PHR, SPHR AND GPHR CERTIFICATION
Through HRCI
(The Human Resource Certification Institute)
Mastery of the HR Body of Knowledge
Purpose of HRCI Certification
The PHR®,SPHR®, and GPHR®designations indicate that the holder has demonstrated mastery of the domestic or international HR body of knowledge and is committed to staying informed of new developments in the HR field. It indicates an understanding and acceptance that to be successful in their jobs, HR professionals must know how to deal effectively with strategic management issues as well as day-to-day operational issues that affect the workplace.
While certification signifies mastery of a body of knowledge, it does not teach the mastery. Certification includes a work experience component and certification exams are both fact-based and experience based.
Why Should I pursue the PHR, SPHR or GPHR Certification?
A strategy for professional success
Certification in any profession sets the holder of the certification apart -- or above. Certification becomes a public recognition of professional achievement.For some, achieving certification is a personal professional goal, a test of their knowledge and professional development.
Certification:
- Increases one’s confidence in one's professional performance
- Keeps one’s knowledge of business and the scope of HR responsibilities current
- Enhances one’s qualifications and standing for advancement opportunities
PHR vs. SPHR: Which Examination Level Is Right for You?
The Professional in Human Resources (PHR) and the Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR) are both generalist exams (i.e., all the functional areas of HR are covered). The exams differ in terms of focus and the cognitive level of questions. PHR questions tend to be at an operational/technical level. SPHR questions tend to be more at the strategic and/or policy level.
For a $45.00 fee, HRCI offers an online assessment exam for the PHR and SPHR certifications. Candidates can use this exam to help assess their knowledge level before taking the actual exam. The assessment exams were developed using actual test questions from previous exams. This exam will give candidates the opportunity to become familiar with the format of the test questions and provide an indication of preparedness for the actual exam. It is the closest assessment exam to the "real thing" on the market today, since it is the only assessment exam designed and developed by HRCI. For more information on the assessment exam, visit www.hrci.org/assessmentexam
What Are the Eligibility Requirements for the Exams?
To take the PHR,SPHR or GPHR exam you must have at least two (2) years of exempt level (professional) work experience with a least 51% of daily activities within the HR function at the exempt level.
For a complete description of eligibility requirements and guidelines for choosing the appropriate exam, look under "Applying for the Exam" at http://www.hrci.org/certification/2006HB
GPHR: Who should take the GPHR Exam?
The GPHR certification is intended for HR professionals who develop and implement global HR strategies, manage HR operations oversees, oversee international assignment management.
HR Body of Knowledge and Test Specifications
Test questions represent the following functional areas in HR. The percentages indicate the extent to which each functional area is emphasized on each of the exams.
| PHR and SPHR Exam |
|
Functional Area
|
% PHR Exam
|
% SPHR Exam
|
| Strategic Management |
12%
|
26%
|
| Workforce Planning and Employment |
26%
|
16%
|
| Human Resource Development |
15%
|
13%
|
| Compensation and Benefits |
20%
|
16%
|
| Employee and Labor Relations |
21%
|
24%
|
| Occupational Health, Safety and Security |
6%
|
5%
|
| GPHR EXAM |
|
Functional Area
|
% PHR Exam
|
| Strategic HR Management |
22%
|
| Organizational Effectiveness and Employee Development |
14%
|
| Global Staffing |
10%
|
| International Assignment Management |
28%
|
| Global Compensation and Benefits |
16%
|
| International Employee Relations and Regulations |
10%
|
Preparing for the Certification Exam:
- College/University Programs, The courses offered are designed to prepare candidates for the PHR and SPHR examinations and are modeled from the HRCI test specifications. In our area these preparation courses are offered at Manhattanville College, Purchase, New York at Pace University’s 3 campuses in New York, and at Fairfield University in Fairfield, CT. The courses range from 5 to 11 weeks in length.
College/University Program Schedule
Manhattanville College
| |
|
|
|
|
|
Location
|
Contact
|
Course Schedule
|
Registration Deadline
|
Fees
|
|
TBA
|
Bill Stopper, 914 323-5300 Email: wgstopper@msn.com
|
5 Saturdays
|
See website
|
$920 SHRM Members
$970 non SHRM members
|
Pace University
| |
|
|
|
|
| Location |
Contact |
Course Schedule |
Registration Deadline |
Fees |
| 1 Martine Ave., White Plains, NY |
Cathy Pagano, 914 773-3714 Email: cpagano@pace.edu |
11 Wednesday evenings from 6pm - 9pm |
See website |
$1099 |
| 551 Fifth Avenue (45th & 5th), NYC |
Same as above
Crash Course
|
Same as above plus a Saturday schedule is also offered, From 9AM – 5PM
2-day, 15 hours
|
Same as above
Same as above
|
$1099
$425
|
Fairfield University
| |
|
|
|
|
| Location |
Contact |
Course Schedule |
Registration Deadline |
Fees |
1073 North Benson Rd
Fairfield, CT 06824-5171 |
Deb Matthews, 203-254-4110 Email: ucadvise@
mail.fairfield.edu |
Thursdays, 6 to 9PM |
See website |
$1,095 SHRM Members, $1,295 non members |
For a more in depth discussion on certification, including preparation for the exam and the application/registration procedure, please go to the HRCI website: http://www.hrci.org/certification
Testing Schedule and Fees
Apply and schedule early. HRCI administers certification exams at testing centers managed by Thomson Prometric. Prometric uses these centers for many other certification and licensure programs. The earlier candidates apply, the sooner their applications will be reviewed for eligibility and the sooner candidates will receive an Authorization to Test letter (if eligible) so that the exam can be scheduled at the most convenient date, time and location. Candidates who attempt to schedule their exams after the opening of the testing window may not be able to schedule at the time and test location of their choice. In rare instances, candidates who attempt to schedule or reschedule their exam late into the testing window may find that they are unable to schedule an exam, date and location.
Fees
HRCI charges two separate fees for certification: an application fee and the exam fee itself. SHRM members receive a discount on the application fee. There are also lower fees for students and recent graduates. An additional fee is charged for applications submitted after the deadline date.
Testing Windows
For the PHR and SPHR exams, two testing windows, each eight weeks in duration, are offered annually. Candidates who register for the Spring testing window can schedule their exam at a Prometric testing center between May 1 and June 30. Candidates who register for the Winter testing window can schedule their exam between December 1 and January 31. For the GPHR exam, The test windows are the month of May and the month of December.
Eligible candidates will receive an Authorization to Test letter within two weeks of receipt of a completed application. This letter will provide candidates with the information needed to schedule an exam. Online applications that require additional documentation (such as a Student/Recent Graduate Verification form) are considered incomplete until the information is received and processed. Incomplete applications are subject to a resubmission fee.
For complete information on testing schedules and fees,
visit www.hrci.org/certification/examapp/examfee
