Which Certification Is Right For You

Our rigorous exams are primarily experience-based. Candidates must meet certain criteria in order to take our exams. Those requirements are outlined below.

Which Certification is Right for You?

My role in HR is...

I have worked in HR for...

I work mostly in...

Understanding Eligibility Requirements by Exam

aPHR™

  • A high school diploma or global equivalent.
  • This is the perfect program for recent college graduates, armed services men and women making the transition to civilian life, or other professionals seeking a career transition into the HR field.

PHR®

  • A minimum of 1 year of experience in a professional-level HR position with a Master's degree or higher, OR
  • A minimum of 2 years of experience in a professional-level HR position with a Bachelor's degree, OR
  • A minimum of 4 years of experience in a professional-level HR position with less than a Bachelor's degree

PHRca®

  • A minimum of 1 year experience in a professional-level HR position with a Master's degree or higher, OR
  • A minimum of 2 years experience in a professional-level HR position with a Bachelor's degree
  • A minimum of 4 years experience in a professional-level HR position with a high school diploma

SPHR®

  • A minimum of 4 years of experience in a professional-level HR position with a Master’s degree or higher, OR
  • A minimum of 5 years of experience in a professional-level HR position with a Bachelor’s degree, OR
  • A minimum of 7 years of experience in a professional-level HR position with less than a Bachelor's degree

GPHR®

  • A minimum of 2 years of global experience in a professional-level HR position with a Master's degree or higher, OR
  • A minimum of 3 years of experience (with 2 of the 3 being global HR experience) in a professional-level HR position with a Bachelor's degree, OR
  • A minimum of 4 years of experience (with 2 of the 4 being global HR experience) in a professional-level HR position with less than a Bachelor's degree
  • Global HR experience is defined as having direct cross-border HR responsibilities for two or more countries or regions

PHRi™

  • A minimum of 1 year of professional-level experience in an HR position with a Master's degree or global equivalent, OR
  • A minimum of 2 years of professional-level experience in an HR position with a Bachelor's degree or global equivalent, OR
  • A minimum of 4 years of professional-level experience in an HR position with less than a Bachelor's degree or global equivalent

SPHRi™

  • A minimum of 4 years of professional-level experience in an HR position with a Master's degree or global equivalent, OR
  • A minimum of 5 years of professional-level experience in an HR position with a Bachelor's degree or global equivalent, OR
  • A minimum of 7 years of professional-level experience in an HR position with less than a Bachelor's degree or global equivalent