Human Resources Certifications
Human Resources professionals need to have a wide variety of knowledge about topics including labor regulations, compensation practices and labor relations. The HR Certification Institute (HRCI) has created certifications to assess human resource professional's knowledge of all of the areas that fall within an HR professional's responsibility.
HR professionals that hold an HRCI certification will stand out from their peers during job searches and internal evaluations. Certificate holders demonstrate a commitment to their profession as well as advanced knowledge that enables them to perform their job effectively. Employers notice and value these certifications because they provide an unbiased assessment of a person's potential value to an organization.
Human Resources Certifications Available
The HRCI offers three certifications as described below:
Professional in Human Resources (PHR) – This certification validates general knowledge of human resources at the operational level.
Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR) - This certification confirms general knowledge of human resources knowledge at the policy and strategic level.
Global Professional in Human Resources (GPHR) - This certification assesses global HR knowledge for those who have cross-border responsibilities.
Preparing for Exams
Taking the HRCI online assessment exam is a good first step in that it enables candidates to determine the amount and type of preparation they will need for an exam. These assessments can also help an individual decide whether to take the PHR or SPHR exam. Depending on the amount of preparation needed, candidates can choose to take a course at a local college or online school or they may choose to use self-study materials that can be found through the HRCI website and other online training sources.
Exam Content
PHR – This exam is based on U.S. laws, regulations and practices. It covers the functional areas of Strategic Management, Workforce Planning and Employment, Human Resource Development, Total Rewards, Employee and Labor Relations and Risk Management with a focus on operational aspects of these topics. The exam has 225 multiple-choice questions and takes about four hours.
SSPHR – This exam covers the same topics as the PHR exam but with a focus on strategy and policy. The exam inlcudes 225 multiple-choice questions and lasts about four hours.
GPHR – This exam assesses a person's knowledge of global human resource topics. They include Strategic HR Management, Global Talent Acquisition and Mobility, Global Compensation and Benefits, Organizational Effectiveness and Talent Development, Workforce Relations and Risk Management. The exam contains 165 questions and is taken in a three hour session.
Taking Certification Exams
The certification exams are given during two testing windows each year. One testing window is typically in May and June and the other is in December and January. The application deadline is usually about two months prior to the start of the testing window. Exams are administered at Prometric testing centers which are located throughout the world. Application fees and exam costs combined have recently been ranging from about $250 to about $475, depending on a number of factors including the choice of exam, membership and whether the application is filed on time. All fees and testing windows are subject to change.
Maintaining Certifications
HRCI certificate holders must recertify every three years either by accumulating 60 continuing education hours or by retaking the certification exam. Continuing education hours can be earned through classes, on-the-job experience, research and publishing, leadership activities or membership in an HR organization.
Who Should Get What Kind of Human Resources Certification?
PHR – This certification is for HR professionals with tactical and logistical responsibilities and who have one to four years of exempt-level HR work experience. The amount of work experience required is dependent upon a person's level of education.
SPHR – This certification is for HR professionals who are involved in designing and planning HR activities, have department accountability, an understanding of the overall business and how HR decisions impact the organization as a whole. Candidates must have four to seven years of experience, depending on their education level.
GPHR – Designed for HR professionals who have cross-border HR responsibilities, this certification is for those who establish policies and initiatives that support global business needs. Candidates must have two years of global HR experience and up to two years additional HR experience, depending on the person's level of education.
Evaluating Training Options
When making a decision regarding how to prepare for human resources exams, the following factors should be considered:
- Experience Level – Human Resource professionals with considerable experience may only need to use self-study tools such as videos and practice tests to prepare for the exam whereas those with less experience may need to take an instructor-led course to gain the necessary knowledge.
- Curriculum - Training or preparation material should be based on the HRCI's body of knowledge, which is what the exams are based on. Generic HR courses may teach valuable information but might not cover all the material that is on the exams.
- Practice Tests - It is usually a good idea to take practice tests, either as part of a course, or separately, to make sure the test taker is prepared for the type of questions that are presented during the actual exam.
About the HR Certification Institute
The HR Certification Institute is an affiliate of the Society for Human Resource Management and provides widely recognized certifications for Human Resource professionals.
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