You’re dedicated, accomplished, and forward-thinking
— a true leader in human resources. Through our
certification programs, HRCI helps you gain recognition
in your field and connects you with a community of
experts who are advancing the HR profession. Together,
we set the standard for the HR profession worldwide.
Distinguish
yourself.
Certification Area of Experience Academic Degree Experi-ence Examination Continuing Competence Professional in Human Resources PHR® Experience in a professional level HR position, focusing on the technical and operational aspects of HR practices, laws and regulations in the United States
Less than Bachelor’s Degree
4 years 175 scenario- and competency- based multiple choice questions 60 recertification credits every three years Bachelor’s Degree 2 years
Master’s Degree or higher 1 year
Senior Professional in Human Resources SPHR®
Experience in a professional level HR position, focusing on the strategic and policy-making aspects of HR management in the United States
Less than Bachelor’s Degree
7 years 175 scenario- and competency- based multiple choice questions 60 recertification credits every three years Bachelor’s Degree 5 years
Master’s Degree or higher 4 years
California Certification PHR-CA®
SPHR-CA®
Experience in a professional level HR position, focusing on laws, regulations and HR management practices unique to California. You must hold a current PHR or SPHR designation to take the California exam
125 scenario- and competency- based multiple choice questions 15 out of 60 recertification credits every three years Global Professional in Human Resources GPHR® Experience in a professional level HR position, focusing on cross-border HR responsibilities, policies and initiatives
Less than Bachelor’s Degree
4 years* 165 scenario- and competency- based multiple choice questions 60 recertification credits every three years Bachelor’s Degree 3 years*
Master’s Degree or higher 2 years*
Human Resource Business Professional HRBP®
Experience in a professional level HR position, focusing on technical and operational HR principles in a geographic region outside of the US
Less than Bachelor’s Degree or global equivalent
4 years 170 scenario- and competency- based multiple choice questions 60 recertification credits every three years Bachelor’s Degree or global equivalent 2 years
Master’s Degree (or global equivalent) or higher 1 year Human Resource Management Professional HRMP® Experience in a professional level HR position, focusing on HR strategy, policy development and service delivery, and employment laws in geographic regions outside of the US
Less than Bachelor’s Degree or global equivalent
7 years 130 scenario- and competency- based multiple choice questions 60 recertification credits every three years Bachelor’s Degree or global equivalent 5 years
Master’s Degree (or global equivalent) or higher
4 years
* At least two years of global experience is required.
Which certification
is right for you?
HRCI CERTIFICATIONS
Each of the HRCI certifications evaluates professional competencies that are defined by a team of HR experts, who evolve the exams to address strategic changes in the HR discipline. By earning one of HRCI’s six certifications — each designed for specific experience levels, professional focus, and geographic area — you can demonstrate your expertise and dedication to your colleagues, clients, and peers.
THE WORLD OF HRCI
Over the course of your education and career, you’ve built a set of skills and developed a level of expertise that together make you a unique and valuable member of the HR profession. HRCI certifications assess your knowledge and abilities and give you the opportunity to demonstrate your expertise to your colleagues and peers.
HRCI certifications:
• get you recognized
• get you hired and promoted
• distinguish you in the profession
• are respected, accredited, and sought-after
• support your growth and development throughout your career
Earning one of our rigorous, established, accredited, and well-respected certifications makes you part of the HRCI community, an influential network of over 135,000 professionals worldwide who are leaders in developing forward-thinking, dynamic HR strategies for their organizations.
WHAT ARE HRCI CERTIFICATIONS?
HRCI certifications are the highest standard for HR professionals around the world, and are awarded only to those who meet certain HR professional and educational requirements and who then pass an exam that evaluates real world abilities and judgment.
PHR® Demonstrates mastery of the technical and operational aspects of HR practices, laws and regulations in the United States
SPHR® Demonstrates mastery of the strategic and policy-making aspects of HR management in the United States
PHR-CA®
SPHR-CA®
Demonstrates mastery of laws, regulations and HR management practices unique to California
GPHR® Demonstrates mastery of cross-border HR responsibilities, policies and initiatives
HRBP® Demonstrates mastery of technical and operational HR principles in a geographic region outside of the US
HRMP® Demonstrates mastery of HR strategy, policy development and service delivery, and knowledge of employment laws in geographic regions outside of the US
STAY AHEAD OF THE CURVE
The HR industry is constantly evolving, embracing new management developments and the most up-to-date strategic thinking. To be successful in this environment, your abilities and knowledge also need to evolve — there’s no standing still in HR.
For this reason, HRCI requires all certificants to demonstrate that they’ve remained current in their field by recertifying every three years. To recertify, you can retake the exam, OR demonstrate your professional development through activities such as continuing education, research, and on-the-job experience and leadership.
Every time you recertify, you distinguish yourself as a leader in the HR profession. Through your skills and expertise, you prove why HRCI certificants set the standard for the HR industry worldwide.
THE HRCI DIFFERENCE
The HR Certification Institute exists to support and advance the HR profession. We are the clear choice for those seeking a trusted and proven HR certification that is well-regarded by businesses and organizations around the world. Everything we do — from our certifications to our conduct — is of the highest quality, professionalism, and integrity, all focused on one single objective: advancing the HR profession. Thanks to our independent Volunteer Board and our work with businesses and certificants in different industries and multiple countries, we remain well positioned to invest in, listen to, and serve our community.
We have always been independent and financially self-sustained. Our independence enables us to seek partnerships, alliances, and pursue new opportunities sought by our community of certificants.
“Having my GPHR and HRMP certifications after my name
validates the strength and depth of my knowledge and
experience in international HR. My certifications ‘sell’
my professional offerings before I even say a word.”
WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU
Your needs are always our first concern — HRCI is dedicated to serving our certificants and advancing the HR discipline. To fulfill this mission, we need to hear from you — what is important to you, where do you believe the industry is headed, how we can help you in your career.
Reach out to us with questions or comments, or join your fellow HR professionals in conversation on a variety of topics.
+1-866-898-4724 (US) +1-571-551-6700
hrci.org
GPHR®, HRBP®, HRMP®, HRCI®, PHR®, PHR-CA®, SPHR®, and SPHR-CA® are proprietary trademarks of the HR Certification Institute. Any use of such marks without the express written permission of HRCI is strictly prohibited. The “PHR,” “SPHR,” “HRBP,” “HRMP,” “GPHR,” “PHR-CA,” and “SPHR-CA” ‘Bodies of Knowledge’ works are ©2013-2014 HR Certification Institute. All rights reserved. (00-000-HRCI)
