Discover the Senior Professional in Human Resources certification, what it entails, eligibility requirements, and how getting certified can advance your career.
SPHR stands for Senior Professional in Human Resources and refers to a professional certification administered by the Human Resources Certification Institute (HRCI). As one of HRCI’s eight certifications, the SPHR validates the knowledge and skills of HR professionals. More specifically, the exam demonstrates mastery of the strategic and policy-making aspects of HR and is geared towards HR professionals who plan rather than implement policy.
Getting the SPHR certification can benefit you in several ways, including:
Building your confidence and authority in HR
Keeping your HR knowledge current
Qualifying for advanced HR roles, such as HR Manager, Senior People Manager, or HR Director
Earning a higher salary
Some basic information about the exam is as follows:
Cost: 495 USD for the exam, application fee of 100 USD
Availability: You can take the exam year-round at a Pearson VUE testing centre or remotely using OnVUE, an online testing programme
How long certification lasts: Three years
Staying certified: Earn 60 recertification credits over three years (including 15 business and 45 HR credits) or retake the exam
Continue reading to learn what the SPHR exam covers and how to determine whether you should take it.
The SPHR exam takes two hours and thirty minutes (plus thirty minutes of administration time) and consists of 115 and 25 pretest questions. Question types include multiple-choice, fill-in-the-blank, drag-and-drop, and scenario questions. They test your HR knowledge and ability to apply principles to solve real-world problems and combine different elements or approaches to solve complex problems.
The exam covers the following functional areas:
Leadership and strategy (33 percent): Taking charge of the HR function by formulating HR strategies, risk oversight, and shaping people management practices
Talent management (23 percent): Crafting talent management programmes and initiatives that facilitate a high-performing workforce
Workforce planning and talent acquisition (17 percent): forecasting organisational talent needs and developing strategies to attract and engage talent
Total rewards (17 percent): Formulating compelling compensation and benefits strategies that draw in and retain talent following organisational strategy and culture
HR information management, safety, and security (10 percent): Identifying the necessary tools, technology, and systems to report on organisational strategy while also overseeing employee safety and security
To pass the SPHR exam, you must earn a scaled score of at least 500 out of 700.
Now that you know what the SPHR includes, your next step is determining whether you should take the exam. Look for these three signs:
To be eligible to take the exam, you must meet one of the following sets of requirements:
Four years of professional HR experience and a master’s degree or higher
Five years of professional HR experience and a bachelor’s degree
Seven years of professional HR experience with less than a high school diploma or equivalent
HRCI’s Certification Policies and Procedures Handbook defines professional experience as
Having decision-making authority
Using independent judgement when performing duties
Experience in roles requiring data collection and analysis
Experience interacting with people at multiple levels
Individual accountability for results
The PHR® (Professional in Human Resources) is a similar certification, testifying to your mastery of the technical and operational aspects of HR management. To be eligible, you must meet one of the following requirements: one year of HR experience and a master’s degree or higher, two years of HR experience and a bachelor’s degree, or four years of HR experience.
You would mainly implement existing policies in an entry-level or individual contributor position in HR. An SPHR certification shows you can plan policies and strategies impacting the organisation.
With the certification (and the experience and education required to take it), you may be able to qualify for more advanced HR roles. When exploring advanced roles in HR, you may find that some employers require having the SPHR certification or list it as a desired credential. Getting certified can increase the number of career opportunities available to you.
To take the SPHR exam, you must apply through HRCI, read the handbook, and schedule your exam within six months of approval. The HRCI also offers preparation materials so you can confidently walk into your exam.
If you're considering getting certified, online courses can be a great way to build HR skills and knowledge before taking the SPHR exam. For example, on Coursera, you can complete the University of Minnesota's Human Resource Management: HR for People Managers Specialisation, which equips learners with a deeper understanding of what works in the workplace. It includes a best practices toolkit for hiring, managing, and rewarding employees.
In Macquarie University's Leading: Human Resource Management and Leadership Specialisation, you'll learn how to motivate staff with meaningful work, better deliver on your organisation's strategic objectives, use teamwork to innovate, and strengthen your personal leadership skills.
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This content has been made available for informational purposes only. Learners are advised to conduct additional research to ensure that courses and other credentials pursued meet their personal, professional, and financial goals.