PHR Certification Recertification

Earning your Professional in Human Resources (PHR) certification is a big achievement! It demonstrates your expertise in HR principles, laws, and best practices.

But your journey doesn’t stop once you pass the exam—you must recertify every three years to keep your credential active. 

Whether you’re searching for PHR certification recertification near me or looking for a flexible PHR certification recertification online option such as the one offered by Prepsaret, it’s essential to understand the process.

Recertification ensures you stay up to date with the latest HR trends, laws, and innovations. 

It’s not just about maintaining a title; it’s about showcasing your commitment to professional growth. If you’re wondering how to recertify PHR certification, we’ll break down everything you need to know to make the process smooth and stress-free.

Understanding PHR Recertification: Maintaining Your HR Credential

Recertification isn’t just a formality—it’s a crucial step in staying relevant in HR. The HR Certification Institute (HRCI) requires professionals to recertify to ensure they continue learning and applying their knowledge.

Here’s what PHR recertification involves:

• Earning 60 PHR recertification credits through professional development activities.
• Submitting your PHR certification renewal process application before your certification expires.
• Paying a PHR certification recertification cost of $150 (plus a $100 late fee if submitted after expiration).

By maintaining your certification, you:

• Showcase ongoing HR expertise to employers and colleagues.
• Strengthen your resume and boost career advancement opportunities.
• Stay compliant with evolving HR laws and industry trends.

Learn more: PHR Certification

Why Is PHR Recertification Important for HR Professionals?

HR is constantly evolving—from employment laws to workplace trends like remote work and AI in HR. SHRM recertification and HRCI recertification ensure HR professionals remain competitive in this changing landscape.

Key Benefits of PHR Recertification:

• Stay Competitive – Employers value HR professionals who invest in continuous learning.
• Boost Your Career – Many HR leadership roles prefer (or require) a current PHR certification.
• Enhance Your Knowledge – Learn about the latest trends, best practices, and compliance updates.
• Increase Your Earning Potential – Certified HR professionals often earn higher salaries than non-certified peers.

PHR Recertification Requirements: Key Criteria to Maintain Your Credential

To renew PHR certification, you must meet the following requirements:

• Recertification Cycle: Every three years (submit before your certification expires).
• Credit Requirement: Earn 60 HR-related PHR continuing education credits (or retake the PHR exam).
• Approved Credit Sources: Credits must come from HRCI-approved activities, such as coursework, webinars, or professional experience.

If you miss the deadline, you’ll have to retake the PHR certification recertification practice test and full exam to keep your certification active—so don’t wait until the last minute!

Related: PHR Certification Requirements

Ways to Earn PHR Recertification Credits: Approved Activities and Categories

You can earn PHR recertification credits in several ways, as long as they align with HRCI guidelines. Let’s explore your options.

Types of Recertification Credits:

• Continuing Education: Attend HR courses, conferences, and webinars.
• Work Experience & Leadership: Lead HR initiatives, implement new policies, or take on a strategic HR role.
• Speaking Engagements: Teach an HR-related course, lead a workshop, or present at an HR event.
• Publications & Research: Write an HR-related article, whitepaper, or research report.
• HR Projects & Strategic Initiatives: Lead diversity initiatives, implement HR tech, or drive organizational change.

HRCI recertification allows up to 40 self-directed credits (e.g., webinars, self-paced learning). The remaining 20 credits must come from instructor-led activities like conferences or formal training.

Step-by-Step Guide to Submitting PHR Recertification Credits

Renewing your PHR certification might seem like a maze, but it’s actually pretty straightforward if you follow the right steps. Here’s your easy-to-follow roadmap for submitting your credits:

Log Into the HRCI Recertification Portal

HRCI (the certifying body for PHR) has a dedicated recertification portal where you’ll submit your credits.

• Go to HRCI’s official website
• Click on “My HRCI” and log in to your account
• Navigate to “Recertification”
• Select “Submit Credits”

You’ll see a dashboard where you can enter details about your PHR recertification activities that count toward your renewal.

Enter Your PHR Certification Recertification Questions and Activities

HRCI requires 60 recertification credits over three years. You can earn these through:

• HR-related training and courses
• Webinars, seminars, and workshops
• Professional HR work experience
• Speaking engagements or HR-related research

Upload Supporting Documentation

For each credit, you’ll need to submit proof of completion, such as:

• Certificates of completion
• Course outlines or transcripts
• Receipts for conferences and events

Pay the Recertification Fee and Submit

Once you’ve logged all your credits, the final step is paying the PHR certification recertification cost and clicking Submit! HRCI will review your submission, and once approved, you’ll maintain your PHR certification for another three years.

Find out: What is the PHR Exam Retake Policy?

How to Track and Document Your PHR Recertification Activities

To avoid last-minute panic, it’s best to track your PHR certification renewal process activities as you go.

Best Practices for Keeping Records

• Save all certificates, receipts, and confirmations immediately after attending an event.
• Keep a separate email folder for PHR recertification documents.
• Maintain a spreadsheet with dates, event names, and credit values.

Recommended Tools for Tracking Credits

• HRCI Recertification Portal – Log credits in real time.
• Google Sheets or Excel – Create a simple tracker for all your activities.
• Evernote or OneNote – Keep digital copies of certificates and notes.

Why Documentation Matters

HRCI randomly audits recertification submissions. If you’re chosen, you’ll need to provide proof for each credit. Keeping everything organized will save you from a major headache later.

PHR Recertification Deadlines: When and How to Renew on Time

HRCI gives you three years to earn your 60 PHR professional development units (PDUs), but time flies fast! Here’s how to stay on top of deadlines.

Key PHR Recertification Deadlines

Your human resources certification renewal cycle starts on the day you pass the PHR exam and lasts three years.
You must submit your recertification credits by your certification expiration date.

Late Submission? Here’s What Happens

If you miss the deadline, you get a 12-month grace period, but there’s a PHR recertification fee structure that includes a late fee.
If you miss the grace period, your certification expires, and you’ll have to retake the PHR exam.

How to Stay on Track

• Set calendar reminders 6, 3, and 1 month before your PHR recertification deadline.
• Keep a running total of your HR recertification credit tracking so you’re not scrambling last minute.
• Plan for at least 20 credits per year to stay on pace.

How Much Does PHR Recertification Cost? Fees and Payment Options

Let’s talk money. The cost of PHR certification renewal isn’t cheap, so it’s best to budget ahead.

PHR Recertification Fees

• Standard recertification fee: $150
• Late submission fee (if within grace period): $50 extra
• Expired certification? Retaking the PHR exam costs $395 + $100 application fee

Payment Options

• Credit/Debit Cards – Visa, Mastercard, and Amex accepted.
• Employer Reimbursement – Many companies cover your HR training programs for recertification. Ask HR!
• Budgeting Tip – Set aside $50 per year so the renewal fee doesn’t hit all at once.

Refund Policy

HRCI does not offer refunds for recertification fees, so make sure you’re ready before submitting!

Related blog post: PHR Certification Cost

Best Ways to Earn PHR Recertification Credits

To meet HRCI recertification guidelines, professionals must accumulate credits through various HRCI-approved recertification activities. Some of the best ways include:

• Attending HR continuing education courses and industry conferences
• Completing online courses for PHR recertification from approved providers for example the Prepsaret PHR Prep Course
• Participating in PHR self-paced learning options, such as webinars and e-learning modules
• Gaining PHR recertification through work experience by engaging in HR-related projects
• Contributing to the HR profession through research, presentations, and publications

Check this out: PHR Online Course

Common Mistakes to Avoid in PHR Recertification

Recertification isn’t rocket science, but it does require attention to detail. Many HR pros make the same mistakes when renewing their PHR certification. Here’s how to avoid them:

• Procrastination Nation: Waiting until the last minute can lead to a frantic scramble to earn those 60 recertification credits. Plan ahead and track your activities throughout your certification renewal cycle.
• Documentation Disaster: If you’re earning credits through HR training programs for recertification, make sure you have proper documentation. Missing or incomplete records can lead to rejected credits.
• Submission Slip-Ups: Double-check your recertification application before hitting submit. Incorrectly logging your activities or miscalculating your credits can delay the process.
• Not Knowing the Rules: The HRCI recertification guidelines update periodically. Make sure you’re following the latest PHR recertification requirements.

By staying organized and proactive, you can ensure a smooth PHR recertification process—no last-minute stress needed. 

Try this out: PHR Free Questions

What Happens If You Fail to Recertify Your PHR Certification?

Life happens, and sometimes deadlines slip past us. But what if you forget to recertify or don’t meet the requirements in time? Here’s what you need to know:

• Your Certification Expires: If you miss the deadline, your PHR credential becomes inactive. This means you can no longer use “PHR” after your name, which could impact your credibility and career opportunities.
• Reinstatement Process: If your certification has lapsed, you may have a short window to reinstate it by paying a recertification fee and submitting outstanding credits. Check with HRCI for the latest reinstatement policies.
• Retaking the Exam: If your certification expires completely, you’ll have to start from scratch by retaking the PHR exam. That means studying, scheduling, and paying the exam fee all over again. Yikes!

Moral of the story? Mark your calendar and get those recertification credits in on time!

SHRM vs. PHR Recertification: Key Differences

Not all HR certifications follow the same recertification process. Here’s how SHRM vs. PHR recertification compares:

Key Differences Between HRCI and SHRM Recertification

• HRCI recertification guidelines require HR-related continuing education and professional development activities.
• SHRM recertification focuses on Professional Development Credits (PDCs) and emphasizes behavioral competencies.
• SHRM recertification is often more flexible, allowing activities like work projects, whereas HRCI recertification has stricter category requirements.

Choosing the Best Recertification Path for Your Career

• If you hold multiple HR certifications, align your recertification activities to maximize credit use across both HRCI and SHRM.
• If you’re aiming for a leadership role, consider earning strategic or global HR credits to enhance your SPHR or GPHR status.
• Plan your professional development to meet both short-term recertification needs and long-term career goals.

By following these guidelines and taking advantage of PHR self-paced learning options and HR continuing education courses, you can successfully maintain your PHR certification and advance your HR career.

Final Thoughts: Stay Ahead with PHR Recertification

Staying certified is a crucial part of your career growth. 

Whether you’re searching for PHR certification recertification near me, looking for PHR recertification online options, or preparing with a PHR certification recertification practice test, keeping up with your recertification ensures you remain competitive and knowledgeable in the HR field.

Start planning early, track your credits, and make use of the HRCI Recertification Portal to streamline the process. With the right approach, renewing your PHR certification will be stress-free and rewarding.

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