HR Certification - Professional Certification in Human Resources

Getting certified in human resources is a way to show prospective employers that you meet certain national standards in the industry. The national body that administers the certifications and exams is the HRCI, Human Resource Certification Institute. The following are the most common types of certifications available:

PHR Certification - Professional in Human Resources

The PHR certification is the most common type pursed in the industry and is designed for the entry to mid level HR professional. To be eligible for the exam, you must fall within one of the following scenarios:

  • 1 year of HR experience with a masters degree or higher level of education
  • 2 years of HR experience with a bachelors degree
  • 4 years of HR experience with education less than a bachelors degree

The exam will test you on human capital development, labor laws, employee relations fundamentals, risk management, and strategic development.

SPHR Certification - Senior Professional in Human Resources

The SPHR, just as it states, is for the senior level or more experienced human resource professional. Eligibility requirements, according to the HRCI, for the SPHR are as follows:

  • 4 years of HR experience with a masters degree or greater
  • 5 years of HR experience with a bachelors degree
  • 7 years of HR experience with education level less than bachelors degree

The SPHR exam covers the following topics: strategic development, workforce planning and employment, human resource development, employee and labor relations, rewards programs, and risk management.

GPHR Certification - Global Professional in Human Resources

The GPHR is designed for the HR professional who works across international lines and must have an understanding of the profession when dealing with different countries and national guidelines. The GPHR will test you on the following areas: strategic HR management, organizational effectiveness, employee development, global staffing, international assignment management, global compensation & benefits, and international worker relations, laws, and regulations. The eligibility guidelines are as follows:

  • 2 years of global HR experience with a masters degree or greater
  • 3 years of HR experience ( 2 of the 3 must have been within a global context) with a bachelors degree.
  • 4 years of HR experience (2 of the 4 must have been in a global context) with education levels less than a bachelors degree.

PHR-CA and SPHR-CA – For HR Professionals in California

The certification for professionals working in the state of California is designed to be a supplemental certification that focuses on the specific laws & regulations that may differ from federal laws. Before you can become certified for the California specific designation, you must first pass the general PHR or SPHR exam.


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