SABPP registration for HR professionals: levels, requirements and fees
The five SABPP professional levels, from HR Technician to Master HR Professional: qualifications, experience, board exams and registration fees.
The South African Board for People Practices registers HR practitioners at five levels. SABPP-registered HR professionals are also ex officio commissioners of oaths, which is a small but real benefit in an ER role.
Levels and what each needs
| Level | Qualification and experience | Board exams | Registration fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Master HR Professional | HR or related Master's or doctorate plus 6 years of HR top-management experience | Level 1 and 2 | R 5 105 |
| Chartered HR Professional | 4-year HR or related honours or postgraduate qualification plus 4 years at senior management level | Level 1 and 2 | R 4 255 |
| HR Professional | 3-year HR or related degree or diploma plus 3 years at middle management level | Level 1 | R 3 465 |
| HR Associate | 2-year HR or related diploma plus 2 years of HR experience | Level 1 | R 2 735 |
| HR Technician | 1-year HR or related certificate plus 1 year of HR experience | None listed | R 2 125 |
Registration fees are first-time fees as published on the SABPP membership page (2025 schedule). Annual renewal fees are listed separately on SABPP's renewals page. Checked 02/10/2026.
The steps
- Pick the level your qualification and experience support.
- Submit the online application with certified qualifications, a CV and an organogram showing your position (for the professional levels).
- Write the board exams for your level.
- Keep up CPD and the annual renewal.
Keyword lists for these roles: HR Business Partner · HR Officer · Recruiter
Sources
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