Certification and Education Information
PHR, SPHR and GPHR certification shows that the holder has demonstrated mastery of the domestic or international HR body of knowledge and, through recertification, has accepted the challenge to stay informed of new developments in the HR field.
The PHR, SPHR and GPHR exams are completely voluntary. Organizations or individuals incorporating PHR, SPHR or GPHR certification as a condition of employment or advancement do so of their own volition. Individuals should determine for themselves whether the use of this process, including its eligibility and recertification requirements, when coupled with any other requirements imposed by individuals or organizations, meets their needs and complies with any applicable laws.
The PHR, SPHR and GPHR designations are a visible reminder to peers and co-workers of the holder’s significant professional achievement. PHR-, SPHR- and GPHR-certified professionals should proudly display their certificates and use the credentials on business correspondence.
PHR and SPHR certification is intended for professionals who have at least two years of exempt-level (professional) 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; and
- Those activities are at the exempt (professional) level (described below).
The exams reflect today's HR practices. Although two years of exempt-level (professional) HR work experience need not be current or sequential, more recent experience is more likely to coincide with the exam's content.
Eligibility is determined by the information found in the work experience section of the application and, if necessary, on the completed supporting documentation form and any accompanying documentation. If a candidate is found ineligible, there is no appeal process. It is in a candidate's best interest to ensure that supporting documentation clearly demonstrates two years of exempt-level (professional) HR work experience.
Recertification: Earning Credit Hours
Earning recertification credit hours does not have to be costly or take you far from your work or home. You can earn many hours through your daily work responsibilities and other professional activities. In fact, you may already be doing activities that could count for recertification credit and not even know it!
Sixty credit hours must be accumulated during the three-year recertification cycle. Credit hours can be obtained through:
- continuing education
- instruction
- on-the-job experience
- research and publishing
- leadership, and
- professional membership in a national HR professional association.
For the most current information on certification, recertification and eligibility requirements, visit http://www.hrci.org/ and view the certification requirements and download applications.
HRACO presents….THE SHRM® LEARNING SYSTEM COURSE
Want to test for your PHR/SPHR Certification?
A study group session consisting of six weekly meetings sponsored by HRACO is typically held at least once a year. The participation fee has been $75.00 or dependent upon the cost of the materials. If you would like further information about any upcoming PHR/SPHR study groups and curriculum please contact:
JoAn Mann, Education/Certification Chair:
ja@prep-profiles.com
The TESTING site for the exam is held at The Sylvan Learning Center, 2150 NE Studio Rd, Suite 10, Bend, (541) 389-9252.