Over the last 5 years, the workplace has dramatically shifted, and in some cases, shifted back (I see you, remote work…). In this constantly changing environment, it is important for your business to stay current on HR trends, regulatory changes, and changes in the way we work as things like tech, AI, and demands for work-life balance continue to influence our workplaces. One way to ensure your HR practices are keeping pace and evolving over time is to hire a consultant with the Chartered Professional in Human Resources (CPHR) Designation.  

I want to share my journey to obtaining my CPHR designation to show the value of hiring a CPHR designated consultant. After graduating from University with a BBA focused in Human Resources management, I took the initial steps to attain my designation, the National Knowledge Exam (NKE). The NKE is a comprehensive exam to demonstrate academic HR knowledge in 9 HR Competencies. 

Then life happened. Although I have been working in HR since 2015, over the next 9 and a half years I delayed taking the final steps towards my designation, completing the Validation of Experience (VOE) process. As the 10-year deadline loomed, after which I would have to rewrite the NKE, I debated, was it worth getting my designation? What value would it add to my career and my organization, both today and in the future?  

Being an active member of the CPHR community has connected me with a network of designated peers who continually demonstrate their expertise. My peers have proven their commitment to maintaining the CPHR designation by continually expanding their knowledge across all 9 HR competencies. They were also being held to a high professional standard, including mandatory ethics training, which ensures CPHRs are committed to a Code of Ethics and Rules of Professional Conduct. (Chartered Professionals in Human Resources of Nova Scotia (CPHR Nova Scotia)) 

With support and encouragement from CPHRNS, I pursued my designation. As I completed the VOE forms I reflected on the experience I had gained, how much I had learned and grown, and now I would have the letters after my name to prove it! I am now able to easily demonstrate my proficiency as a strategic HR advisor to my colleagues and clients.  

By partnering with a consultant who is CPHR designated, you are working with a consultant who: 

• understands business strategy and translates it into action, 
• aligns organizational actions with ideals, 
• knows what motivates people, 
• finds and fills profitability gaps, 
• helps businesses find and keep the best talent, 
• knows how to reward people fairly, 
• protects people’s health, wellness and safety, 
• establishes strong, lasting labour relations, and 
• helps leaders create leaders. 

(CPHRNS.ca)  

Hiring a consultant with their CPHR designation is an investment in your business’ future. As Nick Beynon, CEO of CPHR Nova Scotia, emphasizes, “I have witnessed firsthand the transformative impact of hiring a CPHR designated consultant on an organization. Their expertise, commitment to professional standards, upholding high ethical standards and strategic insight are invaluable assets that help businesses navigate the complexities of HR management, especially in today’s rapidly changing business environment.” Make the right choice for your business and consider the value a CPHR-designated consultant can bring. 

Alison Bubar is a Human Resources Partner with uptreeHR Inc, a trusted human resources partner for small to medium sized businesses. All uptreeHR consultants hold the Chartered Professional of Human Resources (CPHR) designation.  Alison and the team are based in Halifax, Nova Scotia. 

To book a complimentary 30-minute consult with the uptreeHR team, click here.