1. PHR/SPHR Certification

2. Facts about certifications
Data based on Jan 2011
 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%

3. 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

4. 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.

5. 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.

6. 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

7. 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.

8. PHR vs SPHR- Roles
SPHRPHR
Designs and plans HR programs vs.
implementation
Focuses on program
implementation vs. creation
Focuses on big pictureHas 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

9. PHR vs SPHR- Requirements
SPHR 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

10. Exam areas and weights
SPHRPHRModule
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

11. 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

12. 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.