SPHR Exam Accreditation – Endowing the Glory of Fine Expertise

A talented workforce is undeniably the backbone of any organization. A happy workforce makes a success of an organization. As such, a competent human resources department is one of the greatest assets an organization can build. An able HR management enables the business to place its complete focus on core issues and develop strategically. As such companies are always in search of individuals with fine people talent. The SPHR or Senior Professional in Human Resources certification is a credential that adds an undeniable expertise to one’s name. SPHR exam accreditation is awarded by the HR Certification Institute (HRCI).

Human resource management is a huge responsibility. A well-qualified HR team manages employee issues expertly and keeps workforce motivated and satisfied. With a qualified HR team on its side, an organization doesn’t just hire employees, it acquires talent and professionalism. A SPHR certification reflects the individual’s authoritative knowledge of the Domain and commitment to higher standards. A SPHR-certified professional is up-to-date on HR policies and implements best practices that give the organization a competitive edge.

How SPHR came into Existence
The idea of creating a national accreditation program for HR professionals goes back to more than 50 years in the past. It was however the Cornell University conferences in 1967 that laid a true foundation toward realization of this objective.

The ASPA (American Society for Personnel Administration), which is the current Society for Human Resource Management, teamed up with Cornell University for these conferences. A definition for profession was arrived at during these conferences. Efforts were then directed by the ASPA toward creating criteria based on this definition to give profession status to HR Management.

A Task Force was established by the ASPA on HR accreditation. Based on the task force’s recommendation of an ASPA-supported HR accreditation, the ASPA Accreditation Program was created in September 1973. The ensuing years witnessed the dissolution of the task force and the incorporation of ASPA Accreditation Institute (AAI), which is the now familiar HRCI.

It was the AAI that defined the Body of Knowledge for the accreditation program. Two senior-level and two basic-level designations were part of this accreditation program. The senior-level Accredited Personnel Diplomate was created for specialists and the Accredited Executive in Personnel for generalists. Accredited Personnel Specialist and Accredited Personnel Manager were the basic-level designations.

The first accreditation exams were administered by the AAI in 1976. But over years, more and more candidates showed an inclination toward the generalist exam. So, specialist certification was discontinued in 1988, and designations were amended from the previous four to two – PHR (Professional in Human Resources) and SPHR (Senior Professional in Human Resources). The Computer-Based Testing (CBT) system was introduced in 2004.

Structure of SPHR Exam
SPHR certification is for HR professionals whose responsibilities go beyond the basic HR function to influence the overall well-being of an organization. The exam content is as such designed to test candidates’ knowledge on this level. The SPHR exam content, known as the SPHR Body of Knowledge, is developed on the basis of meticulous research on existing HR practices by a group of subject matter experts (SME). A separate group of HR professionals validates the work of the HR SMEs. The SPHR Body of Knowledge is kept up-to-date with prevailing HR practices through periodic revision.

A candidate is tested for his expertise in the following 6 functional areas of SPHR Body of Knowledge:

• Strategic Management
• Workforce Planning and Employment
• Human Resource Development
• Total Rewards
• Employee and Labor Relations
• Risk Management

SPHR exam is conducted twice annually at designated test centers across the world. The Spring testing period is from May 1 to June 30, and the Winter testing period from December 1 to January 31. The exam is framed in a multiple-choice format with 225 questions, to be handled in a span of 4 hours.
As of 2010, HRCI necessitates 2 years of professional HR work experience for eligibility to SPHR. This experience should include responsibilities in a supervisory capacity or creative contribution using advanced HR knowledge. The eligibility criteria have been changed for May-June 2011 exam.
Recertification of SPHR credential through continuous education is essential. A candidate passing SPHR exam has to recertify every 3 years, failure of which leads to the expiry of the credential. Recertification widens a candidate’s expertise by keeping his knowledge up-to-date, which results in effective job performance.

Sources of Review Materials for SPHR Exam

HRCI offers a thorough exam study guide. There are also several HRCI-approved study guides available for candidates. The Society for Human Resource Management also offers a number of exam study guides that offer great insight into the exam content and help prepare better. Many colleges and universities offer SPHR preparation classes. Books on Human Resources by expert authors such as Anne Bogardus and Robert L. Mathis, Larry Phillips, SHRM Learning System are great assets. Apart from these, there are numerous online resources such as blogs and forums offering excellent guidance to aspirants.

Preparing for SPHR Exam

HRCI statistics for April 2010 show that 45,155 candidates obtained SPHR certification. The pass rate for December 2009–January 2010 was just 53%. SPHR certification needs intense dedication and determination. A few tips to help you for the exam:

• Start exam preparation with a feasible and effective study plan. Analyze your strengths and weaknesses in subjects and time your plan accordingly.
• Analyze yourself with regular practice exams. Practice exams simulate the real exam environment, which helps you develop better exam strategies.
• Depend on different types of review sources (magazines, books, forums, blogs, etc.). This broadens your knowledge of the exam content.

The Significance of SPHR Today

Businesses have come to realize that HR management goes beyond filling organizational vacancies. For a HR professional, SPHR exam certification is a symbol of excellence that opens up innumerable doors of exciting career opportunities. As a student with SPHR certification, you ensure expert knowledge and high standards of commitment for an organization, which definitely gives you an edge.