Certification
Years of HR
Recommended Years
Candidate Profile
Professional in Human Resources (PHR) 2 years 2 – 4 years
  • Focuses on program implementation.
  • Has tactical/logistical orientation.
  • Has accountability to another HR professional within the organization.
  • Has two to four years of exempt-level generalist HR work experience, but because of career length may lack the breadth and depth of a more senior-level generalist.
  • Has not had progressive HR work experience by virtue of career length.
  • Focuses his or her impact on the organization within the HR department rather than organization wide.
  • Commands respect through the credibility of knowledge and the use of policies and guidelines to make decisions.
Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR) 2 years 6 – 8 years
  • Designs and plans rather than implements.
  • Focuses on the “big picture.”
  • Has ultimate accountability in the HR department.
  • Has six to eight years of progressive HR experience.
  • Has breadth and depth of HR generalist knowledge.
  • Uses judgment obtained with time and application of knowledge.
  • Has generalist role within organization.
  • Understands the effect of decisions made within and outside of the organization.
  • Understands the business, not just the HR function.
  • Manages relationships; has influence within overall organization.
  • Commands credibility within organization, community and field by experience.
  • Possesses excellent negotiation skills.
Global Professional in Human Resources (GPHR) 2 years N/A
  • Establishes HR policies and initiatives that support the organization’s global growth and reputation as an employer.
  • Designs organizational structures, programs and processes to achieve worldwide business needs.
  • Oversees international assignment strategies and policies.
  • Develops, implements and evaluates programs, processes and tools to ensure that they align with competitive practice, the organization’s objectives and legal requirements.
  • Oversees the processes and practices that ensure favorable employment conditions balancing employer needs with employee rights and needs.
  • Has core knowledge of the organization’s international HR activities.

Additional Requirements Applicable to all Examinations:  At least 51 percent of daily activities must be performed within the human resource function.   Those activities must be at the exempt level.

Updated 12/27/2007