you to go to some HRPA events free and other events with a discounted cost compared to non-members. Additionally, the tests, courses, and practice tests to obtain these certifications can be expensive as well.

Tip: students can get a discounted membership.

How to get it?

There are several requirements for the certification.

For the CHRP, the following is required:

- Coursework

o University of Ottawa students enrolled in the HR option will have the nine courses required to complete this requirement by the time they graduate, they are outlined on your course sequence provided by the university.

o Students must achieve a grade of at least 65% on each course and an overall average of 70%.

- CHRP Knowledge Exam

o This exam consists of 175 multiple-choice questions.

o It entails topics involved in the required courses, such as training and development, occupational health and safety, compensation, etc.

- CHRP Employment Law Exam

o This exam, taken separately and on a different date than the knowledge exam, consists of 110 questions, which assesses knowledge of employment and workplace law in Ontario.

- Job Ready Program

o “The Job Ready Program is an online course designed to assist registrants with their transition into the workplace including training around professionalism and ethics.” (“CHRP (Certified Human Resources Professional)”)

For the CHRL, the following is required:

- Coursework

o The same requirement as the CHRP is outlined above.

- CHRL Knowledge Exam

o Like the CHRP Knowledge Exam, but at a higher level.

o It consists of 250 multiple-choice questions.

- CHRL Employment Law Exam

o Again, like the CHRP exam, but at a higher level.

o This consists of 110 questions.

- Degree Requirement

o To earn this certification, applicants must have a degree from a recognized educational institution.

o It does not necessarily have to be in Human Resources. The course requirement can be obtained outside of your degree program, such as through a diploma program.

- Professional Experience Requirement

o Applicants must have accumulated at least three years of demonstrated experience in HR at a professional level.

It is important to note that:

- There are only a handful of dates per year where the tests are held.

- The CHRL tests satisfy the requirements for the CHRP. However, the CHRP tests do not satisfy the requirements for the CHRL.

Tips and Tricks from HR Professionals:

One professional, an HR Assistant, advised that if you do not have the professional experience requirement for the CHRL, but if you meet the other requirements, it is possible to take these tests and obtain the CHRP, but once that professional experience is obtained, you can achieve the CHRL. However, the tests are more difficult.

It is not uncommon for professionals to fail these tests. Many of the most knowledgeable HR professionals did not achieve their certification on the first try, and that’s ok. This test is designed to be challenging. It is difficult to study for this test while working full-time and dealing with everyday life.

Another professional, a Labour Relations Specialist, obtained her certification a year ago. She advised that the preparation course they offer helped her review some of the aspects of the knowledge exam that she care less about. She recommends taking the course as it was a good refresher. She knew she wanted to go into LR, and for her, the Law Exam was geared towards what she was more passionate about, which helped her stay focused. She took the CHRP, though she regrets not going for the CHRL tests, and would recommend that you do so based on your goals. She advised that for most positions, the CHRP will help you get in the door, recruiters will be more likely to look at your resume and continue to the interview. She experienced not progressing far into the recruitment process without the CHRP, especially for an HR specialist position, which was her goal. For those who want to progress to a management position, obtaining the CHRL would be beneficial.

There are preparation courses and practice tests available, however, they can be expensive. It is up to the applicant what they wish to do to prepare for the exam, but, practice is recommended.

Conclusion

Earning the CHRP certification is a valuable step for HR students and professionals seeking to stand out in the competitive job market. With clear benefits such as increased employability, higher earning potential, and access to continuous professional development, the CHRP can be a powerful asset in shaping your HR career. While the process demands time, effort, and financial investment, the rewards—greater career opportunities, professional credibility, and industry recognition—make it a worthwhile pursuit. Whether you're aiming to secure your first HR role, achieve promotions, or explore specialized fields, the CHRP serves as a foundation for success. Begin planning now to ensure you're well-prepared to navigate the journey toward certification and elevate your HR career. For more details, visit the HRPA website and take the first step toward unlocking your potential!

For more information, visit the official HRPA website: CHRP - HRPA

Works Cited

“CHRL (Certified Human Resources Leader).” HRPA, 20 July 2021, www.hrpa.ca/designations/chrl-certified-human-resources-leader/.

“CHRP (Certified Human Resources Professional).” HRPA, 19 Feb. 2021, www.hrpa.ca/designations/chrp-certified-human-resource-professional/.

McQuillan, Laura. “Is a CHRP Designation Worth the Cost?” Www.hcamag.com, 26 June 2017, www.hcamag.com/ca/specialization/learning-development/is-a-chrp-designation-worth-the-cost/129019.