In keeping with best practices for certification programs, the HR Certification Institute conducted an extensive multi-pronged study of the eligibility requirements of their three core products: Professional in Human Resources (PHR), Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR) and Global Professional in Human Resources (GPHR). Based on feedback from both certified and non-certified HR professionals, business leaders, students and academicians, the requirements will now include a combination of education and experience.

These changes will go into effect in the May-June 2011 testing window.

Why are the eligibility requirements changing?

• Based on recommendations from over 14,000 HR professionals, certificants, business leaders, students and academicians the HR Certification Institute’s exam eligibility requirements are changing to reflect the needs and requirements of the HR profession.
• The new eligibility requirements result in better alignment with the candidate profile that possesses the level of practical experience and HR knowledge to perform successfully on the exam.
• The new eligibility requirements were developed in cooperation with HR practitioners, academicians and current certificants including recent student certificants. The eligibility requirements will help candidates be more successful in passing the exam.

How were the requirements developed?

• As a part of our standard business practices we evaluate the eligibility requirements to determine if they are in alignment with the needs of the HR industry.
• The HR Certification Institute embarked on a multi-pronged study of the current eligibility requirements for our three core products: the PHR, SPHR and GPHR exams.
• The study included a task force and focus groups comprised of all our stakeholders (certificants, HR practitioners, senior business leaders, SHRM leaders, students, student advisors and academicians).
• Recommendations on changes to our eligibility requirements from these groups were then posed to the HR community through an open-comment period in which all certificants, SHRM members and other HR professionals were invited to provide their views on the proposed changes.
• Over 14,000 people responded to the survey.
• The respondents were overwhelming in favor of the proposed changes.
• The new eligibility requirements result in better alignment with the candidate profile that possesses the level of practical experience and HR knowledge to perform successfully on the exam.
• The eligibility requirements will help candidates be more successful in passing the exam.

When will the new eligibility requirements go into effect?

• The new eligibility requirements will begin with the spring 2011 testing window (May-June 2011).
• The last PHR, SPHR and GPHR exam to be administered under current eligibility requirements will be the winter 2010 (December 2010 —January 2011) testing window.

Who will be most affected by the new eligibility requirements?

Eligibility FAQ's For HR Certification Exams

GENERAL QUESTIONS

Q: What are the new eligibility requirements?

A:

Q: When do the new eligibility requirements goes into effect?

A: The new eligibility requirements will go into effect in 2011 beginning with the May- June testing window . The last PHR, SPHR and GPHR exam to be administered under current eligibility requirements will be the winter 2010 (December 2010 —January 2011) testing window.

Q: Why are the PHR, SPHR & GPHR exam eligibility requirements changing?

A: Based on recommendations from over 14,000 HR professionals, business leaders, students and academicians, the HR Certification Institute’s exam eligibility requirements are changing to reflect changes and needs of the HR profession.

The new eligibility requirements result in better alignment with the candidate profile that possesses the level of practical experience and HR knowledge to perform successfully on the exam. The new eligibility requirements were developed in cooperation with HR practitioners, academicians and current certificants including recent student certificants. The eligibility requirements will help candidates be more successful in passing the exam.

Q: How did the HR Certification Institute decided on the new eligibility requirements?

A: As a part of our standard business practices we evaluate the eligibility requirements to determine if they are in alignment with the needs of the HR industry. The HR Certification Institute embarked on a multi-pronged study of the current eligibility requirements for our three core products: the PHR, SPHR and GPHR exams.
• The study included a task force and focus groups comprised of all our stakeholders (certificants, HR practitioners, senior business leaders, SHRM leaders, students, student advisors and academicians).
• Recommendations on changes to our eligibility requirements from these groups were then posed to the HR community through an open-comment period in which all certificants, SHRM members and other HR professionals were invited to provide their views on the proposed changes.
• Over 14,000 people responded to the survey.
• The respondents were overwhelmingly in favor of the proposed changes.
The new eligibility requirements result in better alignment with the candidate profile that possesses the level of practical experience and HR knowledge to perform successfully on the exam. The eligibility requirements will help candidates be more successful in passing the exam.

Q: How is "demonstrated HR experience" defined?

A: If a candidate is not clearly in a typical HR position (on the approved position title list) a candidate must demonstrate that:
• Activities are at the exempt (professional) level, and
• At least 51% of his or her daily activities are with the HR function, OR
• An individual has direct supervision of those who deliver HR services

Q: What is the definition of "professional level" work?

A: To be recognized as working at a "professional level" the experience must include:
• Independence of actions — relates to the amount of planning, self-direction, decision-making and autonomy involved in the work experience;
• A depth of work requirements — relates to the extent to which work experience requires data-gathering, analysis and interpretation;
• Level of interaction — relates to the degree to which the individual interacts with a broad spectrum of contacts, including decision-makers; and
• Responsibility for work outcome — relates to accuracy and extent to which the individual is held accountable for his/her work and decisions.

Q: How does a candidate prove their professional level of work?

A: If requested, by the HR Certification Institute, the candidate would be required to provide details on their work experiences.

Q: How is "global HR experience" defined?

A: Global HR experience is defined as having direct cross-border HR responsibility for two or more countries or regions. An applicant who works for a company that operates in two or more countries but who does not have hands-on HR responsibility for at least two of those countries would not be eligible to sit for the exam.

Q: Who will be most affected by the new eligibility requirements?

A: Prospective GPHR certificants
o Those who were able to sit for the GPHR exam without demonstrated exempt-level experience in global HR will not be able to sit for the exam beginning 2011.
Students and select universities
o Students will no longer be eligible to sit for the exams unless they have the required level of experience. Students must meet the same requirements as non-students and have the required years of demonstrated experience required for their level of education.
Current certificants who wish to recertify by exam
o One can recertify by examination in 2011 or after but must qualify to sit for the exam under the new eligibility requirements even if they were eligible to sit for the exam under current eligibility requirements. Certificants who do not meet the new eligibility requirements are strongly urged to recertify through continuing education activities.

Q: How will the new eligibility requirements impact prospective HR applicants?

A: The new eligibility requirements call for increased years of experience and education level and, for the GPHR exam applicants, global HR experience. Therefore, the new requirements may change when one would be eligible to sit for one of the exams.

Q: How will the new eligibility requirements impact students?

A: When the new requirements go into effect, students will not be eligible to sit for the exams until they have the required level of demonstrated exempt level work experience for their level of education.

Q: I have an Associate’s degree. How much work experience do I need to qualify for the PHR, SPHR or GPHR?

A: You will need to have the following years of work experience if you have an Associates degree:

PHR: Minimum of four years of demonstrated exempt-level HR experience.
SPHR: Minimum of seven years of demonstrated exempt-level HR experience.
GPHR: Minimum of four years of demonstrated exempt-level HR experience of which a minimum of years must of demonstrated global HR experience.

Q: My Bachelors (or Masters) degree is not in HR, does that matter?

A: No, the degree requirements do not stipulate a specific area of study. However, because the exams are both experienced and knowledge based, your specific area of study can make a difference in your exam performance.

Q. Does it matter how long ago I received my college degree?

A: No. The age of your college degree does not matter. You just need to have the required years of work experience required with your degree type.

Q: I am interested in taking the California certification exam. What are the eligibility requirements for that certification?

A: To be eligible for the California certification you must already be certified as a PHR or SPHR.

Q: What should those considering certification do with this information?

A: The HR Certification Institute recommends that you evaluate the new eligibility requirements and make a decision of when and which certification exam to take based on your own circumstances. Obtaining and maintaining HR certification demonstrates a career-long commitment and gives HR professional a competitive advantage in the job market. Also, share this information with others that are considering earning their HR credentials.

Q: Where can people go for more information?

RECERTIFCATION FAQ’S

Q: How will the new eligibility requirements impact current certificants with a certification cycle end date 2011 and after?

A: Those who are currently certified and will be due to recertify in 2011 or beyond may be affected by the eligibility change if they plan to recertify by examination in 2011 or later. To recertify by exam after the eligibility requirements change, you must meet the new requirements to be eligible. Certificants who do not meet the new eligibility requirements are strongly urged to recertify through continuing education activities.

Q: Can certificants still recertify by retaking the exam?

A: Current certificants can still recertify by examination. However, even if certificants were eligible to sit for the exam under current eligibility requirements they will not be able to retake the exam if they are not eligible under the new eligibility requirements starting in 2011. Strongly encourage certificants to recertify through continuing education activities.