SPHR and GPHR Certifications: A Comprehensive Guide to HR Certifications in UAE 2025
In the world of Human Resources (HR), certifications play a crucial role in validating an individual’s skills, knowledge, and commitment to the profession. For HR professionals in the UAE, pursuing globally recognized certifications such as the Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR) and Global Professional in Human Resources (GPHR) can significantly enhance career prospects.These certificates are offered by HRCI-HR Certification Institute. However, there is often confusion regarding which certification is the best fit for specific career goals. This blog will explore the differences between SPHR and GPHR certifications, shedding light on their relevance in the UAE’s dynamic job market.
What is SPHR certification
The Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR) certification is awarded by the HR Certification Institute (HRCI), designed for experienced HR professionals who are looking to advance their careers. It focuses on a strategic and senior-level approach to HR functions, providing expertise in areas such as workforce planning, employee relations, and risk management.The SPHR certification is valid for 3 years.
Who all need SPHR Certification in 2025?
The SPHR certification is particularly suited for HR professionals who have:
- A minimum of four to five years of experience in an HR role.
- A deep understanding of strategic HR management at a senior level.
- A focus on policy-making, program development, and organizational design.
What is the SPHR Exam Format
The SPHR exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions. The questions are designed to test the candidate’s ability to apply strategic HR concepts, solve complex HR problems, and manage senior-level HR activities.
What is SPHR Exam Duration
Candidates have 3 hours to complete the SPHR exam.
What is the minimum SPHR exam fee or SPHR exam cost
The SPHR exam fee varies, but it typically ranges from $400 to $500, depending on your location and membership status with HRCI.
What is the passing score of SPHR exam 2025?
For SPHR there is no fixed passing score.It depends on the scaled scoring system,which takes into account of the difficulty of exam also.Normally the pass rate of SPHR exam is above 55%.But Elite offers 100% pass assurance.
What are the requirements for SPHR certification?
To get SPHR certification in 2025 ,first we need to pass SPHR exam.To be eligible for the SPHR exam 2025, candidates must have a certain amount of professional HR experience. The requirements depend on your educational background:
- If you have a Master’s degree or higher: You need at least 4 years of professional-level HR experience.
- If you have a Bachelor’s degree: You need at least 5 years of professional-level HR experience.
If you have less than a Bachelor’s degree: You need at least 7 years of professional-level HR experience
What are the SPHR exam topics
The exam is divided into six functional areas, based on the HR body of knowledge:
- Leadership and Strategy (38%): Covers topics like aligning HR strategy with business strategy, leading HR initiatives, and managing organizational change.
- Workforce Planning and Employment (19%): Focuses on workforce analysis, recruiting, retention, and talent management.
- Human Resource Development (18%): Deals with employee development, training, leadership development, and career management.
- Compensation and Benefits (12%): Involves compensation strategies, benefits programs, and total rewards.
- Employee and Labor Relations (7%): Focuses on managing employee relations, conflict resolution, and understanding labor laws.
- Risk Management (6%): Addresses safety, risk management, compliance, and legal issues in the workplace.
What is GPHR certification?
The Global Professional in Human Resources (GPHR) certification, also offered by HRCI, is designed for HR professionals who work in global or multinational organizations. It focuses on the strategic and operational aspects of managing a workforce across borders and adapting HR policies to fit various cultural and legal environments.
Once you earn the GPHR certification in 2025, it is valid for three years. To maintain your certification, you must complete 60 recertification credits during this time.
Who all need GPHR certification in 2025?
The GPHR certification is ideal for professionals who:
- Work in global HR roles or have responsibility for managing cross-border HR activities.
- Deal with global HR issues like international labor laws, global compensation strategies, and expatriate management.
- Aim to design HR programs that address diverse cultures, business practices, and employment laws.
What is the GPHR exam format
The GPHR exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions. The questions are designed to evaluate your knowledge and practical application of global HR management concepts.
What is the GPHR Exam Duration in 2025
You have 3 hours to complete the GPHR exam, which consists of the 150 multiple-choice questions mentioned above.
What is the minimum GPHR exam fee?
The GPHR exam fee typically ranges between $400 and $500, depending on your membership status with HRCI and your geographic location.
What is the minimum passing score of GPHR Exam 2025?
The passing score is determined by a scaled scoring system, meaning the exact score required to pass can vary slightly, but it is typically around 70% or higher.
What are the requirements of GPHR certification?
Candidates must have a certain number of years of professional HR experience in global HR management roles, which are specified as follows:
- If you have a Master’s degree or higher: You need at least 2 years of professional-level HR experience.
- If you have a Bachelor’s degree: You need at least 3 years of professional-level HR experience.
- If you have less than a Bachelor’s degree: You need at least 4 years of professional-level HR experience.
What are the GPHR exam topics
The exam is divided into the following functional areas:
- Global Talent Management (22%): Recruiting, selecting, and developing talent for a global workforce.
- Global HR Strategy (19%): Aligning HR practices with global business strategies, managing international HR issues.
- International Employee Relations (18%): Understanding international labor laws, managing employee relations across borders, and dealing with legal and cultural differences.
- Global Compensation and Benefits (19%): Designing global compensation structures, handling tax implications, benefits, and international pay systems.
- Global Mobility and Expatriate Management (14%): Managing global mobility, including relocation, expatriate policies, and international assignments.
- Cultural and Legal Global HR Issues (8%): Adapting HR policies to different cultures, understanding legal issues across countries.
Key Difference between SPHR and GPHR
While both SPHR and GPHR certifications are valuable and can open doors to senior HR positions, there are some key differences that set them apart:
- Focus of the Certification
- SPHR focuses on strategic HR management at a senior level within a specific organizational context.
- GPHR emphasizes global HR management, with a focus on cross-cultural and international HR challenges.
- Target Audience
- SPHR is intended for HR professionals working in domestic or local organizations with strategic HR responsibilities.
- GPHR is aimed at HR professionals working in global or multinational corporations, dealing with diverse and international workforces.
- Career Path and Opportunities
- With an SPHR certification, professionals typically move into HR leadership roles within organizations, such as HR directors, senior consultants, and HR strategists.
- With a GPHR certification, professionals are positioned to take on roles in international HR management, such as global HR directors, expatriate managers, and global talent managers.
- Scope of Knowledge
- SPHR focuses more on organizational design, employee relations, workforce planning, and business strategy within the local context.
- GPHR focuses on global HR practices, international laws, global compensation, and managing a culturally diverse workforce.
- Eligibility Requirements
- SPHR requires at least 4-5 years of experience in an HR role, with a focus on senior-level responsibilities.
- GPHR generally requires a similar amount of experience but focuses on a global HR experience.
SPHR and GPHR Certifications in UAE
In the UAE, both SPHR and GPHR certifications hold significant value, especially as the region continues to grow as a global business hub. Companies in the UAE, ranging from multinational corporations to large local organizations, seek HR professionals who can bring innovative HR strategies to the table.
HR professionals with SPHR certification are highly regarded for their deep expertise in managing HR operations and aligning HR strategies with business objectives.HR professionals with a GPHR certification are particularly valued by organizations with global operations or a significant expatriate workforce, as they bring the necessary skills to navigate complex international HR challenges.
The decision to pursue either the SPHR or GPHR certification in 2025 depends on your current job role, career goals, and the type of organizations you wish to work with.
- Choose SPHR if you are primarily interested in managing HR at a senior level within a domestic or regional context and want to focus on strategic HR leadership.
- Choose GPHR if you are passionate about working in international or global HR environments and wish to specialize in managing cross-border workforce challenges.
Whichever certification you choose,we,the Elite team is here to guide you to achieve the pass SPHR/GPHR exam in 2025 in first attempt itself.
Who are we?
At Elite Star Management Consultancy, we are committed to providing world-class professional training programs to individuals and businesses. Our goal is to equip professionals with globally recognized certifications that enhance career growth and industry expertise. With experienced trainers, high-quality course materials, and flexible learning options, we ensure an excellent learning experience. Join us today to achieve your HR certifications with best price in UAE!
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