HRCI recertification: how to renew your credential

Every HRCI credential (aPHR, aPHRi, PHR, PHRi, PHRca, SPHR, SPHRi, GPHR) runs on a three-year cycle. You renew by earning HR-related recertification credits, including one ethics credit, or by retaking the exam. Sources: HRCI's recertification application page, fees and deadlines, specified credit and the Recertification Policies and Procedures Handbook.

Credits you need

Credential	Credits per 3 years	Specified credits
aPHR, aPHRi	45	None
PHR, PHRi	60	None
PHRca	60	15 California
SPHR, SPHRi	60	15 Business (leadership and strategy)
GPHR	60	15 Global HR management

Since January 2021 every certificant also needs one ethics credit per cycle, counted within the 45 or 60. More detail by credential, including which activities count and the caps per category: HRCI recertification credits by credential.

Two ways to recertify

• Continuing professional development (most people): add credits to your HRCI online profile as you go. Pre-approved programs give an activity ID you enter directly. Other HR-related activities can be self-reported and may be audited.
• Retake the exam for your credential.

Fees and deadlines

Fee	Amount
Recertify 1 certification	169 USD
Each additional certification	50 USD
Suspended fee (recertifying within 12 months after the cycle ends)	100 USD extra

From HRCI's fees and deadlines page, checked 2026-10-21 ("subject to change without notice"). The application fee is nonrefundable.

• Submit your completed application and fee before your three-year certification cycle ends.
• Miss it and HRCI places the credential in suspended status for up to 12 months. You can still recertify by paying the extra 100 USD, but you may not use the designation while suspended, HRCI won't verify it, and the suspended time cuts into your next cycle. You can keep earning credit during suspension.
• Surplus credits: HRCI now offers an optional carry-over program (up to 15 credits per the handbook), submitted on top of the normal 45 or 60.

Where to get the credits

• Free webinars: 79 upcoming free webinars with HRCI credit. Filter by General, Business, Global or Ethics.
• Ethics: free HRCI ethics credit options.
• Conferences: 12 upcoming conferences on our list state SHRM and/or HRCI credit. See HR conferences 2027 and employment law conferences.

HRCI recertification: FAQ

How many credits do I need to recertify with HRCI?

45 recertification credit hours for the aPHR and aPHRi, and 60 for the PHR, PHRi, PHRca, SPHR, SPHRi and GPHR, every three years. One ethics credit is required and counts within that total.

How much does HRCI recertification cost?

HRCI lists 169 USD to recertify one certification and 50 USD for each additional certification. The fee is nonrefundable. Recertifying while suspended adds 100 USD.

What happens if I miss my HRCI recertification deadline?

HRCI gives you 12 months after your cycle ends to recertify with an additional 100 USD fee. During that time your credential is suspended: HRCI can't verify it, and the time spent suspended still counts against your next cycle.

Can I recertify by retaking the HRCI exam?

Yes. HRCI says most certified professionals recertify through continuing professional development, but some prefer to retake the exam.

Where can I find free HRCI credits?

We list 79 upcoming free webinars that offer HRCI credit, and on-demand ethics options on our HRCI ethics credits page.