HRCI Recertification Credits
Have Questions?
Tools and Support for HR Professionals at Every Certification Stage
Employers rely on HR professionals to manage risk, guide people decisions, and support a strong workplace culture. HRCI certifications signal that you have verified expertise and are committed to staying current with evolving employment laws and best practices.
Cascade Employers Association partners with the HR Certification Institute (HRCI) to help employers support credentialed HR professionals. We make it easier to earn and maintain certifications such as aPHR, PHR, SPHR, GPHR, and PHRca.
Built-In Recertification Credits for Cascade Members
Cascade members can earn up to 12 HRCI recertification credits every three-year renewal cycle, simply by maintaining membership. Proof of membership is required.
Here is how it works:
- Three credits per full year of Cascade membership, up to nine credits, under the Professional Achievement category.
- Up to three additional credits, one per year for SPHR, under the Professional Development: Self Directed category.
- For SPHR holders, these credits apply as required Business credits.
- For PHR, GPHR, and PHRca, credits apply as HR General.
No extra coursework required. No additional reporting burden. Just an easier way for member employers to support certified HR professionals.
Helpful Resources
HRCI Concierge: An HRCI Concierge is available to quickly resolve questions and issues regarding recertification. Contact Maria Simon at maria.simon@HRCI.org.
- What is HRCI Certification?
- Cascade Training Calendar to select trainings and earn recertification credits.
- PHR/SPHR Certification Study Course (Enter “HRCI certification” in search window)
- Download a HRCI Recertification Handbook
Training That Supports Your HRCI Certification
Most Cascade training programs qualify for HRCI recertification credit. This allows employers to invest in training that both strengthens HR capability and helps maintain required credentials.
Supported certifications:
- aPHR: Great for HR beginners or those new to the field.
- PHR: Shows strong operational HR knowledge and tactical experience.
- SPHR: Designed for strategic leaders shaping HR policy.
- PHRca: Focuses on California HR law and practice.
- GPHR: For HR pros working across borders and global teams.
Cascade members receive a $50 discount on HRCI exam fees for:
- aPHR
- PHR
- SPHR
- GPHR
- PHRca
Members simply contact us for the current discount code before registering.
Associate Professional in Human Resources
HRCI's Associate Professional in Human Resources® (aPHR®) is the perfect certification to help fast-track your career growth. The aPHR is the first-ever HR certification designed for two distinct types of individuals: human resources professionals who are just beginning their HR career journey and non-HR professionals.
Professional in Human Resources
Advance your HR career with the Professional in Human Resources® (PHR®) certification. Earning the PHR demonstrates your technical and operational knowledge of HR management, including U.S. laws and regulations. The PHR is for the HR professional with experience in implementing programs with tactical/logistical orientation. The PHR certification emphasizes a practitioner's operational responsibilities for the organization’s HR department.
Senior Professional in Human Resources
HR professionals with strategic and policy-making backgrounds are ideal candidates for the Senior Professional in Human Resources® (SPHR®). The credential is designed for leaders responsible for planning rather than implementing HR policy in the U.S. SPHR professionals tend to be accountable for HR department goals, planning and executing business strategies and technology while understanding the overall HR needs of the organization.
Professional in Human Resources - California
Adding the Professional in Human Resources – California® (PHRca®) to your portfolio demonstrates your knowledge of HR laws, regulations and management practices unique to the state of California. The PHRca is for professionals who either practice or are responsible for human resource management in California. Residency in California is not a requirement to earn a PHRca. This certification can be complementary to other HRCI credentials.
Global Professional in Human Resources
Earning the Global Professional in Human Resources® (GPHR®) demonstrates your expertise of multinational HR responsibilities, including strategies of globalization development of HR policies and initiatives that support organizational global growth. The GPHR recognizes your competencies and skills in managing HR disciplines in a global marketplace. If you are practicing HR primarily outside of the U.S., refer to the aPHRi, PHRi or SPHRi certifications.
Frequently Asked Questions
Cascade members can earn up to 12 HRCI recertification credits during each three-year renewal cycle, plus additional credits by attending qualifying trainings.