Membership continuity through the certification process policy requires that individuals maintain membership from the point they start their certification process through the completion of their certification process. The start of the certification process is defined as the earlier of the two following events: (1) registration for the exam (NKE), or (2) application for the validation of experience. The end of the certification process is defined as either (1) achieving the designation, or (2) failure to complete the requirements for the designation within the time frame allotted for completion. Individuals who lapse their membership with HRPA in the course of pursuing certification by HRPA for up to three years may continue their certification process where they left off provided they re-establish continuity in membership through the payment of back dues. Individuals who would have qualified for reduced membership rates during the gap in membership would be able re-establish continuity in membership through the payment of back dues at the reduced rate. After the third missed membership renewal, individuals may be required to begin their certification process anew; such cases are reviewed on a case-by-case basis.

Individuals wishing to re-start their certification process after having lapsed their membership in HRPA should contact either HRPA’s Membership Department or the Office of the Registrar.

The exceptions to this membership continuity policy may be made, however the original timeframes within the degree process will still apply (i.e. 10 year time frame for courses, 5 years between passing NKE and Validation of Experience etc.)

Areas that may be considered as part of exception include;

Individuals who can document that they were members of another provincial HR association during the gap in their certification process;
Individuals who can document that they were living outside of Canada during the gap in their certification process;
Individuals who can document that they were not in the workforce during the gap in their certification process (e.g., prolonged illness). Individuals on pregnancy leave, parental leave, or unemployed are expected to maintain membership through access to reduced membership rates.

Members who pass the knowledge exam are entitled to use title ‘CHRP Candidate’ as long as they maintain membership with HRPA. Individuals who lapse their membership with HRPA cannot use the title ‘CHRP Candidate.’ Lapsed members who passed the knowledge exam must pay back dues to have their CHRP Candidate status reinstated.

Once certified, individuals must maintain membership with HRPA to maintain the right to use the title ‘Certified Human Resources Professional’ and the initials ‘C.H.R.P.’

For more information, contact the Office of the Registrar at registrar@hrpa.ca or 416-923-2324/1-800-387-1311.