HRCI Certification Requirements
The Human Resource Certification Institute (HRCI) offers a range of certifications for HR professionals, each designed to demonstrate their expertise and commitment to the field. Earning an HRCI certification can significantly enhance your career prospects, as these credentials are widely recognized and respected within the HR community. Here’s an overview of the requirements for the primary HRCI certifications: Associate Professional in Human Resources (aPHR), Professional in Human Resources (PHR), Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR), and Global Professional in Human Resources (GPHR).
Associate Professional in Human Resources (aPHR)
The aPHR certification is designed for individuals who are just beginning their HR careers. It is an excellent choice for recent graduates, those transitioning into HR from other fields, or professionals already in HR who wish to formalize their knowledge.
Eligibility Requirements:
No HR Experience Required
Unlike other HRCI certifications, the aPHR does not require any previous HR experience or education. This makes it accessible to newcomers to the field.
Exam Content
Talent Acquisition (19%)
Fundamental understanding of all aspects related to the talent acquisition process; including planning, sourcing, recruiting, screening, selection, hiring, and onboarding of a new hire.
Learning & Development (15%)
Assessing the needs of the organization and understanding the techniques and methods for delivering training programs in order to provide employees with the tools, skills, and knowledge to align with current and future organizational goals.
Compensation and Benefits (17%)
Understanding elements of the total rewards package including compensation, benefits programs, retirement planning and how they support organizational competitiveness.
Employee Relations (24%)
Understanding the methods organizations use to monitor and address morale, performance, and retention. Balancing the operational needs of the organization with the well-being of the individual employee.
Compliance & Risk Management (25%)
Understanding the methods organizations use to monitor and address morale, performance, and retention. Balancing the operational needs of the organization with the well-being of the individual employee.
Our Instructor Led Pass Rate: 90%+
Beating the National Average Pass Rate by a country mile!
Professional in Human Resources (PHR)
The PHR certification is intended for HR professionals who have some experience and are looking to advance their careers. This credential demonstrates mastery of technical and operational aspects of HR practices.
Eligibility Requirements:
Education and Experience
- A minimum of one year of professional HR experience with a Master’s degree or higher,
- Two years of professional HR experience with a Bachelor’s degree, or
- Four years of professional HR experience.
Exam Content
Business Management (14%)
Using information about the organization and business environment to reinforce expectations, influence decision making, and avoid risk.
Workplace Planning and Talent Acquisition (14%)
Identifying, attracting, and employing talent while following all federal laws related to the hiring process.
Learning and Development (10%)
Contributing to the organization’s learning and development activities by implementing and evaluating programs, providing internal consultation, and providing data.
Total Rewards (15%)
Implementing, promoting, and managing compensation and benefit programs that attract and retain talent while complying with federal laws.
Employee Engagement (17%)
Developing, communicating, and enhancing employee engagement initiatives to support optimal employee performance management activities throughout the employee lifecycle.
Employee and Labor Relations (20%)
Manage, monitor, and/or promote legally compliant programs and policies that impact the employee experience.
HR Information Management (10%)
Tools, technology, and systems that efficiently optimize the organization’s access to its human resource data.
Our Instructor Led Pass Rate: 90%+
Beating the National Average Pass Rate by a country mile!
Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR)
The SPHR certification is designed for senior HR professionals who have a strong understanding of strategic HR management and are involved in policy making and planning at the executive level.
Eligibility Requirements:
Education and Experience
- A minimum of four years of professional HR experience with a Master’s degree or higher,
- Five years of professional HR experience with a Bachelor’s degree, or
- Seven years of professional HR experience.
Exam Content
Leadership and Strategy (33%)
Leading the HR function by developing HR strategy, contributing to organizational strategy, influencing people management practices, and monitoring risk.
Workforce Planning and Talent Acquisition (17%)
Forecasting organizational talent needs and develop strategies to attract and engage new talent.
Talent Management (23%)
Developing and designing talent management programs and initiatives that foster an engaging and high performing workforce.
Total Rewards (17%)
Creating effective compensation and benefit strategies to attract, reward, and retain talent that aligns to the organizational strategy and culture.
HR Information Management, Safety, and Security (10%)
Identifying the tools, technology, and systems that are needed to report on the organizational strategy while also monitoring employee safety and security.
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Global Professional in Human Resources (GPHR)
The GPHR certification is targeted at HR professionals working in global contexts. It demonstrates expertise in multinational HR responsibilities, including global talent management and mobility.
Eligibility Requirements:
Education and Experience
- A minimum of two years of global professional HR experience with a Master’s degree or higher,
- Three years of professional HR experience with a Bachelor’s degree, or
- Four years of professional HR experience.
Exam Content
Strategic Global Human Resources (25%)
Combining an understanding of global business factors and the unique HR challenges faced by such organizations while serving as a strategic business partner.
Global Talent Management (20%)
Using appropriate tools and metrics to ensure an organization is able to find, develop, engage and keep talent.
Global Mobility (15%)
Determining when to send employees abroad and ensuring smooth transitions for those on expatriate assignments and upon return, while ensuring compliance with applicable laws and regulations.
Workplace Culture (15%)
Maximizing organizational results by facilitating an inclusive workplace through cultural competence, corporate social responsibility and ethical behavior.
Total Rewards (15%)
Providing voluntary and required total rewards appropriate for the work location and circumstances of employment.
Risk Management and Compliance (10%)
Keeping an organization’s employees safe, secure and free of discrimination and harassment, while protecting privacy and ensuring compliance with applicable laws and regulations.
General Exam Information
aPHR
Exam Time:
1 hour and 45 minutes
Exam Length
GPHR
Exam Time:
2 hours and 15 minutes
Exam Length
100 scored questions and 25 pretest questions
PHR
Exam Time:
2 hours
Exam Length
90 scored questions and 25 pretest questions
SPHR
Exam Time:
2 hours and 30 minutes
Exam Length
115 scored questions and 25 pretest questions
HRCI Recertification
HRCI certifications are valid for three years. To maintain certification, professionals must earn recertification credits through continuing education, professional development activities, or retaking the exam.
HRCI certifications represent a significant commitment to professional development and excellence in HR. They are not only valuable credentials that enhance credibility and career opportunities but also reflect a dedication to staying current with best practices and evolving trends in the field of human resources.