HR Certification Preparation
There are four types of human resources certification sanctioned and offered by the HR Certification Institute. With a professional human resources certification, you prepare yourself for a career track in the field.
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Human Resources Certification
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The HR Certification Institute (HRCI) administers four types of human resources certification--PHR, SPHR, GPHR and a certification for California. PHR is Professional Human Resources, SPHR is Senior Professional Human Resources and GPHR is Global Professional Human Resources. The designation for California is CA, which follows one of the three certification types, as in SPHR-CA.
Preparation Methods
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HRCI is an accrediting body affiliated with the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM), a membership-based professional association of human resources practitioners and consultants. SHRM offers two choices for preparing for the certification examinations--the "SHRM Learning System" or a three-day intensive, classroom-style preparation course.
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Costs
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As of July 2010, the price of the SHRM Learning System was $795. Individuals who prefer to study independently, using a self-paced method, might find the Learning System useful. The three-day intensive preparation course costs $1,295 for SHRM members and $1,540 for nonmembers. Tuition for the intensive course includes the SHRM Learning System. There are also certification preparation guides sold in mass market bookstores and online.
Exam Eligibility Criteria
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New eligibility criteria are issued for certification exams beginning in 2011. Generally, the HR professional must have significant work experience and formal education in human resources. For example, an HR professional who's been working in human resources for five years and has a bachelor's degree is qualified to sit for the SPHR exam.
Content
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The competency areas in which HR professionals are tested include: Strategic Planning; Workforce Planning and Employment; Human Resource Development; Total Rewards; Employee and Labor Relations; and Risk Management. The weight of each area depends on which certification level you seek.
Examination Schedule
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The HR certification exams are generally offered during two windows of times throughout the year--in spring and winter. If you plan to attend the intensive preparation course, your registration for the course and your application for the examination must be submitted well in advance.
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References
Resources
- Photo Credit Blank award certificate form image by Stasys Eidiejus from Fotolia.com
