HRCI HR Certifications: Eligibility

Our rigorous exams are primarily experience-based. Each certification has requirements for the minimum amount of education and/or experience you need to be eligible to take the exam. Choose the exam that meets your highest level of educational attainment and/or experience level.

Which Credential is Right for You?

This is not a confirmation or a guarantee that you are eligible. To qualify, you must complete the formal application process.

My interest in HR is...

I have worked in HR for...

I work mostly in...

List of Certifications

Associate Professional in Human Resources® (aPHR®) 

  • Educational experience is not required.
  • No HR experience is required since this is a knowledge-based credential.
  • This is the perfect program for recent college graduates, armed services men and women making the transition to civilian life, professionals seeking a career transition into the HR field, or non-HR managers who manage people.

Associate Professional in Human Resources™ - International (aPHRi™)

  • Educational experience is not required.
  • No HR experience is required since this is a knowledge-based credential.
  • This exam is for human resources or business professionals located outside of the U.S.

Professional in Human Resources® (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 High School diploma or (or equivalent)

Professional in Human Resources - California® (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 less than a High School diploma or (or equivalent)
  • This exam is for human resources professionals located in or managing a workforce in California

Professional in Human Resources - International™ (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 Secondary Education
  • This exam is for human resources or business professionals located outside of the U.S. 

Senior Professional in Human Resources® (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 High School diploma or (or equivalent)

Senior Professional in Human Resources - International™ (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 Secondary Education

Global Professional in Human Resources® (GPHR®)

  • Less Than High School Diploma (or equivalent)
  • A minimum of 2 years of experience in a professional-level HR position with a Master's degree or higher, OR
  • A minimum of 3 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 High School diploma or (or equivalent)
  • This exam is for human resources professionals with multinational responsibilities