PHR/SPHR Certification

PHR and SPHR Certification Exams

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 more toward the strategic and/or policy level.

PHR Exam Functional Areas

Strategic Management (12%)
Workforce Planning and Employment (26%)
Human Development (17%)
Total Rewards (16%)
Employee and Labor Relations (22%)
Risk Management (7%)

SPHR Exam Functional Areas

Strategic Management (29%)
Workforce Planning and Employment (17%)
Human Development (17%)
Total Rewards (12%)
Employee and Labor Relations (18%)
Risk Management (7%)

The exam consists of 200 scoreable questions, as well as 25 pre-test questions randomly distributed throughout the exam. Each exam must be completed within four hours.

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 at least 51 percent of their daily activities are within the human resource function.

PHR Eligibility Requirements

1 year of demonstrated professional HR experience with a Master’s degree or higher
2 years of demonstrated professional HR experience with a Bachelor’s degree
4 years of demonstrated professional HR experience with less than a Bachelor’s degree

SPHR Eligibility Requirements

4 years of demonstrated professional HR experience with a Master’s degree or higher
5 years of demonstrated professional HR experience with a Bachelor’s degree
7 years of demonstrated professional HR experience with less than a Bachelor’s degree

What is the cost for each exam?

All prices include a $75 nonrefundable application fee.