HRCI’s Guide to Online Testing

2020 Vision Adjustments
Life changes moment to moment. One moment, it’s January 1, 2020. It’s the beginning of a new decade. You’re at the top of your game or thinking about transitioning to a new career field. Fast forward to the next moment when March arrived, and the Coronavirus (COVID-19) changed lives forever.

HRCI® understands how difficult it’s been for HR professionals. Our certificants are leading by example, supporting their organizations through these uncertain times.  

HRCI has set the gold standard for global credentialing and learning for over 45 years. An HRCI certification can transform someone’s career and equip them to handle these challenges.

As the pandemic spread globally, our exam delivery partner, Pearson VUE began to close test centers worldwide. As an organization, we have been exploring online exam delivery for nearly a year. The pandemic fast-tracked our implementation of this alternative test delivery option.

HRCI recently announced that effective May 1, 2020, U.S. and Canadian residents applying for the Associate Professional in Human Resources® (aPHR^®), Professional in Human Resources^® (PHR^®), Senior Professional in Human Resources^® (SPHR^®) and Global Professional in Human Resources^® (GPHR^®) exams will have an option to register and test from the comfort of their home or office.

How Does Online Testing Work?

Introducing OnVUE, Pearson VUE’s state-of-the-art online proctoring technology that leverages artificial intelligence, in combination with live monitoring to ensure HRCI exams are protected and secure.

This online option is not a replacement, but an additional test delivery option to complement the regular Pearson VUE Test Centers worldwide. Candidates will still have to follow all of the eligibility steps listed in the HRCI certification handbook.

The delivery platform mirrors the experience at a Pearson VUE testing centers, including the same candidate NDA agreement, exam tutorial, exam content, optional end-of-exam survey and results report.

For the online testing option, you will be asked to complete a required system test on the same computer you plan to use for testing. A live Pearson VUE greeter and proctor will assist throughout the security check-in and testing process. To start your exam, you must present a valid government-issued ID and install a secure browser that enforces rigorous safeguards throughout the testing process.

One difference is is how you receive your exam results. At the conclusion of your exam, you will not receive an instant report. However, you can login to your HRCI account within an hour to view your final exam results.

HRCI Resources

By offering this new testing alternative, HRCI hopes to reduce any additional stress caused by the testing centers closures worldwide. We will continue to evaluate our programs and learning opportunities as we continue to adjust to our new normal.

If you require any assistance with exam scheduling, please contact our HRCI Customer Experience team at info@hrci.org or at 1 866-898-4724.

For the latest updates, please visit our website.

You can also register to join our webinar, Everything You Need to Know About Online Testing on Tuesday, April 28, 2020 from 2- 3 pm ET.