Overview of the HR Specific Competencies and General Competencies

This framework includes 2 categories of competencies: HR Specific Competencies and General Competencies.

The HR Specific Competencies are capabilities that define an HR professional. They are categorized into 9 HR Competency Areas which in turn comprise the 49 HR Specific Competencies. 90% of the National Knowledge Exam (NKE) will be based on the HR Specific Competencies.

Each of the 9 HR Specific Competency Areas (Appendix 1) is broken down into 3 sections:

1. Competency expected to achieve the CPHR Designation
2. Knowledge and Skills Expected of a CPHR Designation Holder
3. Competency level to reflect advanced human resources knowledge and practice

The General Competencies include capabilities that an HR professional should possess to operate successfully in their professional practice, and are not specific to the HR profession. They are categorized into 12 General Competency Areas which in turn comprise the 48 General Competencies. 10% of the National Knowledge Exam (NKE) will be based on select General Competencies.

Each of the 12 General Competency Areas (Appendix 2) is broken down into 2 sections:

1. Competency expected to achieve the CPHR Designation
2. Knowledge and Skills Expected of a CPHR Designation Holder

To see the full Competency Framework click here