Category: HR Certification

Start Your Career In HR Field With PHR & SPHR Certs

The question that is most prominent for the people seeking career in the HR field is, whether they need a certification or a degree. The answer to this question is becoming more complex. You will want to know that no kind of certification is required to work in the field of Human Resources. Keep in mind, going forward with your career, that you will be competing in the job market with people who have earned these certifications. They will be valued in the job market depending upon the company’s requirements. However, Human Resources professionals are seeking certification as a Professional in Human Resources (PHR) or Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR) through the HR Certification Institute (HRCI). Therefore, the need of certification increases here. One should prepare for the cert exams. uCertify offers PHR/SPHR Professional in Human Resources Certification course for both the cert exams. This is a complete cert guide that covers all the domains of HRCI PHR-SPHR certification exam. The course covers the following exam topics:

  • Risk Management
  • Compensation and Benefits
  • Employee and Labor Relations
  • Human Resource Development
  • Business Management and Strategy
  • Workforce Planning and Employment

About The SPFR-HR-2020 Exam

The HRCI PHR and SPHR certification are industry-recognized credential designed for human resource professionals who are involved in the understanding of the fundamental knowledge, that is needed for effective HR management. The objectives of both the certifications are similar just the relevance of the objectives are different. PHR exam objectives are as follows:

  • Risk Management (8%)
  • Compensation and Benefits (19%)
  • Employee and Labor Relations (20%)
  • Human Resource Development (18%)
  • Business Management and Strategy (11%)
  • Workforce Planning and Employment (24%)

SPHR exam objectives:

  • Risk Management (7%)
  • Compensation and Benefits (13%)
  • Employee and Labor Relations (14%)
  • Human Resource Development (19%)
  • Business Management and Strategy (30%)
  • Workforce Planning and Employment (17%)

So, start preparing for the HRCI PHR/SPHR cert exams with the uCertify study guide that fulfills all your requirements.

Everything You Need to Know About SPHR Certification

Human resources management acquires, motivates and maintains a company’s workforce. Professionals who display a mastery of strategic and policy-making aspects of human resources may be candidates for SPHR certification. Professional experience and knowledge in areas like planning policies, HR disciplines and business issues beyond the HR office are vital. The SPHR credential creates job opportunities and is recognized for the value it indicates. In this article, we explain how to earn an SPHR certification.

What is the SPHR certification?

The Senior Professional in Human Resources certification is a respected credential that indicates a professional has obtained theoretical knowledge and demonstrates mastery in their field. The SPHR certification is awarded by the Human Resources Certification Institute when professionals meet certain criteria to qualify for the distinction.

The exam is primarily based on experience and tests in several different human resources areas to assess a candidate’s knowledge and command of their field. SPHR certification is good for three years, and during that time, certificate holders can accumulate learning credits to qualify for recertification.

Related: Human Resources: Definitions and How it Works

What are the SPHR exam requirements?

The requirements to qualify for the SPHR exam are a combination of work and educational experience. Individuals who accumulate the required amount of professional-level experience and who demonstrate a command of their role are qualified to take the SPHR exam. Professional-level experience is defined through various HR areas to demonstrate skill and knowledge, including:

  • Uses independent judgment when performing duties related to the job
  • Exhibits authority in the decision-making process
  • Specialized HR knowledge
  • Experience in data gathering, analysis, and interpretation of data and results
  • Varied interaction with a broad range of individuals, including key personnel
  • Takes accountability for results

In addition to HR experience, education levels and acquired degrees can reduce the years of experience needed to qualify for the SPHR exam:

  • If you hold a master’s degree, you need four years of human resources professional-level experience.
  • If you hold a bachelor’s degree, you need five years of human resources professional-level experience.
  • If you hold a high school diploma or GED certificate, you need seven years of human resources professional-level experience.

Things to know before the exam

Obtaining the SPHR certification requires the combination of a degree and experience outlined above. Once qualified, candidates must submit an application, schedule testing at a testing center and successfully pass a three-hour exam.

Candidates first create an account on the HRCI website, then they choose the SPHR exam and provide eligibility qualifications. At this stage, candidates will have the opportunity to add any learning or practice materials. You will affirm you have read the HRCI Certification Handbook, agree to policies and provisions, and then submit the application with your payment. After the application is submitted, candidates may schedule the exam within six months of the date they are approved to test by HRCIs testing partners.

Candidates pay an application fee of $100 and a testing fee of $495. Candidates can opt to add protection in the event they have to retake the exam. HRCIs Second Chance Insurance allows a retake of the test for $250 instead of $495. Keep in mind that the Second Chance Insurance option must be added at the time of application and cannot be added once the application has been submitted.

How to prepare for the SPHR exam

The SPHR exam covers a wide range of human resources job functions and responsibilities. The exam aims to test knowledge and expertise in the human resources realm, especially those related to strategic HR planning and policy-making. The exam consists of 25 pretest questions and 150 scored multiple-choice questions. The exam takes approximately three hours and is held at an authorized testing center. SPHR exams are held throughout the year, and candidates can find testing centers through the HRCI website. Exams are scored on a scale of 100 to 700, and a score of 500 is needed to pass. You make also get yourself enrolled with uCertify SPHR course that will help you pass your exam in one attempt.

Topics covered in the exam vary across a range of subjects, with some areas commanding more test questions than others:

  1. Leadership and strategy
  2. Talent planning and acquisition
  3. Learning and development
  4. Total rewards
  5. Employee relations and management

1.Leadership and strategy

This relates to HR leadership in the form of contributions to organizational strategy and the development of HR strategy. This area tests understanding of how to monitor risk and develop strategies related to the influence of people management. This topic accounts for 40% of the exam content.

2. Talent planning and acquisition

This area tests the candidate’s ability to forecast talent needs and the development of strategies to draw new talent to the company. This topic covers 16% of the exam content.

3. Learning and development

Candidates demonstrate their ability to develop training to increase employee effectiveness along with employee retention strategies. This topic accounts for 12% of the exam content.

4. Total rewards

Candidates are tested on understanding the effectiveness of compensation, including bonuses and incentives. Candidates demonstrate their understanding of strategies designed to attract, reward and retain talent. This topic accounts for 12% of the exam content.

5. Employee relations and engagement

Candidates are tested on their knowledge and understanding of strategies that impact employee satisfaction and performance. These areas include diversity and inclusion, safety, security and labor strategies. This topic is covered in 20% of the exam content.

HRCI offers training and study materials that can be bundled for self-study and exam prep. Some bundles include the cost of the application and exam, or you can choose from individual practice exams or specific study modules.

Tips to make exam day successful

When its time to take the exam, prepare yourself for success by taking a few simple measures:

  • Study and take practice exams in the weeks leading up to exam day
  • Limit studying the night before the exam to rest your brain and absorb the material
  • Get a good night’s sleep the night before
  • Eat a healthy breakfast and dress comfortably
  • Know the exam start time and plan to arrive early

How to recertify your SPHR credential

Professionals who have successfully passed the SPHR exam are required to continue learning to show their commitment to continued competence. The SPHR certification is good for three years. During that time, certificate holders are required to earn 60 qualification credits over a three-year period or retake the exam to recertify. Of the 60 credits required, 15 must be specific to business management and strategy.

You can earn credits in several ways:

  • Experience on the job: Implement new programs, volunteer your HR expertise or conduct HR research.
  • Attend conferences and seminars: Report the time spent attending continuing education conferences or seminars.
  • Take online courses through HRCI: The Human Resources Certification Institute offers courses that fulfill the credit requirement for recertification.

The SPHR certification is a valued credential that recognizes a commitment to HR excellence. Earning an SPHR certification takes time and diligence to achieve and maintain. Propel your career forward with this trusted, respected certification in human resources management.