ALEXANDRIA, Va.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The HR Certification Institute (the Institute), the internationally recognized independent certifying body for the HR profession, has officially opened registration for the Human Resource Business Professional (HRBP^SM) and Human Resource Management Professional (HRMP^SM) exams to be offered in March 2013. The HRBP and HRMP credentials are designed for HR professionals primarily practicing outside of the United States and complement the Institute’s existing offerings.

The HRBP and HRMP focus on globally relevant HR concepts that are common across geographic locations and offer a way for HR professionals who have mastered their country’s HR practices and regulations to prove their skills in both the strategic and technical aspects of the profession. They were developed to validate core human resource knowledge and skills.

The HRBP validates professional-level core HR knowledge and skills and demonstrates mastery of generally accepted technical and operational HR principles. The HRMP is designed to validate management-level core human resource knowledge and skills and demonstrates mastery of generally accepted HR principles in strategy and policy development as well as service delivery. Both are distinct from the Global Professional in Human Resources (GPHR®) certification, which focuses primarily on cross-border HR issues.

The Institute’s portfolio of advanced professional credentials now consists of HRBP, HRMP, GPHR, Professional in Human Resources (PHR®), Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR®) and California Certifications. The Institute offers computer-based exams twice a year at test centers throughout the world. The Spring 2013 testing period for the HRBP and HRMP will take place March 1-31. Fees for these two exams range from $275- $375 USD. For more information on HR Certification or to apply for these exams, please visit www.hrci.org/global.

About the HR Certification Institute

The HR Certification Institute is a global leader in developing rigorous exams to demonstrate mastery and real-world application of forward-thinking HR practices, policies and principles. It offers a comprehensive portfolio of advanced profession credentials for HR professionals worldwide. Through the combination of formal education, adherence to high ethical standards, demonstrated knowledge and achievement through exam and a renewed commitment to continuing professional development, HR professionals certified by the HR Certification Institute enhance their professional credibility and the organizations they serve. Since 1976, the HR Certification Institute has been the global leader in professional credentialing for the HR Profession. Today, more than 120,000 HR professionals in 100 countries proudly maintain the HR Certification Institute’s credentials as a mark of high professional distinction. Visit www.hrci.org/global