To apply, the candidates should have at least two years of exempt-level human resource experience for PHR and a minimum of six to eight years of exempt-level human resource experience for the SPHR.

While selecting a particular certification, candidates should determine the certification which best suits their roles and responsibilities in their area of operations.

The candidate should genuinely assess his or her skills, knowledge and responsibilities in the HR functions while deciding on the certifications which would help him or her, and focus on a particular certification and prepare well for the exam.