HRCI Test Specifications

Below is a list of HRCI Test Specifications for this functional area, as well as the core knowledge that is relevant to all functional areas of the PHR and SPHR exams. These specifications detail the responsibilities and knowledge covered on the certification exam. The item numbering is not sequential here because it reflects the numbering system employed in the HRCI Test Specifications.

Functional Area 06: Risk Management (8%, 7%)

Developing, implementing/administering, and evaluating programs, procedures, and policies in order to provide a safe, secure working environment and to protect the organization from potential liability.

Responsibilities:

01     Ensure that workplace health, safety, security, and privacy activities are compliant with applicable federal laws and regulations.

02     Conduct a needs analysis to identify the organization’s safety requirements.

03     Develop/select and implement/administer occupational injury and illness prevention programs (i.e., OSHA, workers’ compensation). PHR only

04     Establish and administer a return-to-work process after illness or injury to ensure a safe workplace (for example: modified duty assignment, reasonable accommodations, independent medical exam).

05     Develop/select, implement, and evaluate plans and policies to protect employees and other individuals, and to minimize the organization’s loss and liability (for example: emergency response, workplace violence, substance abuse).

06     Communicate and train the workforce on security plans and policies.

07     Develop, monitor, and test business continuity and disaster recovery plans.

08     Communicate and train the workforce on the business continuity and disaster recovery plans.

09     Develop policies and procedures to direct the appropriate use of electronic media and hardware (for example: e-mail, social media, and appropriate website access).

10     Develop and administer internal and external privacy policies (for example: identity theft, data protection, workplace monitoring).

Knowledge of:

61     Applicable federal laws and regulations related to workplace health, safety, security, and privacy (for example: OSHA, Drug-Free Workplace Act, ADA, HIPAA, Sarbanes-Oxley Act)

62     Occupational injury and illness prevention (safety) and compensation programs

63     Investigation procedures of workplace safety, health and security enforcement agencies

64     Return to work procedures (for example: interactive dialog, job modification, accommodations)

65     Workplace safety risks (for example: trip hazards, blood-borne pathogens)

66     Workplace security risks (for example: theft, corporate espionage, sabotage)

67     Potential violent behavior and workplace violence conditions

68     General health and safety practices (for example: evacuation, hazard communication, ergonomic evaluations)

69     Organizational incident and emergency response plans

70     Internal investigation, monitoring, and surveillance techniques

71     Employer/employee rights related to substance abuse

72     Business continuity and disaster recovery plans (for example: data storage and backup, alternative work locations, procedures)

73     Data integrity techniques and technology (for example: data sharing, password usage, social engineering)

74     Technology and applications (for example: social media, monitoring software, biometrics)

75     Financial management practices (for example: procurement policies, credit card policies and guidelines, expense policies)

Core Knowledge:

76     Needs assessment and analysis

77     Third-party or vendor selection, contract negotiation, and management, including development of requests for proposals (RFPs).

78     Communication skills and strategies (for example: presentation, collaboration, sensitivity).

79     Organizational documentation requirements to meet federal and state guidelines.

80     Adult learning processes

81     Motivation concepts and applications

82     Training techniques (for example: virtual, classroom, on-the-job)

83     Leadership concepts and applications

84      Project management concepts and applications

85     Diversity concepts and applications (for example: generational, cultural competency, learning styles)

86     Human relations concepts and applications (for example: emotional intelligence, organizational behavior)

87     Ethical and professional standards

88     Technology to support HR activities (for example: HR Information Systems, employee self-service, e-learning, applicant tracking systems)

89     Qualitative and quantitative methods and tools for analysis, interpretation, and decision-making purposes (for example: metrics and measurements, cost/benefit analysis, financial statement analysis)

90     Change management theory, methods, and application

91     Job analysis and job description

92     Employee records management (for example: electronic/paper, retention, disposal)

93     Techniques for forecasting, planning, and predicting the impact of HR activities and programs across functional areas

94     Types of organizational structures (for example: matrix, hierarchy)

95     Environmental scanning concepts and applications (for example: Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats [SWOT], and Political, Economic, Social, and Technological [PEST])

96     Methods for assessing employee attitudes, opinions, and satisfaction (for example: surveys, focus groups/panels)

97     Budgeting, accounting, and financial concepts

98     Risk-management techniques