PHR/SPHR Certification - Why Certify?

Obtaining your PHR, SPHR or GPHR Certification would be an outstanding accomplishment! Certification is a way to add credibility to your profession. By successfully passing this rigorous examination, you demonstrate to employers and peers that you have mastered the body of knowledge across all functional areas of Human Resources Management ---those initials, PHR, SPHR or GPHR look great on your resume, too!.

Back to top of page

How to Certify:

The first step toward certification is to complete and file your application with The Human Resource Certification Institute (HRCI). Once your application has been accepted, you will be notified of the specifics of the testing date and place. Each year, HRCI provides testing opportunities in both the spring and winter, usually in May and June and then again in December and January. To be considered for the next exam period, please go to the HR Certification Institute for the current application deadline information. At this site you will find all the information you need to determine which test to take, how to register for the test and information on recertification.

Back to top of page

2009 Current HRCI Testing Schedule:

Exam Window Registration Deadline Late Reg. Deadline
PHR/SPHR 5/1/10 - 6/30/10 3/12/10 4/16/10
PHR/SPHR 12/1/10 - 1/31/11 10/8/10 11/12/10
GPHR 5/1/10 - 5/31/10 3/12/10 4/16/10
GPHR 12/1/10 - 12/31/10 10/8/10 11/12/10

Back to top of page

Requirements for testing:

The PHR and SPHR are generalist exams and assess knowledge of the entire domestic HR field. 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 the 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.

Back to top of page

Choosing the Appropriate Exam - PHR or SPHR?

You should choose the exam that best represents your mastery of the HR body of knowledge. HRCI has found that appropriate exempt-level HR work experience and educational background contribute significantly to success on the exams.

The Ideal PHR Candidate:

Focuses on program implementation; has tactical/logistical orientation; has accountability to another HR professional within the organization; has two to four years of exempt-level generalist HR work experience, but because of career length may lack the breadth and depth of a more senior-level generalist; has not had progressive HR work experience by virtue of career length; focuses his or her impact on the organization within the HR department rather than throughout the organization; commands respect through the credibility of knowledge and the use of policies and guidelines to make decisions.

The Ideal SPHR Candidate:

Designs and plans rather than implements; focuses on the "big picture;" has ultimate accountability in the HR department; has six to eight years of progressive HR experience; has breadth and depth of HR generalist knowledge; uses judgment obtained with time and application of knowledge; has a Generalist role within the organization; understands the effect of decisions made within and outside of the organization; understands the business, not just the HR function; manages relationships; has influence within the overall organization; possesses excellent negotiation skills.

Success depends on mastery of the HR body of knowledge as reflected in the test specifications. Candidates should carefully assess their qualifications, using the guidelines stated above, before selecting the level of certification desired. Please see the HRCI Handbook for more detailed eligibility requirements information.

Back to top of page

Preparing for the Exam:

There are many ways to prepare for the exam. Prospective test takers should consider utilizing as many methods as possible to prepare themselves for the exam. Some of the most popular and effective study methods are included below:

      • Independent Study

If you prefer to study independently, the SHRM Learning System is a popular, well presented and widely used option. We have implemented the Learning System when the chapter has conducted study groups, with excellent results. The study system features workbook materials, quizzes and CD-Rom interactive learning tools. Each year the books are updated to provide current study materials for the current exam. Members considering sitting for the exam are encouraged to make the investment of purchasing the Learning System modules. After the test, the books make a great reference tool that any HR Professional will want to keep in his or her HR library.

      • Classroom

A popular classroom program is taught by Amanda Close of The Close Group. Amanda is an outstanding instructor who is very knowledgeable about Human Resources and has successfully prepared many people who have passed the PHR or the SPHR test. Several of our members have taken Amanda's PHR/SPHR review class and were very happy with quality of instruction. Additionally, Amanda offers several programs of study that are HRCI-approved for recertification credit.

Other popular classroom programs are offered by Seattle Pacific University and City University. These excellent programs provide the opportunity to meet other HR professionals, each bringing his or her personal experiences and knowledge to the class. The opportunity to share insights is tremendous.

      • Internet Resources

Yahoo Groups offers additional opportunity to interact with a wide audience of those studying for PHR/SPHR certification. Some groups are public; others are private. You can join the private groups by submitting a request to the group's moderator. This is an outstanding way of sharing ideas and asking questions to people all over the world. Go to Yahoo Groups and type in PHR, SPHR or HRCI in the search box. This will take you to a listing of the current groups, provide information about the groups and how to join.

      • Study Groups

Study groups are an excellent way to prepare for the exam. People who study with a group, in conjunction with independent study, statistically improve their chances of passing, earning a higher score. Also, study groups are a tremendous way to share knowledge and insights. The PHR and SPHR exams cover a wide area of curriculum. Individuals preparing for the test often have specific insights into one or more functional HR areas, but may be a little less knowledgeable in another area. By attending and sharing in a study group, you will help others gain knowledge and understanding in those areas where you are the expert and benefit by learning from others who are more knowledgeable in another area.

Study groups for the May 2010/June 2010 testing cycle will start forming in February. Study groups will be held at Washington Employers in Kent, WA. Details about the dates, times and location will be published in our monthly newsletters. Those with an interest in joining a study group should contact our Certification Coordinator.

Chapter members looking for a study group close to where they live might also investigate opportunities with the Snohomish County and Lake Washington SHRM chapters. Both have study group programs listed on their Web sites.

Back to top of page

Recertification:

Certification lasts for three years. When your certification nears expiration, you may either take the exam again, or, over the course of your three-year certification period, accumulate 60 hours of recertification credit. Recertification is easy and allows you to add to your HR knowledge. There are many ways to accumulate the hours/credits.

First, attend the monthly chapter meetings! Each meeting features a presentation on important HR subject matter typically approved for one hour of HRCI recertification credit. Our chapter web site announces approval for the presentations prior to each meeting. Attending a meeting not only allows you to gain recertification hours, but you will network with fellow members and enjoy a great meal, all for one low price. What a deal! Check the meetings section of our web site for upcoming meetings and the scheduled presentations.

Another method of accumulating recertification credits/hours is to view SHRM Webcasts. This is a great way to see online presentations (from the comfort of your computer) on topics such as Compensation, Diversity, Outsourcing, Recruitment, Workplace Law, and many other HR topics. There is even a Webcast all about recertification! HRCI allows you to submit up to 20 hours from SHRM Webcasts for recertification. Besides the opportunity to gain insights into a variety of HR-related subjects and accumulate credits, the SHRM Webcasts are FREE!

Recertification credit is also available from a SHRM web site called SHRM e-learning. SHRM e-Learning is an online educational community that delivers just-in-time training to HR professionals through a series of HR-related online courses facilitated by leading industry experts. SHRM e-Learning is fast becoming a preferred method for HR professionals to earn PHR, SPHR and GPHR recertification credit and meet professional development requirements. Thousands of HR professionals are benefiting from SHRM e-Learning's comprehensive selection, senior-level programs and easy-to-use features. Browse through the course catalog, try the free demo and check out the enhanced features. See how you can stay abreast of the ever-changing world of HR at your pace, on your schedule.

Finally, recertification credit can be earned by volunteering to lead and present to a chapter study group. Subject matter experts in the areas of Compensation, Benefits, Strategic Management, Employee and Labor Relations, Human Resources Development, Workforce Planning and Employment, or Risk Management are needed and welcome to lead a study group session. Recently-certified members are especially helpful at sharing insights and the study strategies that worked for them. This is a great way to assist your fellow chapter members and gain recertification hours for yourself. Individuals interested in volunteering to assist and support study groups should contact our Certification Coordinator.

Please contact me if you wish to discuss any of the above suggestions.

Jim Cassidy
Email Me


Back to top of page