HR Certification Overview

Which exam is right for me?

Congratulations on deciding to add to your HR acumen by getting certified!  But now what?


HR Coach has partnered with the Human Resource Certification Institute (HRCI ® ) by providing exam preparation programs for four of the exams they offer: aPHR®, PHRca®, PHR®, and SPHR®.  Deciding which exam to take is a personal decision; below is general information HRCI has provided to assist you in making the right choice.

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HR Certification Eligibility Requirements by Exam

Understanding eligibility requirements

aPHR®

  • A high school diploma or global equivalent.
  • This is the perfect program for recent college graduates, armed services men and women making the transition to civilian life, or other professionals seeking a career transition into the HR field.

  • A high school diploma or global equivalent.
  • No HR experience is required since this is a knowledge-based credential.

  • A minimum of 1 year of experience in a professional-level HR position with a Master's degree or higher, OR
  • A minimum of 2 years of experience in a professional-level HR position with a Bachelor's degree, OR
  • A minimum of 4 years of experience in a professional-level HR position with less than a Bachelor's degree

  • A minimum of 1 year experience in a professional-level HR position with a Master's degree or higher, OR
  • A minimum of 2 years experience in a professional-level HR position with a Bachelor's degree
  • A minimum of 4 years experience in a professional-level HR position with a high school diploma

  • A minimum of 1 year of professional-level experience in an HR position with a Master's degree or global equivalent, OR
  • A minimum of 2 years of professional-level experience in an HR position with a Bachelor's degree or global equivalent, OR
  • A minimum of 4 years of professional-level experience in an HR position with less than a Bachelor's degree or global equivalent

  • A minimum of 4 years of experience in a professional-level HR position with a Master’s degree or higher, OR
  • A minimum of 5 years of experience in a professional-level HR position with a Bachelor’s degree, OR
  • A minimum of 7 years of experience in a professional-level HR position with less than a Bachelor's degree

  • A minimum of 4 years of professional-level experience in an HR position with a Master's degree or global equivalent, OR
  • A minimum of 5 years of professional-level experience in an HR position with a Bachelor's degree or global equivalent, OR
  • A minimum of 7 years of professional-level experience in an HR position with less than a Bachelor's degree or global equivalent

  • A minimum of 2 years of experience in a professional-level HR position with a Master's degree or higher, OR
  • A minimum of 3 years of experience in a professional-level HR position with a Bachelor's degree, OR
  • A minimum of 4 years of experience in a professional-level HR position with less than a Bachelor's degree