The SPHRi, or Senior Professional in Human Resources International, is a certification used to gauge the competence of senior-level international HR managers. The certification process tests the manager’s expertise, knowledge, and service delivery. If you want to be an invaluable asset in the workspace,  getting an SPHRi is an excellent route to take. 

HR managers with more certifications, particularly the SPHRi, are put on a pedestal. It shows the HR manager is well equipped with needed HR knowledge and expertise to navigate the industry. In this extensive blog post, we uncover why certifications are necessary as HR managers and how to get hold of the SPHRi certification. 

Why Getting Certified Is Important As An HR Manager ?

Promotes Credibility and Recognition

Owning an HR certification (like SPHRi) sets you apart from competition. Acquiring a global-scale certification like SPHRi recognizes that you are knowledgeable of human resources on a much larger scale. Hence, when you own this certification, your credibility rises and you appear as an HR manager dedicated to lifelong learning.

More Knowledge and Skill 

HR certification programs provide an expansive curriculum encompassing crucial HR disciplines. When you apply and prepare for the certification exam, you pick up knowledge of new trends and  practical human resources management solutions. This learning process allows you to tackle complex HR issues more tactically and strategically. As a result, you experience more success in the field.

Increased Earning Potential

Studies show that HR professionals with certificates are paid more than their non-certified colleagues. Investing in an HR certificate such as SPHRi has a massive return on investment. The certification process leads to a more skilled and knowledgeable HR professional, which inevitably increases your value. When companies view you as more valuable, they offer better salaries and more chances for growth. 

Fits Global Standards

HRCI certifications are recognized globally. Owning an SPHRi certification means you are aware of international HR standards. This makes you a valuable addition to big, multinational organizations operating in the UAE. More so, the certification also preps you for professional prospects overseas while raising your reputation in the international human resources market.

Regarding the SPHRi Certification

HRCI’s SPHRi program is crafted for experienced HR professionals with at least five years of experience. It focuses on advanced HR themes such as global personnel management, strategic workforce planning, and international compensation. This recognized HR certificate indicates you are capable of handling challenging HR issues even on a global scale.

How to Know If You Are Eligible for SPHRi Certification 

SPHRi certification is an exclusive credental that’s not open to everyone. Certain criteria have to be met to ensure you are eligible for SPHRi:

• Have a minimum of four years experience in a professional-level HR position and a master’s degree or a global equivalent. 

• Have a minimum of five years experience in a professional-level HR position and a bachelor’s degree or a global equivalent.

• Have a minimum of seven years of experience in a professional-level HR position.

For a few, the term professional-level HR experience might seem vague. Here is what HRCL means by the term below: 

• The ability to use independent judgment and discretion in performing work duties.

• A level of specialized knowledge in the HR field with some authority for decision-making.

• In-depth work requirements, such as data gathering, analysis, and interpretation.

• Interaction with a broad range of individuals, including key personnel.

• Individual accountability for results.

The SPHRi certification comes after passing the exam. The exam seeks to measure the HR experience that is gained on the job and via formal education. People who won’t be considered eligible include: 

• people managers with a main job that isn’t than HR
• entry-level HR practitioners (i.e., HR clerks or HR assistants) or
• those interested in transitioning into the HR profession.

To know what to expect, here are a couple of things that are covered in the SPHRi exam: 

• Leadership and strategy 
• Workforce planning and talent acquisition 
• Talent management 
• Total rewards 
• HR information management, security, and safety 

Exam Preparation and Costs 

The exam fee is $495, and the application fee is $100. After your exam application gets approved, you can’t process a refund. That said, the exam duration is 2 hours and 45 minutes, with 30 minutes for administration. The exam has 115 (mostly MCQ) and 25 pre-test questions. Interested candidates can participate in the exam either at home or at the testing center. Note: the exam is computerized. 

That aside, here is how to properly prepare for the SPHRi examination. While the exam focuses on topics like leadership, talent acquisition, and information management, as we discussed above, here are some helpful resources to consider: 

• SPHRi Certification Preparation: HRCL site has a dedicated SPHRi Certification Preparation section. This section includes the exam outline,  study resources, and practice questions. 

• SPHRi Handbook:  SPHRi handbook includes all the necessary information of the application process. More so, there are also eligibility requirements and potential exam contents in the handbook. 

• SPHRi Exam Study Materials: Search for notable books crafted for the SPHRi exam. There are several healthy choices on the market. Also, join boot camps or courses that specialize in HR certifications. 

You can also improve your chances of success by trying contemporary studying techniques like flashcards, discussion, and tutoring. Also, you opt for third-party help like Bayzat, which is experienced in SPHRi exam preparations. More on that later! 

How to Stay SPHRi Certified

After passing an HRCI certification exam, you have to renew your certification every three years. You can do this by completing professional development activities and showcasing professional achievement to receive recertification credits. These activities and achievements include reporting qualified HR-related activities, such as online materials, seminars, online courses, webinars, books, and conferences. 

You can also earn credits by implementing a new program at work, serving as a volunteer HR expert, organizing original HR-related research, or maintaining an HR membership. You may also choose to retake your HRCI certification exam to recertify. This way, you demonstrate continuing competence as a credentialed HR professional. 

Here are the ways to recertify: 

• Recertify by Provider: HRCI Providers offer pre-approved courses that contain a unique activity ID number. Search our HRCI Provider network to get started.

• Recertify by Exam: Most certified HR senior-level professionals prefer to recertify their HRCI credential through continuing professional development. However, some choose to recertify by retaking the exam.

• Recertify with Pre-Approved Courses: You can attend a pre-approved HRCI course and add it to your recertification application. All you need is the activity ID number from the course. 

Visit the HRCI website for more information on the SPHRi rectifying program. 

Bayzat: Your Trusted All-in-one HR Platform

Bayzat AI offers a knowledge Hub of information on how to get certified as a UAE HR manager. Bayzat is a must-have HR software that provides an all in one solution for your organization and accompanies your employees in Upskilling their career. You can get Bayzat on a call to discuss how to position your HR career on the next level. 

 

Frequently Asked Questions 

What is the Highest Level of HR Certification?

SPHRi is the highest level of certification that an HR manager can earn from the HR certification institute. The certificate requires about 4-5 of professional-level HR experience alongside either a master’s or bachelor’s degree. 

Is the HRCL’s SPHRi Exam Difficult? 

It depends. Regardless, the certification exam is one of the hardest to take. Aside from the requirements, it would help if you were also well-read and experienced enough to pass. According to the HRCL website, the exam has a 53% pass rate.

What is the passing mark for the SPHRi Exam? 

The pass mark of the SPHRi exam is 500. Test-takers have to score at least 500 out of 700 available marks. The exam consisted of 115 questions, mostly MCQ questions that were scored and 25 pretest questions that weren’t.  

Where Can I Write the SPHRi Exam? 

The SPHRi is a computer-based exam. You can either do it at a testing center or online.