...
There are three main Human Resources certification levels from the Human Resource Certification Institute (HRCI): PHR (Professional in Human Resources), SPHR (Senior Professional in Human Resources), and GPHR (Global Professional in Human Resources), each of which require Human Resource professionals to demonstrate expertise on an exam covering the core principles of HR practice. These certifications serve as a public recognition of professional achievement and show that the holder has mastered either domestic (PHR or SPHR) or international (GPHR) HR-related knowledge. Since a PHR, SPHR, or GPHR professional must periodically be recertified either through continuing education or reexamination, these certifications also indicate a professional’s dedication to remain informed and involved in the HR field.
In order to be eligible to take an exam, at least 51 percent of your daily activities must be within the human resource function at the exempt (professional) level. These certifications are meant for HR professionals who have at least 2 years of exempt-level HR experience. Since the exams are continuously updated to reflect current trends and practices in HR, recent HR work experience is most beneficial, though it is not required that your HR work experience is either recent or sequential. This work requirement distinguishes PHR, SPHR, and GPHR certifications from other certificate programs, which award certificates as proof of completion of a course of study only.
The exam for SPHR certification is based on U.S. federal laws, regulations, and practices, and assesses all the functional areas of the HR field. Questions tend to be at the strategic and/or policy level, whereas PHR questions tend to be more at the operational/technical level. HRCI offers online assessment exams which can help an applicant determine which certification level is appropriate and also detailed explanations of the exam areas listed below at http://www.hrci.org.
Exam questions for SPHR certification cover the following functional areas:
- Strategic Management
- Workforce Planning and Employment
- Human Resources Development
- Total Rewards
- Employee and Labor Relations
- Risk Management
The Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM), also offers a set of certifications: The SHRM Certified Professional (SHRM-CP), andteh SHRM Senior Certified Professional (SHRM-SCP). The certification competencies include the following:
- Leadership and navigation
- Ethical practice
- Business acumen
- Relationship management
- Consultation
- Critical evaluation
- Global and cultural effectiveness
- Communication
- HR expertise
More information can be found at www.shrm.org/certification.