HRCI’s overarching goal in 2007 was a back-to-basics approach that emphasized our key products: the PHR, SPHR, and GPHR certifications. We accomplished this goal through a number of key initiatives that will lay the groundwork for moving the Institute and its products into the future.

We began the year with an organizational assessment that led to HRCI’s reorganization. The tremendous growth of HRCI’s certification program as well as our goals for the future necessitated splitting the top staff position into two: Mary E. Power, CAE was hired as our new Executive Director to focus on strategic planning and international expansion and Cornelia Springer, CAE was named Operations Director to ensure continued delivery of our quality ongoing services. We are confident this new structure positions HRCI not only to strengthen our reputation in the global HR marketplace, but to continue our 30-plus-year tradition of providing certifications that meet the needs of the HR profession and HR professionals worldwide.

In an effort to strengthen our marketing and communication programs, HRCI commissioned two studies in 2007. We contracted with the Hay Group to conduct a Value of Certification Study , in which we analyzed the perceived and measurable value of HR certification in both the HR and general business communities as well as in the academic environment. The results of this study will be used for years to come as we set operational goals and form our marketing and communication messages. In conjunction with this study, we also embarked on a Branding Initiative with Greenfield Belser to help us define and expand the HRCI brand in the domestic and international business world. The results of this initiative will be rolled out in 2008.

Exam Highlights
This proved to be another successful year for HRCI. In 2007, 27,445 candidates registered for the PHR and SPHR exams and 741 for the GPHR exam. The launch of the new California certification was also successful with 304 candidates registering for the exam.

There is great interest in our certification in China as that country embraces the importance of sound HR management. This year, we began offering the GPHR in simplified Chinese during the December testing window. In 2008, we will be exploring the possibilities of translating our exams into other languages as it relates to the development of an overall international strategy.

The pass rates for the exams remained consistent with previous testing windows. The pass rates for the May/June testing window were 61 percent for the PHR, 58 percent for the SPHR, 53 percent for the GPHR and 71 for the PHR-CA and SPHR-CA.

Update of the GPHR Body of Knowledge
This year we conducted a practice analysis study for the GPHR to ensure that the test specifications appropriately reflected the responsibilities of those working in the international HR arena. HRCI wishes to thank the 12 dedicated GPHR task force members assembled to review the test specifications and make recommendations for updates. HRCI would also like to thank the hundreds of Global HR professionals who responded to the Practice Analysis Survey and validated the updates recommended by the task force. GPHR item writers and reviewers will spend 2008 updating the GPHR item bank so that we can roll out the updated exam in the May 2009 testing window.

Recertification
In 2007a total of 19,223 were due to recertify. As of October 31, 2007, 11,131 recertification applications have been received. At the end of 2007, HRCI launched a Virtual Recertification Tour, which takes certified professionals through a step-by-step review of how to enter recertification activities into their online recertification file. HRCI hopes that this Tour will show our certificants just how easy the online recertification system is to use.
Approved-for-Credit and Approved Provider Programs

The HRCI Pre-Approval program continues to thrive; both for organizations offering HR-related activities as well as for those attending these activities. By marketing their programs as pre-approved, organizations are seeing their attendance numbers rise. The pre-approval also gives certificants peace-of-mind knowing that participation in these activities will receive recertification credit. As of October 31, 2007, HRCI had pre-approved 4,256 programs and 142 organizations have been named Approved Providers.

Coming in 2008
By the end of 2007, we will have more than 90,000 certified HR professionals and expect that our numbers will surpass the 100,000 mark in 2008. We have exciting plans for the coming year. Upcoming initiatives include enhancing and expanding our international strategy, bringing the exam application process in-house, benchmarking the exam’s eligibility requirements and enhancing our relationship with SHRM to help our mutual goal to advance the HR profession and serve the HR professional.