HR Board Releases December 2025 Results, Unveils Expanded Pathways to Professional Certification
The Human Resource Management Professionals Examination Board (HRM-PEB) has released the December 2025 examination results and announced major reforms aimed at widening access to professional certification and strengthening the credibility of human resource practice in Kenya.
Speaking during the release, HRM-PEB Chief Executive Officer Margaret Nguu said the Board currently offers three main programmes the Certificate in Human Resource Management, the Diploma in Human Resource Management and the flagship Certified Human Resource Professional (CHRP) qualification all designed to create an inclusive progression pathway for learners at different academic levels.
“The minimum entry requirement for the certificate programme is a D grade, diploma is C minus, and CHRP is C plus plus. This ensures that even students who scored lower grades still have a pathway to grow professionally and eventually qualify as CHRPs,” Nguu said.
She noted that the Board increased its examination cycles from two to three per year April, August and December leading to a significant rise in candidates from about 2,800 annually to over 4,500. The Board has also rolled out Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) for professionals with over 15 years of experience, allowing them to qualify based on competence and documented evidence rather than traditional academic routes.
“This is not a shortcut, but an inclusive pathway for experienced professionals who have been practicing for many years,” Nguu added.
The Board has also introduced a dual certification programme in partnership with universities, allowing students to graduate with both an academic degree and a professional qualification concurrently. Several institutions have already expressed interest, with the programme currently running at Tharaka University.
Principal Examinations Officer Luke Masinde warned employers and the public against fake certifications, stressing that HRM-PEB is the only legally mandated body to certify HR professionals in Kenya.
“Any other institution claiming to issue CHRP certification is fake. Our certificates carry a QR code for verification, and all our records are registered with the Kenya National Qualifications Authority,” Masinde said, urging employers to authenticate certificates whenever in doubt.
Manager of Examinations Abed Kyallo said the dual certification model would become a game changer for universities and students, making graduates more competitive in the job market. He added that diploma holders enjoy up to 49 per cent exemption when enrolling for CHRP, further encouraging progression.
The Board has also introduced micro-credential short courses in HR accounting, metrics and analytics, HR audit, and HR consultancy to support continuous professional development and organizational compliance.
In addition, the Board announced that the phase-out period for the old curriculum has been extended to April 2026, after which all remaining candidates will be transitioned to the new curriculum.
“We urge candidates under the old system to complete their programmes before the deadline, as no further extensions will be granted,” the Board said.
The HRM-PEB reaffirmed its commitment to building a competent, credible and inclusive human resource profession that meets Kenya’s evolving labour market needs.
