Certification for HR Professionals

HR Certification Institute

Another option is through HR Certification Institute. They offer several exams including the Professional in Human Resources (PHR) and the Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR).

Over 145,000 HR professionals in more than 100 countries are HRCI certified. Holding an HRCI credential demonstrates relevance, competence, experience, credibility and dedication to human resources to your employers, clients, staff members and professional peers.

Associate Professional in Human Resources (aPHR)

HRCI's Associate Professional in Human Resources™ (aPHR™) is the perfect certification to help fast-track your career growth and provide you with the confidence to launch into the HR profession. The aPHR is the first-ever HR certification designed for professionals who are just beginning their HR career journey and proves your knowledge of foundational Human Resources. To be eligible for the aPHR you must have a high school diploma or global equivalent. No HR experience is required since this is a knowledge-based credential.

Professional In Human Resources (PHR)

PHR certification is a great way to establish yourself in the HR field. It proves your mastery of HR operations, best practices and regulations in the U.S., and creates a solid foundation for your future advancement. To be eligible for certification, the PHR candidate requires:

• Experience: 1-4 years, depends on education
• Location: United States
• Focus: HR Operations 

Global Professional in Human Resources (GPHR)

Let the business world know you have the knowledge and skills needed to manage HR challenges in a global marketplace. Earn the Global Professional in Human Resources® (GPHR®) from HR Certification Institute® (HRCI®). The GPHR demonstrates your mastery of multinational HR responsibilities, including strategies of globalization development of HR policies and initiatives that support organizational global growth.

To be eligible for the GPHR you must meet one of the following conditions for education and experience:

• Have at least two years of experience* in a global professional-level HR position + a Master’s degree or higher,
• Have at least three years of experience* in a professional-level HR position (at least two in global HR) + a Bachelor’s degree, OR
• Have at least four years of experience* in a professional-level HR position (at least two in global HR) + a high school diploma. 

Senior Professional In Human Resources (SPHR)

SPHR certification solidifies your credibility as an HR leader. It demonstrates you have mastered the strategic and policy-making aspects of HR management in the United States. 
Eligibility for certification requires:

• Experience: 4-7 years, depends on education
• Location: United States
• Focus: HR Strategy Development