HRMPEB records highest-ever exam candidates as 2,143 sit August 2026 tests
HRMPEB Chief Executive Officer Margaret Nguu (4th left) pose for a photo together with Human Resource Management Professionals Examination Board.
The Human Resource Management Professionals Examination Board (HRMPEB) has recorded its highest-ever number of candidates in a single examination series, with 2,143 candidates sitting the August 2026 CHRP, CBET Diploma and Craft Certificate examinations.
Speaking during the release of the August examination results on Friday, HRMPEB chairperson said the record turnout reflected growing recognition and demand for professional human resource qualifications in Kenya and beyond.
The 2,143 candidates represented a three per cent increase from the April 2026 examination series, with women accounting for the majority of those who sat the tests.
Women dominate latest HR examinations
According to the Board, 1,697 female candidates, representing 79.19 per cent, sat the August examinations, compared with 446 male candidates, who accounted for 20.81 per cent.
The chairperson said the gender distribution highlighted the need for greater collaboration with industry partners to create internships and job-shadowing opportunities that attract both men and women to the HR profession.
The examinations were conducted across 20 centres nationwide between August 5 and 12, with the Board saying the wider reach was aimed at making professional certification more accessible and inclusive.
A total of 1,835 candidates sat the CHRP examinations covering Parts I, II and III.
Under the revised curriculum, HR Management Information Systems recorded the highest mean score of 73.00 in Part I, while Performance Management and Productivity had the highest mean in Part II at 66.13.
In Part III, Human Resource Consultancy and Advisory recorded the highest mean score at 69.80.
Board expands access to certification
The chairperson said the August sitting was the fifth examination administered under the revised three-sitting calendar, which gives candidates more opportunities to complete their professional qualifications.
The Board has also introduced part certificates, allowing candidates who complete Parts I, II or III to receive certificates for each milestone.
It has further introduced Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL), targeting experienced practitioners who acquired their skills outside traditional classroom settings.
The chairperson announced that RPL results for the April and August 2026 cohorts will be released on September 15.
Disability no barrier to professional certification
The Board also highlighted its efforts to make examinations more inclusive, noting that two candidates with physical disabilities and a visually impaired candidate successfully sat their examinations at the Nairobi MKU Centre.
The chairperson said the experience demonstrated that disability should not prevent qualified candidates from accessing professional certification.
The Board also announced a Dual Certification programme with accredited universities, allowing students to pursue CHRP alongside their degree studies.
The chairperson said the reforms were part of efforts to strengthen integrity, accessibility and professionalism in Kenya’s HR sector.
