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Certification

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?

Strategy Development: Responsible for planning HR strategies that align with the organization's mission.
HR Operations: Focus on delivering HR services to meet organizational needs.
Cross-Border HR: Focus on HR activities in two or more countries or regions.
This is not a confirmation or a guarantee that you are eligible. To qualify, you must complete the formal application process.

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 one year experience in a professional-level HR position with a Master's degree
  • A minimum of two years experience in a professional-level HR position with a Bachelor's degree
  • A minimum of four 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

Understanding Professional-Level Experience

Still have questions?

Please visit our common questions section, for quick answers to the most common questions about HR certification, eligibility requirements, and the exam application process.

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