Re-assessments and Appeals

Obtaining the CHRP is a multiple-hurdle process.  Each hurdle involves a decision or determination as to whether an individual has met the requirement.  It is simply the case that not all individuals who apply will be successful in meeting any given requirement:  some individuals will fail courses and exams; others will have their achievements and experience found to fall short of the established standard.  Some of these determinations are based on the judgment of panels, others involve mechanical scoring processes.  Although HRPA takes every measure to ensure that decisions (assessments and determinations) are transparent, objective, impartial and fair, the possibility of error exists in all human endeavours.  HRPA has put in place a comprehensive set of re-assessment processes that provide for a review of assessments and determinations.  HRPA also provides for an appeals process.

Re-assessments and appeals are different processes.   A re-assessment is a second opinion.  The facts that were used for the original assessment or determination are reviewed anew by an independent panel or process.  In an appeal, the idea is not to get a second opinion on the same set of facts but to consider the possibility that the initial decision was somehow flawed, that pertinent facts were not appropriately considered, or that the appropriate process was not followed.  In most cases, when certification candidates say ‘appeal,’ they mean ‘second opinion.’

At HRPA, the word re-assessment, rather than appeal, is used to refer to the process of getting a second opinion regarding an assessment or determination that a candidate has met a requirement. The word assessment here is not used in its narrow technical sense but in its broader sense which includes all determinations as to whether an individual has met a given requirement.

An important difference between a re-assessment and an appeal is that there is no need to have ‘grounds’ for a re-assessment.  Candidates do not need to give any reasons for requesting a re-assessment.  With an appeal, candidates are required to indicate on which grounds an appeal is being sought.  The fact that one does not agree with an assessment or determination does not constitute valid grounds for an appeal.

As essential aspect of both re-assessments and appeals is that the no new facts are introduced—that is, the re-assessment or appeal is based on the same set of facts as the initial assessment or appeal.  For instance, if an applicant failed to put some pertinent information on an application form, a re-assessment would not consider this new information.  In such cases, the approach would be to file a new application.

It should be noted at this point that many processes at HRPA have their own ‘built-in’ review processes.  For instance, in the validation of experience process, whenever a panel comes to a negative determination, the case is automatically reviewed by the Chair of the Certification Sub-Committee.  In some cases, the Chair of the Certification Sub-Committee will request a second panel th review the decision of the first panel.  All this happens within the initial determination.

The general rules for re-assessments are as follow:

• candidates must file for a re-assessment within 60 days of receiving notification of the original decision,
• candidates must pay the fee for the re-assessment (if the initial decision is overturned based on the re-assessment, this fee will be refunded),
• only one re-assessment can be requested for any given decision, and
• the decision of the second committee, sub-committee, or panel is final.

An appeal should be requested when you believe that something has gone wrong with the process.  Requests for appeals must state the grounds for the appeal.  There are two legitimate grounds for an appeal: (1) a denial of natural Justice (denial of due process), and/or (2) a deficiency in the decision of the Committee or Registrar.  The fact that one does not like of agree with a decision is not sufficient grounds for an appeal.

Requesting a re-assessment

There are no special forms to fill out to request a re-assessment; all that is required is to send a letter or email to the Office of the Registrar requesting a re-assessment.  This letter or email must include arrangements for payment.

Requesting an appeal

To file a request for an appeal, candidates must complete the request for appeal form and file an appeal within 30 days of receipt of the decision.  This form will request candidates to state the grounds for appeal.  The is no cost for requesting an appeal but the an appeal will only proceed if the grounds are deemed sufficient.  Should an appeal be deemed sufficient to proceed, a hearing may be held to review the case.  Appellants have the opportunity to participate in the hearing process.  More information is made available to appellants upon scheduling of the hearing.

Individuals with questions regarding re-assessment or appeals are encouraged to contact the Office of the Registrar staff at registrar@hrpa.ca