As Human Resource Professionals progress in their career, many strive for a way to distinguish themselves among their peers or to continue their knowledge. Certification is an excellent way to further either or both of these objectives. The Human Resource profession continues to evolve as human capital becomes more of a competitive edge in today’s environment. There are now two recognized certification tracks through HR Certification Institute and Society for Human Resource Management. These are outlined below:

Eligibility Criteria:

*Less than a Bachelor’s Degree includes: Associate’s Degree; some college; high school or GED.

The SHRM Competency Model identifies eight key Behavioral Competencies: Ethical Practice, Leadership & Navigation, Business Acumen, Relationship Management, Communication, Consultation, Critical Evaluation, and Global & Cultural Effectiveness and one Technical Competency: HR Expertise (HR Knowledge) that are the foundation of successful HR practice. This research led to the development of two new certifications based upon the SHRM Body of Competency and Knowledge (SHRM BoCK ™).

Don’t let these tough economic times stop you from earning recertification credit for your HR certification. Hundreds of FREE or low-cost activities count towards recertification credit. The HR Certification Institute has created a list of these activities that provide you the opportunity to earn your recertification credit hours at little to no expense.

For example, you can earn recertification credit for first-time on-the-job activities, such as design and implement a new performance management system or diversity program; you also earn recertification credit for being a member of a national or international HR-related professional association or society, such as SHRM or ASTD.

To learn more about recertification activities that are affordable and accessible to you, download the HR Certification Institute flier on www.hrci.org –“Low-Cost Tips for Earning Credit Hours.”

Also, don’t miss out on the recertification credits available to you through local SHRM chapter programs and the Wisconsin State SHRM Conference.

Each person holding an HR Certification Institute certification has his or her own online recertification file in which to record continuing education activities. This Online Profile allows you to record your activities as they accumulate. Click here to log into your HR Certification Institute Online Profile. When you have obtained the necessary 60 hours, you may pay for and submit your application online. It is highly recommended that you retain all backup documentation until you receive confirmation of recertified status. More information about the Online Profile and the application process is available on the HRCI website, www.hrci.org.

It is important to remember that if you do not recertify or your recertification application does not meet the established recertification criteria, your certification is considered expired and therefore you are no longer certified. You must cease using the PHR, SPHR or GPHR designation(s). Once your certification expires, the only way to become certified again is to retake the certification exam.

How to Request an Extension

• You may request a one-year extension for extenuating circumstances that prevent you from meeting the required 60 hours of continuing education.
• Your extension must be approved at least three months before your certification cycle’s end date. You may take only one recertification extension during your entire recertification career.
• To request an extension, submit the following materials at least three months before your recertification end date: a written extension request including a description of the reasons for the request and documentation on the reason for the request. Documentation may include a letter from a physician, a notice of termination or a receipt for unemployment benefits a completed recertification application that shows the efforts you have made to meet recertification requirements the extension request fee of US$100.

Who Qualifies for an Extension

You may qualify for an extension if you:

• have been out of work for at least one year of your three-year certification cycle because of layoff, child birth, or child care.
• have suffered from a serious illness or have taken care of a seriously ill close family member.
• have been or are being deployed to active duty in the armed forces for at least one year.

You do not qualify for an extension if you:

• have not submitted a recertification application on or before your certification cycle’s end date.
• have unapproved reasons that kept you from earning the required 60 recertification credit hours on or before your certification cycle’s end date.

*Note: 1000+ of HR related activity = 1 year of experience; HR experience may be in an exempt or non-exempt capacity; for more information, see SHRM/Certification.org.

1. Why should I earn SHRM Certification?
2. How do I become certified if I already have a PHR or SPHR or IPMA-HR?
3. How do I become certified if I have no designation?
4. Which exam should I take?
5. How can I prepare for the exam?
6. Other Frequently Asked Questions.

The Human Resource Certification Institute is the HR credentialing organization founded by the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM). The HR Certification Institute works to define the HR body of knowledge and assesses candidates on their mastery of that body of knowledge. To become certified, you must meet strict professional experience and educational requirements before taking the exam. To remain certified, you must recertify every three years to make sure that you stay current in the HR profession. You display your certification by putting the credentials after your name. These designations have been around for years and are widely recognized.

There are three main levels of certification, the Professional in Human Resources (PHR), the Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR) and the Global Professional in Human Resources (GPHR).

PHR Eligibility

• A minimum of 1 year of experience in an exempt-level (professional) HR position with a master’s degree or higher
• A minimum of 2 years of experience in an exempt-level (professional) HR position with a bachelor’s degree
• 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 master’s degree or higher
• A minimum of 5 years of experience in an exempt-level (professional) HR position with a bachelor’s degree
• 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 master’s degree or higher
• 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 bachelor’s degree
• 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 diplomaCalifornia Certification
  To apply, you must have a current PHR or SPHR. Also learn more about the eligibility requirements for https://www.hrci.org/our-programs/our-hr-certifications/hrbp HRBP and HRMP.

1. Did you know that your organization’s in-house training programs could earn you recertification credit?
2. You can earn recertification credit by attending formal on-the-job training sessions offered by your employer. In-house training falls under the continuing education recertification category. There is no recertification credit limit for this category if you attend in person. There is a maximum of 20-credit hours for training received via webcast.
3. What type of in-house training qualifies? Training that is HR related in topic, has a set learning objective and includes an instructor who has expertise on the subject presented. Training also needs to be at least one hour in length. Credit is awarded on an hour-for-hour basis.
4. To learn more about different activities that can earn you recertification credit, download the HR Certification Institutes, “Tips For Earning Credit Hours” flier. You may also search for activities that fit your schedule & needs by visiting their Searchable Directory of Approved Events.

Recertification demonstrates your continued dedication to stay up to date with the rapidly changing HR profession. To retain the PHR, SPHR or GPHR designations, the HR Certification Institute requires all certificants to recertify every three years. There are two ways to recertify. Accumulate 60 educational hours through continuing education, instruction, on-the-job experience, research and publishing, leadership activities, or membership in a national or international professional organization such as the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM), or retake the certification exam (“recertification by examination”).

You do not qualify for an extension if you:

• have not submitted a recertification application on or before your certification cycle’s end date
• unapproved reasons kept you from earning the required 60 recertification credit hours on or before your certification cycle’s end date.

How Much Does it Cost?

• The extension-request fee is US$100. This fee is nonrefundable, whether or not we approve the extension.

If Your Extension is Approved

• If we approve your extension, we will extend your certification cycle’s end date for one year. At the end of that year, you must submit a recertification application with your payment. Your new three-year certification cycle will begin at the end of the extension period.

Alternative to an Extension

• Instead of filing an extension, you may choose to recertify by exam on or before your certification cycles’s end date.

Please Contact Us for Certification support.