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Professional in Human Resources (PHR) Exam vs. Senior Professional
in Human Resources (SPHR) Exam
Choosing the Right Examination Level
An honest assessment of your skills, knowledge and responsibilities within the
HR function is critical when deciding whether to seek certification at the PHR or
SPHR level. The following profiles of typical PHR and SPHR candidates may help in
assessing which examination is appropriate for you.
| PHR Candidate |
SPHR Candidate |
- Has tactical/logistical orientation.
- Focuses on program implementation.
- Has accountability to another HR professional within the organization.
- Has 2-4 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.
- Impact on the organization is focused 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.
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- Focuses on the "big picture."
- Designs and plans rather than implements.
- Has ultimate accountability in the HR department.
- Has 6-8 years of progressive HR experience.
- Has breadth and depth of HR generalist knowledge.
- Uses judgment obtained with time and application of knowledge.
- Is not specialized; has generalist role within organization.
- Understands the level of impact one's decisions make 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.
- Operates invisibly.
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2006 Exam Schedule
| Exam |
Testing Window Duration |
1st Testing Window |
2nd Testing Window |
| PHR/SPHR |
8 weeks |
May 1 -- June 30, 2006 |
Dec. 1, 2006 -- Jan. 31, 2007 |
| GPHR |
4 weeks |
May 1 -- May 31, 2006 |
Dec. 1 -- Dec. 31, 2006 |
Application Deadlines
| Exam |
Window |
Reg. Deadline Date |
Late Deadline Date |
| PHR/SPHR |
May 1 - June 30, 2006 |
March 17, 2006 |
April 21, 2006 |
| PHR/SPHR |
Dec. 1, 2006 - January 31, 2007 |
Oct. 13, 2006 |
Nov. 17, 2006 |
| GPHR |
May 1 - May 31, 2006 |
March 17, 2006 |
April 21, 2006 |
| GPHR |
Dec. 1 - Dec. 31, 2006 |
Oct. 13, 2006 |
Nov. 17, 2006 |
2006 PHR/SPHR Exam Fees
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Nonrefundable Application Fee |
Exam Fee If Submitted By the Regular Deadline |
Total Due If Submitted By the Regular Deadline |
Total Due If Submitted After the Regular Deadline* |
| PHR |
| SHRM member |
$75 |
$175 |
$250 |
$300 |
| Nonmember |
$75 |
$225 |
$300 |
$350 |
| Student/recent graduate** |
$75 |
$45 |
$120 |
$170 |
| SPHR |
| SHRM member |
$75 |
$300 |
$375 |
$425 |
| Nonmember |
$75 |
$350 |
$425 |
$475 |
* A $50 (U.S.) late fee will be assessed on applications received after
the regular deadline but on or before the late deadline.
**The balance of
the PHR exam fee is required upon meeting experience and graduation requirements.
Candidates who register to take the exam outside of the United States, U.S.
territories or Canada will incur a $55 (U.S.) international test center
fee.
For more information about the PHR and SPHR exams visit
www.HRCI.org
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