Human Resources Certification Institute

The Human Resource Certification Institute (HRCI) is the leading independent, internationally recognized certifying body for the HR profession. HRCI certifications require professionals to demonstrate their expertise in the core principles of HR practice and the application of those principles. HRCI's three core certifications meet the needs of nearly every HR professional. For additional information and to be linked to the HRCI homepage, click here.

Certification Overview

HRCI offers four certifications for HR professionals:

• PHR^® (Professional in Human Resources)
• SPHR^® (Senior Professional in Human Resources)
• GPHR^® (Global Professional in Human Resources)
• PHR-CA and SPHR-CA (PHR with state certification in California and SPHR with state certification in California)

Certification is a voluntary action by a professional group to establish a system to grant recognition to professionals who have met a stated level of training and work experience. Certified individuals are usually issued a certificate attesting that they have met the standards of the credentialing organization and are entitled to make the public aware of their credentialed status, usually through the use of initials (i.e., PHR or SPHR) after their names.

Local Resources

PHR/SPHR/GPHR Exam Review

The Exam Review prepares the HR professional to sit for one of the previous listed exams.  Cources are designed for professionals who are preparing for one of the certification exams. They will aid the participant in obtaining "generalist" knowledge of HR and a broader perspective of HR functions. The following local associations and universities provide these preparation courses.

• CPCC -- PHR/SPHR Preparation Review Course click here.
• The Employers’ Association  click here.
• Winthrop University: Nell Walker at (803)323-2409 or click here.

Certification & Recertification Resources

HRCI Certification Assistance Program 

The Cabarrus Regional SHRM Chapter promotes and supports chapter members to obtain HRCI certification (Advance the Profession). Certification contributes to the growth and development of our members which in turn, expands the knowledge base of our organization. Effective January 1, 2008, the CRSHRM chapter will provide financial assistance to active members who become HRCI certified at the PHR, SPHR or GRHR level. For more details about the program, click here.  For the enrollment form, click here. 

HRCI Re-Certification Assistance

Through these tough economis times, CRSHRM wants to make sure that you don't lose your valuable HR credentials. There are many low cost opportunities to earn recertification credit hours that won't take certificants far from home or work. 

1. Low Cost Ways to Earn Recertification Credit - This flyer highlights the low cost ways to earn recetification credits.  
2. Recertify Step-by-Step On-line - Tour www.hrci.org/recertification/vrt. First time users can view a video that will take you through the step-by-step process.  
3. Look for Pre-Approved Recertification Activities in Your Area - Go to www.hrci.org/cepreapprovals/sdae to access an online directory of pre-approved programs and search for classes and activities near you.  
4. HR Certifiaction & SHRM Web Seminars - Both HRCI and SHRM offer free webcast for ease and convience in accumulating recertification credits.  Just go to shrm.org to view a listing of current webcast being played.