CPHR Competency Framework

The CPHR Competency Framework is the foundation on which the CPHR designation rests. It is used by:

  • Employers and the public to better understand the value of CPHRs
  • The academic community in the design and development of course curriculum and profession specific programs
  • CPHRs to validate their skills and abilities and articulate their value as a CPHR
  • CPHRs and CPHR Canada Member Associations for continuing professional development (CPD) requirements
  • Future CPHRs to help them understand the knowledge, skills, and abilities required to become a CPHR

On December 8, 2021, CPHR Canada announced an updated Competency Framework. Please see the announcement here.

The HR Specific Competencies and General Competencies Format
Each of the 9 HR Specific Competency Areas is broken down into 3 sections:
  1. Competency expected to achieve the CPHR designation – These are the core HR competencies. There is a total of 49 across the 9 Competency Areas.
  2. Knowledge and Skills Expected of a CPHR designation holder – These are capabilities that CPHR holders should understand and be able to apply. They describe applied level HR practice situations that HR professionals will encounter (if they practice in the competency area) and should be able to successfully manage.
  3. Competency level to reflect advanced Human Resources knowledge and practice – These are higher level capabilities that a CPHR holder may strive to attain in their work/career. They are included for information and to help inspire advanced HR professional development and practice.
Each of the 12 General Competency Areas is broken down into two sections:
  1. Competency expected to achieve the CPHR designation – These are deemed to be key competencies of any professional and are not specific to the HR profession. There are a total of 48 across 12 General Competency Areas.
  2. Knowledge and Skills Expected of a CPHR designation holder – These are capabilities that CPHR holders should understand and be able to apply. They describe applied level HR practice situations that HR professionals will encounter (if they practice in the competency area) and should be able to successfully manage.

View the CPHR Competency Framework