The SPHR Exam, also known as the Senior Professional in Human Resources certification, is given by the HRCI (Human Resources Certification Institute). The SPHR shows your proficiency in HR management's strategic and policy-making aspects as practised within the U.S. This credential is designed for large-picture thinkers responsible for planning instead of implementing HR policies.

PHR or SPHR Exam?

Deciding between the PHR and SPHR exam can be confusing because the eligibility criteria for the two certifications differ, yet they also overlap. The PHR (Professional HR) designation (Professional) is not required for accreditation with the SPHR designation. Like the SHRM (Society for Human Resource Management) certifications, it is determined by expertise in HR, experience, and job title or job.

If you have worked in just a few areas of HR but are not working in a leadership position, then the PHR is likely to be the best choice. On the other hand, if you have experience in every HR area, plus are leading HR functions, creating strategies, or implementing and directing aspects of HR. Then, the SPHR is likely to be the best certification for you.

Also, Consider:

• The most extensive section of the PHR exam is the Employee and Labor Relations, making up 39 per cent of the exam, followed by Business Management, 20 per cent of the exam.
• However, the most significant section for the SPHR exam includes Leadership and Strategy, 40 per cent of the total exam, followed by Employee Relations and Engagement, 20 per cent.

What Does the SPHR Mean?

SPHR (Senior Professional in Human Resources) is sought out by companies for their demonstrated capabilities for the HR department taking account of their knowledge and experience.

Details About the SPHR Exam

• Exam Duration                                                  180 Minutes
• Number of Questions                                     175
• Questions type                                                 Multiple choice questions (MCQs)
• Exam fee                                                             495$ (Exam cost may vary regionally)
• Application fee                                                 100$

When can one register and take the SPHR Exam?

Testing for the SPHR is all year round, relative to the availability of the test centre. Therefore, it is possible to schedule your test after being granted your application. Once an application for the exam is approved, a refund is not granted, no refunds can be given if a candidate withdraws or no longer wishes to take the exam.

Eligibility Requirements for the SPHR Exam

To be eligible for the SPHR, you must meet one of the following conditions regarding education and experience:

• 4 years of experience in an HR position adding to a degree equivalent to a Master’s or higher.
• At least five years of experience working in a professional-level HR position plus a Bachelor's degree, OR
•  At least seven years of experience in an HR professional post, along with an education degree from a high school.

Passing score for SPHR Exam.

One of the challenges for both SPHR exams is that it is a weighted exam, which means that your score is not linked to a particular number of questions that are either wrong or correct. Therefore, it is not possible to know what your score will be or even which of the 145 out of the 175 questions are being used to determine the score of your SPHR test.

You have three hours to answer all the questions asked in the test. Thirty per cent of the 175 questions HRCI might consider adding to the examination are test questions. They are trying to determine what you can do and are testing them before they can be included in the scored questions for future investigations. For your exam, you need a passing score for the SPHR exam of 500. Anything less than a score of 500 will not allow you to pass the test, as mentioned before that the present pass rate on the SPHR is 60%.

Preparation Assessment for SPHR Exam.

Passing the HRCI SPHR Exam may seem burdensome for some candidates considering the required credentials to pass the SPHR Exam. As hard as it may look to the fresh or inexperienced candidates, it is surely not very gruelling to a professional candidate with a lot of experience in HR. Regardless of the experience, one should always be well-prepared as no one knows what difficulties the SPHR exam brings. Practice tests are of high importance when it comes to assessing your exam preparation. With an up-to-date practice test, one can evaluate their preparation, focus on the weaknesses, and prepare better for the exam. The SPHR practice test also provides the actual exam atmosphere so one can experience how the SPHR exam is going to be.

Take the Exam

Once you are done preparing and feel confident enough that you can pass the SPHR exam, you should not waste time and instantly take the SPHR Exam as registration for the Exam is open the whole year. You can take the exam here on the official website of HRCI.