HR Certification Overview

Which HR Certification is best for me?

Understanding eligibility requirements

Associate PHR (aPHR®)

The aPHR is for those who are interested in getting into HR, have been in HR for short time, work in HR-related jobs, or just want to learn more about the career.

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.

Associate PHR - International (aPHRi™)

The aPHRi is for those who are working in environments that communicate with or have contacts with international business.

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

Professional in Human Resources - California (PHRca®)

The PHRca is for HR practitioners who manage the function in California. Because California often leads the nation in employee relations and labor laws, anyone that has employees in California should be PHRca certified.

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

Professional in Human Resources (PHR®)

The PHR is the foundation of Human Resources. It covers everything that HR does on a basic day to day level. It is a federal exam that covers a wide breadth of overall Human Resources knowledge.

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

Professional in Human Resources - International (PHRi™)

The PHRi covers the basics in international Human Resources.

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

Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR®)

The SPHR includes the foundational breadth of knowledge plus a large range of strategic and executive requirements such as finance and marketing.

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

Senior Professional in Human Resources International (SPHRi™)

The SPHRi takes a strategic approach to international HR.

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