2023-HRCI-Certification-Handbook
2023-HRCI-Certification-Handbook
and Procedures
Handbook
Foundational
Professional
Strategic
TABLE OF CONTENTS
HRCI®..............................................................................4 EXAM OVERVIEW........................................................ 19
Accreditation.................................................................... 4 About the Exams........................................................... 19
Certification Exams.......................................................... 4 Employment Law Changes............................................ 20
How the Exams Are Developed ................................... 20
CERTIFICATION POLICIES AND PROCEDURES
HANDBOOK .................................................................5 Pre-Test Questions ........................................................ 20
How the Passing Score Is Set........................................ 20
EXAM DELIVERY............................................................6
Why Are “Scaled Scores” Used?.................................. 21
Impartiality Statement..................................................... 6
Preparing for the Exam.................................................. 21
Nondiscrimination Statement......................................... 6
Build Your Own Bundle ................................................ 21
Terms and Conditions...................................................... 6
Optional Services: Second Chance Insurance (SCI)..... 22
SUMMARY OF THE CERTIFICATION PROCESS............ 7 Exam Type Change.................................................. 22
Exam Eligibility Extension....................................... 22
EXAM ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS............................ 8
Summary of Exam Application Options:...................... 23
“Professional-Level” Experience.................................... 8
Documenting Work Experience...................................... 8 ON EXAM DAY.............................................................24
For SPHRi Candidates Only: Documenting Knowledge Identification (ID) Requirements................................... 24
of Local Employment Laws.............................................. 9
Hyphenated Names ...................................................... 26
APPLY FOR AN HRCI EXAM........................................ 10 Test Center Rules........................................................... 27
Application Process....................................................... 10 Registration Processes................................................... 27
HRCI Candidate Agreement......................................... 10 Comfort Aids.................................................................. 28
Additional Forms ........................................................... 10 Exam Processes for All Test Centers ........................... 28
Legal Name.....................................................................11 Exam Processes for Online Proctored Testing ............ 28
Email Address..................................................................11 Exam Security and Cheating ....................................... 29
Methods of Payment.......................................................11 Online Proctored Testing Requirements...................... 29
Incomplete Payment.......................................................11 HRCI’s Right to Cancel, Invalidate and Withhold Scores... 30
Vouchers..........................................................................11
VIOLATIONS AND INVESTIGATIONS...................31
Application Confirmation.............................................. 12
Investigations................................................................. 31
After Applying for the Exam......................................... 12
Appeals for Investigation Disputes............................... 32
Name Changes........................................................ 12
Address, Phone or Email Changes............................... 13 AFTER THE EXAM........................................................33
Application Review........................................................ 13 Exam Scoring and Official Results Reports.................. 33
Exam Application Audit............................................. 13 Digital Badge................................................................. 33
Request for Reconsideration (Appeal).................... 14 Optional Paper Certificate............................................ 33
Scheduling an Exam Appointment............................... 15 Testing Experience........................................................ 34
Test Center Exams......................................................... 15 Certification Program Feedback .................................. 34
Virtual Online Proctored Exams ................................... 15 Understanding the Exam Results Report .................... 34
Retaking the Exam ........................................................ 34
SCHEDULING AN EXAM APPOINTMENT ................. 15
After Certification: Use of the Designation ................. 35
Exam Appointment Rescheduling................................ 16
Verification Policy........................................................... 36
Refunds..................................................................... 17
Confidentiality................................................................ 36
No Show Status........................................................ 17
Exam Results.................................................................. 36
Medical or Personal Emergency............................. 17
Application Status.......................................................... 36
Exam Eligibility and Scheduling Requirements........... 17
Aggregate Data............................................................. 36
Eligibility and Scheduling Requirements...................... 18
Special Testing Accommodation Requests*................ 18 APPENDIX ...................................................................37
Post-Application Requests............................................ 18 A. HRCI Candidate Agreement.................................... 37
B. Pearson VUE Regional Contact Centers.................. 42
C. HRCI Code of Ethics.................................................. 42
D. HRCI Complaints and Disciplinary Policy................ 45
Welcome!
performance and driving business results. HRCI is constantly introducing innovative ways to
better serve the global HR practitioner.
In this Handbook, you will find an overview of the HRCI certification portfolio, eligibility
requirements, and guidance on the certification process to help you select the HRCI
certification type that is perfect for you.
Thank you for being a champion of people and organizations and for making an HRCI
certification an important part of your HR career journey.
HRCI was established in 1976 as an internationally recognized certifying organization for the HR
profession. More than 500,000 professionals from over 125 countries have earned certifications
from HRCI. Our certifications represent a high level of professional achievement and are valued by
employers and organizations across the globe.
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.
Certification Exams
We offer certification exams for every stage of the HR profession:
Foundational
Associate Professional in Associate Professional in Human
Human Resources® Resources – International™
Professional
Professional in Human Professional in Human Professional in Human
Resources® Resources – California® Resources – International™
Strategic
Senior Professional in Senior Professional in Human Global Professional in
Human Resources® Resources – International™ Human Resources®
For detailed information about our certification programs and exams, please visit www.hrci.org.
All candidates must read and familiarize themselves with the Handbook and must agree to
all of the policies and procedures contained herein. The policies and procedures contained
in the Handbook are part of:
1. the Certification Terms of Service that all candidates must accept at the time they
register for an exam on www.hrci.org, and
2. the HRCI Candidate Agreement, the text of which is also included in the Handbook
(collectively, the “Agreement”).
HRCI certification Examinations are made available to candidates exclusively under the
terms of the Agreement, which constitutes a legally binding agreement between HRCI and
candidates. “You” as used herein refers to the candidate who will take or has taken the
HRCI certification exam.
Impartiality Statement
HRCI executive leadership and its management adhere to all principles of impartiality to
ensure that its certification and other activities are undertaken fairly and objectively. HRCI
is intentionally structured to segregate responsibilities within the organization in order to
facilitate this commitment and to continually monitor processes to that end. We understand
the importance of impartiality when carrying out our certification activities, managing
conflict of interest and ensuring the objectivity of our certification activities. Any complaint
or indication of concern over impartiality is taken seriously and acted on for immediate
resolution.
Nondiscrimination Statement
We do not discriminate based on race, color, national origin, sex, gender, gender identity, age,
religion, marital status, sexual orientation or any other status that is protected by applicable
U.S. laws.
The following steps are required to earn an HRCI credential. Each section or step is
outlined in detail in this Handbook:
HRCI offers year-round testing. Once a candidate meets the eligibility requirement(s), the candidate
can submit an exam application at the candidate’s convenience and then must select a test date
within the exam eligibility period of 180 days.
HRCI exams are rigorous and primarily experience based. In order to take an exam, candidates must
meet certain eligibility criteria and requirements.
• Hold a local or national HR certification (such as aPHR, PHR, SPHR, GPHR or other
certifications such as: CHRP, CIPM, CAHRI-CP, etc.) that includes knowledge of local
employment laws in your country of residence.
• Likely sources for Employment Law courses and training are associations (local HR
associations and American Chambers of Commerce, for example) law firms, colleges and
universities, or training firms that specialize in HR topics.
• Must provide a comprehensive review of employment laws that includes the major
functional areas of Human Resources (hiring, pay/ benefits, employee/labor relations,
termination, health and safety).
• Must contain a minimum of five (5) hours of instructional time (not including breaks,
registration or evaluation periods).
HRCI performs random audits of all applications. If your application is selected for a random audit,
you must provide official documentation to indicate that you have gained knowledge of local
employment law in one or more of the four ways mentioned above.
Application Process
The application process is as follows:
2
HRCI reviews the application to
determine your eligibility to take the
selected exam.
4
Once approved, you must schedule
an exam appointment within180 days
of your exam eligibility period.
Note: Certain countries where candidates reside might be under a “USA Trade Sanction” (embargo). Please
visit www.hrci.org/embargo for the most current list of impacted countries. If you live in one of these countries,
please contact HRCI immediately at [email protected] for additional assistance.
Additional Forms
To find any application-related forms you might need, please visit:
https://www.hrci.org/resources/forms.
For payments by certified check or money order, The voucher’s expiration date ends its validity
candidates must complete the online application, and cannot be redeemed or be of any value to
send payment via mail, and include a photocopy a candidate or organization that purchased the
voucher(s).
Within one (1) business day of processing payment, HRCI will send you an auto-generated email to
confirm receipt of your application. You will receive a separate email notification with the status of
the application (approved, need more information, or selected for random audit). Once eligibility is
approved, you must schedule an exam appointment within the application approval’s eligibility period.
Application that does not require additional One (1) business day
documents or is not selected for random auditing
Application with a Special Testing Accommodation Ten (10) business days (excluding
Request Form weekends and holidays)
Application that is selected for Random audit Ten (10) business days (excluding
weekends and holidays)
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, follow this process:
• All the above items must be attached and submitted via email to [email protected]. Once the change is
made, HRCI will notify you via email.
If you have an exam already scheduled, you must submit the change request at least five (5)
business days before your scheduled exam appointment. HRCI does not return documents.
Please do not send original, certified or notarized documents.
HRCI does not return documents. Please do not send original, certified or notarized documents.
If you need assistance with making such updates, please send a request to [email protected]
with the subject line “Need Assistance With Changes”.
Application Review
HRCI, at its sole discretion, can deny an application and set its status to “ineligible,” if it has
information that supports the denial and has determined the following:
If selected, the candidate must submit one e-mail that includes all of the following items in
order to verify that the application meets the eligibility requirements for the selected exam
type. The e-mail with attachments must be sent to [email protected].
• Educational transcript/diploma
Once all required items are e-mailed to HRCI, we will review them within ten (10) business
days. If you are unable to provide the required information, your application will be set to
“ineligible” status. Your exam fee will be refunded less the application fee and any special
fee(s), as applicable.
Refunds are determined at HRCI’s sole discretion and may be considered if an application
is made ineligible. If a refund is made, a processing fee will be applied. Fees are subject to
change at any time and without prior notice.
Non-disciplinary adverse decisions for which candidates may use this appeal process are
limited to:
A request must be made using the Request for Reconsideration (Appeal) Form and
submitted to HRCI 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 with any additional information relevant to the appeal within
ten (10) business days of receipt of request. If there is any reason for which impartiality
might be reasonably be questioned, the CX manager will recuse themselves.
The request will be reviewed by the Customer Experience Manager who will obtain and
review any additional relevant information from the testing vendor within 10-15 business
days of receipt of request. The Customer Experience Manager will notify the individual of
the decision within five (5) business days of the determination. The determination will be
final and made without prejudice or adverse implications against the appellant, the vendor
or HRCI.
Rescheduling Process
If you reschedule your exam appointment, you must pay Pearson VUE’s nonrefundable fee each
time you change/cancel your appointment. You are not guaranteed a new appointment if you try to
reschedule.
• two (2) business days before your original test center appointment or all fees will be forfeited.
• One-hour before the beginning of your virtual online proctored exam session or all fees will be
forfeited.
4
time. For test center changes, click
on “Test Centers” to see additional
2
Under “Upcoming Appointments” availability at other locations for your
click the exam that you would like to preferred date.
re-schedule.
5
3
Pay Pearson VUE’s rescheduling fee.
On the “Exam Appointment Details”
page, click Reschedule.
6
A new confirmation will be sent
to you by email with the new
appointment date and time.
Pearson VUE will send a confirmation email with your new appointment information. If you do not
receive the confirmation email, contact Pearson VUE immediately.
If you have an approved special testing accommodation and want to reschedule your appointment,
it is your responsibility to verify with Pearson VUE that the rescheduled exam appointment with this
accommodation has been processed.
Pearson Vue Exam Duration: The appointment length noted in your Pearson VUE confirmation email
is longer than the actual exam time. The Appointment Length includes time for all components of the
testing appointment, including time to check in, assess testing preparedness, read and agree to the
exam confidentiality statement, take the tutorial, and complete the optional end-of-exam survey.
Traditional These items contain a stem (or premise) and four (4) answer choices
multiple choice including only one (1) correct answer.
Multiple choice, These are like multiple choice items except there are two (2) or more
multiple response correct answers. The item will tell you how many correct options there are.
Fill in the blank You will be asked to provide a numeral, word, or phrase to complete the
sentence.
Drag and drop You will be asked to click on certain pieces of information and drag them
with your cursor to place them in the correct position.
All questions are classified based on one of Learn more about all HRCI exams including
the following cognitive levels: a breakdown of exam topics and eligibility
requirements.
• knowledge/comprehension: recalling
factual material, such as definitions
• application/problem-solving: applying
familiar principles or generalizations to
solve real-life problems
• synthesis/evaluation: combining
different elements and using critical
thinking skills to solve a complex
problem
Schedule and take the exam within 180 calendar days from
Application approved by HRCI the application approval date.
The candidate must apply for the new exam-type for which
Application is made ineligible the candidate is eligible. No refunds.
by HRCI NOTE: If payment was with credit card, HRCI will issue a
full refund minus a processing fee.
Exam Eligibility Extension The request must be submitted before the last ten (10)
(60 calendar days): If you are days within the 180 calendar days of eligibility. A candidate
unable to test within the original must cancel any exam appointment prior to the request.
180 calendar days of eligibility, There is an extension fee and such extension is limited
you may request an extension to one request per exam application. No refunds will be
by completing the Exam issued if unable to test during the extension.
Eligibility Extension Form
HRCI exams are administered in highly secured online proctoring and testing centers worldwide.
Only approved candidates are admitted to the test centers or allowed to take the virtual online
exams. Upon arrival to the physical test center, or logging on for an online proctored exam, a
candidate must present proof of identity. Without a valid, unexpired, government-issued photo
ID, showing the exact eligibility full name (written in Latin characters), the candidate cannot
take the exam. The candidate must cancel the appointment with Pearson VUE at least two (2)
business days before the actual exam date to avoid forfeiting exam eligibility and all associated
fees. Likewise, if a candidate arrives late or without the required identification matching the
name under which the eligibility was approved, they will not be permitted to take the exam and
will forfeit all associated fees. Review additional Exam Day Tips.
• All IDs required must be issued by the country in which the candidate is testing. If the
candidate does not have the qualifying ID issued from the country they are testing in, an
international travel passport in Latin characters from their country of citizenship is required.
• Candidate is required to present one (1) form of original (no photocopies), valid (unexpired)
government issued ID that includes their name, recent recognizable photograph, and
signature.
• Signature and Photo - The Test Center Administrator (TCA) will capture your digital signature
upon checking in. Your digital signature must match the signature on your valid, unexpired,
photo identification (ID). The picture on the ID must match you, the person presenting it. If
you are taking an online proctored exam, the Greeter will ask you to follow the virtual check-
in protocols.
Driver’s license
Local language ID (not in Latin characters) – accepted only if issued from the country in
which the candidate is testing.
Additional Allowances
• Expired forms of ID are not acceptable; unless accompanied by valid renewal papers.
• European Union candidates testing within the EU zone may also provide a valid,
unexpired EU card as their primary ID.
• For candidates testing in Japan, an employee or student ID (with at least a name and recent
recognizable photo) is acceptable if accompanied with a valid Blue Japanese Health Card.
A government issued ID missing a visible signature or that has an embedded signature must
be supplemented with an original (no photo-copies), valid (unexpired) ID that has at least
a matching name and recent recognizable photo, or a matching name and signature (or a
valid Blue Japanese Health Card, if testing in Japan). If you have any questions about the ID
you are required to bring with you to the testing center for admittance for your exam, please
contact Pearson VUE customer service.
Registration Processes
Arrive at the Pearson VUE Test Center, or log in for your online proctored exam, at
least 15 minutes before your scheduled exam time. If you miss your appointment or do
not have a valid, unexpired photo ID, you cannot take the exam and will lose all your
fees. If you arrive more than 15 minutes late to your appointment, you may be refused
admission or access to an exam and exam fees may be forfeited. You will be asked to
present your ID. The Test Center Administrator (TCA will take your photograph, and
capture your digital signature. The digital signature must match the signature on your
photo ID.
You will be directed to store any personal belongings in a testing center locker. This
includes items such as a mobile device, food or drink, hat, purse/bag, coat, jacket, or
additional outwear accessories, or a watch.
HRCI exams do not include any scheduled breaks. You may take an unscheduled
break if needed, such as to use the bathroom, but you will be expected to comply
with security screening upon your return to the testing room. Any unscheduled breaks
will count against your allotted exam time. NOTE: If taking an online proctored exam,
you cannot leave the web-camera view, take breaks, mumble or have wandering/
unfocused eye movements. Otherwise, the proctor will immediately cancel the
session and you forfeit the exam. Learn more about the virtual online proctored exam
protocols.
You cannot leave the test center or use a mobile device during the test or during
a break. Your exam will be terminated if you leave the test center or use a mobile
device. Study materials may not be reviewed or referenced during the examination or
during any break and will result in your examination being terminated and your score
invalidated.
You cannot look at study materials after you arrive at the test site facility or during a
break.
Religious headwear may be worn into the testing room. It will be inspected by a TCA
before entry into the testing room is permitted.
Exam Processes for All Test In the Pearson VUE system, you will be able to:
Centers • Complete system test
Exams are monitored and may be recorded as • Schedule exam
audio or video. Candidates will have access to
a tutorial on the computer testing technology • Take exam
for ten (10) minutes prior to the start of the Have your driver’s license, passport or other
exam. It is important that candidates use this acceptable identification available so that your
time to understand the special features of the identity can be verified.
technology.
You will be asked to shut down any non-
You can submit comments about specific essential applications (such as email or chat).
exam items during the exam by following the
on-screen instructions. HRCI will review all For additional information, review the
comments but will not respond to comments. online proctored exam FAQ.
Please note, you cannot ask questions about
exam content of anyone.
Check candidate ID
Investigations
If HRCI receives information that a testing irregularity has occurred, that any individual
has violated the terms of the Certification Terms of Service, Candidate Agreement, the
Handbook, or that any conduct of one or more persons, or events or conditions of testing
may have compromised, or may in the near future compromise, the integrity or validity of
any HRCI certification examination, HRCI reserves the right in its sole discretion, but is not
obligated, to investigate the matter to gather all relevant facts and determine what actions, if
any, must be taken in response to the facts. HRCI’s policies on Violations and Investigations
shall govern all investigations related to HRCI certification examinations.
Upon receiving notice from HRCI that it is conducting an investigation under this provision, a
candidate shall:
2. Disclose to HRCI or its designee all knowledge that could potentially relate to the
investigation;
5. Truthfully and completely answer all questions asked by HRCI or its designee.
1. Prohibit the person from taking any HRCI certification examination for a fixed period of
time or permanently;
2. Terminate the candidate’s HRCI exam administration prior to completion of the exam and,
if the test is being administered in-person, require the candidate to leave the test center;
3. Invalidate or cancel the person’s score, before or after scores are reported, without a
refund;
4. If the person previously passed an exam and obtained any HRCI certification, suspend or
revoke all of their HRCI certifications for a fixed period of time or indefinitely;
6. Refer the matter for criminal prosecution if the person engaged in criminal conduct.
If HRCI staff determine that a written request for appeal is filed in a timely manner and
uphold HRCI’s original decision, the appellant may then submit a second and final level
appeal for to the Appeals Committee, which will consist of three (3) HRCI-certified
professionals appointed by HRCI who are not HRCI employees, but may serve as HRCI
board members or HRCI volunteers. The Appellant must request a final level appeal in
writing within five (5) calendar days of receiving written notice that HRCI staff upheld
HRCI’s original decision. All three (3) members of the Candidate Appeals Committee will
then decide the final level appeal based upon the written submissions of HRCI and the
Appellant. This appeals process shall not address any failure to pass any HRCI examination,
nor include any challenges to individual examination questions, answers or scores. The
sole consideration on the final level of appeal is whether HRCI acted reasonably and in
good faith in accordance with its own policies and procedures when making its decision.
The Appeals Committee will deliberate and decide the appeal within thirty (30) days of
receiving the Appellant’s request for same unless, in the sole discretion of the Appeals
Committee, more time is required to consider or decide the appeal. The decision of the
majority of the members of the Appeals Committee will be the decision of the Committee.
The decision of the Appeals Committee is final and binding as to all matters related to the
appeal. The Appellant expressly waives the right to file a lawsuit or make any legal claims
against HRCI arising out of any investigation dispute.
For the benefit of clarity, the HRCI Complaints and Disciplinary Policy does not apply to
appeals for investigation disputes.
Exam Scoring and Official Results A digital badge is the undisputed and newest
technology for displaying achievements and
Reports capabilities on social media, emails, personal
If testing at a physical test center, candidates websites and resumes. It protects the integrity of
will receive a copy of the exam results report a professional’s credentials by providing a link to
at the testing center and will be notified within verified data from HRCI that cannot be falsified.
1-2 business days by Pearson VUE when the HRCI digital badges allow the credentialed
official results are available online. professional to provide employers with easy,
valid verification of earned credentials, while
If a notification for exam results is not provided positioning the professional at the forefront
within a week of taking the exam, please of this new technology for communicating
contact HRCI by sending an email to professional skills. For additional information
[email protected]. about digital badge technology, go to
“Recertification Resources” at: www.hrci.org/
When taking an online proctored exam, you
digitalbadges.
will not receive an immediate result with a
printed score report. You will get an email
LinkedIn Example
within 24- 48 hours from Pearson VUE when
your web-based results report is available.
However, you may login to your HRCI®
account within one hour after your testing
session has ended to see your exam result.
The results report informs the candidate of having passed or failed the exam. A scaled score of at least 500
is needed to pass. If a candidate is unsuccessful or did not pass, the candidate will receive a scaled score
indicating how far from the passing score s/he was. An explanation of candidate performance levels on
each of the exam topic areas is also provided. This performance level information is not an official ___domain
score and should not be interpreted as such. The information is provided only as a guide for future study
should an unsuccessful candidate wish to test again. If a candidate is successful and passes the exam, the
letter with explanations can be used to guide future professional development activities.
Candidates have a 90-days cooling off period from the unsuccessful exam date before they may schedule
their retake exam appointment. The candidate must then contact Pearson VUE and schedule an exam
appointment within the allotted 180 days exam eligibility period.
Unsuccessful (Fail) with There is a 90-days cooling off period HRCI will send an email notification.
Second Chance Insurance from the unsuccessful exam date Candidate has 180 days from that eligibility
before you may schedule a retake date to schedule and take the exam.
exam appointment
Unsuccessful (Fail) without There is a 90-days cooling off period Candidate must re-apply, qualify, and pay all
Second Chance Insurance from the unsuccessful exam date the related exam fees.
before you may schedule a retake Candidate has 180 days from the application
exam appointment approval date to schedule and take the exam.
• Cancelled, Candidate can re-apply immediately, Candidate has 180 days from the application
• NDA Refused, qualify, and pay all the related exam approval date to schedule and take the exam.
• Withdrawn, fees.
• No show,
• Not scheduled/Inactivity
Unsuccessful (Fail) and wants Candidate can apply immediately, Candidate has 180 days from the application
to change the exam type ( qualify, and pay all the related exam approval date to schedule and take the exam.
ex. From SPHR to PHR) fees.
• aPHR
• aPHRi
Incorrect*
• PHR
• PHRca
John Smith, Senior Professional
• PHRi in Human Resources -
International (SPHRi)
• SPHR
234-567-8910
• SPHRi [email protected]
• GPHR
Overview
By clicking on the ‘I AGREE’ button at the end of the Candidate Agreement, you are
affirming to HRCI that all of the below representations and statements to HRCI are true
and correct, and you are acknowledging that you have read and understand all of these
requirements, rules and policies, and that you agree to abide by all of them.
I affirm that I am the person whose name and address appear on my HRCI certification
application, my registration for this HRCI examination, and the government-issued photo
identification that I will present or have presented for admission to the examination. At the
time I created an account on www.hrci.org, I read and accepted the Certification Terms of
Service, and I understand that my participation in HRCI Certification Programs, including
the certification application process, is governed by the Certification Terms of Service,
as well as the terms contained in this Candidate Agreement and the Certification Policies
and Procedures Handbook, and I agree to abide by all of the policies, procedures, terms
and conditions contained therein. I am taking the HRCI examination solely for the purpose
of pursuing the HRCI certification for which I have applied, and for no other purpose. I
affirm that I am not taking the HRCI examination on behalf of any other person. I affirm
that all information that I provided to HRCI at the time of my certification application and
my registration for this examination and at any time thereafter was complete, accurate
and true in every respect and that, if any of the information that I previously provided to
HRCI has changed since the time I provided it, I have submitted updated information that
is complete, accurate and true, and reflects all such changes. I understand that providing
I understand and agree that, as a condition of taking the HRCI examination in-person at a
test center, I am subject to security screening prior to admission and re-admission to the
building and/or room where the HRCI examination is administered. I further understand
and agree that the security screening process for in-person testing at a test center may
include requiring me to: (1) demonstrate that my pockets are empty, (2) remove any
backpack, bag, jacket, non-corrective eyewear, sunglasses, coat, hooded sweatshirt, scarf,
or hat (“Prohibited Personal Items”) that I may be wearing or holding (except for a genuine
religious purpose), (3) lift my pants up to my knees and push my sleeves up to my elbows,
and (4) submit personal items for inspection by a test administrator. I understand and agree
that I will not be permitted to take or resume taking the examination if I refuse to submit
to security screening as described above or to remove and secure Prohibited Personal
Items (except for a genuine religious purpose) prior to entering the room where the HRCI
examination is administered, at the sole discretion of test administrators.
I understand and agree that if I am taking a remote online proctored HRCI exam from
my home or office through HRCI’s test administration vendor Pearson VUE OnVUE, I
have the sole and exclusive responsibility to ensure that I have the required computer
devices, computer operating system, software, browser, uninterrupted Internet connection
and electric power required to take the HRCI exam remotely. I understand that these
requirements are explained at https://www.hrci.org/how-to-get-certified/taking-the-
exam/online-testing. I am also responsible to create a suitable testing environment, and
successfully complete the Pearson VUE OnVUE systems check prior to taking a remote
online proctored HRCI exam, which are also detailed at https://www.hrci.org/how-to-get-
certified/taking-the-exam/online-testing. I understand that HRCI is not responsible for
any technical problems with my computer devices, operating system, software, browser,
Internet connection or electric power that may interrupt, delay, or interfere with my ability
to start, take or complete a remote online proctored HRCI exam. If I experience a technical
problem in any of these areas during the administration of a remote online proctored
HRCI exam, I understand that I must notify the remote proctor immediately and follow the
proctor’s instructions.
I understand and agree that HRCI, its authorized and trusted test centers and test
administration vendors and partners acting on behalf of HRCI will take and use still
digital photographs of me, video and audio recordings of me, and collect and use other
personally identifiable information from me and about me for the purpose of monitoring,
administering, proctoring and/or providing technical support of HRCI examination
administrations, all of which will be retained and processed as part of my HRCI examination
administration records. For remote online proctored HRCI examinations, HRCI’s authorized
and trusted test administration vendors (including Pearson VUE OnVUE), partners, test
administrators and proctors acting on behalf of HRCI will monitor live video and audio
feeds of me and the physical ___location where I am testing (for example, the room in my
home or office where I will test) all of which will be recorded, processed and retained as
part of my HRCI examination administration records. I understand and agree that if I am
taking a remote online proctored HRCI exam from my home or office, I am obligated to
I understand and agree that the following conduct, whether attempted or completed, is
strictly prohibited:
• Possessing or accessing Prohibited Personal Items while inside a room where a HRCI
examination is being administered;
• Possessing, accessing or using any books, notes, papers, note-taking materials, study
materials or test-taking aids of any kind while inside a room where a HRCI examination is
being administered or in any ___location during unscheduled examination breaks;
• Speaking out loud to myself or any other person during a remote online proctored exam
administration at my home or office;
• Intentionally positioning myself so that I am not visible or only partially visible to the
webcam on my computer during a remote online proctored exam administration at my
home or office;
• Failing or refusing to strictly comply with the instructions and requests of a test
administrator at any time prior to or during a HRCI examination administration;
• For remote online proctored HRCI exams, obstructing the visibility of yourself or your
surroundings from the webcam or moving out of the view of the webcam; and
I understand and agree that engaging in any of the above described prohibited conduct
shall be considered a violation of the Candidate Agreement. I agree to follow the
instructions and requests of all test administrators and proctors, and understand that my
failure or refusal to follow instructions or comply with requests from a test administrator or
proctor shall be considered a violation of the Candidate Agreement.
I affirm that I am not taking this HRCI examination in my capacity as a test preparation
agent or tutor, or for the purpose of obtaining such employment.
I am aware that HRCI examinations are confidential exams, and that their contents are
disclosed to me at the time of test administration in a limited context to permit me to test
in pursuit of the HRCI certification for which I have applied, and for no other purpose. I
understand that HRCI examinations, questions, reading passages, answer choices, graphic
images and all related examination content contained within HRCI examinations (“HRCI
Examination Content”) are protected by United States and international copyright laws and
that HRCI Examination Content is a trade secret under United States and international law.
I agree that I will not discuss or disclose HRCI Examination Content orally, in writing, on the
Internet, or through any other medium existing today or invented in the future. I agree that
I will not copy, reproduce, adapt, disclose, or transmit HRCI Examination Content, in whole
or in part, or assist or solicit anyone else in doing the same. I further agree that I will not
reconstruct HRCI Examination Content from memory, by dictation, or by any other means,
for any purpose. I understand that prohibited acts under these terms include, but are not
limited to: describing questions, answer choices, hypothetical scenarios, reading passages,
images or graphics from any HRCI examination; identifying terms or concepts contained in
exam questions or responses; sharing answers to questions; referring others to information
I saw on the exam; reconstructing a list of topics on the test; and soliciting or discussing
exam questions, answer choices, reading passages, images, graphics, or topics in person,
through telephonic or electronic communication, or on Internet ”chat” rooms, social
media, private or public groups, message boards, forums, or through any other means of
communication.
I understand and agree that I also am not permitted to possess, solicit, read, study from,
study or otherwise use confidential information about HRCI examinations during my own
exam preparation. I affirm that I have not engaged in such conduct prior to taking this
HRCI exam and that I will not engage in such conduct during or after the exam. I also
agree not to ask any other individual to disclose exam content to me or to seek out actual
live, confidential exam content from any other source. I agree that if I receive or have access
I understand and agree that HRCI reserves the right to use statistical and psychometric
analyses to evaluate the validity of examination response data and scores. I understand
and agree that HRCI utilizes these reliable scientific methods to determine whether scores
should be withheld, invalidated, canceled or investigated further to determine whether
a candidate violated the terms of the Candidate Agreement. I further understand and
agree that, if HRCI has a reasonable basis to question the validity of any HRCI examination
response data or examination result, whether identified through the use of statistical
analysis, psychometric analysis or any other reliable method or source of information, HRCI
reserves the right, in its sole discretion, to withhold, cancel and invalidate examination
scores, without any requirement to demonstrate that I or any other candidate violated
the terms of the Candidate Agreement. I agree that if HRCI invalidates my examination
score, I will not be entitled to a refund for the examination, and I will be required to pay
the established fee to take the examination again, if I am permitted by HRCI to take the
examination again.
I understand and agree that HRCI reserves the right to, but is not obligated to, investigate
any alleged violation of this Candidate Agreement or any alleged activity or circumstance
that may compromise the validity, integrity, or security of any portion of a HRCI
examination, or the results thereof. Upon receiving notice from HRCI that it is conducting
an investigation related to the examination, I understand and agree that I am required to:
• disclose to HRCI all knowledge that could potentially relate to the investigation;
I also understand and agree that if I provide false or misleading information to HRCI
at any time, violate the terms of this Candidate Agreement, refuse to comply with any
directions given to me by a test administrator, engage in any activity that may compromise
the validity, integrity, or security of any HRCI examination, or fail to fully cooperate in any
investigation related to HRCI examinations, that HRCI may, in its sole discretion, directly or
through its authorized representatives:
• Confiscate any item from me during a HRCI examination administration that a test
administrator reasonably believes is relevant to a potential violation of this Candidate
• Withhold, cancel or invalidate my examination scores, before or after the scores are
reported, without a refund;
• Prohibit or disqualify me from taking HRCI examinations for a fixed period of time or
permanently;
• If I previously passed any HRCI certification exam and obtained any HRCI certification,
suspend or revoke all of my HRCI certifications for a fixed period of time or indefinitely;
and
• Pursue a civil lawsuit against me based upon my conduct in violation of the Candidate
Agreement and/or refer the matter for criminal prosecution by state and/or federal
authorities or any government agency with jurisdiction.
I will not represent myself as certified by HRCI unless and until I receive an official written
communication from HRCI advising me that HRCI has determined that I have met all
requirements of certification and that HRCI has granted me a certification for which I have
applied.
By clicking the button on the screen that reads “I AGREE” below, I am representing to
HRCI that all of the prior information, statements and affirmations that I have provided to
HRCI are true and correct, including but not limited to all of the affirmations contained
in this Candidate Agreement. I am further confirming my agreement to all of the terms
and conditions set forth in this Candidate Agreement, including, without limitation, the
consequences for making false or misleading statements to HRCI, and for violating any
term of this Candidate Agreement.
If there is any part of this Candidate Agreement that you do not understand or agree with,
you are not permitted to register for or take any HRCI examination.
http://www.pearsonvue.com/hrci/contact/
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:
• Strive to achieve the highest levels of service, performance and social responsibility.
Professional Development
As an HRCI certificant, you must meet the highest standards of competence and commit to
strengthen your competencies.
You will:
• 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.
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:
• Advocate for the ethical application of all transactions, regardless of the source.
As an HRCI certificant, you are ethically responsible for promoting and fostering fairness
and justice for all employees and their organizations.
You will:
• Treat people with dignity, respect and compassion to foster a trusting work environment
free of harassment, intimidation and unlawful discrimination.
• 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.
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.
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:
• Take appropriate steps to ensure the accuracy and completeness of all communicated
information about HR policies, training and practices.
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;
i. Conviction of a felony under federal or state law in a matter related to the practice
of, or qualifications for, professional activity.
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 HRCI certificants that were not initiated by HRCI. For the
benefit of clarity, these Procedures do not apply to canceled, invalidated or withheld
exam scores, investigations conducted by HRCI pursuant to the Violations and
Investigations Policy or appeals related to investigation disputes.
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.
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
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.
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
(“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.
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.
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
unless HRCI extends this time period in its sole discretion to obtain or analyze
additional data or information relevant to the matter under investigation.
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.
1. If 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.
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:
b. Prohibition of the certificant from taking any HRCI certification examination for a
fixed period of time or permanently;
e. Any other reasonable and proportionate sanction determined by HRCI in its sole
discretion.
The HRCI database and certificant’s file will be promptly updated to reflect any
certification suspension or termination.
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
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:
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.
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.
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.
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.
©2023 HRCI. All rights reserved.
012-HRCI