Many professions rely on a certification program to serve as a seal of approval for practitioners. The human resources field has two professional designations:
- PHR – Professional in Human Resources
- SPHR – Senior Professional in Human Resources
Both credentials provide evidence that the individual has mastered a specific body of knowledge in the human resources field.
PHR or SPHR Certification is Different Than an HR Certificate
Obtaining certification as a PHR or SPHR is different than earning a human resources certificate. Certification requires successfully passing a test to verify a specific level of knowledge.
There is also an experience requirement for certification; the number of years of experience needed to qualify for the exam varies depending on the highest level of education you have achieved.
- SPHR candidates must have a minimum of 4 years of professional HR experience to qualify for the exam.
- Until 2011, education can be substituted for experience to qualify for the PHR exam, but that option is no longer available as of January, 2011.
- Starting in 2011, all PHR candidates will be required to have at least 1 year of professional-level HR experience to qualify for the exam.
By contrast, a certificate in human resources indicates that an individual has passed a series of courses in the field. An HR certificate has value, but does not always indicate broad-based mastery of the entire range of human resources knowledge.
Obtaining PHR or SPHR Certification Does Matter
Employers value HR certification. Search human resources jobs on any career website and you will certainly find that most generalist positions indicate that PHR or SPHR certification is desirable. A growing number of employers are taking the extra step to require PHR or SPHR certification for professional HR positions.
In any profession, a certification makes an individual stand out. The PHR or SPHR credential tells a prospective employer that a certified individual has a strong grasp of the entire scope of human resources knowledge. In addition, the certification demonstrates that the individual invested his or her time and money to toward professional human resources development. These are important distinguishing characteristics in a competitive job market.
How to Obtain PHR or SPHR Certification
The process of becoming PHR or SPHR certified is straightforward, but achieving certified status is by no means simple. Certification is managed by the Human Resources Certification Institute (HRCI).
The certification process begins by completing an application, which can be completed online through the HRCI website, or can be submitted by mail. Once the application is approved, you’ll receive an email with instructions on how to schedule the exam.
Be sure to allow sufficient lead time to study for the exam. You can purchase PHR and SPHR study guides from any online book seller and you will often find these guides listed on sites such as Craigslist or EBay. If you prefer to study with others, many colleges and vocational schools offer classes to help you prepare for the PHR or SPHR. You can find these locations through an internet search.
Taking the PHR or SPHR Exam
Even the most experienced and knowledgeable human resources professionals will tell you that the PHR and SPHR certification exams are not easy. You’ll be allotted more than 4 hours for the computer-based exam and you may find that you need most or all of the time. Here are some tips to help you do your best on the PHR or SPHR exam:
- Don’t skip the tutorial – it is a great warm up.
- Read every question carefully.
- Don't spend too long wondering about the answer to any one question. Take your best guess, mark it and go back to it later.
- Guess if you have to. Skipped questions are automatically wrong.
- Click "review incomplete" at the end of the test. This will bring back any questions you did not answer. One missed question could be the difference between pass and fail.
Maintaining Your PHR or SPHR Certification
Once you’ve obtained certification, you’ll need to recertify your PHR or SPHR every three years. This can be done through continuing education, professional activities and unique on the job experience. Alternatively, you can recertify by retaking the exam.
Most certified human resources professionals choose to recertify by experience and continuing education, rather than retaking the very challenging certification exam.
Becoming a certified human resources professional tells the world that you have mastered your field. The PHR or SPHR certification helps differentiate you as a validated HR practitioner. Investing time and money to obtain the PHR or SPHR certification offers a solid ROI, by adding value to your HR career.
Lillian LeBlanc - Ms. LeBlanc is an HR exeutive, commercial pilot, skilled public speaker and published author. She holds an MBA.
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