Professional in Human Resources (PHR)
The PHR Certification is awarded by the HR Certification Institute to those individuals who have mastered the body of knowledge of human resource management. By earning this certificate, you assure employers of your qualification and worth.
A requirement of two years of exempt-level professional human resource management experience is needed for eligibility to take the exam. College graduates less than 12 months from graduation may also qualify to take the exam, but only until the end of 2010.
Beginning 2011, the HR Certification Institute will implement the two year exempt-level experience requirement. Once certified, the acronym PHR may be used after their name.
PHR Exam Structure
The four hour long exam consists of 225 multiple choice questions. Topics covered are the following:
Strategic Management Workforce Planning and Employment Human Resource Development Total Rewards Employee and Labor Relations Risk Management A score of 500 must be met to earn certification.
PHR Exam Study GuideA sound study guide is essential in preparing yourself to take the PHR exam, which is stringent in nature. Even experienced human resource professionals struggle with this exam. A well structured study guide that covers all possible topics, and provides you with sample questions and scenarios is a necessity to start and end the four hour long exam with confidence.
Senior Professional in Human Resources ExamThe Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR) Exam builds upon the technical and operational skills of the standard PHR exam, and focuses mainly on strategic planning and policy decisions.
Only a little over half get to pass the exam every time, and attach the acronym ‘SPHR after their names, due to its exceptional stringency. It is a requirement to have passed the PHR exam, and meet the necessary academic and professional qualifications to take the exam.
SPHR Exam Structure
This 4-hour exam has a total of 225 multiple choice questions, only 200 of those are used to compute the finals score. The exam is divided into the following sections:
Strategic Management Workforce Planning and Employment Human Resource Development Compensation and Benefits Employee and Labor Relations Risk Management and Occupational Health, Safety and Security. SPHR Exam Study Guide
A good study program that fully covers all essential topics is a must, even for the experienced ones. A good study guide may ensure that you are able to identify any weak areas and work on them before even taking this difficult exam.
