The Certified Personnel Consultant (CPC) credential is offered by the National Association of Personnel Services (NAPS). Candidates for CPC certification must demonstrate a broad knowledge of employment laws and the legal implications on the work of direct-hire and temporary staffing professionals. The CPC is perhaps the most comprehensive recruiting and staffing industry certification. Through the process of certification, candidates for certification confirm their fundamental understanding of the laws which govern the employment relationship in the United States. Study material and the certification exam will address contemporary laws of discrimination, protocols for the identification, selection, and placement of candidates for employment, as well as the responsibilities which recruiters and temporary staffing professionals must uphold throughout the employment transition process.

Those who possess the CPC credential must meet continuing education requirements. At present, CPCs are required to earn 20 continuing education hours, also referred to as contact hours, or 2.0 continuing education units, or CEUs, each year following certification. Of the 20 hours, or 2.0 CEUs, 17 contact hours must involve NAPS educational programs.  

Certified Personnel Consultants within continuing education compliance can be found by searching the National Registry of Certified Staffing Industry Professionals, commonly knowns as the NRCSIP. The NRCSIP can be found on the web at www.naps360.org.

Eligibility Requirements

In recent past, the National Association of Personnel Services lifted restrictive barriers limiting CPC certification to members of organizations focused within the third party recruiting and staffing industry. CPC certification is now available to all professionals involved in the talent acquisition and employment transition process. While third party recruiting and staffing industry professionals remain the largest representation of CPCs, this certification is now available to human resources professionals and hiring managers at all levels and across all industries.

Many organizations promote CPC certification for their hiring managers and human resources professionals to enhance company-wide compliance with contemporary employment laws and reduce the likelihood of common mistakes in the interview and selection process, which often result in legal repercussions or a negative impact on the company’s reputation in the marketplace.

Recruiting and staffing industry professionals who seek CPC certification are service providers of choice. Employers seek the services of certified professionals, largely because they demonstrate a base-line knowledge of employment law and best practices, and stay on top of the latest legislation, employment trends, and other key issues impacting the recruiting and staffing industry through fulfillment of the continuing education requirements necessary to maintain their credential. Certification is a primary distinguishing factor for industry leaders.

Candidates for CPC must agree to uphold the National Association of Personnel Services Standards of Ethical Practices and Certification Program Rules.