The HR Certification Institute (the Institute), the internationally recognized certifying body for the HR profession, announced today that the application window for testing for a Professional in Human Resources (PHR®), Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR®), Global Professional in Human Resources (GPHR®) and California Certifications (PHR-CA® and SPHR-CA®) will open on January 29, 2014.

With more than 130,000 certified HR professionals across the globe, the Institute's certifications offer great value in terms of recognition from organizations and peers, networking opportunities and career development, according to Institute Executive Director Amy Schabacker Dufrane, Ed.D., SPHR, CAE.

"Our accredited certifications are highly valued by HR professionals in more than 100 countries as proof of expertise, experience and dedication to the HR profession," said Dufrane. "We expect that this testing window, which includes the PHR, SPHR, GPHR and California Certifications, will be a busy and popular one as more and more HR professionals seek ways to increase their credibility in a highly competitive marketplace."

The regular application window for these exams is from January 29, 2014, through March 26, 2014. Late applications will be accepted from March 27, 2014, through April 30, 2014, with an additional fee. Computer-based exams will be held beginning May 1, 2014. GPHR and California Certification exams will take place from May 1 through May 31, 2014; and PHR and SPHR exams will take place May 1 through June 30, 2014.

Exams are held in testing centers across the globe, and fees for exams range from $325 to $525. For more information about the HR Certification Institute certifications, visit www.hrci.org.

About the HR Certification Institute

The HR Certification Institute (HRCI), established in 1976, is the internationally recognized, independent certifying organization for the Human Resources Profession. The HR Certification Institute is the global leader in developing rigorous exams to demonstrate mastery and real-world application of forward-thinking HR practices, policies and principles. Today, more than 130,000 HR professionals worldwide proudly maintain the HR Certification Institute's credentials as a mark of high professional distinction. The HR Certification Institute offers a comprehensive portfolio of advanced professional credentials for HR professionals worldwide.

? Professional in Human Resources (PHR®)

? Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR®)

? Global Professional in Human Resources (GPHR®)

? Human Resource Business Professional (HRBP?)

? Human Resource Management Professional (HRMP?)

? California Certifications (PHR-CA®/SPHR-CA®)

HR Certification Institute
Margaret Brown, 703-898-9443