• PHR® (Professional in Human Resources)
• SPHR® (Senior Professional in Human Resources)
• GPHRTM (Global Professional in Human Resources)
• PHR-CA and SPHR-CA (PHR with state certification in California and SPHR with state certification in California)

Certification as a Professional in Human Resources (PHR) or Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR) or Global Professional in Human Resources is the highest recognition that can be obtained through the Society for Human Resource Management in affiliation with The Human Resource Certification Institute (HRCI).  HRCI maintains the nationally recognized standards set by individuals working in the HR profession.  Beyond your experience and education, the PHR or SPHR designation signifies that you have mastered the HR body of knowledge.

The PHR examination is generally appropriate for HR professionals with two to four years of exempt-level HR work experience and the SPHR is appropriate for those with at least six years of exempt-level HR experience.  The PHR exam consists of HR generalist information at the operational/technical level. The SPHR exam addresses HR generalist information at the strategic and policy level. If your responsibilities include developing and implementing global HR strategies, managing operations overseas and international assignment management, the GPHR exam may be for you.

To maintain your valuable PHR, SPHR or GPHR designation, HRCI requires you to recertify every three years. Recertification can be obtained by documenting 60 hours of professional development experience or through recertification by re-examination.  Refer to:  http://www.hrci.org/recertification/ 

The HRCI web site has important information about PHR, SPHR and GPHR certifications.

Go to HRCI's Frequently Asked Questions for many answers you may be seeking.  

2012 Exam Schedule

http://www.hrci.org/certification/examapp/examfee/