Press Release

HR Certification Institute partners with Pearson VUE to provide computer-based delivery of exams for suite of HR credentials


MINNEAPOLIS, MN, Nov. 9, 2017 – HR Certification Institute® (HRCI®), the leading provider of global certifications that demonstrate human resource management expertise, today announced a partnership with Pearson VUE, the global leader in computer-based-testing, to deliver HRCI exams in locations throughout the world.

The latest agreement is an expansion of test development services that Pearson provides for HRCI and, effective March 1, 2018, will include exam delivery for the entire HRCI suite of HR credentials – for all levels of HR knowledge and experience – via Pearson VUE’s network of over 5,000 test centers. Year-round testing, announced by HRCI in 2016, will continue to be available to HRCI credential candidates – a first in the HR profession.

"In addition to year-round testing, candidates for HRCI credentials will now have expanded access to the Pearson VUE network of global test centers," said Dr Amy Schabacker Dufrane, SPHR, CAE, the CEO of HRCI. "Working with Pearson VUE, HRCI will continue to provide the most trusted, respected and recognized credentials for HR excellence worldwide."

"With a team of PhD-level measurement scientists, Pearson VUE will continue to work with HRCI subject matter experts to apply global best practices in creating valid, fair and reliable exams that measure increasingly important competence and practice-based experience in the HR field," said Bob Whelan, President of Pearson Assessments. "We’re looking forward to working with HRCI to continue the development and delivery of its impressive HR certification programs."

HRCI certifications include the Associate Professional in Human Resources™ (aPHR™) for students, non-HR managers and HR professionals who are new to the field, the Professional in Human Resources® (PHR®) for practitioners with U.S.-based HR program experience, the Senior Professional in Human Resources® (SPHR®) for strategic U.S.-based HR leaders, the Professional in Human Resources – California® (PHRca®), with a concentration on California laws and regulations, and the Global Professional in Human Resources® (GPHR®) for multinational HR experts. The Professional in Human Resources – International™ (PHRi™) and Senior Professional in Human Resources - International™ (SPHRi™) are available for HR practitioners who operate from single international settings.

In May 2018, HRCI will offer its eighth credential, the Associate Professional in Human Resources - International™ (aPHRi™), a designation of foundational knowledge for students, early-career HR professionals, non-HR practitioners and those transitioning into HR roles.

To learn more, see HRCI and Pearson VUE: Frequently Asked Questions.

About the HRCI
The HR Certification Institute® (HRCI®) mission, helping people and organizations perform better, grows out of a more than 40-year commitment to certification rigor and continuous learning excellence aimed at advancing global HR practices. Just as HRCI has earned its standing as the premier HR certification organization, HRCI-certified professionals have earned reputations for possessing the skills and knowledge needed to mitigate workplace risks and enhance people-driven business results. The HRCI suite of seven fully accredited credentials includes the PHR® and SPHR® for HR professionals, and the aPHR™ for students, early- career HR professionals and non-HR managers, and international certification options. Learn more about HRCI credentials and group certification programs at www.hrci.org.


Media contact

Damien Fletcher
+44 (0)20 7010 2582
damien.fletcher@pearson.com