In human resource management, certifications are highly valued as a standard measurement of knowledge. The Human Resources Certification Institute’s (HRCI) certification was the gold standard for decades. At some point, HRCI and the Society of Human Resources Management (SHRM) had some sort of falling out, and SHRM started its own certification program. Today, many professionals seek certifications from one of these organizations and, sometimes, from both.
When I graduated from college in 1999 with a bachelor’s degree, I took HRCI’s Professional in Human Resources (PHR) exam. I passed it but could not get fully certified until I gained exempt-level work experience. Alais, my HR job at the time was non-exempt.
I took a detour with my career and explored internal communications, marketing, volunteer management, then back to HR. In 2020, I decided it was time to pursue my PHR again. This time, I had the exempt-level of experience. I just needed to study!
Why did I choose HRCI over SHRM’s certification program?
HRCI has been around much longer than SHRM’s program. HRCI’s certification fee includes training opportunities to maintain accreditation for no extra fee, and there’s no membership fee requirement, making HRCI the more cost-effective option. In addition, HRCI has been around longer than SHRM’s program. I’d rather bet on the sure thing.
Here’s what I did to prepare for the PHR exam:
- Practice Tests – I took two different practice exams through HRCI.
- PHR Study Guide 2020-2021 – I read the exam book four times.
- Flashcards – To help improve memory, I wrote out critical concepts on flashcards and practiced that information many times.
- YouTube – Watched various videos about the exam and exam content.
- LinkedIn Learning – I watched several exam-prep videos there too.
I studied roughly 100-125 hours before taking the exam and passed on the first try in January 2021.
Looking back, I wish I had taken the next level exam: the Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR). My new goal is to study for that exam and pass it before my PHR expires in September 2024.
Your HR Pro 