Q & As 1. What are the benefits of the new IPMA-CP or IPMA-CS designation? A. IPMA-Canada has chosen to provide an international HR certification based on more stringent experiential requirements and including an on-line assessment of competencies as part of its commitment to "excellence in human resources". IPMA-CP or IPMA-CS is recognized in the USA and all across Canada as having the same high level of professional standards. The acquisition of the IPMA-CP or IPMA-CS assures that you have met the professional qualifications required to appropriately delivery human resources management services and advice. You will know that you have attained a certain stature in the HR field in the USA and in Canada and can wear the certification with pride. The acquisition of the IPMA-CP or IPMA-CS assures your employer and potential new employers of your level of knowledge and expertise and gives them confidence in your ability to deliver competent, professional service in human resources. Employers can use the certification as a requirement for staffing purposes as there is an objective, standard and validated test of competencies included. Support to HR practitioners in their pursuit of the IPMA-CP or IPMA-CS assures Employers that they are following a structured methodology to develop professional HR staff through the progressive acquisition of expertise in several HR fields or the acquisition of mastery level expertise over many years in one field. Once HR staff have acquired the IPMA-CP or IPMA-CS, Employers can be assured of their abilities to work as a strategic business partner with managers. 2. Do I have to be a member of IPMA-Canada to apply for the IPMA-CP or IPMA-CS designation? A. Yes, you must be a member of IPMA-Canada to apply for the IPMA-CP or IPMA-CS designation. Your certification will remain valid as long as you are a member in good standing. 3. How much does it cost? A. In addition to the annual membership dues (which vary slightly from Chapter to Chapter), the initial cost to apply for certification is $200.00 + GST/HST. There is also a cost for the online HR Competency exam and it is paid directly to the exam administrators. There are optional costs associated with the HR Competency Course and the HR Competency Exam Study Guide. 4. How do I apply for certification? A. Complete an application form (see website), which details your education and experience to ensure you potentially qualify for IPMA-CP or IPMA-CS. Contact the IPMA-Canada National Office if you have any questions. 5. Will I have to take the HR competency exam? A. Yes, successful completion of the exam is required to complete the process. It is available on-line, all the time or at the completion of the HR Competency Workshop. See website for instructions on how to access the exam. 6. How do I prepare for the HR Competency Exam? A. There is a 5-day Competency Training Program available in Canada upon demand, which covers all 22 HR Competencies - see website for a description of the 22 HR Competencies. The cost of the course covers the cost and administration of the exam at the course site, OR There is a study guide available for a fee, which will help you prepare for the exam, OR You may take the exam, based on your level of experience, without the training or the guide. 7. How do I find out about the next available HR Competency Course? A. Check the IPMA-Canada website for the next available course; or Call the Chapter to indicate that you would like to take the course. 8. What body administers the HR Competency Exam? A. The exam is administered by an independent assessment centre. If you write the exam as part of the HR Competencies Workshop then it is administered and marked by IPMA-Canada. 9. How many years of experience do I have to have in order to qualify for the IPMA-CP or IPMA-CS designation? A. You must have at least 8 years of education and experience in order to qualify. This education and experience is further defined in the Mastery/Journey document that can be found on the IPMA-Canada website. Please contact the IPMA-Canada National Office for further clarification. 10. Who decides if my experience meets the requirements of Master/Journey? A. A committee of IPMA-Canada Certification Directors from various Chapters as well as the National Certification Director will review all applications across Canada. 11. If another HR association has granted me a designation, will I automatically be granted the IPMA-CP or IPMA-CS designation? A. No, IPMA-Canada has specific criteria for our program and these criteria must be met to secure the designation. 12. If I am a citizen of the United States can I apply for this designation? A. The IPMA-CP and IPMA-CS designations are transferable between the US and Canada; however, residents of the US must apply for their designation through IPMA-HR in the US. Residents of Canada must apply through IPMA-Canada. 13. Once I have qualified as an IPMA-CP or IPMA-CS, what else do I need to do? A. · Remain as a member in good standing in IPMA-Canada. Continue to work and acquire knowledge and expertise within the HR function. Maintain records of professional development events you attend. Meet specific re-certification criteria every three years (see website). 14. What is Re-certification? A. Re-certification is a process of ensuring that there is continuing professional growth. This is achieved through involvement in one or more of professional development programs, service in a leadership capacity, presentations and professional delivery, publications and HR innovations and also through ongoing human resource work experience. 15. Does everyone have to meet the Re-certification requirements? A. Yes For more information on Re-certification see website. You can also e-mail the IPMA-Canada National Office at National@ipma-aigp.ca.