CERTIFICATIONS

Understanding Professional Level Experience

What is the definition of "Professional-Level" experience*?

Eligible* candidates are those who have acquired:

• The minimum years of a professional-level HR work experience; AND
• The required education level for the specific HRCI certification they wish to earn. Those with a college degree are not required to have a degree in HR.
  

HRCI defines a "professional-level" HR position as one that includes:

• The ability to use independent judgement and discretion in performing work duties.
• A level of specialized knowledge in the HR field with some authority for decision-making.
• In-depth work requirements, such as data gathering, analysis and interpretation.
• Interaction with a broad range of individuals, including key personnel.
• Individual accountability for results.

Our exams measure HR experience and knowledge gained on-the-job and through formal education. Individuals* who are not likely to be considered eligible include:

• people managers whose main job is in a function other than HR
• entry-level HR practitioners (i.e. HR clerks or HR assistants) or
• those interested in transitioning into the HR profession.

How is "Global HR experience" defined?

Global HR experience is defined as having direct cross-border HR responsibilities for two or more countries or regions.