Get Certified, Stay Certified, and Keep that Competitive Edge!

In today’s economy, human resources professionals are expected to be proactive, strategic business partners who assist organizations to think and act strategically in a global environment. In today’s competitive world, certifications matter. They show you are up-to-date on latest industry advancements and add credibility to your resume. In fact many, if not most, employers require professional certifications for their human resources positions. Southwest Washington Human Resources Association (SWHRMA) encourages its members to become SHRM certified and focuses on providing a continual learning environment. Many of SWHRMA’s meetings and programs are pre-approved for recertification credits. Check meeting notices or inquire at events.

HRCI PHR/SPHR/GPHR Exam Information

Exams may be taken by those who seek initial professional certification or individuals who are certified and seek recertification. Refer to http://www.hrci.org/ to learn about exam application details, testing schedule, registration, or to request a Certification Handbook.

HRCI Certification Exam Requirements
The PHR and SPHR are generalist exams and assess knowledge of the entire domestic HR field. The GPHR exam is intended for HR professionals who develop and implement global HR strategies, oversee international assignment management and manage HR operations overseas.

PHR, SPHR, and GPHR certification is intended for professionals who have at least two years of exempt-level (professional) HR work experience. To be eligible to take either exam, you must demonstrate: 1) At least 51 percent of your daily activities are within the human resource function; and 2) Those activities are at the exempt (professional) level (described below). The exams reflect today’s HR practices. Although two years of exempt-level (professional) HR work experience need not be current or sequential, more recent experience is more likely to coincide with the exam’s content.

Eligibility is determined by information found in the work experience section of the application and, if necessary, on the completed supporting documentation form and any accompanying documentation. If you are found ineligible, there is no appeal process. It is in your best interest to ensure that supporting documentation clearly demonstrates two years of exempt-level (professional) HR work experience.

HRCI also offers a special student/recent graduate category. For more information about taking this exam as a student/recent graduate, please see “Student/Recent Graduate Eligibility Requirements” in the certification handbook referenced on http://www.hrci.org/.

Choosing the Appropriate Exam – PHR, SPHR, or GPHR?
Choose the exam that best represents your mastery of the HR body of knowledge. HRCI has found appropriate exempt-level HR work experience and educational background contribute significantly to success on the exams. An honest assessment of skills, knowledge and responsibilities within the HR function is critical when deciding whether to seek certification as a PHR, SPHR or GPHR.

Eligibility Requirements
Required exempt-level (professional) HR experience:
   PHR: 2 years   SPHR: 2 years

Recommended exempt-level (professional) HR experience:
   PHR: 2-4 years   SPHR: 6-8 years

The ideal PHR Candidate
Establishes HR policies and initiatives that support the organization’s global growth and reputation as an employer; designs organizational structures, programs and processes to achieve worldwide business needs; oversees international assignment strategies and policies; develops, implements and evaluates programs, processes and tools to ensure that they align with competitive practice, the organization’s objectives and legal requirements; oversees the processes and practices that ensure favorable employment conditions balancing employer needs with employee rights and needs; and has core knowledge of the organization’s international HR activities.

The ideal SPHR Candidate
Designs and plans rather than implements; focuses on the “big picture”; has ultimate accountability in the HR department; has six to eight years of progressive HR experience; has breadth and depth of HR generalist knowledge; uses judgment obtained with time and application of knowledge; has generalist role within organization; understands the effect of decisions made within and outside of the organization; understands the business, not just the HR function; manages relationships; has influence within overall organization; commands credibility within organization, community and field by experience; and possesses excellent negotiation skills.

The ideal GPHR Candidate
Focuses on program implementation; has tactical/logistical orientation; has accountability to another HR professional within the organization; has two to four years of exempt-level generalist HR work experience, but because of career length may lack the breadth or depth of a more senior-level generalist; has not had progressive HR work experience by virtue of career length; focuses on the organization within the HR department rather than organization-wide; and commands respect through the credibility of knowledge and the use of policies and guidelines to make decisions.

Preparing for the Certification Exam

Resources are available to assist in preparing for the PHR, SPHR or GPHR certification exam. SWHRMA uses the SHRM Learning System™ which is available through SHRM at http://www.shrm.org/.

Remember to Prepare for Recertification!

HRCI requires re-certification every three years. Prepare for re-certification by logging into the HRCI website at http://www.hrci.org/ and maintain your own accounting of credits as you earn them.

SWHRMA holds two study groups each year that coincide with HRCI’s testing schedules.

For more information about certification, please contact Cerise Jolliver, cerisej@pacifier.com