Because of the nature of their jobs, many HR professionals choose to certify with more than one certification. For instance, senior HR professionals with cross-border HR responsibilities may choose to certify as both an SPHR and a GPHR. PHRs and SPHRs conducting business in California may choose to take the California-specific certification exam.

The SPHR supersedes the PHR; therefore, you cannot hold a PHR and SPHR at the same time. 

Prorating Recertification Credits for Multiple Certifications

To remain certified, 60 recertification credit hours are required every three years whether you hold one or more certifications.

If you earn a second certification during an existing certification cycle, the credit for your second certification will be prorated on a biannual basis for the first recertification cycle. After the initial recertification period is complete, your beginning and end dates for each certification will be synchronized.

If your second certification has specified credit hour requirements (for instance, strategic business management credits for an SPHR), you will be expected to accumulate these hours as well although they too will be prorated the first year.

For specific examples of prorating credit hours for multiple certification holders, please see the Recertification Handbook. 

Fees for Recertifying Multiple Certifications

The cost to recertify more than one designation is US$100 for the first designation and US$25 for each additional designation.

If you are Life Certified as a PHR or SPHR and obtain a second certification, the recertification fee is US$100.