2010-certification-handbook-pdf.pdf

HR CeRtifiCation institute

2013 Certification Policies and Procedures HandbookPHR sPHR GPHR PHR-Ca sPHR-Ca

table of ContentsMessage from the HR Certification Institutes Chairman of the Board of Directors and the Executive Director: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4

Accreditation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5

Certification Exams . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5

Exam Delivery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5

Nondiscrimination Statement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5

QuiCK RefeRenCe . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6HR Certification Institute: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6

Prometric . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6

2013 CeRtifiCation PoliCies and PRoCeduRes HandbooKeXaM PeRiods, aPPliCation deadlines and fees . . . 7

Testing Dates and Application Deadlines . . . . . . . . . . . .7

How to Apply and Schedule Your HR Certification Exam . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8

PHR eliGibilitY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

sPHR eliGibilitY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

GPHR eliGibilitY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

PHR-Ca / sPHR-Ca eliGibilitY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

CeRtifiCation oVeRVieWWHat is CeRtifiCation? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

Components of Professional Certification Programs .10

Why Earn a Credential? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10

Choosing the Appropriate Exam . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11

Profile of a Candidate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11

eXaM oVeRVieW . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12Pretest Questions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12

PHR and SPHR Exams . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12

GPHR Exam . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13

PHR-CA/SPHR-CA Exam . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13

How the Exams Are Developed . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14

Passing Score . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14

aPPlYinG foR an eXaMeliGibilitY ReQuiReMents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

Apply and Schedule Early . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15

Terms and Conditions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15

Application Confirmation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15

Application Review . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15

Your Authorization to Test Letter (ATT) . . . . . . . . . . .15

Address Changes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15

Name Corrections and Name Changes . . . . . . . . . . . . .16

Additional Forms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16

Application Submission Deadlines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16

Exempt-Level (Professional) HR Work Experience . .16

If Your Job Title Is Not Listed on the Application . . . .16

Documenting Work Experience . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17

Exam Application Audit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17

Special Accommodation Requests . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17

Payment Methods . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17

sPeCial seRViCe fees . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17Exam Type Change . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17

Review of Exam Score . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18

Duplicate Score Report . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18

After Applying For the Exam . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18

Application Status Categories . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19

Appeal Process . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19

Exam Eligibility Appeal Decision . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19

Disciplinary and Certification Action/Appeals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20

eXaM test CenteRs and aPPointMent sCHedulinG . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

Test Center Locations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20

Schedule Early . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20

Exam Scheduling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20

Exam Dates Affected By Severe Weather and Local or National Emergencies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20

eXaM ResCHedules, ResCHedule fee, CanCellations and Refunds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

Rescheduling Process and Fee . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20

To Reschedule Your Exam Appointment: . . . . . . . . . . .21

Exam Appointment Cancellation and Application Withdrawal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21

To Cancel an Exam Appointment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21

Exam Refunds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22

Medical or Personal Emergency Refund . . . . . . . . . . .22

PRePaRinG foR tHe eXaMeXaM PRePaRation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23

HR Certification Institutes Online Glossary of Terms .23

Assessing Your Readiness . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23

PHR, SPHR, GPHR and California Online Assessment Exams . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23

eXaM daY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24Forms of Identification . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24

Presenting Proof of Identity at International Test Centers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24

Middle Initial, Signature, and Photo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24

Hyphenated Names . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25

test CenteR Rules . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25Registration Processes (All Candidates) . . . . . . . . . . .25

Registration Processes (International Candidates) . . .26

Exam Processes (All Candidates) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .26

afteR tHe eXaM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26Exam Scoring and Official Score Reports . . . . . . . . . .26

Understanding the Score Report . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .26

How the Passing Score Was Set . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27

Why Are Scaled Scores Used? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27

Use of the Designation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27

Retaking the Exam . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27

Recertification Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27

Recertification Through Continuing Professional Development . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28

Recertification By Exam . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28

Record Retention . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28

Verification Policy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28

ConfidentialitY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28Examination Results . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28

Application Status . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .29

Credential Verification . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .29

Aggregate Data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .29

HR Certification Institute Database . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .29

aPPendiX aPHR and sPHR bodY of KnoWledGe . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30

aPPendiX bGPHR bodY of KnoWledGe . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37

aPPendiX CCalifoRnia bodY of KnoWledGe . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44

aPPendiX dfoRMs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47

HR Certification Institute Application Audit Process .48

Exam Audit Form . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .49

Exam Eligibility Appeals Form . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .51

Additional Certificate Request Form . . . . . . . . . . . . . .52

Duplicate Score Report Request Form . . . . . . . . . . . . .53

Special Testing Accommodation Request Form . . . . .54

Exam Refund Request Form . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .56

Exam Type Change Form . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .57

Qualifying HR Work Experience Form . . . . . . . . . . . . .58

Review of Exam Score Form . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .60

aPPendiX ePRoMetRiC ReGional ContaCt CenteRs . . . . . . . . . . 62

aPPendiX fCode of etHiCal and PRofessional ResPonsibilitY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63

aPPendiX GHRCi CoMPlaints and disCiPlinaRY PoliCY . . . . . . . 65

MessaGe fRoM tHe HR CeRtif iCat ion inst itutes CHa iRMan of tHe boaRd of diReCtoRs and tHe eXeCutiVe diReCtoR:

Thank you for your interest in attaining professional certification

demonstrating your knowledge and experience in Human

Resources . We appreciate your commitment to promoting the

highest global standards of the HR profession .

The HR Certification Institute developed this Handbook to help

you achieve your professional goals and to provide the information

you need about the different certification options available to you .

It outlines the content knowledge and experience required for

exam eligibility and provides detailed information to guide you

through the entire certification process .

The HR Certification Institute welcomes your questions as you

prepare to earn your credential . We wish you success as you

pursue your HR certification .

hrci.org | HR CeRtifiCation institute 5

tHe HR CeRtifiCation institute The HR Certification Institute was established in 1976 as an internationally recognized certifying organization for the human

resource profession . The Institute has certified more than 125,000 HR professionals worldwide . HR certification represents a

high level of professional achievement valued by employers and organizations in every country .

aCCReditat ionThe HR Certification Institute was accredited by the

National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA) in

2008 . NCCA is an independent, third party organization that

accredits more than 300 programs from 120 organizations

in a variety of industries . Certification programs must

demonstrate compliance with rigorous standards that

represent the best practices in the professional certification

industry to earn and maintain accreditation status . For

more information on NCCA accreditation, visit www .

credentialingexcellence .org .

CeRtif iCat ion eX aMs The HR Certification Institute offers different types of

certification exams for the human resource profession

including:

PHR Professional in Human Resources

PHR-CA Professional in Human

Resources - California

SPHR Senior Professional in Human Resources

SPHR-CA Senior Professional in Human Resources -

California

GPHR Global Professional in Human Resources

HRBPsm* Human Resource Business Professional

HRMPsm* Human Resource Management Professional

* NOTE: the HRBP and HRMP certification exams are not offered in the USA, Alaska or Hawaii .

This booklet provides information about the PHR,

SPHR, GPHR and PHR-CA/ SPHR-CA certification

programs. For detailed information about the HRBP and

HRMP certification exams, please refer to www .hrci .org/

global .

eX aM del iVeRY HR Certification Institute partners with Prometric for exam

delivery . Prometrics full range of test delivery solutions

provides convenient locations, flexible delivery models and

customized programs . They have one of the largest and

most secured test delivery systems in the world . Prometric

tests every day of the week, any week of the year, in

approximately 8,000 individual testing centers in more than

160 countries .

nondisCRiMinat ion stateMentThe HR Certification Institute does not discriminate based

on race, color, national origin, sex, age religion, marital

status, sexual orientation or any other status that is

protected by applicable law .

6 HR CeRtifiCation institute | hrci.org

QuiCK RefeRenCeHR CeRtif iCat ion inst itute: 1800 Duke Street, Alexandria, VA 22314 USA

+1 .703 .535 .6000/866 .898 .4724

Web site: www .hrci .org

For application or test site questions: exams@hrci .org

For refunds: refunds@hrci .org

For login: HRCI_ID@hrci .org

For all other general information: info@hrci .org

Service Hours: Monday to Friday, between 8:30 a .m . and

6:30 p .m . (US Eastern Time)

PRoMetRiC1501 South Clinton Street, Baltimore MD 21224 USA

Web site: www .prometric .com

To schedule, reschedule or cancel an appointment, call

+1 .800 .467 .9582 Monday-Friday, 8:00 a .m . to 8:00 p .m .

Eastern Time (closed during US holidays) .

To report any problems that occur during your testing

experience, call +1 .800 .853 .6769 .

For test site closure information:

http://www .prometric .com/sitestatus/default .htm

For general information:

http://www .prometric .com/TestTakers/ContactUs/email .htm

For test site issues:

http://www .prometric .com/TestTakers/ContactUs/

complaintform .htm

2013 CeRtifiCation PoliCies and PRoCeduRes HandbooKThis handbook contains complete information about

the Professional in Human Resources (PHR), the Senior

Professional in Human Resources (SPHR), the Global

Professional in Human Resources (GPHR) and the California

certification (PHR-CA/ SPHR-CA) exams . It outlines the

eligibility requirements, exam content, application and

testing process . Certification candidates must follow all

procedures and deadlines in this handbook . Please contact

the HR Certification Institute with additional questions .


eXaM PeRiods, aPPliCation deadlines and fees The HR Certification Institute offers exams during two time periods annually . The chart below outlines the testing dates, the

application deadlines and the fees for each exam . All deadlines are postmark dates . The term postmark date refers to the

Institutes computer system date/time stamp for online applications . Applications will not be accepted after 11:59 p.m.

ET (GMT-5) on the late registration deadline date.

test inG dates and aPPl iCat ion deadl ines

eXaMs testinG dates ReGistRation dates late ReGistRation dates (subject to a 75 usd late fee*)sPRinG

GPHR, PHR-CA & SPHR-CA May 1 May 31, 2013 Jan . 22 Mar . 22, 2013 Mar . 23 Apr . 19, 2013

PHR / SPHR May 1 Jun . 30, 2013 Jan . 22 Mar . 22, 2013 Mar . 23 Apr . 19, 2013

WinteR

GPHR, PHR-CA & SPHR-CA Dec . 1 31, 2013 Jul . 15 Oct 4, 2013 Oct . 5 Nov . 8, 2013

PHR / SPHR Dec . 1, 2013 Jan 31, 2014 Jul . 15 Oct 4, 2013 Oct . 5 Nov . 8, 2013

eX aM fees

NOTE: The exam fee includes a 75 USD nonrefundable administrative fee. Fees are subject to change without notice.

GPHR PHR sPHR PHR-Ca / sPHR-Ca

HR exam pricing 525 USD 400 USD 525 USD 325 USD

Association member pricing** 475 USD 350 USD 475 USD 275 USD

* Applications postmarked during the late registration dates will incur a 75 USD late fee .

** Association Member Pricing is for a person who is a national member of the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) . Exam candidates must provide their current membership number on their application form at the time it is submitted to receive the reduced pricing .


HoW to aPPlY and sCHedule YouR HR CeRtifiCation eXaM

steP 1CReate a PRofile1 . Create your profile from the

login box located on the right side of the web page www .hrci .org .

2 . Click Create Login and choose I am an HR professional and I would like to apply for a certification exam .

3 . Follow the steps from the online services to create your profile .

4 . Enter your first and last name(s) exactly as they appear on your valid government-issued photo identification (ID), such as a drivers license or passport . Do not enter nicknames .

5 . Receive a User ID Number generated by the website . Your last name will be your temporary password . Change this password to a more secure one upon logging into the system .

steP 2subMit aPPl iCat ion1 . Log into your profile .

2 . Click on the link Apply for an Exam/Review Exam App, which is located below your contact information under a list of Action Items .

3 . Choose a certification exam from Exam Application Summary .

4 . Click Apply for Exam to begin the application process .

5 . Review and update your profile when prompted, before clicking on the submit button .

6 . Select the role that applies to you .

7 . List your HR work experience in the Qualifying HR Work Experience section .

8 . Submit the application and

pay the fees .

steP 3CHeCK aPPl iCat ion 1 . Log in to your profile . Click

the link Apply for an Exam/ Review Exam App . Or, check the status of your application by calling the Institute at +1-866 .898 .4724 .

2 . Review your status . If you selected position code 999 or if you need special accommodation, your application status will be Waiting for Documents .

3 . Complete any necessary forms . You have five business days from the date you submit your application to send the following forms: special accommodation form, official job description, and the work experience form . These forms are on our website under the Resources tab . The names of the forms are:

Qualifying Work

Experience Form

Special Testing Accommodations Request Form

4 . Receive your Authorization to Test (ATT) letter . After your application is approved, you will receive an e-mail saying that your ATT Letter is available in your online profile . If your application is not approved, the Institute will notify you by email and your exam fee will be refunded .

5 . If your application is not eligible, we will notify you in an e-mail and refund your exam fee . The application and late fees are nonrefundable .

steP 4sCHedule tHe eX aM 1 . Follow the instructions in

your ATT letter to schedule the exam .

2 . Schedule your exam online as soon as possible at www .prometric .com/hrci or call +1-800-467-9582 . If you need special accommodations, call +1 .800- .967 .1139 . . International candidates may schedule online through Prometric or by contacting their regional testing center .

3 . Reschedule your exam, if necessary . You can only reschedule within the same testing period . Prometric charges an $85 .00 rescheduling fee each time you reschedule . You may change the exam level only once during each testing period. Read the entire policy on our website under the HR Certification tab .

4 . Click on Refunds to request a refund . The refund policy is on our website under the HR

Certification tab .


Candidates must meet one of the exam eligibility requirements from the chart below to be eligible for the exam(s).

NOTE FOR GPHR CANDIDATES: Global HR experience is defined as having direct HR responsibility for more than one country or global region. An applicant who works for a company that operates in two or more countries but who does not have HR responsibility for more than one country is not eligible for the GPHR exam.

PHR eliGibilitY A minimum of 1 year of experience in an exempt-level

(professional) HR position with a masters degree or

higher

OR

A minimum of 2 years of experience in an exempt-level (professional) HR position with a bachelors degree

OR

A minimum of 4 years of experience in an exempt-level (professional) HR position with a high school diploma

sPHR eliGibilitY A minimum of 4 years of experience in an exempt-level

(professional) HR position with a masters degree or

higher

OR

A minimum of 5 years of experience in an exempt-level (professional) HR position with a bachelors degree

OR

A minimum of 7 years of experience in an exempt-level (professional) HR position with a high school diploma

GPHR eliGibilitY A minimum of 2 years of global experience in an exempt-

level (professional) HR position with a masters degree

or higher

OR

A minimum of 3 years of experience (with 2 of the 3 being global HR experience) in an exempt-level

(professional) HR position with a bachelors degree

OR

A minimum of 4 years of experience (with 2 of the 4 being global HR experience) in an exempt-level

(professional) HR position with a high school diploma

PHR-Ca / sPHR-Ca eliGibilitY Needs to be PHR- or SPHR-certified to qualify for the

exam


CeRtifiCation oVeRVieWThis handbook describes the following exams:

Professional in Human Resources (PHR): this exam is designed for HR professionals whose primary responsibilities are

operational rather than strategic . Their focus is on HR

program implementation rather than creation and their

function is primarily within the HR department rather

than organization wide .

senior Professional in Human Resources (sPHR): this exam is designed for HR professionals whose primary

responsibilities involve designing and planning HR

policies and practices . Their decisions have an impact

both within HR and throughout the organization .

Global Professional in Human Resources (GPHR): this exam is designed for HR professionals with HR management

responsibilities in more than one country . They develop

and implement HR strategies dealing with global mobility

and multinational operations .

PHR-Ca and sPHR-Ca: these exams are designed for HR professionals with job responsibilities in the state of

California . Applicants must have a current PHR or SPHR

to qualify (see www .hrci .org for more information) .

The exam focuses on California employment laws and

practices and does not test knowledge already covered

in the PHR or SPHR exam .

Each exam measures a candidates mastery of a specific

HR body of knowledge . See Appendices A, B, & C for

descriptions of the content focus for each exam .

WHat is CeRtifiCation? HR certification is a career-long commitment that

demonstrates a mastery of essential HR knowledge to peers,

employers and the organization . Candidates who earn

certification show they are committed to staying current

in the HR field . Candidates must also show they have the

required education and work experience to be eligible

to apply for the exams . Passing the exam is only one part

of the certification process . Afterwards recertification

requirements ensure that HR professionals continue to

remain knowledgeable and current with changes in the field .

CoMPonents of PRofessional CeRtif iCat ion PRoGRaMs HR Certification Institutes professional certification

programs have several components that differentiate them

from other training or educational programs, sometimes

referred to as certificate programs . Candidates who have

passed these rigorous exams demonstrate the following:

A high level of knowledge and skill through experience and education in the HR field;

A dedication to continued mastery of knowledge and skill through recertification; and

The mark of distinction indicating their credential (letters), such as Norman Fowler, PHR, or Sandra

Brown, SPHR, GPHR .

WHY eaRn a CRedential?Certification provides a respected distinction for HR

professionals who achieve the credential . The advantages of

earning certification include:

Hiring managers often consider an HR applicants professional certifications when making hiring decisions .

A growing number of organizations prefer to employ HR-certified professionals .

Business leaders frequently find HR-certified professionals to be highly motivated, strong performers

who are more knowledgeable of the HR field .

HR professionals report that having a certified HR staff is good for their organizations financial performance .

SOURCE: The Value of HR Certification Around the World study, 2010 (To obtain a copy of the study, please email exams@hrci .org)

Achieving certification validates the individuals professional

knowledge and helps the industry and the organization

become more successful . PHR, SPHR, GPHR, and PHR-

CA/SPHR-CA certifications show that a professional

has mastered the domestic or international HR body of

knowledge and will stay informed of new developments in

the HR field .


The exams are completely voluntary, although some

organizations or employers may have policies that

encourage their employees to earn certification . HR

professionals should decide if attaining HR certification

meets their needs and the needs of their employers .

CHoosinG tHe aPPRoPRiate eX aMCandidates should choose the exam that best represents

their mastery of the HR body of knowledge, as described

in appendices A, B, & C . Having the appropriate exempt-

level (professional) HR work experience and educational

background contributes significantly to success on the

exams .

The HR Certification Institute provides online practice

exams for the PHR, SPHR and GPHR exams . These

assessments help candidates to determine their readiness to

pursue certification . (Note: additional information about the

practice exams and the corresponding fees are found on the

website: http://www .hrci .org/assessmentexam/ .)

You can hold the GPHR with either the PHR or SPHR .

However, you cannot hold the PHR with the SPHR .

PRofile of a CandidateA careful assessment of the individuals skills, knowledge

and responsibilities within the HR field is critical when

deciding which certification to seek . Below are general job

descriptions of candidates who apply for each type of exam .

PHR

The Professional in Human Resources (PHR) certification is

designed for the HR professional who:

Focuses on implementing HR programs;

Handles operational matters;

Reports to another HR professional within the organization;

Has at least one to four years of professional-level work experience, depending on education, handling a wide

range of general HR responsibilities;

Holds a job that focuses on HR department responsibilities rather than on the whole organization;

and

Follows policies and guidelines for decision-making .

Seeks to gain credibility through increasing HR knowledge and experience

sPHR

The Senior Professional in Human Resource (SPHR)

certification is designed for the HR professional who:

Designs and plans programs in addition to implementing programs;

Has authority in the HR department;

Has at least four to seven years of wide-ranging and complex HR experience;

Has extensive HR generalist knowledge;

Can judge complicated situations using HR knowledge acquired over many years;

Understands the business beyond HR and has influence within the overall organization; and

Seeks to strengthen the HR profession and gain credibility through increasing HR knowledge and

experience .

PHR-Ca / sPHR-Ca

The PHR-CA and SPHR-CA are programs are designed

for HR professionals who currently hold the PHR or

SPHR designation and are experts in regulations and legal

mandates specific to California .

The California certification is designed for the HR

professional who:

Is currently certified as a PHR or SPHR .

Practices or has HR responsibility for employees in the state of California .

Understands the unique and complex HR laws and regulations that are specific to the state, and is able to

apply them effectively .


GPHR

The Global Professional in Human Resources (GPHR)

certification is designed for the HR professional who:

Has HR responsibilities for more than one country and handles global mobility .

Understands how to apply HR policies and programs globally .

Establishes HR policies and initiatives that support the organizations global growth and reputation .

Designs organizational programs, processes and tools to achieve worldwide business goals .

Ensures that programs, processes and tools align with competitive practices, the organizations objectives and

legal requirements .

Oversees practices that balance employer needs with employee rights and needs .

Knows the organizations international HR activities .

eXaM oVeRVieWPRetest Quest ions The HR Certification Institute is committed to offering

exams that contain current and relevant content . The

Institute ensures this goal is achieved by reviewing current

questions and developing new ones to reflect changes in the

industry . All of the Institutes exams include new questions

that have not been used on previous versions of the exam .

These items are known as pre-test items . Including

pre-test items allows the Institute to gather valuable data

about the new questions before they are included in the

candidates overall score . The HR Certification Institute

does not identify the pre-test items and scatters them

throughout the exam so that candidates will answer them

with the same care in which they address scored questions .

The pre-test items are not included in the final score .

PHR and sPHR eX aMs The PHR and SPHR exams are based on U .S . federal laws,

regulations and practices . The exams are general in nature,

so they assess all areas of the HR field . PHR questions

test basic knowledge and experience at an operational or

technical level . The SPHR questions test knowledge and

experience at the strategic or policy-making level .

Exam questions relate to the most recently published PHR/

SPHR Body of Knowledge (see Appendix A) . The table

on the below shows the percentages of questions in each

functional area covered in the exams .

Each exam has a total of 175 multiple-choice questions,

which includes 150 scored questions and 25 pretest

questions randomly distributed throughout the exam .

Pretest questions are not counted in the final score .

Each question lists four possible answers . There is only one

correct answer for each question . Candidates have three (3)

hours to complete the exam . Please note that seat time on

the appointment confirmation from Prometric is a reflection

of time needed to occupy the computer and is longer than

the actual exam time to allow for the exam tutorial and

post exam survey .


PHR / sPHR eXaM: funCtional aReas PHR sPHR

Business Management and Strategy 11% 30%

Workforce Planning and Employment 24% 17%

Human Resource Development 18% 19%

Compensation and Benefits 19% 13%

Employee and Labor Relations 20% 14%

Risk Management 8% 7%

GPHR eX aMGPHR exam questions relate to the most recently published

GPHR Body of Knowledge (see Appendix B) . The table

below shows the percentages of questions in each functional

area covered in the exam .

The exam has 165 multiple-choice questions, which includes

140 scored questions and 25 pretest questions randomly

distributed throughout the exam . Pretest questions are not

counted in the final score .

Each question lists four possible answers . There is only one

correct answer for each question . Candidates have three (3)

hours to complete the exam . Please note that seat time on

the appointment confirmation from Prometric is a reflection

of time needed to occupy the computer and is longer than

the actual exam time to allow for the exam tutorial and

post exam survey .

GPHR eXaM funCtional aReas GPHR

Strategic HR Management 26%

Global Talent Acquisition and Mobility 22%

Global Compensation and Benefits 18%

Organizational Effectiveness and

Talent Development22%

Workforce Relations and Risk Management 12%

PHR-Ca /sPHR-Ca eX aMPHR-CA/SPHR-CA exam questions relate to the most

recently published California Body of Knowledge (see

Appendix C) and does not test knowledge already covered

on the PHR or SPHR exam . The table below shows the

percentages of questions in each functional area covered in

the exam .

The exam has 125 multiple-choice questions, which includes

100 scored questions and 25 pretest questions randomly

distributed throughout the exam Pretest questions are not

counted in the final score .

Each question lists four possible answers . There is only

one correct answer for each question . Candidates have

two hours and 15 minutes (2 .25 hrs) to complete the

exam . Please note that seat time on the appointment

confirmation from Prometric is a reflection of time needed

to occupy the computer and is longer than the actual exam

time to allow for the exam tutorial and post exam survey .


PHR-Ca/sPHR-Ca eXaM funCtional aReas (effeCtiVe MaY 2013)

PHR-Ca/sPHR-Ca

Compensation/Wage and Hour 22%

Employment and Employee Relations 46%

Benefits and Leaves of Absence 20%

Health, Safety and Workers Compensation 12%

NOTE REGARDING EMPLOYMENT LAW CHANGES: Employment laws frequently change. HR Certification Institute will test candidates on the current HR laws and regulations that are in effect at the start of each exam period.

HoW tHe eX aMs aRe deVeloPedThe HR Certification Institute follows certification-industry

best practices to create and update all of the exams it offers .

Practicing HR professionals are involved in every step of the

exam development process which is overseen by the testing

organization, Prometric . Following are the steps taken to

develop the exams:

step 1: The exams are based on a body of knowledge, which is created by a small group of practicing HR

professionals and then validated by a much larger

group through a practice analysis study .

step 2: Certified HR professionals write the exam questions (also known as items), based on the body of

knowledge .

step 3: The questions go to another group, the item-review panel, which checks for accuracy and proper coding .

step 4: Approved questions are then pre-tested for reliability .

step 5: Exam forms are created and reviewed by an exam forms-review panel .

step 6: A passing score for each exam form is determined .

PassinG sCoReThe passing score for each exam is at least 500 . The

maximum possible score is 700 . For more information about

scoring, please see Understanding the Score Report and

How the Passing Score Was Set on page 26-27 .


aPPlYinG foR an eXaMeliGibilitY ReQuiReMentsCandidates must meet both HR work experience and

education requirements to qualify for each exam, as

described on pages 8 .

NOTE : if the candidate resides in one of the following countries, additional requirements are required due to the United States trade sanctions: Bosnia, Belarus, Burma/Myanmar, Democratic Republic of Congo, Cuba, Iran, Iraq, Ivory Coast, Kosovo, Lebanon, Liberia, Macedonia, Montenegro, North Korea, Serbia, Somalia, Sudan, Syria and Zimbabwe. This list of countries may change at any time based on United States trade sanctions. You will be notified via email of the next steps after you apply.

YouR aPPliCation

aPPlY and sCHedule eaRlYThe HR Certification Institute contracts with Prometric to

deliver and administer the exams . For more information

about Prometric, see page 2 . The earlier you apply, the

sooner the HR Certification Institute will review your

application and determine if you are eligible . If deemed

eligible, you will receive the Authorization to Test (ATT)

letter . Once you receive your ATT, you will be allowed to

schedule your exam appointment . See Steps to Apply and

Schedule Your Exam on page 7 .

teRMs and Condit ions You must agree to the following statements on the

application form:

1 . Privacy Policy

2 . Code of Ethical and Professional Responsibility

3 . I declare that all of the information that I have provided

on all pages of my application are true and accurate .

I understand that misrepresentation or incorrect

information provided to the HR Certification Institute

may result in disciplinary action, including revocation

of my eligibility or credential .

aPPl iCat ion ConfiRMationYou must provide an active e-mail address in your

application to ensure you receive all communications

from the HR Certification Institute including notifications,

confirmations and reminders . Within 24 hours of processing

payment, you will receive an auto-generated e-mail

confirming receipt of the application . This confirmation

does not indicate that you are eligible to take the exam .

NOTE: Check the junk mail or spam folder if the email confirmation does not appear in the inbox and ensure emails settings accept emails from hrci.org. You may also check your application status in your online account.

aPPl iCat ion ReV ieWYour application may be denied and therefore set to

ineligible for several reasons .

Missing payment

Late application

Incomplete application

Missing documentation

Failure to meet eligibility requirements

The Institute will communicate with you about application

issues and help to resolve them, if possible . If the HR

Certification Institute denies an application because you

did not meet the eligibility requirement or did not submit

sufficient documentation, a 100% refund of the exam will

automatically be made to the original method of payment .

YouR autHoRiZat ion to test letteR (att )You will receive an email indicating that your ATT letter is

available in your online profile within five business days of

your application approval . The ATT letter contains detailed

instructions for scheduling your exam appointment . ATT

letters will be available in your online profile until four

weeks after the end of the exam period .

addRess CHanGesIf your address changes, you must notify the HR

Certification Institute online or call at +1 .866 .898 .4724 . If

you pass the exam, your certificate will be mailed to your


primary address .

naMe CoRReCtions and naMe CHanGesTo correct small errors in your name (for example, an

incorrect middle initial or missing hyphen) as printed on

the confirmation notice or ATT letter, please e-mail the

HR Certification Institute at exams@hrci .org at least five

business days before your exam appointment .

To change your legal name, send the HR Certification

Institute a scanned copy of a notarized document or

government-issued ID at least five business days before your

scheduled exam appointment to exams@hrci .org . The HR Certification Institute retains all copies of documents. Please do not send the original, notarized documents.

For security reasons, you may not make name changes

online after submitting your application .

addit ional foRMsAppendix D provides copies of important forms that you

may need during your application and certification process .

These forms are also available on the HR Certification

Institutes web site at www .hrci .org .

You must include a copy of the summary page printed from

your online application when submitting any of these forms .

You have five business days from when you submit your application to send completed documentation to the HR Certification Institute.

aPPl iCat ion subMission deadl ines The HR Certification Institute exam applications must be

submitted online by the published deadline . Applications

will not be accepted after 11:59 p .m . ET (GMT-5) on the

dates specified on page 6 . You are responsible for meeting

all application deadlines . Complete the online application as

early as possible to avoid delays due to increased web site

traffic around the deadlines .

eXeMPt-leVel (PRofessional) HR WoRK eXPeRienCeYou must be able to demonstrate that your exempt-level

(professional) work experience is in an HR position to

meet the exam eligibility requirements . Exempt-level

(professional) work experience can be demonstrated by

having:

Direct supervision of those who deliver HR services; OR overall accountability for a specific HR function .

Independent decision-making about important matters; and advanced HR knowledge .

If selected for the exam application audit, you must provide

official documentation, such as an official job description,

verifying the required exempt-level (professional) HR work

experience .

All managers and supervisors have some HR responsibilities. However, if HR is not your main responsibility, you are not eligible to take the exams.

In the United States, exempt-level (professional) HR

positions are categorized as:

HR practitioners (those whose job duties are normally found in the typical HR function)

HR educators (those whose main areas of instruction are in the HR field at an accredited institution of higher

learning)

HR researchers (those who focus on research in the HR field)

HR consultants (those who consult primarily in the HR field)

if YouR Job t itle is not l isted on tHe aPPl iCat ionYou must include your exact job title on the application .

Select 999 on the position code if your specific job title

is not listed in the job codes . If you select 999, you must

also submit a completed Qualifying HR Work Experience

Form (see Appendix D) and an official job description as

part of your application . The supporting documentation

must also include the number of years that you have been

working in an exempt-level (professional) HR position . The

required years of HR work experience does not need to be

current or sequential . However, recent experience will be

more helpful for the exam .

To review the list of approved job titles, go to www .hrci .org/

approvedjobtitles .


doCuMentinG WoRK eXPeRienCeAll candidates must complete the Qualifying HR Work

Experience section of the application to document

eligibility . We cannot review or approve an application until

it has been completed and submitted with payment .

eX aM aPPl iCat ion audit The HR Certification Institute conducts random audits

of exam applications . The audit is separate from the application process. This means that you can be chosen for an audit after you receive your ATT letter and after you have scheduled an exam appointment. We will notify you by email if you are chosen for the audit . If selected,

you must complete the Audit Documentation Form

(Appendix D) and submit it with the required documents

which may include proof of your work experience, a copy of

your official job description, or a copy of your educational

transcript . If you cannot provide this information, your

application will be ineligible and you will not be allowed

to test . If ineligible, your exam fees will be refunded, less

the administrative fee of 75 USD and 75 USD late fee, if

applicable .

sPeCial aCCoMModation ReQuestsThe HR Certification Institute complies with the Americans

with Disabilities Act and Title VII of the Civil Rights Act to

accommodate candidates with disabilities who need special

arrangements to take the exams . We will provide reasonable

auxiliary aids and services .

Please note that in some cases, Prometric may not be

able to fulfill special accommodation requests made by

candidates taking an exam outside of the United States

and U .S . territories . Additionally, Prometric will not comply

with the request if the operating conditions, local laws,

or customs make the request unlawful, impossible or

economically unfeasible .

You must request special accommodations when you

complete the application by marking the appropriate box

on the application form and submitting the Special Testing

Accommodation Request Form (Appendix D) . A person

with a professional license or credential must complete

the Documentation of Disability-Related Needs section .

Their description must include the type of disability, an

explanation of past accommodations made for the disability,

and the specific testing accommodations requested .

You must submit the Special Accommodation Testing

Request Form within five days of submitting your

application . Do not schedule an exam appointment before

you have submitted your special accommodation request . If

you submit the request after you have scheduled an exam

appointment, you must cancel that appointment at least

three business days before it is to occur or forfeit all fees .

Once the accommodation has been set up, you will receive a

new ATT letter and may schedule a new appointment .

PaYMent MetHodsThe Institute accepts VISA, MasterCard, American Express,

money order, certified check, cashiers check and company

or organizational check . Checks must be made payable to

the HR Certification Institute . The Institue does not accept

cash, personal checks, or wire transfers .

Please note: The Institute will not review your application until all fees have been received.

Candidates may complete the online application and send

payment via certified check or money order via mail . Include

a photocopy of the application summary page and include

the User ID for candidate with the check . Note: A single

check may be used to pay for multiple candidates . Include

the name and User ID for each candidate with the payment .

sPeCial seRViCe fees The special service fees below are nonrefundable .

eX aM tYPe CHanGe The fee to change the exam type is 50 USD in addition to the difference of the exam +/- 125 USD .

You may opt to change the exam you are scheduled to take

(for example, changing from the PHR to the SPHR) one

time per exam period by following these steps:

1 . Verify eligibility for the new exam type .

2 . Submit the Exam Type Change Form (Appendix D)

to the HR Certification Institute at least 10 business


days before the scheduled exam date . The Institute

may not be able to change exam types if the form

is submitted late . By submission of this form, you

authorize the Institute to cancel the original test date

while processing the change request .

3 . Pay the exam type change fee, 50 USD .

4 . Pay additional fees if changing to a more expensive

exam . If you change to a less expensive exam, the

Institute will refund the difference in fees within

five business days after the change request has been

processed .

5 . Schedule a new exam appointment time, date and

location once the email notification has been received

that a new ATT letter is available .

Note: The HR Certification Institute will not process exam change requests until you have submitted all required fees.

addit ional CeRtif iCate

The fee for an additional certificate is 25 USD .

You may request an additional copy of your certificate

by completing the Additional Certificate Request Form

(Appendix D) . The check must be made payable to the

HR Certification Institute and mailed to the address on the

form . Only current certificants may request an additional

certificate .

ReV ieW of eX aM sCoRe The fee for a review of the exam score is 50 USD .

You may request a review of your exam score within two

months of taking your exam . However, please note that our

exam vendors use quality assurance procedures in their

testing and scoring so it is not likely that your score will

change .

To request a review, complete the Review of Exam Score

Form (Appendix D) and submit the form using the mailing

address on the form . PES will send the results of the review

within seven business days .

duPl iCate sCoRe RePoRtThe fee for a duplicate score report is 50 USD .

You may request a duplicate copy of your examination

results for 50 USD by completing the Duplicate Score

Report Request Form (Appendix D) and submitting it to

Professional Examination Service (PES) . The duplicate

score report is available for six months after the date of

your exam .

afteR aPPlY inG foR tHe eX aM

PRoCessinG tiMe foR aPPliCations and foRMs

tYPe of aPPliCation tiMe it taKes foR PRoCessinG

Application that does not require additional documents 24 hours

Application that requires an official job description and Qualifying Work Experience Form

10 business days

Applications with a Special Accommodation Request Form 10 business days

Application that is selected for audit 10 business days

Exam Type Change Form 5 business days

Cancellation/Refund Request Form 5 business days


aPPl iCat ion status CateGoRies

aPPliCation CateGoRY WHY tHis CateGoRY? neXt stePs ConseQuenCe

Incomplete Your application is missing information OR you didnt pay the fees .

Submit the additional information and/or pay the application fee by the end of the registration period .

The Institute will cancel application if you do not submit additional information and/or pay the fees .

Waiting for Documents

Your application requires additional documentation i .e . Qualifying HR Experience Form to verify eligibility

You have five business days from the application submission date to send additional documentation .

The Institute will cancel application if you do not submit the additional documentation within five business days .

Under Review

Some part of the application needs to be reviewed by the Institute .

Wait for the Institute approval . If selected for the audit, you must complete the Audit Documentation Form and submit the necessary documentation .

The Institute will cancel application if you do not submit the additional documentation within five business days .

Eligible The Institute approves the application .

Wait for the Institute approval . If selected for the audit, you must complete the Audit Documentation Form and submit the necessary documentation .

Ineligible The Institute denies the application .

The Institute will notify you in writing and refund the exam fee . The Institute will not refund the administrative fee or late fee, if applicable

aPPeal PRoCessYou may appeal an eligibility decision in writing to the

HR Certificate Institute Director of Administration &

Client Relations . To make an appeal, complete the Exam

Application Appeal Form (See Appendix D) and pay the 35

USD fee within 10 business days of the application decision .

The appeal must include the following:

The Exam Application Appeal Form and payment .

A detailed letter explaining the nature of the appeal and a description of the additional documentation submitted

to support the claim .

New official documentation such as an updated job description or other required documents .

NOTE: Letters from a supervisor are not acceptable as new official documentation.

eX aM el iGibil it Y aPPeal deCisionThe HR Certification Institutes Director of Administration &

Client Relations will review the appeal and render a decision

via email within 10 business days after the application fee is

processed .

The Institute may deny an application and set it to

ineligible, if any of the following is determined:

The experience fails to meet the eligibility requirements .

The information on the exam application has been falsified .

The work experience or other information on the exam application has been misrepresented .


disCiPl inaRY and CeRtif iCat ion aCt ion/aPPealsAn individual who has already earned a designation may

have it revoked for the same reasons noted above as part

of a disciplinary action in violation of The HR Certification

Institutes Code of Ethical and Professional Responsibility

(See Appendix F) .

eXaM test CenteRs and aPPointMent sCHedulinGtest CenteR loCat ionsThe HR Certification Institute partners with Prometric to

deliver the certification exams . Prometric will notify you of

any changes in the test site availability due to bad weather,

technical issues, or other unscheduled events .

sCHedule eaRlYThe HR Certification Institute encourages you to schedule

your exam appointment date as soon as you receive your

email notification that the ATT letter is available in your

online profile . Scheduling early increases the chance of

receiving the preferred testing date, time and location .

Exam appointment dates at the end of each testing period

may be difficult to obtain due to the increased volume of

test takers during this time .

The HR Certification Institute will only refund you 50

percent of your exam fee if you are unable to schedule an

exam appointment because the test sites are full . Refer to

the Exam Cancellations and Refunds sections of this

handbook for more information .

eX aM sCHedul inGExam appointments may be scheduled online or by phone .

When scheduling an appointment, have the following

information ready:

Your name exactly as it is printed on your ATT letter

Your User ID number as it is listed at the top of your ATT letter Prometric refers to it as an Eligibility ID .

Your daytime phone number

The name of the exam sponsor (HR Certification Institute)

The exam for which you are registered (PHR, SPHR, GPHR, PHR-CA or SPHR-CA)

Your preferred appointment date, time and location . Have one to two alternate dates, times and locations in

case your preferred ones are not available .

Online scheduling is better because it is faster and more

efficient . You must have an e-mail address to schedule

online . To schedule online, visit www .prometric .com/hrci

and click on Schedule a Test .

Note: Candidates scheduling an appointment during the last two days of the exam period must schedule by phone.

Phone scheduling is also available by the appropriate

Regional Contact Center . See Appendix E for more

information about Regional Contact Centers .

Keep the confirmation number Prometric provides after

the appointment is scheduled . This number is different from the User ID number and is required to confirm, reschedule or cancel an appointment.

eX aM dates affeCted bY seVeRe WeatHeR and loCal oR nat ional eMeRGenCiesIf there is severe weather, a local emergency or a national

emergency near the testing center, go to www .prometric .

com/sitestatus for updates on closures or delays, or contact

your Regional Contact Center for international test site

information (Appendix E) . You will not be assessed a

rescheduling fee if Prometric cancels an exam due to severe

weather or a local or national emergency .

eXaM ResCHedules, ResCHedule fee, CanCellations and Refunds

NOTE: You can only reschedule an exam appointment to another date in the same testing period.

ResCHedul inG PRoCess and feeThe HR Certification Institute does not charge a

rescheduling fee to you if you reschedule an exam

appointment before the testing period begins .


If you reschedule your exam appointment after the testing

period begins, you must pay Prometrics nonrefundable fee

of 85 USD each time you change an appointment . You are

not guaranteed a new appointment if you try to reschedule .

You must reschedule your exam appointment at least three

business days before your original appointment or all fees

will be lost .

To reschedule your exam appointment, contact Prometric

at www .prometric .com/hrci or the Regional Contact Center

(Appendix E) .

to ResCHedule YouR eX aM aPPointMent:1 . Go to http://www .prometric .com/HRCI/default .htm

2 . Select Start .

3 . Enter country and state .

4 . Select Reschedule or Cancel an Exam .

5 . Enter Prometrics Confirmation Number and the

first four letters of your last name .

6 . Select the option I want to reschedule my

appointment .

7 . Choose schedule an exam from the applicable test

site location .

8 . Confirm new exam appointment .

9 . A new confirmation will be sent by e-mail with the

new appointment date

You must verify the change with Prometric after rescheduling your appointment. Contact Prometric immediately if you do not receive a confirmation email with the new appointment information.

Call +1 .800 .967 .1137 if you have a special accommodation

request and want to reschedule your appointment .

eX aM aPPointMent CanCellat ion and aPPl iCat ion WitHdRaWal

Note: If you withdraw your exam application, you may not reapply for the same exam in the same registration period. You will need to reapply in the next registration period and pay all applicable fees.

You must cancel your appointment at least three business

days before your exam appointment . Failure to do so within

this timeframe results in a loss of all fees . If you cancel

online, keep a copy of the cancellation notice for your files .

If you cancel your appointment by phone, the Institute

recommends that you also confirm this transaction online at

www .prometric .com/hrci .

to CanCel an eX aM aPPointMent1 . Go to http://www .prometric .com/HRCI/default .htm

2 . Select Start .

3 . Enter country and state, if applicable .

4 . Select Reschedule or Cancel an Exam .

5 . Enter Prometrics Confirmation Number and the first

four letters of your last name .

6 . Select the option I want to cancel my appointment .

7 . Select Yes, I want to cancel my appointment .

8 . Save the Cancellation Summary as proof that you

cancelled the appointment at least three business days

before the exam appointment .

9 . Submit an Exam Refund Request Form to the HR

Certification Institute . You must request a refund by

the last day of the exam period .

10 . Allow 10 days to receive a refund for the eligible

portion of your fees

to WitHdRaW fRoM tHe test inG PeRiod if no aPPointMent

1 . Submit an Exam Refund Request Form to the HR

Certification Institute . You must request a refund

within 30 days of the end of the exam period . If

your request is not received within 30 days, you

are not eligible for a refund .

2 . Allow five business days to receive a refund for the

eligible portion of your fees .

NOTE: It may take up to two billing cycles for a refund to be reflected on a credit card statement.


eX aM Refunds

NOTE: The following fees are nonrefundable: 75 USD administrative fee, 75 USD late fee, 85 USD reschedule fee (if applicable) and any of the special fees. The HR Certification Institute gives refunds in the same method in which they paid.

If you are deemed ineligible by the Institute to take the

exam, you will receive a 100% refund of the exam fee .

If you withdraw your exam application at least three

business days before your exam appointment, you may

receive a partial refund (50 percent) of the exam fee .

If you withdraw your application and did not have an exam

appointment, you may receive a partial refund (50%) of the

exam fee .

If you qualify for an exam fee refund, cancel your exam

appointment, if applicable, request a refund by submitting

a completed Exam Refund Request Form (Appendix D) to

the HR Certification Institute within 30 days of the end of the exam period. If you do not follow these instructions, you forfeit all fees.

You are considered a no show and will not receive a refund

if you:

Arrive more than 15 minutes late for the appointment .

Do not appear for the exam appointment .

Do not have proper identification .

Do not cancel the exam appointment at least three business days before the scheduled exam appointment .

If you do not schedule an exam appointment with Prometric and

do not request a refund within 30 days of the end of the testing

period, you are considered a no-show candidate and will not

receive a refund.

MediCal oR PeRsonal eMeRGenCY Refund If a medical or personal emergency prevents you from

rescheduling or withdrawing from your exam appointment,

you may submit the Exam Refund Request Form (Appendix

D) . You must send the completed form and documentation

to the HR Certification Institute within 30 days of the end

of the testing period to be considered for a refund . The HR

Certification Institute will review each request and inform

the candidate of the decision via email .

WHat is ConsideRed a MediCal oR PeRsonal eMeRGenCY?

A medical or personal emergency is an unplanned event

within 72 hours of the exam appointment that prevents you

from taking the exam . A medical or personal emergency

may apply to candidates themselves or to one of the

candidates immediate family members (as defined by the

Family Medical Leave Act) . Medical events and personal

emergencies that can be anticipated as occurring on or near

the exam date in which candidates can schedule, reschedule

or cancel the exam are not considered medical emergencies .

The Institute will not issue a refund if you miss your exam appointment because you are too busy or are unprepared. Work emergencies are not considered a personal emergency.

tYPe of Refund deadline date Refund aMount

Withdraw application

If no appointment is scheduled or it is at least three business days prior to the exam appointment

50% of the exam fee

Medical or personal emergency if no appointment is missed

Within 30 days of the end of the testing period with official documentation

50% of the exam fee

Medical or personal emergency if appointment is missed

Within 30 days of the end of the testing period with official documentation

Reviewed on case-by-case basis

No-show candidates No refund

Candidates who do not cancel their appointment with Prometric at least three business days before the exam appointment and do not have a medical or personal emergency

No refund

Candidates who do not submit an Exam Refund Request Form within 30 days of the end of the testing period

No refund


PRePaRinG foR tHe eXaMeXaM PRePaRation No two candidates come to the exam with the same

knowledge base as HR experience and educational

background vary . Most candidates spend time studying and

preparing for the exams . The exams measure how well a

candidate can apply their HR knowledge and experience .

Therefore, it is not possible to train for or teach to the

exam by reading certain books or memorizing specific

information .

Before starting a study program, take a few minutes to

review the body of knowledge for each exam (Appendices

AC) . If you feel the need for additional preparation

resources, we have compiled a list of resources . However,

the Institute doesnt require, endorse or recommend any

study course or product . We recommend that you use

multiple reference materials when studying for an exam .

An updated list of the most common study materials for all

exams is listed on our website at www .hrci .org .

HR CeRtif iCat ion inst itutes onl ine GlossaRY of teRMsThe HR Certification Institute has developed a glossary

with hundreds of HR terms that are commonly used by HR

professionals throughout the world . Therefore, the glossary

does not include the terms that are unique to HR practices

in the United States . Each term in the glossary includes a

brief definition . Many of the HR terms appear in the exam

questions as well as in the optional answers . The glossary

will be of greatest benefit to international candidates

However, it is available to all exam applicants by sending a

request to info@hrci .org and including your User ID .

assessinG YouR ReadinessThe HR Certification Institute offers a variety of resources

to help you assess how ready you are to take the exam, and

plan your preparation strategy .

PHR, sPHR , GPHR and Cal ifoRnia onl ine assessMent eX aMs

NOTE: Additional information about the practice exams and fees are found on the website: http://www.hrci.org/assessmentexam/.

The HR Certification Institute offers online assessment

exams for the PHR, SPHR, GPHR, PHR-CA and SPHR-

CA programs . You can take these practice exams before

you submit your application to help you determine if you

are ready to take the exam . The assessments use retired

test questions which expose you to the various types of

questions you will see on the actual exams . They are also a

valuable tool to help you focus your study efforts . You will

receive a diagnostic report outlining your strengths and

weaknesses in each content area that you can use to plan

your study program . The assessment exam will:

Help you determine if you currently have the right experience and knowledge to take the exam;

Show you questions similar to those on the actual certification exam;

Assist you in focusing your study efforts; and

Help you understand the rhythm and pace of the exam .

The HR Certification Institutes assessment exams are the

only ones developed by HR Certification Institute using

actual, retired exam questions .

tHe HR CeRtifiCation institutes PHR and sPHR CeRtifiCation Guide

The certification guide is an excellent resource on how

to prepare for the PHR and SPHR exams . It has exam

content based on the PHR/SPHR Body of Knowledge, exam

review methods, sample exam questions and rationales for

the answers . It also includes a bibliography organized by

functional area and answers to frequently asked questions .

neW in eaRlY 2013: tHe HR CeRtifiCation institutes PHR-Ca and sPHR-Ca CeRtifiCation Guide

The new certification guide is a valuable study tool for HR

professionals with HR responsibilities in California who are

preparing for their California exam . The guide has practice


questions written by the people who write the exam .

Although these questions will never be on the exam, they

are similar to the exam questions . The guide also includes

tips for exam preparation, suggested resources and a

50-question practice exam, including answers and rationales

for the answers .

tHe HR CeRtifiCation institutes GPHR CeRtifiCation Guide

The certification guide is a resource for HR professionals

with global HR responsibilities who are preparing for the

GPHR exam . The guide has practice questions written by

the people who write the exam . Although these questions

will never be on the exam, they are similar to the actual

exam questions . This guide also includes tips for exam

preparation, suggested resources and a 75-question practice

exam, including answers and rationales for the answers .

eXaM daYThe HR Certification Institutes exams are administered in

highly secure testing centers . Only approved candidates are

admitted to the test centers to take the exams . Upon arrival,

candidates must present proof of their identity . Candidates

without a valid, government-issued photo ID must contact

the Institute at least three business days before their exam

appointment to avoid losing all fees paid .

foRMs of ident if iCat ionThe following are acceptable forms of government-issued

identification:

Valid drivers license

Valid military identification card

Valid passport

Valid national identification card

Voters registration card (Puerto Rico test sites only)

You must have proper identification to take the exam . If

your primary ID does not have your photo or signature, you

must show a second ID that contains the information that

is missing . The name on the second ID must be the same as

the name on the first ID .

The following are acceptable forms of secondary identification:

Valid employer identification card

Valid credit card with signature

Valid bank card with photo

The following are not acceptable forms of identification:

Social Security card

Library card

PResentinG PRoof of ident it Y at inteRnat ional test CenteRsAll identification documents must be in Latin characters .

You must have a passport if you are not testing in your own

country . If you are testing in your own country, you must

show one of the following:

Drivers License

Military ID

Passport

National ID

If you are outside of the United States and have questions

about identification to take the exam, please send an email

to exams@hrci .org .

NOTE: If you arrive at the test center without the required identification, you will not be permitted to take the exam and your fees will NOT be refunded.

Middle init ial , s iGnatuRe, and PHotoYou do not have to include your middle initial on your

application . If you include your middle initial, it must match

your ID . If your ID includes your middle name, your middle

name must start with the same letter listed as your middle

initial on your application . Your signature must match the

signature on your ID . You must look like your picture on

your ID .


HYPHenated naMesIf your last name is hyphenated, your ID must match at least

one of the last names . Additionally, your signature must

match the signature on the ID and the picture on the ID

must match the person presenting it .

eXaMPles

naMe on aPPliCation

naMe on id aCCePtable

Jennifer Lincoln-Murphy Jennifer Lincoln Yes

Jennifer Lincoln Jennifer Murphy No

J .P . Smith John P . Smith Yes

John P . Smith Jack Smith No

Jeffrey C . Johnson Jeffrey Charles Johnson Yes

Jeffrey Johnson Jeffrey Charles Johnson Yes

Note: Photo and signature must match the individual presenting them.

test CenteR RulesThe following rules are enforced at all test centers to ensure

a secure, fair and consistent test experience for all test

takers .

Please review the steps on What to Expect located at www.prometric.com/en-us/for-test-takers/Prepare-for-Test-Day/Pages/what-to-expect.aspx so that you are aware of the check-in process at the test site.

NOTE: Prometric cannot provide a completely noise-free and distraction-free test environment. Other exams are administered at the same time as HR Certification Institute exams. You may hear noise, including typing, coughing and people walking. The test center provides background sound, known as white noise, to minimize distracting sounds noises. You can request a noise-reducing headset from Prometric. Also, you can bring disposable earplugs in a sealed package. The exam site administrator will inspect your earplugs before you can enter the testing room.

ReGistRat ion PRoCesses (all Candidates) Arrive at the Prometric Test Center (PTC) at least

30 minutes before your exam time . You must have

a valid, unexpired, government-issued ID with both

your photograph and your signature . If you miss your

appointment or do not have a valid photo ID, you cannot

take the exam and will lose all your fees . If you are late

for your appointment, you may not be admitted to the

test facility .

You will be asked to empty your pockets and turn out your pockets .

You cannot leave the test center or use a mobile device during the test or during a break . Your exam will not

count if you leave the test center or use a mobile

device . Study materials may not be reviewed during the

examination or during any break and will result in the

termination of your examination and your score will be

invalidated .

You cannot look at study materials after you arrive in the test site facility or during a break .

You can store the following in a locker during the test:

Watch

Outerwear/Sweater (unless being worn for the entire exam)

Mobile Device

Medical Supplies (such as inhalers, tissues, eye drops, cough drops)

Food or Drink

Purse/Bag

Hat

You cannot smoke or take a smoke break during the exam .

Religious headwear may be worn into the testing room . It will be inspected by a Test Center Administrator

(TCA) before entry into the testing room is permitted .


ReGistRat ion PRoCesses ( inteRnational Candidates)

You will be scanned in full view of the TCA DVR camera . The scan will be recorded .

You will be scanned each time you enter the test room .

You will be scanned after you empty your pockets .

If you have concerns or complaints about the scan, Prometric will review the recording .

You cannot take the exam if you do not get scanned .

eX aM PRoCesses (all Candidates) Everyone will receive a 15-minute tutorial on the

computer testing technology prior to the exam .

You can submit comments about specific exam items during the exam by following the instructions on the

exam . The HR Certification Institute will review all

comments but will not respond to comments .

You cannot ask questions about exam content .

Exams are monitored and may be recorded as audio and/or video .

NOTE: The HR Certification Institute has the right to cancel any test score obtained in a questionable manner. You cannot disclose, publish, reproduce or transmit any part of the exam, in any form, by any means, verbal or written, for any purpose, without the expressed written permission of the HR Certification Institute. Violation may result in civil or criminal prosecution.

afteR tHe eXaMeX aM sCoRinG and off iCial sCoRe RePoRtsThe HR Certification Institute sends score reports

electronically every two weeks . It is very important that

you keep your email address updated in your online profile .

It may take up to four weeks to receive your official score

report depending on when you take the exam . Please note:

You may have to wait longer for official results if you took

your exam during the first two weeks or the last two weeks

of the exam period due to the high volume of candidates

testing during this time . If you do not receive your official

score report within six weeks of the exam, send an email

to the HR Certification Institute at exams@hrci .org . If you

passed the exam, you will receive your certificate through

the mail around these same timeframes .

You will get unofficial exam results before you leave the

test center . However, you should wait for the official exam

results before publicly announcing your certification status .

To report any problems that occurred during your testing

experience that you feel may have impacted your exam

results, call Prometric +1 .800 .853 .6769 within 72 hours of

taking the exam .

Appeals may be submitted in writing up to (3) business days

after the examination administration . Written appeals must

be submitted with supporting documentation or evidence

to the HR Certificate Institute Director of Administration

& Client Relations . The Director of Administration &

Client Relations will review the appeal request and obtain

additional information from the test site proctor as needed

(irregularity report, etc) . Because of the secure nature

of these examinations, neither HRCI nor Prometric will

disclose examination questions prior to, or after, the

administration . Candidates responses to particular test

questions (correct or not correct) will not be disclosed . The

HR Certification Institutes Director of Administration &

Client Relations will review the appeal and render a decision

via email within 14 business days .

undeRstandinG tHe sCoRe RePoRtOur exam vendors, Prometric and Professional Examination

Service (PES), follow careful procedures to make sure that

the score reports are correct .

The score report informs you if you have passed or failed

the exam . A scaled score of at least 500 is needed to pass .

If you fail, you will receive their individual scaled score

indicating how far away from the passing point you were .

This information may help you understand how to prepare

for a similar version of the exam in the future .

You also receive an explanation of your performance level on

each of the topic areas (domains) covered on the exam . If

you pass the exam, you may use these explanations to guide

future professional development activities . If you failed to

achieve a passing score, you can use the explanations to

guide future study efforts .


You may request a review of your exam score (see page 17) .

However, given the quality control procedures that are in

place, it is unlikely that your score will change .

HoW tHe PassinG sCoRe Was setThe HR Certification Institute does not determine the

passing score arbitrarily . It uses the statistical Angoff

method to decide how many questions the candidate must

answer correctly to pass the exam . The Angoff method is

commonly used to set passing standards in the credentialing

industry .

For each exam, a group of randomly selected HR experts

discusses the qualifications for each certification . The group

also reviews HR tasks covered on the exam, and makes a

recommendation for the standard that a minimally qualified

candidate must meet in order to pass by rating each item .

As an example, an item rated as 50 percent indicates that

the panel expects half of the candidates could answer the

question correctly . This is a more difficult question than one

that is rated as 80 percent . The panel comes to a consensus

on the rating for each question and the overall passing rate

for the exam .

WHY aRe sCaled sCoRes used?The purpose of scaled scores is to report scores for all

candidates consistently and fairly . Using this model,

scores are converted to a common scale to account for the

difference in difficulty on multiple forms (or versions) of an

exam .

There are multiple forms of the exams for security reasons .

As the HR Certification Institute develops new forms, some

questions in each domain (or content area) are replaced .

These changes may cause one version to be slightly more

difficult than another . To account for these differences, the

HR Certification Institute uses a process known as equating .

The goal of equating is to ensure all exams are scored fairly .

The passing point for the exams is set at 500 regardless of

the form of exam the candidate takes .

use of tHe desiGnat ion Individuals who have: (1) met and continue to meet HR

Certification Institutes certification and recertification

standards; (2) have demonstrated the requisite experience

requirements; (3) agreed to abide by the Code of Ethical

and Professional Responsibility are authorized to use

the following certification marks or designations in

communications and marketing materials, depending on

the certification examination successfully taken:

PHR

SPHR

GPHR

PHR - CA

SPHR - CA

eXaMPles:

Correct: John Brown, SPHR

Incorrect:John Brown, Senior Professional in

Human Resources (SPHR)

John Brown, SPHR (Senior

Professional in Human Resources)

John Brown, S .P .H .R .

RetaK inG tHe eX aMIf you do not successfully pass the exam, you must wait

until the next exam period and pay the all applicable fees to

take the exam again .

ReCeRtif iCat ion ReQuiReMentsRecertification is an important part of any respected

certification program and it is required to maintain the

certification after passing the exam . Recertification helps

to ensure the validity and credibility of the HR Certification

Institutes exams by requiring that individuals holding the

certifications remain updated and informed about recent

developments and advances in the HR industry .

If you are certified by the HR Certification Institute, you

must recertify your designation every three years by

completing 60 hours of HR-related continuing professional


development activities or by successfully passing the exam

again . If you do not recertify on time, you may no longer use

your credentials or represent yourself as certified .

If you hold multiple credentials from the HR Certification

Institute, you are required to earn 60 credits in total .

Please note: there may be some specific requirements

for the type of credit the candidate must earn depending

on the credential held . For more information see the HR

Certification Institutes Recertification Handbook

ReCeRtif iCat ion tHRouGH ContinuinG PRofessional deVeloPMentTo maintain their designation, candidates must accumulate

60 hours of HR-related, continuing professional

development credits through a combination of the activities

listed below .

HR education courses or classes, in a classroom or virtual environment

On-the-j