How to Become HR Certified in California: A Comprehensive Guide

California offers multiple options for HR professionals seeking certification. These programs provide a structured path for individuals to demonstrate their knowledge and skills in human resource management.

Key Facts

  1. CalHR HR Credentialing Program: The CalHR HR Credentialing program allows journey-level human resources and EEO staff at state departments to be professionally recognized in specific HR areas. It promotes continuous learning and development of HR professionals.
  2. PHRca – HRCI: The Professional in Human Resources – California (PHRca) certification is offered by the HR Certification Institute (HRCI). It is a recognized certification for HR professionals in California. The exam fee is $395, and there is an application fee of $100.
  3. HR Generalist Certificate – California: Employers Group offers an online HR Generalist Certificate program specifically focused on California employment law. This comprehensive program covers various HR topics, including terminations, wage and hour law, leaves of absence, recruitment, compensation, and communication skills.

CalHR HR Credentialing Program

The CalHR HR Credentialing program is designed for journey-level HR professionals in California state government agencies. This program recognizes individuals’ expertise in specific HR areas and promotes continuous learning and development.

Benefits of the CalHR HR Credentialing Program

  • Professional recognition for HR professionals
  • Validation of HR knowledge and skills
  • Opportunities for career advancement
  • Support for a culture of continuous learning

Eligibility Requirements

  • Current state civil service employee
  • Minimum of three years of experience in a state HR work environment or EEO program

Application Process

  • Submit a standard state application (STD 678)
  • Indicate desired credential(s) and list each module in the EXAMINATION(S) OR JOB TITLE(S) FOR WHICH YOU ARE APPLYING field
  • Sign the certification at the bottom of the page

Exam Format

  • Computer-based exam
  • 100 multiple-choice items
  • Two hours to complete

Recertification

  • Recertification is not required

PHRca – HRCI

The Professional in Human Resources – California (PHRca) certification is offered by the HR Certification Institute (HRCI). This certification is recognized by HR professionals throughout the United States, including California.

Benefits of the PHRca Certification

  • Demonstrates knowledge of HR laws, regulations, and management practices unique to California
  • Enhances credibility and marketability as an HR professional
  • Supports career advancement opportunities

Eligibility Requirements

  • One year of experience in a professional-level HR position and a Master’s degree or higher
  • Two years of experience in a professional-level HR position and a Bachelor’s degree
  • Four years of experience in a professional-level HR position

Application Process

  • Create an HRCI account
  • Submit an online application
  • Pay the exam fee ($395) and application fee ($100)

Exam Format

  • Computer-based exam
  • 90 scored questions (mostly multiple-choice) + 25 pretest questions
  • Two hours and 15 minutes to complete

Recertification

  • Earn 45 HR and 15 California recertification credits (60 total) over a three-year time span
  • Retake the exam

HR Generalist Certificate – California

The HR Generalist Certificate – California is an online program offered by Employers Group. This program is designed to provide HR professionals with the skills and knowledge needed to be effective in California’s unique employment law environment.

Benefits of the HR Generalist Certificate – California

  • Comprehensive overview of California employment law
  • Practical skills for HR professionals working in California
  • Convenient online format

Eligibility Requirements

  • None

Application Process

  • Visit the Employers Group website
  • Create an account
  • Enroll in the HR Generalist Certificate – California program

Exam Format

  • Online assessment
  • Multiple-choice questions
  • Open-book format

Recertification

  • Not applicable

Conclusion

HR professionals in California have several options for obtaining certification. The CalHR HR Credentialing Program, PHRca certification, and HR Generalist Certificate – California are all recognized programs that provide individuals with the knowledge and skills needed to succeed in the HR field.

Sources

FAQs

How to Become HR Certified in California: A Comprehensive Guide

California offers multiple options for HR professionals seeking certification. These programs provide a structured path for individuals to demonstrate their knowledge and skills in human resource management.

CalHR HR Credentialing Program

The CalHR HR Credentialing program is designed for journey-level HR professionals in California state government agencies. This program recognizes individuals’ expertise in specific HR areas and promotes continuous learning and development.

Benefits of the CalHR HR Credentialing Program:

  • Professional recognition for HR professionals
  • Validation of HR knowledge and skills
  • Opportunities for career advancement
  • Support for a culture of continuous learning

Eligibility Requirements:

  • Current state civil service employee
  • Minimum of three years of experience in a state HR work environment or EEO program

Application Process:

  • Submit a standard state application (STD 678)
  • Indicate desired credential(s) and list each module in the EXAMINATION(S) OR JOB TITLE(S) FOR WHICH YOU ARE APPLYING field
  • Sign the certification at the bottom of the page

Exam Format:

  • Computer-based exam
  • 100 multiple-choice items
  • Two hours to complete

Recertification:

  • Recertification is not required

PHRca – HRCI

The Professional in Human Resources – California (PHRca) certification is offered by the HR Certification Institute (HRCI). This certification is recognized by HR professionals throughout the United States, including California.

Benefits of the PHRca Certification:

  • Demonstrates knowledge of HR laws, regulations, and management practices unique to California
  • Enhances credibility and marketability as an HR professional
  • Supports career advancement opportunities

Eligibility Requirements:

  • One year of experience in a professional-level HR position and a Master’s degree or higher
  • Two years of experience in a professional-level HR position and a Bachelor’s degree
  • Four years of experience in a professional-level HR position

Application Process:

  • Create an HRCI account
  • Submit an online application
  • Pay the exam fee ($395) and application fee ($100)

Exam Format:

  • Computer-based exam
  • 90 scored questions (mostly multiple-choice) + 25 pretest questions
  • Two hours and 15 minutes to complete

Recertification:

  • Earn 45 HR and 15 California recertification credits (60 total) over a three-year time span
  • Retake the exam

HR Generalist Certificate – California

The HR Generalist Certificate – California is an online program offered by Employers Group. This program is designed to provide HR professionals with the skills and knowledge needed to be effective in California’s unique employment law environment.

Benefits of the HR Generalist Certificate – California:

  • Comprehensive overview of California employment law
  • Practical skills for HR professionals working in California
  • Convenient online format

Eligibility Requirements:

  • None

Application Process:

  • Visit the Employers Group website
  • Create an account
  • Enroll in the HR Generalist Certificate – California program

Exam Format:

  • Online assessment
  • Multiple-choice questions
  • Open-book format

Recertification:

  • Not applicable

Conclusion

HR professionals in California have several options for obtaining certification. The CalHR HR Credentialing Program, PHRca certification, and HR Generalist Certificate – California are all recognized programs that provide individuals with the knowledge and skills needed to succeed in the HR field.

Sources: