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Thinking about becoming certified?
Certification sets those with the credential apart -- or above -- those without it. There are a number of advantages to seeking certification. Certification becomes a public recognition of professional achievement -- both within and outside of the profession.
PHR and SPHR certification shows that the holder has demonstrated mastery of the HR body of knowledge and has accepted the challenge to stay informed of new developments in the HR field. To be effective in their jobs, HR professionals must know how to deal effectively with all aspects of the HR field, including (among others) strategic planning, international business issues, compensation and benefits, HR development, employee rights, and emerging HR issues.
What should I know about the exam?
There are two levels of certification, the Professional in Human Resources (PHR) and the Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR). Both exams are generalist (i.e., they assess all the functional areas of the HR field) but differ in terms of focus and the cognitive level of questions. PHR questions tend to be at an operational/technical level. SPHR questions tend to be more at the strategic and/or policy level.
The exams are multiple choice and consist of 200 scoreable questions plus 25 pre-test questions randomly distributed throughout the exam (total of 225 questions). Each question lists four possible answers, only one of which is correct or "the best possible answer." The answer to each question can be derived independently of the answer to any other question. Four hours are allotted to complete the exam.
| Functional Content Area |
PHR |
SPHR |
| Strategic Management |
12% |
26% |
| Workforce Planning and Employment |
26% |
16% |
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| Human Resource Development |
15% |
13% |
| Compensation and Benefits |
20% |
16% |
| Employee and Labor Relations |
21% |
24% |
| Occupational Health, Safety, and Security |
6% |
5% |
Effective May 2004, HRCI changed the format of the exams to be computer based. Computer based testing will offer exam takers immediate results on whether or not they past the exam. HRCI administers two national exams annually during the following testing windows: May 1st through June 30 and December 1st through January 31st. For more information on exam application and fees, please visit www.hrci.org .
Which exam should I take?
PHR and SPHR certification is intended for professionals who have at least two years of exempt-level HR work experience.
To be eligible to take either exam, candidates must demonstrate that:
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2 YEARS |
2 YEARS |
- Recommended exempt-level
HR experience |
2-4 YEARS |
6-8 YEARS |
For more information on eligibility, visit www.hrci.org
What is the cost for the exam?
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SHRM National Members |
Nonmembers |
| PHR Examination Fee |
$175 |
$225 |
| PHR Examination Fee as Student/Recent Graduate |
$ 45 |
N/A |
| SPHR Examination Fee |
$300 |
$350 | Already certified? Maybe it’s time to think about the CA Certification!
HR professional working in California know that there are unique differences between federal and California state employment laws. Because of this, HRCI now offers the ability for current PHR/SPHR certified professionals to become certified in the CA-specific body of knowledge. The broad content area for CA certification includes: · Compensation and Benefits (26%) · Employee and Labor Relations (46%) · Leaves of Absence and Workers Compensation (17%) · Health, Safety and Security (11%) The exam consists of 125 questions (100 scoreable and 25 as pretest) focused on state-specific laws. Examinees are given 2 hours and 15 minutes to complete the exam. The test is now offered in May and December each year. What is the cost for the exam?
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SHRM National Members |
Nonmembers |
| Application Fee |
$75 |
$75 |
| Regular Deadline Exam Fee |
$ 200 |
$250 |
| Late Deadline Fee |
$50 |
$50 | For more information on eligibility, visit http://www.hrci.org/Certification/CA
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