One human resources certification is the Professional Human Resource, or PHR, designation. The PHR human resources certification measures competency and proficiency on a technical/operational level for the human resources generalist. The scope of the certification covers a broad range of human resources aspects, including the areas of occupational health, safety and security, compensation and benefits, employment and labor laws, workforce planning and employment, strategic management, and HR development. The SPHR, or Senior Professional Human Resource, is a higher-level PHR that operates on more of a management level with a strategic or planning focus. The SPHR supersedes the PHR so both can’t be held simultaneously. The exams are offered only in English and are focused on United States law.

The PHR and SPHR human resources certification exams consist of 200 multiple choice questions as well as 25 pre-test questions which are randomly sprinkled throughout the exam. Each question has four choices with only one as the correct, or “best possible” answer. There are four hours allotted in order to complete the exam. 

Another human resources certification option is the Global Professional in Human Resources (GPHR). The GPHR human resources certification is geared towards human resource professionals who deal with the global aspects affecting HR. The GPHR certification is essential to establish knowledge and credibility in the worldwide marketplace. Unlike the PHR and SPHR, the GPHR consists of 165 total questions, 15 of which are pre-test questions and are therefore not counted. Also, there are only three hours allotted to complete the GPHR exam. Like the other exams, each question is multiple choice with four choices. Only one answer is correct. 

When taking the exam, one technique for success is to answer all the easy questions first. As you go through the exam, mark off the difficult questions so you can answer them later. If you leave a question unanswered, it is marked as incorrect. Therefore, you should guess on questions you aren’t sure about. In those cases, try to eliminate choices that you determine to be completely incorrect. By doing so, you increase your odds of guessing correctly. In order to pass the test, a score of 500 must be achieved. A perfect score is 700. The minimum score possible is 100. Once the test is passed, certification can still be denied or revoked. For example, if you falsify information on the exam application such as work experience, the certification can be revoked.

Adopted from: Three Human Resources Certification Options For Professionals