PHR/SPHR Certification

Data based on Jan 2011

Facts about certifications 119,327 certified

pros by HRCI 67,186 certified PHR 48,832 certified

SPHR Pass grade is 500 out

of 700 The exam is held

twice a year May-June Dec.-Jan

Exam Testing Period

PHR Pass Rate

SPHR Pass Rate

May-June 2008 

60% 54%

December 2008-January 2009 

59%   54%  

May-June 2009 

59% 52%

December 2009-January 2010 

60%  53%

May-June 2010                

56% 50%

December 2010-January 2011 

57% 52%

May-June 2011

59% 48%

Why it is important

Credibility and proof of knowledge and skill in the field

Exam is developed based on thorough research of the skills needed for HR pros

Addresses the lack of academic HR programs in Jordan

Widens the scope as it covers all aspects of HR. Better job opportunities (employers in Jordan

are more aware of the certifications now) Encourages continuous professional

development

How does the exam look like 175 multiple choice questions (4 possible

answers) 150 scored questions 25 pretest questions randomly distributed

throughout the exam Generalist in nature (all HR areas) and based

on US federal laws. Two exams available, based on your level of

experience.

How does the exam look like PHR exam for operational/technical level SPHR exam questions tend to be more at the

strategic and/or policy level Duration: 3 hours Location: Amideast Below are guidelines to decide which exam is

more suitable to you.

How the exam is developed?

writing

• Question development (By item writing panel)• Questions sent to professional testing

organization

approval

• Questions reviewed (By item review panel)

pretest

• New approved questions appear in exams• Not marked, to ensure statistical reliability

success

• Successful questions enter the test bank• Min of 100 new questions enter the bank yearly

Exam content The content of the exam covers the six areas

identified in the HR BOK. The number of questions of each area differs

depending on the exam level.

PHR vs SPHR- RolesSPHR PHR

Designs and plans HR programs vs. implementation

Focuses on program implementation vs. creation

Focuses on big picture Has tactical/logistical orientation

Uses judgment obtained with time and application of knowledge; has depth and breadth of knowledge in all HR disciplines

Has a solid foundation in functional areas of HR without depth and breadth of a senior HR professional

Has ultimate accountability in the HR department

Responsibilities focus on the HR department rather than the whole organization

Understands the business beyond the HR function and influences the overall

organization

Has not yet had progressive and increasingly complicated HR work experience

PHR vs SPHR- RequirementsSPHR PHR

4 years of demonstrated professional (exempt-level)

HR experience with a master’s degree or higher

1 year of demonstrated professional (exempt-level)

HR experience with a master’s degree or higher

5 years of demonstrated professional (exempt-level)

HR experience with a bachelor’s degree

2 years of demonstrated professional (exempt-level)

HR experience with a bachelor’s degree

7 years of demonstrated professional (exempt-level)

HR experience with less than a bachelor’s degree

4 years of demonstrated professional (exempt-level)

HR experience with less than a bachelor’s degree

Exam areas and weights

SPHR PHR Module

30% 11% Business Management & Strategy

17% 24% Workforce Planning and Employment

19% 18% Human Resource Development

13% 19% Compensation & Benefits

14% 20% Employee and Labor Relations

7% 8% Risk Management

Applying for the exam Read thoroughly 2013certification policies and

procedures handbook. Go to www.hrci.org to begin the process. Register before March, 9 to avoid paying late

registration fee. You can register up to April 13, but $75 late

fee applies. Exams are held from May 1 to June 30

Applying for the exam Exam fees (late fee not included)

$300 for PHR exam $425 for the SPHR exam

Best paid through credit card due to time constraints.