PHR and SPHR

SD SHRM Fall 2010 PHR/SPHR Classes

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PHR and SPHR Certification Exams
There are two levels of certification, the Professional in Human Resources (PHR) and the Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR). Both exams are generalist (i.e., they assess all the functional areas of the HR field) but differ in terms of focus and the cognitive level of questions. PHR questions tend to be at an operational/technical level. SPHR questions tend more toward the strategic and/or policy level.

The exams are multiple choice with 200 scoreable questions, as well as 25 pre-test questions randomly distributed throughout the exam. Each exam must be completed within four hours.

Functional Content Area	PHR	SPHR
Strategic Management	12%	26%
Workforce Planning and Employment	26%	16%
Human Resource Development	15%	13%
Compensation and Benefits	20%	16%
Employee and Labor Relations	21%	24%
Occupational Health, Safety, and Security	6%	5%

Which exam should I take?
PHR and SPHR certification is intended for professionals who have at least two years of exempt-level HR work experience. To be eligible to take either exam, candidates must demonstrate that at least 51 percent of their daily activities are within the human resource function.

Exam Level	PHR	SPHR
Minimum required exempt-level HR experience	2 Years	2 Years
Recommended exempt-level HR experience	2-4 Years	6-8 Years

For more information on eligibility, visit www.hrci.org.

What is the cost for each exam?

Exam	SHRM National Members	Non-Members
PHR Examination Fee	$175	$225
PHR Examination Fee as Student/Recent Graduate	$45	N/A
SPHR Examination Fee	$300	$350

In May 2004, HRCI switched to a computer-based exam format that provides exam takers with fast access to their results. HRCI administers two national exams annually during the following testing windows: May 1st through June 30th and December 1st through January 31st. For more information on exam application, please visit www.hrci.org.

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