Location via proxy:   [ UP ]  
[Report a bug]   [Manage cookies]                

Recertification Handbook

Download as pdf or txt
Download as pdf or txt
You are on page 1of 36
At a glance
Powered by AI
The key takeaways are that this document outlines the recertification process and requirements for maintaining HR certifications from HRCI, including details on credit categories, application fees, and the appeals process.

The requirements for recertification include earning a minimum number of credits within a specified time period, including an ethics requirement. Credits can be carried over from one cycle to another within limits. Late fees may apply if the application is submitted after the deadline.

The recertification credit categories include professional development, professional responsibility, ethical leadership, and others. Each category has further subcategories to help certificants track eligible activities.

Recertification

and Procedures
Handbook

Foundational

Professional

Strategic
TABLE OF CONTENTS
A Message From Our CEO..........................................3 Suspended Status .......................................................13

Impartiality Statement...................................................4 Expired Status...............................................................14

Nondiscrimination Statement......................................4 Emeritus Status.............................................................14

Terms and Conditions...................................................4 Life Certification.....................................................14

Accreditation...................................................................5 Recertification Application Processing....................15

Questions or Comments? ............................................5 Recertification Audit ...................................................16

Recertification.................................................................6 Digital Badges..............................................................17


Optional Paper Certificate............................................... 17
HR-Related Activities ....................................................6
LinkedIn Example.............................................................. 17
Certification Cycle Dates..............................................7
Request for Reconsideration (Appeal) ..............18
Recertification Credits and Cycles for Multiple
Designations ..................................................................8 Name Changes.......................................................18
Prorating Specified Credit Hours for Multiple Recertification Activity Categories and
Designations ........................................................................ 8 Subcategories...............................................................19
Recertification Requirements .....................................8 HRCI Code of Ethics....................................................27
Ethics Requirement....................................................... 8 Professional Responsibility..............................................27
Defining Specified Credit.................................................. 9 Professional Development..............................................28
Recertification Surplus Credit Carry-Over Ethical Leadership.............................................................28
Allowance......................................................................10 Fairness and Justice..........................................................28
Conflicts of Interest...........................................................29
Recertification Application Fee.................................12
Use of Information.............................................................29
Recertification Fees for Multiple Designations........... 12
HRCI Complaints and Disciplinary Policy................29
A Message From Our CEO

Welcome!

The HRCI® community is made up of dedicated HR


professionals — just like you — who are the best and
brightest in our profession.

Since its establishment, HRCI was founded on a


commitment to credentialing excellence through providing
a suite of certifications for HR and non-HR professionals
and is constantly introducing innovative ways to better
serve the global HR practitioner.

Maintaining your earned designation means you are serious


about your HR or management career and continue to
make a difference in your organization.

In this Handbook, you will find an overview of the HRCI re-certification process. Thank
you for being a champion of people and organizations and for maintaining your HRCI
certification as an important part of your HR career journey.

Amy S. Dufrane, Ed.D., SPHR, CAE

HRCI Contact PHONE +1.571.551.6700 EMAIL info@hrci.org 3


Information: U.S. TOLL-FREE +1.866.898.4724 WEB hrci.org
HRCI was established in 1976 as an internationally In addition, you must agree to the following
recognized certifying organization for the HR statements:
profession. More than 500,000 professionals from
over 120 countries have earned certifications from • I agree to inform HR Certification Institute,
HRCI. Our certifications represent a high level without delay, of matters that can affect
of professional achievement and are valued by my capability to continue to fulfill the
employers and organizations across the globe. certification requirements.

• I n the event of suspension of my


certification, due to not recertifying within
Impartiality Statement the 3-year cycle, I will refrain from any
use and/or further promotion of myself as
HRCI executive leadership and its management
certified once the credential is suspended.
adhere to all principles of impartiality to
ensure that its certification and other activities • When my HRCI certification is in
are undertaken fairly and objectively. HRCI suspension or withdrawn, I will discontinue
is intentionally structured to segregate the use of any claims or reference to HRCI
responsibilities within the organization in order certification(s) in any professional and/
to facilitate this commitment and to continually or social media venues. Should I have any
monitor processes to that end. We understand purchased HRCI paper certificate(s), I will
the importance of impartiality when carrying promptly return to HRCI for disposal.
out our certification activities, managing conflict
of interest and ensuring the objectivity of our • I will comply with the relevant provisions
certification activities. Any complaint or indication of the certification. I will only make claims
of concern over impartiality is taken seriously and regarding certification that are within the
acted on for immediate resolution. scope for which the certification has been
granted.

• I will not use the certification in such a


Nondiscrimination Statement manner as to bring the certification body
We do not discriminate based on race, color, into disrepute, and will not make any
national origin, sex, gender, gender identity, age, statement regarding the certification which
religion, marital status, sexual orientation or any HRCI considers misleading or unauthorized.
other status that is protected by applicable U.S. • I will discontinue the use of all claims to
laws. certification that contain any reference
to HRCI or the certification upon being
in suspension or the withdrawal of such
Terms and Conditions certification issued by HRCI.
As part of the certification program application • I will not use my certification status or
process, you must acknowledge that you have the certificate credentials in a misleading
both read and understood the following key manner.
items:
• I understand that HRCI conducts random
1. Global Privacy Policy audits on recertification applications. In
order to maintain my HRCI certification
2. Use of Information Policy
I must comply with all requirements if
3. Code of Ethical and Professional Responsibility selected for audit.

4. Certification Policies and Procedures


Handbook

HRCI Contact PHONE +1.571.551.6700 EMAIL info@hrci.org 4


Information: U.S. TOLL-FREE +1.866.898.4724 WEB hrci.org
Accreditation
The aPHR®, PHR®, PHRca®, PHRi™, SPHR®, SPHRi™, and GPHR® are all accredited by the National
Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA). NCCA is an independent, third-party organization that
accredits more than 300 programs from 120 organizations in a variety of professions and industries.
The recently introduced aPHRi™ is designed to meet the high-quality standards established
by NCCA. Certification programs must demonstrate compliance with rigorous standards that
represent the best practices in the professional certification industry to earn and maintain
accreditation status.

For more information on NCCA accreditation, visit www.credentialingexcellence.org.

Additionally, the PHRi and SPHRi are both accredited by the International Accreditation Service
(IAS). IAS is an independent, third-party organization that accredits certification programs that have
demonstrated compliance with the internationally recognized ISO/IEC 17024 standard.

For more information on IAS accreditation, visit www.iasonline.org/services/personnel-certification-


bodies.

Questions or Comments?
Thank you for being certified by HRCI. The recertification process is a critical component
of maintaining professional certification, and HRCI is here to support you during this
process. If you have questions or comments, please feel free to contact us:

Email: info@hrci.org

Phone (US toll free): +1.866.898.4724 | +1.571.551.6700

Website: www.hrci.org

HRCI Contact PHONE +1.571.551.6700 EMAIL info@hrci.org 5


Information: U.S. TOLL-FREE +1.866.898.4724 WEB hrci.org
Recertification
Earning your HRCI certification was the initial step in committing yourself to the HR
profession, but the journey doesn’t stop there! Your on-going success depends on your
dedication to performance excellence. HRCI recertification enables you to demonstrate
that continued dedication and helps you stay on top of the rapidly changing HR
profession.

Holding an HRCI credential requires that you actively demonstrate continued competence
to stay up to date with changes in the HR profession through continued professional
development and recertification. To keep your HRCI certification active, you are required
to recertify every three (3) years. This can be done either by accumulating the required
HR-related recertification credit hours through Professional Development or Professional
Achievement or by testing again to re-earn that credential.

To recertify by exam, the exam must be taken before the individual’s recertification cycle
end date. Otherwise, the certification will be considered a new one. If the exam is not
passed, a person may still recertify via continuing education, as long as it is done by the
end of the suspended period.

This handbook will guide you through the recertification policies and processes.

HR-Related Activities
All your recertification activities must be HR-related to qualify. In general, if an activity can
be tied to the specific HRCI Exam Content Outline associated with your designation and
adds to a professional’s knowledge of the HR field, it will be awarded recertification credit.
When you submit your recertification application, you must show how the activities are all
HR-related.

Activities that focus on personal development are not eligible or accepted for
recertification credit. Examples of personal development courses or activities are “How to
Reduce Stress,” “Developing Your Network for Success,” and “Time Management.”

If an activity has not been pre-approved by HRCI, through its Approved Provider Program,
you must be prepared to explain how it is related to your HR responsibilities. When
describing such activities, you should always relate them to the relevant Exam Content
Outline associated with your credential(s).

On occasion, an HRCI Reviewer may not accept the activity if it does not seem to be
HR-related. In that case, we will contact you and ask for more information to better
understand if such activity is appropriate for the requested recertification credit.

HRCI Contact PHONE +1.571.551.6700 EMAIL info@hrci.org 6


Information: U.S. TOLL-FREE +1.866.898.4724 WEB hrci.org
Certification Cycle Dates Here are some examples of how the
recertification cycles are determined:

• Y
our recertification account will be created
once HRCI receives and uploads your official If the month in which you are due to
exam results. recertify is the same as your birth month,
your cycle end-date will remain the same.
• Your certification cycle will end on the last day
of your birth month. Depending on when you Test Date 5/16/20
earn your certification, your initial certification
3 Year Cycle 5/31/2023
cycle could be longer than three years.
Birth Month May
• The earliest you may submit your
recertification application is 12 months Birthday Rule adjustment 5/31/2023
after the cycle start date and only after
the recertification requirements for the
designation have been entered in your profile.

• Recertification credits must be earned during If the month in which you are due to
your current three-year recertification cycle. recertify occurs earlier in the year than
your birth month, your cycle end-date
• Your subsequent 3-year recertification cycle will be extended to the end of your birth
will always begin the day after the previous month, later that same year.
cycle ended.
Test Date 5/16/20
• Your certification cycle dates may be found in
your online profile “My Re-certification” and 3 year Cycle 5/31/2023
by clicking on your digital badge. Birth Month July
• I f you recertify early, your three-year Birthday Rule adjustment 7/31/2023
recertification cycle timing for renewal will not
change. For example, you are due to recertify
by 8/31/2022. You realize that you have an
abundance of activities and credits to meet
the recertification requirements. Therefore, If the month in which you are due to
you decide to submit these early, in March recertify occurs later in the year than your
2021. Your next three-year recertification cycle birth month, your cycle end-date will be
will still be on 8/31/2025, based on the current extended to the end of your birth month
recertification requirements. in the following year.

• When an HRCI-certified professional earns an Test Date 5/16/20


additional HRCI designation, the cycle dates
3 year Cycle 5/31/2023
for the latter are synchronized into the cycle
dates for the first one earned. The end date Birth Month March
of the new designation will now be the same
as the end date of the designation that was Birthday Rule Adjustment 3/31/2024
earned first. This way, the certificant submits
one application to recertify two (or more)
designations only one time during the 3-year
period.

HRCI Contact PHONE +1.571.551.6700 EMAIL info@hrci.org 7


Information: U.S. TOLL-FREE +1.866.898.4724 WEB hrci.org
Recertification Credits and Cycles for Multiple Designations
Prorating Specified Credit Hours for Multiple Designations

If you earn a second designation in the middle of your current certification cycle, the end date
of the second certification will be synchronized to the end of your initial certification cycle that
coincides with your birth month. Additionally, if required, the specified credit hours needed
to recertify the second designation will be prorated. After the initial recertification period is
complete, all credentials will remain on the same recertification cycle.

If you are earning prorated credit hours, you must still earn the specified credit hours on that
prorated basis. The section below explains this process further and gives helpful example:

• For instance, if you earn the GPHR designation after the PHR, SPHR, or SPHRi, the
requirement to obtain 15 global recertification credit hours over a three-year period would
be adjusted on a biannual basis (for example, 2.5 global HR recertification credit hours every
six months) for the first certification cycle.

• Or, if you earn the SPHR or SPHRi designation after the GPHR, the requirement to obtain
15 business credit hours over a three-year recertification period would be adjusted on a
biannual basis (for example, 2.5 business recertification credit hours every six months) for
the first certification cycle.

In some cases, one continuing education activity may count toward specified credit hours
for more than one certification. For example, a five-hour seminar on global demographic
workforce trends could count toward meeting the specified credit hours requirement for both
the GPHR and SPHR designations. However, those five hours can only be counted once toward
the overall requirement of earning 60 credit hours.

Your prorated specified recertification credit hours will be available in your online profile along
with your certification cycle dates.

Recertification Requirements
Some designations are distinguished by the specific HR experience needed to pass the exam
(SPHR®, SPHRi™, GPHR®, and PHRca®). Likewise, the standards to recertify these designations
include activities specific to this expertise.

Ethics Requirement

HR professionals play an important role while leading ethical practices in today’s workplace.

Effective January 1, 2021, all certificants (excluding Lifetime and Emeritus) must fulfill one ethics
credit as part of the total 45/60 recertification credits requirement. This requirement ensures
our certificants remain aware of crucial ethical practices and behaviors in the workplace. There
is NOT a specific “Ethics Credit” designation to select from when entering the activity. Simply
include one ethics-themed activity in your recertification plan and check the required “ethics
affirmation box” to submit your recertification application.

HRCI Contact PHONE +1.571.551.6700 EMAIL info@hrci.org 8


Information: U.S. TOLL-FREE +1.866.898.4724 WEB hrci.org
Please note, this ethics credit is one of the UNCHANGED total number of recertification
credits requirement: 45 for aPHR®/aPHRi™ and 60 for PHR®/PHRi™/SPHR®/SPHRi™/
GPHR®/PHRca®.

The chart below illustrates the updated ethics credit requirement for all HRCI certifications.

Recertification activities/credit hours requirements are as follows:

Designation

Total # of 45 45 60 60 60 60
60 60
Credit Hours

Specified 15 15 15 15
Credit Hours None None None None California Business Business Global

Ethics Credit 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1
Required Ethics Ethics Ethics Ethics Ethics Ethics Ethics Ethics

Note: If you hold multiple credentials, as an example the SPHR and SPHRi, you only need to meet the 15
business credit AND 1 ethics credit a single time to satisfy your recertification requirement.

Defining Specified Credit

As an SPHR, GPHR, and/or PHRca certified professional, a certificant must demonstrate


expertise in specific areas of HR. To recertify and maintain these designations, professionals
are expected to pursue specialized experiences and continuing education options to remain
current in those specialized areas.

SPHR/SPHRi Recertification Requirements:

The specialized Business and Strategy credits are in line with the “Responsibilities
& Knowledge” requirements of “Functional Area 01” of the SPHR / or the SPHRi
designations. A certificant must demonstrate:

• Pursuit of results-focused experiences that enhance business strategy and HR expertise.

• M
easurable impact to organizational values: revenue, bench strength, community
involvement/recognition, employee satisfaction, customer satisfaction, etc.

• Experiential learning focused on leading/developing/aligning with human capital


strategy, people mentoring/coaching, change management, relationship building and
risk mitigation.

HRCI Contact PHONE +1.571.551.6700 EMAIL info@hrci.org 9


Information: U.S. TOLL-FREE +1.866.898.4724 WEB hrci.org
GPHR Recertification Requirements:

The specialized global credits require a GPHR certificant to demonstrate:

• Understanding of US Employment Law and regulations and how to integrate with the
employment law, culture and environment impacting employees in other countries.

• Practical experience in managing cross-border employees while supporting


organizational growth through balancing and prioritizing business operations between
these separate cultural/geographic environments.

• Experiential learning focused on global HR strategies, policies, global staffing and


talent development, compensation and benefits, and risk mitigation.

PHRca Recertification Requirements:

The specialized California credits require a PHRca certificant to demonstrate:

• Understanding and practicing California-specific business operations to maximize


employee performance and organizational success.

• Experiential learning focused on employment, compensation and benefits, employee


relations, health and safety laws and regulations specific to state of California.

Recertification Surplus Credit Carry-Over Allowance


Beginning January 1, 2021, HRCI® offers certificants the option to carry-over surplus
recertification credits. The surplus activities must be earned during the last 12 months of a
certificant’s active three-year recertification cycle. To qualify, actively-certified individuals
must submit more than the normally required 45 credits for aPHR®/aPHRi™ OR the 60
credits for PHR®/PHRi™/SPHR®/SPHRi™/GPHR®/PHRca®).

Surplus credits are any additional qualifying activities/continuing education courses


submitted that are more than, or in addition to, your respective 45/60 recertification
credits requirements. Having surplus credits is optional. You do NOT have to participate
or submit additional credits if all you want is to just meet the standard 45/60
recertification credits requirements.

HRCI Contact PHONE +1.571.551.6700 EMAIL info@hrci.org 10


Information: U.S. TOLL-FREE +1.866.898.4724 WEB hrci.org
To participate, submitted activities/credits must meet specific requirements. Here is a list
of some of the major rules:

Situation Allowed Not Allowed

Certification Active, within 3-year recertification Suspended, 12-months before


Status cycle expiring

Carry-over Limit Maximum 15 credits Unqualified/incomplete credits

Activity/Credit HRCI pre-approved or self-reported Any activities/credits:


Status credits: • being audited/waiting for
• General HR additional information
• Specified (Business, Global or • that do not meet/qualify for the
California) credits requested credit type, etc.
• A combination of the credit types • HR Association membership
listed above

Carry-over Credit Surplus credits are auto-calculated Surplus credits above the
Status and conditionally carried over as maximum 15 will not be carried/
general HR Credits re-used in future three-year
recertification cycle

Date Range Surplus credits must have been Surplus credits earned during the
actively earned within the last first two-years of a three-year
12-months of your three-year recertification cycle or while in
recertification cycle. Suspended Status.

For example: Certificant’s three-year For example: Certificant’s three-


recert cycle begins in 2020 and ends year recert cycle started in May
on 31 July 2023. The qualified and 2019 and ends on 31 May 2022,
allowed carry-over credits must be credits earned between 1 June
earned between 1 July 2022 to 31 2019 and 31 May 2021 do not
July 2023 qualify and cannot be allowed as
carry-over credits

Conditionally Regardless of which surplus credit No exceptions, carried-over


Approved Credit types are conditionally carried over, surplus activities will automatically
-Type HRCI automatically considers these become General HR credits
as General HR credits

HRCI Contact PHONE +1.571.551.6700 EMAIL info@hrci.org 11


Information: U.S. TOLL-FREE +1.866.898.4724 WEB hrci.org
Recertification Application Fee
Once you complete your recertification continuing education credits, you can submit your
recertification application for review and approval. HRCI cannot begin the review until all
payments have been received and processed. Recertification fees are non-refundable.

Recertification Fees for Multiple Designations

HR professionals may hold any of HRCI’s certifications separately or in combination with


each other. HR professionals need to decide for themselves which of these certifications
relate to their HR experience and bring value to their current and future career goals.

Below are the prices for recertifying your active designation within your three-year cycle:

Number of Designations* Price

One Designation 169 USD

Two Designations 219 USD

Three Designations 269 USD

Four Designations 319 USD

Five Designations 369 USD

*All fees are subject to change without notice. Those holding multiple designations must meet
recertification requirements for each of the designations that they wish to retain.

Methods of Payment:

All payments and fees must be in U.S. Dollars (USD). HRCI accepts VISA, MasterCard,
American Express, money order, certified check, cashier’s check and company/
organization checks. Certified and cashier’s checks must be made payable to HR
Certification Institute, in U.S. Dollars (USD) and drawn on a U.S. bank. Cash or personal
checks are not accepted. For payments by certified check or money order, the candidate
must complete the online application, send payment via mail and include a photocopy
of the recertification application summary page and the candidate’s email address with
payment.

HRCI Contact PHONE +1.571.551.6700 EMAIL info@hrci.org 12


Information: U.S. TOLL-FREE +1.866.898.4724 WEB hrci.org
Suspended Status
It is your primary responsibility to keep your certification active by complying with all
recertification requirements on or before your cycle end date. Your certification cycle end
date occurs at the end of your birthday month and is displayed in your online profile and
on the digital badge. HRCI will send periodic email reminders of recertification end dates
and available opportunities to earn recertification credit hours.

NOTE - To receive these emails, make sure to keep your contact information
current. Failure to receive any such reminders and/or e-mails are not grounds for
missing your cycle end date AND not recertifying on time.

Applications for recertification received the same day as the cycle end date, by 11:59PM,
Eastern Time, are considered on-time submissions. If you fail to submit your application by
the last day of your cycle, your credential(s) will be placed in Suspended status for up to 12
months.

Once your designation is in suspension, a $100 USD Suspended Fee is automatically


added to the fees due when you submit the application for review.

First Recertification Cycle

Year 1 Year 2 Year 3 Suspended


Status

Year 1 Year 2 Year 3

Second Recertification Cycle

While your credential(s) are in Suspended status:

• You cannot use or represent yourself as certified;

• Your name will not appear in our Directory of Certified Professionals; and

• HRCI will not be able to verify your credentials to your current or potential employers.

To regain use of the designation, you must successfully recertify to resume using the
designation or apply, qualify, and successfully pass that corresponding exam type.

HRCI Contact PHONE +1.571.551.6700 EMAIL info@hrci.org 13


Information: U.S. TOLL-FREE +1.866.898.4724 WEB hrci.org
Expired Status
Failure to recertify during the 12-month Suspended Status period will result in the
credential being irrevocably Expired. Once any credential is in the expired status, you
must reapply, qualify, and successfully pass the current edition of the exam to regain the
use of such credential(s).

HRCI does not grant credential extensions. On a case-by-case basis, we will review
hardship cases with extenuating circumstances (i.e. serious health conditions, proof of
termination of employment, etc.) if you submit the adequate and timely documentations
when requested by HRCI. To inquire about such exception, please send an e-mail
describing your hardship to the recertification team at info@hrci.org. including
documentation of such hardship (lay-off, unemployment payment, etc.) Once you provide
the requested documentation, it will be reviewed and a determination will be sent via
e-mail to inform you of HRCI’s decision.

Emeritus Status
HRCI Emeritus status allows currently certified HR professionals whose status is still active
(not suspended or expired) to continue to use their designation(s) after they retire from the
HR profession. This means that the certificant will no longer have to recertify every 3-years
going forward. There is a one-time $150 fee to apply for Emeritus status.

Please consider the Emeritus Status carefully before you apply and request this
change. If you are awarded the Emeritus Status and later decide to re-enter the HR
profession, you will forfeit the Emeritus Status and must re-apply and re-take the qualifying
HRCI exam to regain the designation(s) you previously had. To apply, please complete the
Emeritus application.

Life Certification
Prior to 1996, HRCI granted Life Certification to certified HR professionals who had
successfully completed two sequential recertification cycles. In 1996, HR Certification
Institute’s Board of Directors discontinued this option, recognizing that a constantly
changing profession requires continual professional development.

If you hold a Life Certification and then earn another designation, you will have to recertify
by completing the required credit hours (including any specified credit hours) only for the
additional designation.

HRCI Contact PHONE +1.571.551.6700 EMAIL info@hrci.org 14


Information: U.S. TOLL-FREE +1.866.898.4724 WEB hrci.org
Recertification Application Processing
Each certification holder with an active HRCI credential has an online recertification profile
which may be accessed here.

1
Log on to record your recertification
activities and upload documentation
in your application every time you
complete them.

We recommend that you do not wait


until the end of your three-year cycle
to record all the activities you’ve
completed. 4 Receive an approval email once
your application is reviewed and
approved. You will receive a
confirmation email with instructions

2
on how to claim, share, and print
Enter the required number of
your digital badge.
recertification hours plus any
specified hours if required for your Check out the many benefits of digital
designation. badging. if you still wish to purchase
the optional paper certification, you
may do so at the HRCI Online Store.

3 Pay for and submit your


recertification application online.

HRCI only reviews applications once


they have been submitted with
payment. Application fees are non-
5 If selected for random audit, you will
receive conditional approval* and
instructions on how to complete the
refundable. audit process.
*Conditionally-approved: HRCI has pre-approved
your application pending final review. If additional
information is needed, you will be notified and must
submit supporting documents. Once reviewed and
approved, your recertification status will change from
Conditionally Approved to Approved.

HRCI Contact PHONE +1.571.551.6700 EMAIL info@hrci.org 15


Information: U.S. TOLL-FREE +1.866.898.4724 WEB hrci.org
Recertification Audit
HRCI randomly audits applications to ensure certification holders comply with the
recertification requirements and to protect the quality and integrity of our certification
programs. If your application is selected for an audit, you will immediately receive
conditional approval via email with instructions on how to proceed. Conditional approval is
valid for 60 days and allows you to submit the required audit documentation and maintain
your active digital badge.

To assist you in a random audit, it is best practice that you fully describe your activities
and how they are HR-related and in alignment with the HRCI Exam Content Outline(s). We
encourage you to consistently upload any relevant documents, and follow the directions
given within the application. Once your application is selected for an audit, it is considered
incomplete until you submit and document all activities you had listed in your application.

HRCI will assist you in successfully completing the audit process. Please follow these steps
when entering audit documentation:

1 Log in to your recertification application.

2 Find the activity and add the document and necessary information.

3 Follow the instructions and steps within the application. As an example, click
on the “Submit Audit Docs” button to proceed.

4 In that section, upload documents and then click the submit button

5 To complete the entry please select “Yes” in the “I attest” box located at the
bottom of the page.

6 Repeat this process to attach documentation for at least 60 hours of


submitted activities.

7
Once you have submitted all the required credit hours of documentation,
click “Submit for Audit.” Please allow up to 14 business days to hear back on
your Recertification audit submittals.

HRCI Contact PHONE +1.571.551.6700 EMAIL info@hrci.org 16


Information: U.S. TOLL-FREE +1.866.898.4724 WEB hrci.org
Digital Badges
When a candidate recertifies, HRCI will send information on how to claim the digital
badge. The digital badge is the official documentation of having earned an HRCI
credential. It can be claimed to display your achievements and capabilities on social
media, emails, personal websites and resumes. Additionally, learn how to access, claim
or print a PDF version of this digital certificate. A digital badge protects the integrity of
a professional’s credentials by providing a link to verified data from HRCI that cannot be
falsified. HRCI digital badges allow the credentialed professional to provide employers
with easy, valid verification of earned credentials, while positioning the professional at the
forefront of this new technology for communicating professional skills.

LinkedIn Example

Optional Paper Certificate

In addition to the free digital badge, if a certificant still wishes to have a traditional paper
certificate, HRCI works with a fulfillment vendor to provide this option. To purchase this
optional paper certificate*, please login to access the online store at www.hrci.org.

Once ordered, the certificate will be sent using a traceable delivery service.
*Fees are subject to change at any time and without prior notice. Please refer to www.hrci.org for
the most current information about fees.

HRCI Contact PHONE +1.571.551.6700 EMAIL info@hrci.org 17


Information: U.S. TOLL-FREE +1.866.898.4724 WEB hrci.org
Request for Reconsideration (Appeal)
A request for reconsideration of a recertification decision allows an individual to appeal an
adverse non-disciplinary decision made as part of the recertification processes.

A request must be made using the Request for Reconsideration (Appeal) Form and
submitted within ten (10) business days of receiving the adverse determination. The
written request must include date of determination, details of the circumstances, the
reason for the appeal (including relevant supporting materials not previously submitted),
and individual’s email address, postal address, and a phone number at which the individual
can be reached.

The request will be reviewed by an HRCI Customer Experience Manager in combination


with any additional information relevant to the appeal within ten (10) business days of
receipt of the request.

HRCI will notify the individual of the decision within five (5) business days of the
determination. The determination will be final. There shall be no subsequent discriminatory
action against the appellant.

Name Changes
Once you create your HRCI profile and submit your application, you must contact HRCI if
there is a mistake or your name legally changes.

To change a legal name, complete and submit the Name Change Request form.

HRCI Contact PHONE +1.571.551.6700 EMAIL info@hrci.org 18


Information: U.S. TOLL-FREE +1.866.898.4724 WEB hrci.org
Recertification Activity Categories and Subcategories
The following section is a detailed outline of what is required and counted toward your
recertification application and submittal:

Categories at-a-glance Maximums


Professional Development No Maximum- All credits
may be earned with
Pre-Approved Activities (activities that contain an HRCI pre-approval code: these types of activities
• Webinars / Podcasts
• Conferences
• Workshop
• Courses
• In-House Training
• Seminars
• E-learning

Instructor-Led Continuing Education (Activities that do not have an HRCI No Maximum- All credits
pre-approval code but are HR-related*: may be earned with
• Webinars / Podcasts these types of activities
• Conferences
• Workshop
• Courses
• In-House Training
• Seminars
• E-learning

Self-Directed Learning (Activities defined on pg. 21) 30-Hour Maximum

Professional Achievement 40-Hour Maximum,


including a 12-hour
Subcategories include: maximum for HR
• Instruction membership
• On-the-Job Activity
• Leadership
• Research and Publishing
• HR Membership

All recertification activities must be HR-related. In general, if an activity can be related to the Exam
Content Outline for the certification type an individual has earned and it adds to the certificant’s
knowledge of the HR field, it is considered “HR-related” and recertification credit will be awarded.
Submitted recertification activities are all subject to HRCI’s recertification review process.

HRCI Contact PHONE +1.571.551.6700 EMAIL info@hrci.org 19


Information: U.S. TOLL-FREE +1.866.898.4724 WEB hrci.org
Category /Sub-category Rules/Exceptions/Audit Requirements
Professional Development Maximum
An individual may earn all recertification credits No maximum with the exception of Self-Directed
in the Professional Development category. There Learning which has a limit of 30 credit hours. Self-
are no credit limits for pre-approved or instructor- Directed categories include HRCI pre-approved
led programs. This includes classroom, e-learning, books and experiences where the recertification
and web-based programs. applicant was mentored by a peer.

Pre-Approved Program: No Maximums


You can earn credits from programs offered by Exceptions: For conference submission:
HRCI Approved Provider Organizations. Attending • For conferences, you can only use the pre-
pre-approved HR programs allows you to use the approval program ID to claim general HR
credits earned toward your recertification. All pre- credits.
approved programs can be viewed at:
• Do not use a pre-approved code when
http://www.hrci.org/recertification/pre-approved- reporting specified credits for conference
activity-search. sessions (Business, Global, California and Ethics).
Instead, you must self-report these sessions
Business Rules individually under the Continuing Education
(Instructor Led) Category.
• The HRCI pre-approved program ID can only
be obtained when you attend/complete a NOTE: If you enter a pre-approved ID that results
program and only distributed by the host in an error message, please enter this activity
organization. HRCI cannot provide you this ID under the “Professional Development; Continuing
number directly. Education (Instructor Led)” Category.
• Once you enter the program ID, the
corresponding credit type and hours will auto Audit Documentation
populate into your recertification application.
Certificate or letter of attendance, registration
• It is important that the program ID and event form, receipt, or email confirmation are all
dates exactly match the pre-approved date(s) acceptable forms of documentation.
and conditions under which they were awarded
to the organization.
• Specified credit (business, global, and
California) may also be earned through pre-
approved programs.

All recertification activities must be HR-related. In general, if an activity can be related to the Exam
Content Outline for the certification type an individual has earned and it adds to the certificant’s
knowledge of the HR field, it is considered “HR-related” and recertification credit will be awarded.
Submitted recertification activities are all subject to HRCI’s recertification review process.

HRCI Contact PHONE +1.571.551.6700 EMAIL info@hrci.org 20


Information: U.S. TOLL-FREE +1.866.898.4724 WEB hrci.org
Category /Sub-category Rules/Exceptions/Audit Requirements
Instructor-Led Continuing Education No Maximum
Courses that are led by an instructor whether Conferences and Seminars:
live or recorded and have expected learning
outcomes for participants. Credit may be given for a general (plenary) session
if the presentation is at least one-hour long and is
Credits can be earned by completing a course specifically HR-related.
offered by:
• Typically, a maximum of eight credit hours per
• a college or university, one-day conference are awarded for attending
• attending a non-pre-approved program or all conference educational sessions.
conference that adds to your HR knowledge, • Additional credit hours may be awarded for
• participating in E-learning, online training, in- any HR-related activities if you provide/upload
house work training, or additional information and documentation
• attending a professional HR association hosted about them on your recertification application.
program. Specified credit (Business, Global, California
Business Rules or Ethics) may be earned through continuing
education/instructor-led courses and must be self-
• Programs must be HR-related and be at least reported.
45 minutes long (30 minutes of content and 15
minutes of Q&A). If you have additional questions about how to
• Credit(s) may be recorded in quarter-hour determine how much credit you can potentially
increments such as 1.25 for a program that is 1 earn for taking a college or university course,
hour, 15 minutes in length. please contact our client relations team at info@
hrci.org.
• Pre-conference sessions may be awarded
additional credit if submitted separately from Examples of College and University Courses
the main conference.
• A course awarded three CEUs using IACET
• Exam preparatory courses to attain a general criteria is equivalent to 30 classroom hours.
HR certification (ex. HRCI or SHRM aPHR, PHR, PHRca, SPHR, GPHR, aPHRi, PHRi,
certifications) are not awarded recertification and SPHRi certified HR professionals would
credits. receive 30 recertification credit hours for each
College and University Courses
course.
HR Certification Institute accepts continuing • For courses containing more contact hours
education units (CEUs) awarded through than the IACET guidelines allow, please upload
the International Association for Continuing documentation (like a detailed syllabus) to
Education and Training (IACET). illustrate the requested number of hours.
• If you audit a course (meaning you attend the
class but are not responsible for completing Audit Documentation
coursework) an HR-related college or
university course, you can claim a maximum Certificate or letter of attendance, registration
of ten recertification credit hours on your form, course syllabus, unofficial transcript, grade
recertification application. report, or other course material are all acceptable
forms of documentation.
• For each college credit hour earned, ten
recertification credits can be awarded. For
example, a three-credit semester course, 30
recertification credit hours will be awarded.
• To receive recertification credit for a college
or university course, a maximum grade of “C”
must be earned.
Specified credit (Business, Global, California
or Ethics) may be earned through continuing
education/instructor-led courses.

All recertification activities must be HR-related. In general, if an activity can be related to the Exam
Content Outline for the certification type an individual has earned and it adds to the certificant’s
knowledge of the HR field, it is considered “HR-related” and recertification credit will be awarded.
Submitted recertification activities are all subject to HRCI’s recertification review process.

HRCI Contact PHONE +1.571.551.6700 EMAIL info@hrci.org 21


Information: U.S. TOLL-FREE +1.866.898.4724 WEB hrci.org
Category /Sub-category Rules/Exceptions/Audit Requirements
Self-Directed Learning Maximum: 30 hours/credits
Credit will be awarded in this category for 3 types Credit can be recorded in quarter-hour
of experiences: increments such as 1.25 for a program that
• Reading HRCI pre-approved books. is one hour and fifteen minutes in length.
Specific applications to HR knowledge must be
• Facilitating a Book Discussion Group using demonstrated upon submission of activity.
books that have been submitted and approved
by the HRCI Approved Provider program Policy
• Being coached or mentored in HR by peer or
professional coach Credit will only be awarded on an hour-for-hour
basis if you are a mentee or are being coached.
HRCI Pre-approved Books: a facilitator of a Specifically, you are in a situation where you are
pre-approved book discussion may earn credit the mentee and have a mentor/coach, OR you
for the discussion portion. For example, leading have read an HRCI pre-approved book.
a discussion about the impact of a book on HR
practices. Audit Documentation
Notes and specific learnings from the activity or
a letter from a mentor or coach verifying time are
acceptable forms of documentation.

Facilitated Book Discussion Maximum: 40 hours/credits


For a facilitated book discussion to be awarded The 40 hours may come from one subcategory
credit through a facilitated book discussion, a (except for membership which has a 12 hour
book must be submitted by the facilitator for pre- maximum) or any combination of the five
approval through HRC’s Approved Provider (AP) subcategories.
program. The following criteria must be met for
the submitted book to receive pre- approval:
• Book must be pre-approved through the HRCI
Approved Provider (AP) Program
• There must be an official facilitator for each
book club discussion.
• The facilitated book discussion must meet at
least once for a minimum of one hour.
• Specified credit (Business, Global, or California)
may be earned.

Professional Achievement (B)


Subcategories of Professional Achievement
Activities:
A. Instruction
B. On-the-Job Activity Leadership
C. Research and Publishing
D. HR Membership (12-Hour Maximum)

All recertification activities must be HR-related. In general, if an activity can be related to the Exam
Content Outline for the certification type an individual has earned and it adds to the certificant’s
knowledge of the HR field, it is considered “HR-related” and recertification credit will be awarded.
Submitted recertification activities are all subject to HRCI’s recertification review process.

HRCI Contact PHONE +1.571.551.6700 EMAIL info@hrci.org 22


Information: U.S. TOLL-FREE +1.866.898.4724 WEB hrci.org
Category /Sub-category Rules/Exceptions/Audit Requirements
Subcategory A: Instruction Audit Documentation
Presenting on an HR topic using different A copy of the presentation, syllabus/agenda, or
resources. You can earn credits for making the book discussion questions are all acceptable
a formal HR-related presentation such as: A forms of documentation.
Workshop; In-House Training; External Training;
A College/University Course Book; An industry Specified credits: Business, Global, or California
specific required reading that is HR-relevant; A credits may be earned through this category.
podcast/webcast/webinar
Upload any proof/syllabus/e-mail related to one of
these categories.

Business Rules
Presentations/podcasts/webcasts/webinars
must be at least 60 minutes in length and HR-
related. To account for course preparation time,
instructors earn two recertification credit hours
for each hour of presentation time. Credit will
only be awarded the first time a presentation is
given. Presentations that communicate company
policies do not earn credit.

All recertification activities must be HR-related. In general, if an activity can be related to the Exam
Content Outline for the certification type an individual has earned and it adds to the certificant’s
knowledge of the HR field, it is considered “HR-related” and recertification credit will be awarded.
Submitted recertification activities are all subject to HRCI’s recertification review process.

HRCI Contact PHONE +1.571.551.6700 EMAIL info@hrci.org 23


Information: U.S. TOLL-FREE +1.866.898.4724 WEB hrci.org
Category /Sub-category Rules/Exceptions/Audit Requirements
Subcategory B: On-the-Job Activity
Work-related activities that lead to new HR
learning. Earn credit for an HR activity that adds
to your HR knowledge gained through work
experience:
• First-Time Activity: If the HR activity is First-Time Activity Example: If you need to
something that you have never done before, create a performance appraisal program for
credit will be earned for first-time on-the-job your company, you would submit the activities
activities. undertaken to accomplish this goal as your
documentation for recertification credit. Other
examples:
Creating a Handbook; Implementing and HRIS
system, Merging & Acquisition; completing an
OSHA audit
• Repeat Activity: If the overall HR experience is Repeat Activity Example: You have already
something you have done before, credit will be implemented a performance appraisal program,
earned only if something has been added or but you decide to add a new feature, such as
changed that requires you to learn something 360-degree feedback. Likewise, change in
new. industry or regulations that necessitated you
to revise an HR process would also qualify (ex.
Business Rules Acquired a new plant and had to do an additional
OSHA audit, create a new onboarding procedure;
Hour-for-hour credit is awarded up to etc.). You must learn the details of this approach
the maximum amount in the Professional so that you can present to key stakeholders.
Achievement Category. These new HR-related learnings would be eligible
for recertification credit.
If you spend more than 40 hours on a single
project, submit for the maximum amount of 40 Audit Documentation
hours. The following information will be required
upon submission: A detailed letter from your employer; an example
• Title and description of the activity. of the work done, email proof, etc. in pdf and
uploaded to your recertification record.
• Description of specific role in the project and
length of time spent on the activity.
• Related Exam Content Outlines functional
areas.

All recertification activities must be HR-related. In general, if an activity can be related to the Exam
Content Outline for the certification type an individual has earned and it adds to the certificant’s
knowledge of the HR field, it is considered “HR-related” and recertification credit will be awarded.
Submitted recertification activities are all subject to HRCI’s recertification review process.

HRCI Contact PHONE +1.571.551.6700 EMAIL info@hrci.org 24


Information: U.S. TOLL-FREE +1.866.898.4724 WEB hrci.org
Category /Sub-category Rules/Exceptions/Audit Requirements
Subcategory C: Leadership Earn credit by contributing your HR expertise to
individuals or organizations (non-compensated
Volunteer your HR knowledge and expertise time only).
outside of your organization.
• 3 credits per full meeting day
Business Rules:
• 10 credits per year
Credit may be earned in the following ways (role
must be HR-related): • 5 credits per year
• 2.5 credits per year
• Restricted to HRCI Exam Development Panel
• Awarded hour-for-hour credit
• Officer position on a board
• 1 credit hour of focus group
• Committee chair
• 1-3 credits (1 credit for taking the survey
• Committee member 2 credits if you serve as the designated
• Mentoring or coaching others* organizational champion)

• Focus group participation • 1 credit per year, maximum

• Human resources Competency Study (HRCS)


surveys *Only if you were the mentor/coach to someone
else. You cannot submit in this category if you
• Survey related to HR work or practices were the mentee. That must be reported under,
Professional Development, Self-Directed Learning
Subcategory.
Audit Documentation
Letter from organization that includes a
description of the panel, board, or committee and
your specific role in the group, exam development
panel, or focus group invitation/agenda, mentor
guidelines, survey invitation, and proof that
survey was completed are all acceptable forms of
documentation.

All recertification activities must be HR-related. In general, if an activity can be related to the Exam
Content Outline for the certification type an individual has earned and it adds to the certificant’s
knowledge of the HR field, it is considered “HR-related” and recertification credit will be awarded.
Submitted recertification activities are all subject to HRCI’s recertification review process.

HRCI Contact PHONE +1.571.551.6700 EMAIL info@hrci.org 25


Information: U.S. TOLL-FREE +1.866.898.4724 WEB hrci.org
Category /Sub-category Rules/Exceptions/Audit Requirements
Subcategory D: Research and Publishing Policy
Earn credit for HR-content professionally Earn credit by conducting primary research on an
published in a journal, article, or book, or for HR- HR-related topic for publication.
related videos/webinar/blogs.
Blog Requirements:
Business Rules • HR-themed and contain 700 words or more.
Credit on an hour-for-hour basis may be • Must be available.
earned in the following ways for an HR-related • The link must be provided to the post in the
publication, provided it was published within the “Description” box when submitting the blog
recertification cycle you are submitting: for credit.
• Authored a professionally-published book can
earn up to 40 recertification hours. Audit Documentation
• Co-authored or content edited a professionally
published book for up to 30 recertification Summary of publication, documentation of time,
hours. letter from publisher are all acceptable forms of
documentation.
• Authored an article appearing in a professional
publication or academic journal for up to 30
recertification hours.
• Co-authored or content edited an article for
up to 20 recertification hours.
• A published PhD. dissertation can earn up to
40 recertification credits.
• Created content and production for an HR-
related video/webinar can earn up to ten
recertification hours.

Subcategory D: HR Membership Blog Credits


Participation in an HR association at the national Each blog post is awarded one recertification
or local level. credit.

Policy Maximums: Two recertification credits per year for


a maximum of six for a three-year recertification
Earn credit for participation in a national, cycle.
international, and local HR association.
Maximum: 12 hours/credits
Business Rules
Only two credits per year per organization, not to
Must be a member for at least six months to earn exceed 12 in a 3-year recertification cycle.
one recertification credit.
Audit Documentation
Membership card, dues receipt, or a letter
from the association are all acceptable forms of
documentation.

All recertification activities must be HR-related. In general, if an activity can be related to the Exam
Content Outline for the certification type an individual has earned and it adds to the certificant’s
knowledge of the HR field, it is considered “HR-related” and recertification credit will be awarded.
Submitted recertification activities are all subject to HRCI’s recertification review process.

HRCI Contact PHONE +1.571.551.6700 EMAIL info@hrci.org 26


Information: U.S. TOLL-FREE +1.866.898.4724 WEB hrci.org
APPENDIX

HRCI Code of Ethics


The HRCI Code of Ethics has been adopted to advance and uphold the highest standards
of service and conduct recognized by all certificants using any of the following credentials:
aPHR™, aPHRi™, PHR®, PHRi™, PHRca®, SPHR®, SPHRi™ and GPHR®.

An HRCI certification implicitly obligates the user to comply with the mandates and
requirements of all applicable laws and regulations. Certificants are required to act in
an ethical and professional manner by adhering to these standards and ensuring public
confidence in the integrity of their professionalism.

Those holding an HRCI credential commit to the following:

Professional Responsibility

As an HRCI certificant, you accept professional responsibility for both your individual
decisions and actions. As an advocate for the HR profession, you engage in activities that
enhance the credibility and value of the organizations, while contributing to their ethical
success.

You will:

• Adhere to the highest standards of ethical and professional behavior.

• Effectively achieve the organization’s HR goals.

• Work consistently within regulatory requirement of the HR profession.

• Strive to achieve the highest levels of service, performance and social responsibility.

• Appreciate and value the contributions of employees and associates.

• Advocate within established forums to influence innovative decision-making and results.

HRCI Contact PHONE +1.571.551.6700 EMAIL info@hrci.org 27


Information: U.S. TOLL-FREE +1.866.898.4724 WEB hrci.org
Professional Development

As an HRCI certificant, you must meet the highest standards of competence and commit
to strengthen your competencies.

You will:

• Commit to continuous learning, skills development and application of new knowledge


related to both human resource management and the success of the organizations you
serve.

• Contribute to the body of HR knowledge, the evolution of the profession and the
growth of individuals through teaching, research and global dissemination of sound
practices.

Ethical Leadership

As an HRCI certificant, you are expected to exhibit individual leadership and serve as a
role model while maintaining the highest standards of ethical conduct.

You will:

• Act ethically in every professional interaction.

• Advocate for the ethical application of all transactions, regardless of the source.

• Ensure decisions are of the highest ethical standards.

• Acquire expert guidance, as needed, about ethical proprieties.

• Champion and mentor the development of other ethical leaders.

Fairness and Justice

As an HRCI certificant, you are ethically responsible for promoting and fostering fairness
and justice for all employees and their organizations.

You will:

• Respect the uniqueness and intrinsic worth of every individual.

• Treat people with dignity, respect and compassion to foster a trusting work
environment free of harassment, intimidation and unlawful discrimination.

• Assure an environment of diversity and inclusivity.

• Confirm everyone can develop their skills and new competencies.

• Develop, administer and advocate policies and procedures that foster fair, consistent
and equitable treatment for all, regardless of geographical location.

• Regardless of personal interests, support decisions made by your organizations that are
both ethical and legal.

HRCI Contact PHONE +1.571.551.6700 EMAIL info@hrci.org 28


Information: U.S. TOLL-FREE +1.866.898.4724 WEB hrci.org
Conflicts of Interest

As an HRCI certificant, you must maintain a high level of trust and protect the interest of
your stakeholders, as well as your professional integrity. You should refrain from engaging
in any activities that create actual, apparent or potential conflicts of interest.

You will:

• Adhere to and advocate the use of published policies on conflicts of interest within your
organization.

• Refrain from using your position for personal, material or financial gain or the
appearance of such.

• Abstain from giving or seeking preferential treatment in the human resources


processes.

• Prioritize your obligations to identify conflicts of interest or the appearance thereof.


When conflicts arise; you will disclose them to relevant stakeholders.

Use of Information

As an HRCI certificant, you must consider and protect the rights of individuals, especially
in the acquisition and dissemination of information, while ensuring truthful communications
and facilitating informed decision-making.

You will:

• Acquire and disseminate information through ethical and responsible means.

• Ensure only appropriate information is used in decisions affecting the employment


relationship.

• Investigate the accuracy and source of information before allowing it to be used in


employment-related decisions.

• Maintain current and accurate HR information.

• Safeguard restricted or confidential information.

• Take appropriate steps to ensure the accuracy and completeness of all communicated
information about HR policies, training and practices.

HRCI Complaints and Disciplinary Policy


A. Introduction

1. HR Certification Institute (HRCI) is an independent certifying organization for


the human resources profession. As a certifying organization, HRCI evaluates
individuals who wish to enter, continue and/or advance in the profession through
the certification process. HRCI is governed by the Board of Directors (Board). HR
Certification Institute Certification Council (Council) was established in 2016 as a
Special Purpose Council within HR Certification Institute. The Council is established

HRCI Contact PHONE +1.571.551.6700 EMAIL info@hrci.org 29


Information: U.S. TOLL-FREE +1.866.898.4724 WEB hrci.org
in HR Certification Institute Bylaws, which authorize the Council to have autonomy in
decision making regarding the development and administration of HR Certification
Institute’s certification programs.

2. T
hose certified by HRCI (referred to as “certificants”) have successfully completed
the required certification process, which includes meeting certain eligibility
requirements and passing a certification examination. HRCI certificants subscribe
to a Code of Ethical and Professional Responsibility. By applying for certification or
recertification, HR professionals agree that they have read and will comply with the
Code of Ethical and Personal Responsibility, the Complaints and Disciplinary Policy
and other certification program policies. These disciplinary procedures are not formal
legal proceedings, thus many formal rules and practices of a court proceeding are
not observed. The rules are intended to afford due process and fairness.

3. S
uccessful candidates are granted certification by HRCI and may hold themselves
to the public as such. In order to maintain and enhance the credibility of HRCI
certification programs, HRCI has adopted these Administrative Procedures (the
“Procedures”) to allow consumers and others to bring complaints concerning a
certificant’s conduct to HRCI. If a violation constitutes grounds for sanctions as set
forth below, the Certification Council established by the HRCI Board may reprimand
or revoke the individual’s certification.

The grounds for sanctions under these Procedures are as follows:

a. Violation of established HRCI certification program policies, rules, and


requirements;

b. Fraud or misrepresentation in the application for, or maintenance of, certification;

c. An irregular event in connection with HRCI examination, including (but not limited
to) copying examination materials, causing a disruption in the testing area, and
failure to abide by reasonable test administration rules;

d. Taking the exam for any purpose other than that of becoming credentialed in the
area referenced in the title of the exam;

e. Disclosing, publishing, reproducing, summarizing, paraphrasing, or transmitting


any portion of the exam in any form or by any means, verbal, written, electronic or
mechanical, without the prior express written permission of HRCI;

f. Unauthorized possession or misuse of HRCI credentials, examinations, and other


intellectual property, including but not limited to: aPHR, aPHRi, PHR, PHRca, PHRi,
SPHR, SPHRi, and GPHR;

g. Misrepresentation of credential status;

h. Failure to provide requested information in a timely manner;

i. Conviction of a felony under federal or state law in a matter related to the practice
of, or qualifications for, professional activity.

HRCI Contact PHONE +1.571.551.6700 EMAIL info@hrci.org 30


Information: U.S. TOLL-FREE +1.866.898.4724 WEB hrci.org
4. HRCI will ensure that information concerning the complaint process, as developed
by the Certification Council, will be available to applicants, certificants, consumers
and the public at appropriate locations. These Procedures apply to all complaints or
inquiries received about an HRCI certificant.

5. It should be emphasized that actions taken under these Procedures do not constitute
enforcement of the law, although referral to appropriate federal, state, or local
government agencies may be made by HRCI regarding the conduct of the certificant
in appropriate situations.

Individuals who submit complaints are not entitled to any relief or damages by virtue of
these Procedures, although they will receive notice of the actions taken if the submitter
agrees in advance and in writing to maintain any such information in confidence.

B. HRCI Certification Council

1. T
he Certification Council is responsible for development and administration of the
HRCI certification programs and for the implementation of these Procedures.

2. The Certification Council Chair is specifically responsible for ensuring that these
Procedures are implemented and followed.

3. All Certification Council members, HRCI staff, and other individuals engaged in
investigations or decisions with respect to any complaint under these Procedures
may be indemnified and defended by HRCI from and against liability arising from
HRCI-related activities to the extent provided by law.

C. Complaints

1. Complaints must be submitted in writing by an individual or entity. Inquiries or


submissions other than complaints may be reviewed and handled by HRCI at its
discretion.

2. The submitter may be asked to complete the HRCI Complaint Submission Form and
include the specific grounds for sanctions as reference above in Section A.

3. HRCI will not review or further pursue any complaints which:

a. Contain unreliable or insufficient information;

b. Are patently frivolous or inconsequential;

c. Allege general unethical or unprofessional behavior by a certificant;

d. Do not expressly reference specific grounds for sanctions;

e. In HRCI’s sole reasonable discretion may choose not to review or further pursue a
complaint based on the date of the violation; or

f. In HRCI’s sole reasonable discretion, are more appropriately addressed by an


administrative, regulatory, or law-making entity.

Upon receipt and preliminary review of a submission involving an HRCI certification


program or the grounds for sanction, the Manager, Customer Experience

HRCI Contact PHONE +1.571.551.6700 EMAIL info@hrci.org 31


Information: U.S. TOLL-FREE +1.866.898.4724 WEB hrci.org
(“Manager”) may conclude, in his/her sole discretion that the submission does
not constitute an actionable complaint as described above. If not an actionable
complaint, the submission is disposed of by notice from the Manager to its submitter,
if the submitter is identified. All such preliminary dispositions by the Manager are
reported to the Certification Council in writing in an annual summary. If the Manager
determines that the submission is a valid and actionable complaint, the Manager
may contact the submitter or the accused for any additional information that may
be necessary. The individual will have 30 days to submit any and all applicable
documentation. This documentation may be presented to the Certification Council.
If no applicable documentation is submitted within the 30 days, the Manager may
proceed with making a determination. The Manager may consult with the additional
HRCI staff and/ or legal counsel as needed to make either determination.

4. I f a submission is deemed by the Manager to be a valid and actionable complaint,


the Manager shall see that written notice is provided to the certificant whose
conduct has been called into question. The certificant whose conduct is at issue
shall also be given the opportunity to respond to the complaint. The Manager also
shall ensure that the individual submitting the complaint receives notice that the
complaint is being reviewed by HRCI. The Manager will determine if the submission
is worthy of an investigation and gather information as necessary. Upon completion
of the investigation, the Manager will provide the findings to the Certification Council
for a decision.

5. The Manager shall make the decisions described above and provide the notices
required here under within 60 days of receipt of the complaint.

D. Review of Complaint

1. For each submission involving an alleged violation of the grounds for sanctions that
the Manager concludes is a valid and actionable complaint, the Certification Council
authorizes an investigation by HRCI staff into its specific facts or circumstances
to whatever extent is necessary in order to clarify, expand, or corroborate the
information provided by the submitter.

2. Both the individual submitting the complaint and the certificant who is the subject of
the investigation (or his or her employer) may be contacted for additional information
with respect to the complaint. HRCI may at its discretion contact such other
individuals who may have knowledge of the facts and circumstances surrounding the
complaint.

3. All investigations and deliberations of the Certification Council are conducted


in confidence, with all written communications sealed and marked “Personal
and Confidential,” and they are conducted objectively, without any indication of
prejudgment. An investigation may be directed toward any aspect of a complaint
which is relevant or potentially relevant. Formal hearings are not held, and the parties
are not expected to be represented by counsel, although the Certification Council
may consult HRCI’s counsel.

4. HRCI shall undertake all reasonable efforts to ensure that the review process set
forth in this section shall be completed within 90 days of the determination to
investigate.

HRCI Contact PHONE +1.571.551.6700 EMAIL info@hrci.org 32


Information: U.S. TOLL-FREE +1.866.898.4724 WEB hrci.org
5. HRCI initially determines whether it is appropriate to review the complaint under
these Procedures or whether the matter should be referred to another regulatory,
administrative, or other entity engaged in the administration of law.

6. HRCI may be assisted in the conduct of its investigation by additional HRCI staff and/
or legal counsel. The Manager, Customer Experience exercises general supervision
over all investigations and is responsible for presenting the findings of any complaint
investigation that has been escalated to the Certification Council for disciplinary
action.

E. Determination of Violation

Upon completion of an investigation, the Certification Council may make a determination


that there has been a demonstrable and serious violation based on the grounds for
sanction. The determination of the disciplinary decision is prepared under the CEO’s
supervision and is presented to the Certification Council along with the record of the
investigation.

1. I f the Certification Council determines that a violation has not occurred, the
complaint is dismissed with notice to the certificant and the individual or entity
who submitted the complaint. The complaint is included in an annual summary
Certification Council report.

2. If the Certification Council determines that a violation has occurred, the Council will
decide on an appropriate sanction.

3. This determination and the imposition of a sanction are promulgated by written


notice to the certificant and to the individual submitting the complaint, if the
submitter agrees in advance and in writing to maintain in confidence whatever
portion of the information is not made public by the Council.

4. In certain circumstances, the Certification Council may determine that the certificant
who has committed an actionable sanction, should be offered an opportunity to
submit a written assurance that the conduct in question has been terminated and will
not recur. The decision of the Certification Council to make such a determination is
within their discretionary power. If such an offer is extended, the certificant at issue
must submit the required written assurance within 30 days of receipt of the offer, and
the assurance must be submitted in terms that are acceptable to the Certification
Council. If the Certification Council accepts the assurance, notice is given to the
certificant and to the submitter of the complaint, if the submitter agrees in advance
and in writing to maintain the information in confidence.

F. Sanctions

1. Any of the following sanctions may be imposed by the Certification Council upon
a certificant whom the Certification Council has determined to have violated the
grounds for sanctions, although the disciplinary decision applied must reasonably
relate to the nature and severity of the violation, focusing on reformation of the
conduct of the member and deterrence of similar conduct by others:

a. Written reprimand to the certificant;

HRCI Contact PHONE +1.571.551.6700 EMAIL info@hrci.org 33


Information: U.S. TOLL-FREE +1.866.898.4724 WEB hrci.org
b. Suspension of the certificant for a designated period; or

c. Termination of the certificant’s certification from HRCI.

The HRCI database and certificant’s file will be promptly updated to reflect any
certification suspension or termination.

2. R
eprimand in the form of a written notice from the Certification Council normally
is sent to a certificant who has received his or her first substantiated complaint.
Suspension normally is imposed on a certificant who has received two substantiated
complaints. Termination normally is imposed on a certificant who has received
two substantiated complaints within a two (2) year period, or three (3) or more
substantiated complaints. The Certification Council may at its discretion, however,
impose any of the sanctions, if warranted, in specific cases.

3. Certificants who have been terminated shall have their certification revoked and may
not be considered for HRCI certification in the future. If certification is revoked, any
and all certificates or other materials requested by HRCI must be returned promptly
to HRCI.

G. Appeal

1. W
ithin 30 days from receipt of notice of a determination by the Certification Council
that an individual committed an action resulting in grounds for sanctions, the
affected certificant may submit to HRCI in writing a request for an appeal. Upon
receipt of a request for appeal, the Chair of the Certification Council will appoint a
three (3) person Appeal Panel. Individuals appointed to serve on the Appeal Panel
cannot be current members of the HRCI Board of Directors or Certification Council.
Appeal Panel members will sign a confidentiality and conflict of interest statement
prior to beginning their service on the committee.

This Appeal Panel may review one or more appeals, upon request of the HRCI
Certification Council Chair. No HRCI staff may serve on the Appeal Panel; further, no
one with any personal involvement or conflict of interest may serve on the Appeal
Panel.

2. The Appeal Panel may only review whether the determination by the Certification
Council was inappropriate because of:

a. material errors of fact, or;

b. failure of the Certification Council or HRCI to conform to published criteria,


policies, or procedures.

Only facts and conditions up to and including the time of the Certification Council’s
determination as represented by facts known to HRCI are considered during an
appeal. The appeal shall not include a hearing or any similar trial-type proceeding.
Except as otherwise set forth herein, legal counsel is not expected to participate in
the appeal process, unless requested by the appellant and approved by the HRCI
Certification Council and the Appeal Panel. The Certification Council and Appeal
Panel may consult HRCI legal counsel.

HRCI Contact PHONE +1.571.551.6700 EMAIL info@hrci.org 34


Information: U.S. TOLL-FREE +1.866.898.4724 WEB hrci.org
3. The Appeal Panel conducts and completes the appeal within 90 days after
receipt of the request for an appeal. Written appellate submissions and any reply
submissions may be made by authorized representatives of the appellant and of the
Appeal Panel. Submissions are made according to whatever schedule is reasonably
established by the Appeal Panel.

4. The decision of the Appeal Panel either affirms or overrules the determination of the
Certification Council but does not address a sanction imposed by the Certification
Council. The decision of the Appeal Panel, including a statement of the reasons for
the decision, is reported to the HRCI Certification Council in writing. The Appeal
Panel decision is binding upon the Certification Council, the certificant who is subject
to the sanction, and all other persons.

H. Resignations

If a certificant who is the subject of a complaint voluntarily surrenders his or her HRCI
certification(s) at any time during the pendency of a complaint under these Procedures,
the complaint will be dismissed without any further action by the Certification Council
or an Appeal Board established after an appeal. If this occurs, the information will be
retained in HRCI’s permanent file for future reference. However, the Certification Council
may authorize the Certification Chair to communicate the fact and date of resignation,
and the fact and general nature of the complaint which was pending at the time of the
resignation, to or at the request of a government entity engaged in the administration
of law. Similarly, in the event of such resignation, the person or entity who submitted the
complaint are notified of the fact and date of resignation and that Certification Council
has dismissed the complaint as a result.

HRCI Contact PHONE +1.571.551.6700 EMAIL info@hrci.org 35


Information: U.S. TOLL-FREE +1.866.898.4724 WEB hrci.org
HRCI® is the premier global credentialing organization for the human resources profession. For more than
45 years, HRCI has set the standard as the most well-regarded and rigorous certification provider. HRCI
develops and administers certifications that benefit the careers of HR professionals and the organizations
they serve—advancing worldwide HR competency and excellence. HRCI’s suite of eight credentials is
designed to meet the standards of the National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA). With a
community of HRCI-certified professionals in more than 125 countries, HRCI ensures, strengthens and
advances the strategic value and impact of HR.

The aPHR®, aPHRi™, PHR®, SPHR®, GPHR®, and PHRca® are trademarks of HRCI®, registered in the U.S.
and other countries. PHRi™ and SPHRi™ are trademarks of HRCI. aPHR®, PHR®, SPHR®, PHRi™, SPHRi™,
GPHR®, and PHRca® exam content outlines are copyrighted by HRCI.
©2021 HRCI. All rights reserved.

012-HRCI

You might also like