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Human Resource Certification Institute (HRCI)

By Nick Barney

What is the Human Resource Certification Institute (HRCI)?

Human Resource Certification Institute (HRCI) is a U.S.-based credentialing organization offering certifications to HR generalists, administrators and managers. The certifications are awarded upon successful completion of competency exams that cover human resource management (HRM) practices, policies and principles. Human resource professionals seek HRCI certifications to boost career opportunities, professional credibility, and compensation and benefits.

HRCI exam content varies by the professional certification type. Each exam is designed to demonstrate mastery and real-world application of HR practices, policies and principles. Exams are accredited by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies. HRCI certifications must be renewed every three years.

HRCI certifications

There are numerous HRCI certifications. The most popular include the following:

• Associate Professional in Human Resources. The aPHR is an entry-level certification designed for people who are new to HR in the United States. This certification doesn't require a degree or prior work experience.
• Associate Professional in Human Resources-International. The aPHRI certifies individuals who have successfully demonstrated HR foundational knowledge. This certification doesn't require a degree or prior work experience.
• Senior Professional in Human Resources. The SPHR certifies that an individual demonstrates mastery of the strategic and policy-making aspects of HR management as practiced in the U.S. This certification requires a degree plus work experience.
• Senior Professional in Human Resources-International. The SPHRi certifies competency and mastery of generally accepted HR principles in strategy, policy development and service delivery on an international level. This certification requires a degree plus work experience.
• Professional in Human Resources. The PHR certifies mastery of the technical and operational aspects of HR management, including U.S. laws and regulations. This certification requires a degree plus work experience.
• Global Professional in Human Resources. The GPHR certifies expertise in multinational HR responsibilities. This certification requires a degree plus work experience.
• Professional in Human Resources-California. The PHRca certifies mastery of the laws, regulations and HR management practices unique to the state of California. This certification requires a degree plus work experience.
• Professional in Human Resources-International. The PHRi certifies mastery of the technical and operational aspects of HR practices, regardless of geographic region. This certification requires a degree plus work experience.

HRCI certification process

There are seven steps to the HRCI certification process:

1. Create an HRCI account.
2. Review education and career requirements.
3. Choose appropriate certification programs and apply for them.
4. Review HRCI exam content outlines.
5. Take exam practice tests.
6. Pay application and exam fees.
7. Schedule a test appointment within 120 days at a Pearson VUE testing location. Official test results are available within 24-48 hours.

How to prepare for HRCI certifications

The HRCI Body of Knowledge outlines the competencies and areas of knowledge required for the institute's certification exams. The institute offers other preparation materials, including study guides, practice exams and online courses.

HR professionals might also consider mastering important technical skills as part of their preparation for certification. Various accredited training providers offer courses on specific skills and to prep for specific exams.

How to maintain HRCI certification

Renewal or recertification of HRCI certifications is required every three years to retain the credentials. To obtain recertification, HR professionals must either retake the certification exam or earn 60 HR-related professional development training credits from HRCI-approved providers.

HRCI awards one recertification credit hour for every hour of session time. Accepted training includes continuing education units, continuing legal education, college and university courses, conferences and seminars, video conferences, audiotapes, webinars, podcasts and e-learning courses.

HRCI recertification credits can also be earned by achieving professional milestones, such as implementing new HR programs or conducting research. HR professionals must ensure that all such activities are HR-related and align with the HRCI Exam Content Online. For activities that HRCI hasn't preapproved, applicants might have to justify their relevance to HR responsibilities. It's also important to record these activities promptly in one's HRCI profile to streamline the recertification process.

Certificate holders must include one ethics-themed activity in their recertification credits. For those with surplus credits, HRCI offers the option to carry them over to the next certification cycle. Failure to meet recertification requirements within the specified time frame results in suspension and, eventually, expiration of the credential.

Benefits of HRCI certifications

HRCI certifications offer numerous benefits to candidates looking to become HR professionals. The key benefits include the following:

• Career advancement. HRCI certifications enhance HR career opportunities. Certifications such as PHR or SPHR double a person's chance of promotion within five years of earning certification, according to research done by Payscale, a provider of compensation management software. These credentials also open doors to leadership roles and specialized positions, providing a competitive edge in the HR field.
• Skill enhancement. HR professionals with HRCI certifications acquire essential skills, such as coaching, talent acquisition, talent management, employee relations and effective communication. These are crucial for effective management within HR departments.
• Salary boost. Certifications from HRCI validate an HR professional's skills, leading to higher compensation. Certified individuals experience a pay boost of nearly 32% compared to uncertified peers, according to Payscale.

HRCI vs. Society for HR Management certifications

The Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) offers two competency-based HR certifications, the SHRM Certified Professional (SHRM-CP) and the SHRM Senior Certified Professional (SHRM-SCP).

While the HR Certification Institute fees vary by certification type, SHRM-CP and SHRM-SCP are priced at $300 for SHRM members and $400 for nonmembers. Professionals must recertify SHRM certifications every three years by earning 60 SHRM credits.

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