Professional in Human Resources (PHR) is an industry certification for people working in the human resource management profession. The certification, awarded by the Human Resource Certification Institute (HR Certification Institute), signifies that individuals possess the theoretical knowledge and practical experience in human resource management necessary to pass a rigorous examination demonstrating a mastery of the body of knowledge in the field.[1]
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To be eligible to sit for the PHR exam, an individual must be able to document two years of exempt-level (professional) human resource management experience. However, students or previous college graduates less than 12 months from graduation may also apply, but only through the end of 2010. Starting in 2011, the HR Certification Institute will no longer offer the exam to recent graduates or students who do not possess the required exempt-level work experience. Although two years of exempt-level HR experience is required to sit for the exam, the ideal candidate for this certification is an individual who:[2]
The exams are administered at computer-based testing centers throughout the world. The exams are offered twice a year: May 1 through June 30 and December 1 through January 31.
The exam is knowledge- and experience-based. Candidates are given four hours to answer 225 multiple-choice questions.[2] The test specification are based on the PHR/SPHR Body of Knowledge, which is composed of six functional areas.[3]
The HR Certification Institute does not endorse any one way to prepare or study for the PHR exam. There are several organizations that offer study materials and prep courses to assist individuals in their study efforts.
Organizations that offers certification preparation are the Society for Human Resources Management [4], many universities such as Utah State University [5], and organizations of the like.
Recertification is the cornerstone of any reputable certification program. Certifications differ from certificate programs because certifications, by definition, include a work experience component. Certificate programs, on the other hand, award certificates once a course of study has been completed and do not require previous work experience or recertification. To maintain the PHR credential, those passing the PHR exam must recertify every three years through continuing education activities. Recertifying a certificant's designation demonstrates a commitment to stay abreast of changes taking place in the human resource management field.