SPHR/PHR certification exams are offered by HRCI and are completely voluntary. These certifications help HR professional to acquire and demonstrate a complete knowledge of HR.

SPHR/PHR certification exams measure the knowledge of the HR professional in the field of HR. It covers every knowledge area of the HR arena which includes – Strategic management, Workforce planning and employment, Human Resource development, Total rewards, Employee and labor relations and Risk management.

SPHR/PHR certification exams cannot be taken simultaneously. The SPHR certification supplants or supersedes the PHR designation.

SPHR/PHR certification exams are multiple- choice in format, and consist of 200 scored questions plus 25 pretest questions randomly distributed throughout the exam (a total of 225 questions). Each question lists four possible answers, only one of which is the correct or “best possible answer.” Four hours are allotted to complete the exam. The questions on the PHR and SPHR examinations are divided into six functional areas of human resources– Strategic management, Workforce planning and employment, Human Resource development, Total rewards, Employee and labor relations and Risk management.