Participate in the next Virtual Certification Counselor session. Click here to view the upcoming schedule.

HRCI Virtual Counselor: Please refer to the link listed below regarding scaled scoring. /Certification/2007HB/AFTEREXAM/#BM_HRCI-MR-TAB2-938

Evanston, WY: Is there a way to take the SPR and PHR test at the same time, so if you don't quite pass the SPR, you will still be certified as a PHR?

HRCI Virtual Counselor: Yes there is, you would need to apply for both exams by the deadline or the extended deadline.

New Orleans, Louisiana: What is the ideal study method for the PHR exam? I have been told that memorizing the definitions is most essential. There is so much content that I hate to overwhelm myself with information that I won't need to necessarily remember. I have purchased the 2006 SHRM LS to use as a study guide.

HRCI Virtual Counselor: The certification exam is based on work experience. The best preparation is to understand the six functional areas of HR which can be found on our website at www.hrci.org/Certification/2007HB/APX-A/, and their application to the HR field. We recommend the HRCI Assessment Exam as a tool to familiarize you with the format of the test questions and provides an indication of preparedness for the actual exam. It is the closest assessment exam to the "actual" exam since it is the only assessment exam designed and developed by HRCI. Also, the following resources may be helpful to you. We do not endorse any products nor maintain information on them. These products/preparation materials do not mirror HRCI's actual exam questions. SHRM Learning System: HRCP.com; HRREVIEW.com ; HR Certification Guide, by Raymond Weinberg, HR Management by Robert Mathus and John Jackson.

maine: I have been in HR for many years, and am wondering if such people generally need to prepare for the exam by taking a class. Are there sample test questions that would give me an idea as to how much prep I will need to do? Thanks.

HRCI Virtual Counselor: Candidates prepare for the exam in many ways. If you prefer to prepare with a class you may contact SHRM at 800-283-7476. HRCI offers an assessment exams to help you identify your weak and strength areas in HR and start your preparation for the exam. The assessment exam is online and can be taken at any time from the website.

Yuma, AZ: I graduated with a Masters in HRM in May of this year. Because I'm a military spouse and move often, I do not have solid two-years of HR experience to bring to the PHR certification. Over the past few years though, I've been consulting in all areas of HR, but certainly not on a full-time basis. Can a combination of my HR positions and my consulting qualify for the 2-year experience requirement? And how do I prove the 2-years when it's such a combination of people and organizations?

HRCI Virtual Counselor: Yes a combination of your HR positions and your consulting may be used to qualify your 2 year work experience. You would list the organizations and people so your information could be verified.

Dallas, Texas: I am taking the SPHR test in May of 2008 (depending on when the test window begins/ends.) Should I purchase the Individual Self-Directed SHRM Learning System materials now and would the information still up to date for 2008? Or wait until 2008 for new materials to be released?

HRCI Virtual Counselor: HRCI is not affiliated with the SHRM Preparation Course. For more information please visit www.shrm.org/seminars. Any questions regarding the SHRM Preparation Course contact Customer Service at 800.283.7476, option 3 to speak with a representative or email them at shrm@shrm.org.

Austin, TX: Are there any ways to see old retired exams for an idea of what the test looks like?

HRCI Virtual Counselor: HRCI offers the assessment exam for your convenience. The assessment exam is the closet to the real exam. Visit our website, www.hrci.org and click on the assessment exam tab for details.

San Francisco, CA: I have checked the web and can not find a review class in the San Francisco bay area. The review class was very helpful when I took the PHR exam and was hoping to utilize the same resource for the SPHR. Is there a review class in the bay area?

HRCI Virtual Counselor: At this time HRCI has no way of knowing the specifics of this course. If it was a SHRM chapter, please go to their website at www.shrm.org and look up the specific chapter.

Bloomfield Hills, Michigan: I am currently unemployed. The last 6 years working for a major ad agency were as Director of Operations for a specific department. I believe I can qualify with the minimum of 51 percent of time against HR duties, though I do not have a formal job description from the company to back it up. Should I include my resume with my submission as supporting documentation? The company went thru a change in management, so my former boss is no longer there. However, I am using her as a reference as she is well-known and respected in the industry. Can I provide her name on the submission as my supervisor? Due to downsizing and restructuring, there is no one left at the agency to whom I reported or who truly knows what I did.

HRCI Virtual Counselor: HRCI requires official documentation from your employer, a resume is not sufficient documentation to validate your work experience. If you choose to apply, you would need to select "999-other" as your job title and provide the additional documentation.

Armonk, NY: Hello, is it necessary to take an HR certification course to prep for the SPHR exam?

HRCI Virtual Counselor: No, this is not necessary. You may prepare for the exam in your own ways.

Dallas, Texas: When will the 2008 Handbook be available?

HRCI Virtual Counselor: The 2008 handbook will be available in late November.

10166: Is anyone eligible? I am in the HR department though. I have not been here two years nor am i exempt. I have been out of college for a little over a year.

HRCI Virtual Counselor: No, the PHR, SPHR and GPHR certification is intended for professionals who have at least two years of exempt-level (professional) HR work experience.

Frankenmuth, MI: Do you recommend many sources of information from which to study or just a select few?

HRCI Virtual Counselor: Yes we do suggest using various sources to preparing for the exam. Our HRCI handbook has a section called "study for the exam" with suggested methods to study for the exam.

San FranciscoCA: Although I have been in and out of HR positions for 10 years, I am just now becoming interested in pursuing a PHR. I recently attended my first NCHRA class and earned 3.00 HRCI credits. I am unclear what these credits are good for. Do I need to accumulate a certain amount before I can take the PHR certification test? Thanks so much for the information.

HRCI Virtual Counselor: The 3.0 credit hours for the NCHRA class is for those individuals who are already certified for the recertification. PHR, SPHR and GPHR certification is intended for professionals who have at least two years of exempt-level (professional) HR work experience.

Austin, TX: Do the assessment exams from the HRCI website change? In other words, if I purchased 2 sets of exams, would I get 2 identical sets or 4 separate exams?

HRCI Virtual Counselor: We only have two version of the exam; therefore, there is a possibility that you may obtain the same 2 set of exams if you wish to purchase them. People use these exams before preparing their studies for the exam.

Walnut, California: How far in advance should one start to study for the exam? I know you mentioned experience is the best tool but could you suggest the best way to study and the best study materials to use to best prepare ourselves for the test!

HRCI Virtual Counselor: The prep method that you use is a personal choice. We cannot advise you as to the length of you preparation as we are testing your ability to apply that knowledge. Please refer to the link listed below regarding studying for the exam. /Certification/2007HB/STUDYEX/

Peoria, IL: What are your certification options or how are they limited if you do not pass the test the first time you take it?

HRCI Virtual Counselor: An individual must pass one of the exams with a scaled score of at least 500 in order to earn a designation from HRCI.

Chicago, IL: The vast majority of my experience has been in a specialized area of HR (recruitment). Since I do not have much work experience in the other areas of HR, I am a little curious about the pass rate of individuals who specialize vs. true generalists who've taken the exam.

HRCI Virtual Counselor: Recruitment is part of the functions of HR; however someone with a generalist background is usually involved in different areas of HR. We do not have statistic of candidates with generalist background versus those who are specialized in a specific area. If you choose to apply for the exam please know that you will be test on 6 areas of the HR body of knowledge.

Chandler, AZ: From your experience, do most employers pay for the PHR/SPHR training and exam expenses?

HRCI Virtual Counselor: That statistic is not one that we capture at this time, however, many employers do pay for this expense.

Canton, MA: Is there an outline of the information covered in the program for the GPHR?

HRCI Virtual Counselor: The areas that will be on the GPHR exam are located on appendix B of the HRCI handbook which can be access online. HRCI does not offer preparation courses, if that what you are referring to, therefore, we do not have information on the content given at a course when preparing for the GPHR.

10166: If someone has been in the HR field for over 10 years now and has not taken either the PHR or SPHR. Which one would be best for them? Do you need to take the PHR before taking the SPHR?

HRCI Virtual Counselor: Please refer to the link listed below regarding profile of a candidate. You do not have to take the PHR exam first. /Certification/2007HB/APPLY/#BM_HRCI-MR-TAB2-918

Frankenmuth, MI: How much preparation time is considered "normal" to prepare for the PHR

HRCI Virtual Counselor: We do not have statistic on preparation time; however, candidates prepare at their own time or take a prep class through a college or university.

Canton, MA: I completed a program for the SPHR in 03 and passed the exam that December. The books for study were a valuable resource and I seem to have lost some of them. Is there a way to purchase just the books?

HRCI Virtual Counselor: Since HRCI does not offer preparation materials we do not know what books you are referring to; however, if you are referring to the SHRM Learning System set of books, please contact SHRM for updates on these books.

India, Mumbai: I would like to appear for the GPHR certification, please advice on eligibility. Also please advice if this certification can be done from India.

HRCI Virtual Counselor: The GPHR exam is intended for HR professionals who develop and implement global HR strategies, oversee international assignment management and manage HR operations overseas. PHR, SPHR and GPHR certification is intended for professionals who have at least two years of exempt-level (professional) HR work experience. For more information on eligibility requirements for the GPHR exam click on the link below. /Certification/2007HB/APPLY/#BM_HRCI-MR-TAB2-918 For International exam delivery please click here /Certification/2007HB/APX-E/

Oglesby, IL: I am studying for the SPHR exam and will take it in January. I am already PHR certified and my certification will expire in June. If I pass the SPHR exam in January what affect does that have on my certification period? Do I have to have Strategic credits for the 2008 expiration?

HRCI Virtual Counselor: If you pass the SPHR exam in January your certification dates will change. They will be January 2008 through January 2011 and you will have to provide 15 hours of strategic credit hours accumulated during your certification cycle.

NY, NY: I have a bachelor in HR. I have been in a professional work place for two years, though I have only been working in the HR department for a Year. If students are eligible. Would I be eligible?

HRCI Virtual Counselor: The eligibility requirements to apply for the exam are 2 years. Students who are in the bachelor degree program or higher and do not have the 2 years of HR relevant work experience may apply for the exam. The requirements for this category can be found on the HRCI handbook under "Eligibility Requirements".

Oglesby, IL: My PHR certification will expire in June 2008. If I submit my credentials in March and I am recertified through June 2011 and then I attend the National Conference in June 2008; is it true that I cannot use those hours for my next recertification period since they were earned prior to my last recertification date?

HRCI Virtual Counselor: In this case, HRCI allows you to use the credits from the SHRM National conference towards your next cycle because the conference and your due date at the end of June coincide. Please know that this is the only activity we allow you to carry over to your next cycle.

Seattle, WA: Does the 2 years of experience requirement need to be met by the time you turn in your application, or by the time you take the exam?

HRCI Virtual Counselor: The 2 years in HR required to sit for the exam must be met by the end of the testing window of which you are applying.

Indiana: is it too late to enroll and secure a spot for the coming Nov-Dec test. Is it a definite that I will secure a seat?

HRCI Virtual Counselor: No it is not too late to apply for the exam. The regular deadline date is October 12, 2007. The earlier you apply, the sooner your application will be reviewed for eligibility and the sooner you will receive an Authorization to Test (ATT) letter (if eligible) so you can schedule the exam for the date, time and location of your convenience.

Evanston, WY: If you don't mind a follow up: If I register to take the SPHR and PHR at the same time, do I take two different tests, or is there one test?

HRCI Virtual Counselor: The PHR and SPHR content exams are different. If you choose to apply for both exams you will take two different exams.

Gary, Indiana: Is it too late to be timely enrolled for the PHR testing window of December via on-line process?

HRCI Virtual Counselor: No the deadline to apply for the December-January exam is October 12, 2007. The earlier you apply, the sooner your application will be reviewed for eligibility and the sooner you will receive an Authorization to Test (ATT) letter (if eligible) so you can schedule the exam for the date, time and location of your convenience.

Reno, NV: I have several years of government HR experience in various classifications including Personnel Analyst, EEO Officer and, presently, Workers' Comp Administrator. I believe I would qualify for the SPHR exam; however, am considering retiring prior to taking the exam to allow time for test preparation. If I am unemployed or self-employed as a consultant, will I still be eligible to take the exam?

HRCI Virtual Counselor: You do not have to be currently employed when applying for the exam. As long as you demonstrate on the application your previous work HR exempt experience you may apply for the exam.

Colorado Springs, CO: I have been working as the Operations Coordinator for a non-profit for two years. My duties including administering all HR functions (without payroll) for 24 staff members along with other responsibilities not related to HR, but I am not classified as exempt within my organization. Can you elaborate more on the 2 years of exempt experience qualification for the PHR exam?

HRCI Virtual Counselor: The PHR, SPHR and GPHR certification is intended for professionals who have at least two years of exempt-level (professional) HR work experience. HRCI does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation or disability. To be eligible to take any of the exams, candidates must demonstrate that: At least 51 percent of their daily activities are within the human resource function. 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. For more information on exempt level work experience, please refer to the link below. /Certification/2007HB/APPLY/#BM_HRCI-MR-TAB2-918

Denver, CO: I have been PHR certified but my certification has been expired for several years. Do I need to retake the exam or can I become recertified through CEUs?

HRCI Virtual Counselor: To acquire the PHR designation you will have to retake the exam.

Tacoma, WA: Is it possible to make the testing guidelines and testing information a little more clear on your website (and anywhere else) in the future? It seems like so much is vague, or I have to search. I would have liked to have clicked on a page that would have given me a short description of guidelines, what I need to cover, available resources, when the test is given, the cost, and how to go about it. It would make this so much easier.

HRCI Virtual Counselor: Thank you for the suggestion, we value your comment and I will submit your suggestion to our supervisor. In response to your question HRCI has a summary of the exam process in the HRCI handbook called "HRCI Handbook Overview" for your convenience. We will make it a more visible for people who wish to find the steps about applying for the exam.

Dallas, Texas: According to the Certification Handbook if I apply for the exam and my job title does not appear on the position codes I will use "other" (999) but I have to submit supporting documentation. Do you know how to send that documentation when I am applying via HRCI Website?.. Many thanks

HRCI Virtual Counselor: You may fax or mail the supporting documentation form within 5 business days to our testing office. The fax and mailing address is located at the bottom of the form.

SouthfieldMichigan: If you have 4 years HR experience from some other country other than the US, does it still count?

HRCI Virtual Counselor: Yes, HR experience from another country does count. Please note that we required this experience documented on the application.

NY, NY: Is there maximum number of times you can apply to take the test? Also, in an instance of failure for a test, is there a grace period you have to wait before taking the exam again?

HRCI Virtual Counselor: Retaking The Exam Certificants who fail the exam may retake it during the next available testing window, but not in the same testing window in which they failed. Fees and application procedures for those retaking the exam remain the same as those for first-time applicants.

New York, NY: Where do i find information on HRCI classes as well as costs?

HRCI Virtual Counselor: HRCI does not offer classes and we are not affiliated with the SHRM Preparation Course. For more information please visit www.shrm.org/seminars. Any questions regarding the SHRM Preparation Course contact Customer Service at 800.283.7476, option 3 to speak with a representative or email them at shrm@shrm.org.

Texas: Any special instructions when overnighting the application and check to HRCI?

HRCI Virtual Counselor: No special instructions are needed. However, if you applying by the October 12 deadline please be sure that your application envelope is post-marked on this date.

Austin, TX: If taking both the PHR and SPHR at the same time, what would the costs be? Would we have double the application fees?

HRCI Virtual Counselor: The cost for the PHR is $300 dollars and for the SPHR is $425. These fees includes the $75 dollars application fee which is not refundable.

Moderator: There is 5 minutes left in the Virtual Counselor Session. Please submit your final questions. All questions will be answered and posted to our website at a later date. Thank you!

Englewood, CO: Why is it that a recent grad with no HR experience can take the PHR but a non-exempt employee with many years of HR experience cannot take the PHR?

HRCI Virtual Counselor: A non-exempt can apply for the exam as long as this professional can demonstrate that 51 percent of the his duties or responsibilities are exempt level. A recent graduate can take the PHR as long as they meet the requirement. However, they do not get the certification because they have to meet the same 2 years of HR exempt work experience required by HRCI. Recent graduates can not use the PHR designation until they complete the 2 years of work experience. HRCI gives students/recent grads that pass the exam 5 years to obtain the work experience; if they do not obtain the work experience required within this time frame they will need to retake the exam when they meet the 2 years of HR exempt level required.

Chicago: I have 6 years work experience in HR. But I have worked in turkey and my native language is not English. What do you see my chances of passing the exam? Do you believe that reading the preparation books will be enough to pass the exam? Will such kind of a certificate increase my chances to find a job in this country?

HRCI Virtual Counselor: To be eligible to take any of the exams, candidates must demonstrate that: At least 51 percent of their daily activities are within the human resource function. 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. If your HR exempt level experience was in Turkey that's fine. To determine if the certification would be helpful to you research the HR opportunities (want ads) in he area where you live.

Chicago, IL: I have two years of recruitment experience and currently a Graduate Student. Could I take the PHR exam with student status?

HRCI Virtual Counselor: No if you have two years of HR exempt level work experience you have to take the exam as a professional.

Englewood, CO: Follow up question: Why not allow non-exempts to take the PHR? I don't understand the reason why non-exempt HR employees are not eligible.

HRCI Virtual Counselor: Remember, the PHR and SPHR exams are geared towards practitioners who have exempt-level HR work experience. The pass rate for students is lower than for practitioners, since they do not have the work experience yet. We do require practitioners to have two years of experience in order to be eligible to take the exam. This is really a very modest number. In addition, the reason we require exempt-level HR experience is because the type of work that is performed at an exempt-level is more representative of the knowledge that is tested on the PHR and SPHR exams. Typically non-exempt positions are clerical or administrative positions. They do not require independent judgment and are more of a support nature. Individuals working in these types of positions do not obtain the level of knowledge that is required. Hopefully you can understand the Board's thinking behind establishing these policies.

India, Mumbai: I have over 10 yrs of experience in the field of HR.I would required knowledge of global HR Practices. Please advice, can the certification be done form India.

HRCI Virtual Counselor: The certification exam can be taken in India. Preparation for the Global Professional Human Resources exam can be obtain from SHRM. You may contact them via e-mail at shrm@shrm.org for further details.

HRCI Virtual Counselor: Candidates who cannot find an exact match for a job title on the position code list (found in Appendix C on the Certification Handbook) must list that job title as “other” or “999” on their applications; submit a completed supporting documentation form (found in Appendix D) and attach a job description or similar document to show that the position was at an exempt level (professional) and that at least 51 percent of the daily activities were HR focused. Candidates who do not provide this information will be ineligible to take the exam or will be assessed a resubmission fee. Therefore, try to provide as much information as necessary to prove the exempt-level nature of your job, if that is the case.
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Rochester, NY: I just applied yesterday, 11/5. The deadline to register for the exam is 11/16, but I won't know if the application has been processed for 2 weeks. How do I register for the exam by the 11/16 deadline?

HRCI Virtual Counselor: November 16th is the deadline to APPLY for the exam, not to register for a test date. Once you receive your Authorization to Test (ATT) letter (if eligible,) you can then schedule the exam for the date, time and location of your convenience. It is recommended that you register as early as possible once notified of your eligibility; however, you may still register once the exam window has opened.
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Charlotte, NC: I am currently a HR Generalist. As of Feb 2008 I would have been in this role for 2 years. This date is after the testing window. When will the next testing window open?

HRCI Virtual Counselor: The next testing window after you are eligible begins on May 1, 2008.
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Indianapolis, IN: In the Education field, none of our HR assistants work on an exempt level. Does this delay clearance for the exam?

HRCI Virtual Counselor: See the answer to the first question, above. An applicant whose position is not classified as exempt but who believes that he or she performs exempt work, must provide supplemental information. It may take additional time to review that information and/or request additional information, if it is required.
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Rochester, NY: I just applied for the exam yesterday. When can I register for the exam? I know the deadline is 11/16 for the upcoming window?

HRCI Virtual Counselor: You can register for the exam as soon as you receive your Authorization to Test (ATT) letter.
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Louisville, KY: I've been working in the HR profession for about a year and a half as an hourly employee. Does that not allow me to apply for certification since hourly is classified as non-exempt at my employer?

HRCI Virtual Counselor: You would have to provide sufficient documentation that proved that the duties of the position was at an exempt level (professional) and that at least 51 percent of the daily activities were HR focused. The key is whether the duties that you are performing are truly at a professional or exempt level.
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Douglassville, PA: What are the best study materials to use to prepare for the PHR?

HRCI Virtual Counselor: We don't recommend a specific exam preparation strategy because much depends on the background of the exam candidate and his or her learning style. The PHR & SPHR Certification Guide, which is a paperback book available through the SHRM Bookstore, lists a variety of resources and discusses the advantages of many of them. HRCI does recommend that you utilize a variety of materials.
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Plano, TX: I heard from some friends that are taking the PHR test that there are 2 different versions of the PHR test and 2 versions of the SPHR test. One is harder than the other. It's a flip of the coin which one you will get. Is there any truth to that?

HRCI Virtual Counselor: There are multiple versions of both the PHR and the SPHR exam offered during each testing window. Each exam is "equated" to the others, which is a statistical technique to ensure that they are all approximately the same level of difficulty.
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Detroit,MI: What is the format for the test? I ask because I have a disability that makes writing or filling out a scantron a nightmare and I will need to request an accommodation. If the exam is completed via computer, I will not need to make a request.

HRCI Virtual Counselor: HRCI exams are offered via computer at Prometric test centers throughout the US (and many international locations).
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Austin, TX: How would you simply describe the difference in the PHR and the SPHR exams? I am having a hard time deciding which exam to take. I have been the HR Administrator for our company for 5 years, am the only HR person we have, involved in management, etc. but I am not sure that I would have the current skill level to pass the SPHR.

HRCI Virtual Counselor: The PHR exam is more focused on HR operational activities, and the SPHR exam is more strategy-based. Much depends on what you spend your time doing! If you are unsure of the proper level, you might want to try one of the Assessment Exams that HRCI offers through its Web site (/AssessmentExam/PHRSPHR/). These are sample exams made up of retired test items, two PHR and two SPHR, and they give you the opportunity to see which level you feel more comfortable with.
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Ft Lauderdale, FL: How effective is the SHRM Learning System?

HRCI Virtual Counselor: This will vary based on your individual background and learning style; however, the pass rate for candidates who have utilized the SHRM Learning System have consistently been higher than the national average pass rate.
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Pompano Beach, FL: How many questions do you need to get correct in order to pass the exam?

HRCI Virtual Counselor: Unfortunately there is no exact answer to this question. As previously mentioned, we use a technique called "equating" to make sure that different test forms are of comparable difficulty. Equating is a statistical process that adjusts the minimum raw passing score for each exam form to compensate for fluctuations in difficulty level across the different exam forms. For example, 125 questions correct on one form may convert to the passing scaled score of 500, while on an easier exam form, 130 questions may convert to the same passing scaled score of 500.
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Fort Worth, TX: Greetings! I have no experience in an HR function; however I've managed people for over 10 years. I want to make a career change and go into HR. I applied for the PHR last year; however, I never got my ATT confirmation because I didn't have any HR experience. Doesn't my management experience count? What do I need to do?

HRCI Virtual Counselor: Because the PHR and SPHR exams are practice-based, there is a minimum requirement of two years of exempt-level experience in the HR field in order to sit for the exam. You must be able to prove that at least two years of your professional experience were in positions in which at least 51 percent of the daily activities were HR focused.
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Charlotte, NC: When will the 2008 handbook be available?

HRCI Virtual Counselor: The 2008 should be available sometime in December, 2007 and will be published on our Web site, www.hrci.org.
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Miami, Florida: I registered for the exam in the last testing window, unfortunately because of health issues I had to cancel the exam, because of the time frame. Do I have to sign up all over again or is there a short cut in signing up again?

HRCI Virtual Counselor: Unfortunately there is no "short cut" if you have registered in a previous exam window; you must reapply.
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Indianapolis, IN: If further investigation is necessary to qualify for the exam, how long could it take to completely process that particular application (approximate)?

HRCI Virtual Counselor: That really depends on how complete the documentation is and what other types of "further investigation" is required. It is difficult to provide a general answer when the circumstances of what is needed to completely process an application can vary widely.
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Plano, TX: What score do you have to have to pass? I heard you basically have to have 7 out of 10 questions right. Can you clarify pls.?

HRCI Virtual Counselor: Please see answer to "Pompano Beach, FL", above.
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Portland, Oregon: I am very frustrated and feel like I am in a vicious circle. I completed my masters in organizational behavior 2 years ago. I didn't know at the time that I had a 1 year window before and after being in school to sit for the exam. I now cannot sit for the exam until I have 2 years full time HR experience. I feel like I am not getting any bites on any HR positions because I have not taken the exam. I took a local study course a year ago. I have an undergrad degree in business administration and didn't learn anything at the study course that I hadn't known already between my two degrees. My outcome is to be in a HR position on my way to an organizational development position. Any advice?

HRCI Virtual Counselor: As mentioned in the response to "Fort Worth, TX", above, a minimum of two years of exempt-level practical HR experience is required to sit for the exam. Are you currently employed? Sometimes it is easier to move into a new role, such as HR, in an organization where you are already known. Also, you may want to contact your graduate school's placement office to see if they can help you identify HR opportunities. Internships are an excellent way to get your foot "in the door" and gain hands-on work experience in HR.
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Indianapolis, IN: Opinion: Would you suggest joining SHRM prior or after the exam? Why?

HRCI Virtual Counselor: SHRM provides many benefits to its members, whether certified or non-certified! Check out their Web site at www.shrm.org to see what they offer. Of course, once you are certified, SHRM provides many opportunities to earn recertification credits as well.