AN INVITATION TO COMMENT

The Human Resource Certification Institute (HRCI) is requesting comments on proposed changes to the eligibility requirements of their three core certifications: Professional in Human Resources (PHR®), Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR®) and Global Professional in Human Resources (GPHR®). Comments may be submitted until May 16, 2008 using the web address below.

The Human Resource Certification Institute (HRCI) is an independent, internationally recognized certifying body for the human resource profession. HRCI develops and delivers credentialing programs to validate mastery in the field of human resource management. HRCI offers two generalist examinations:

• PHR (Professional in Human Resources)
• SPHR (Senior Professional in Human Resources)

HRCI also offers a specialist examination in global HR management:

• GPHR® (Global Professional in Human Resources)

Consistent with best practices, HRCI systematically reviews all aspects of their certification programs to ensure that these programs continue to meet the highest standards in the credentialing industry. In February 2008, HRCI embarked on a systematic review of the eligibility requirements for the PHR, SPHR, and GPHR certification programs. Currently, a potential candidate must have two years of exempt-level HR experience to be eligible for any of the three certifications.

The review process to date included three steps:

1. Benchmarking against a variety of credentialing programs similar in size and scope to HRCI.
2. Analysis of the results of the most recently conducted practice analysis studies for the PHR, SPHR and GPHR.
3. In-person and Web-based focus groups with credential holders, employers, and SHRM Chapter Leaders.

Based on feedback from these three activities, a draft revision to the current eligibility requirements has been developed.

The Invitation to Comment was developed to provide interested parties with the opportunity to influence the future eligibility requirements for the HRCI’s examinations. Your input in this study is very important. The Invitation to Comment itself is a brief summary of the proposed changes to the eligibility requirements that emerged from the review process described above. The responses requested are on a scale that runs from "Strongly Support" to "Strongly Do Not Support" with a request for elaboration on the items that are not supported. We hope this format will make it convenient for you to respond. To access the survey, please click here.

The deadline for submitting comments is May 16, 2008. Your response to the questionnaire is essential in order to ensure that HRCI certification policy changes are made in concert with the needs and preferences of stakeholders.

We thank you for your interest and support.