What is Certification?

There are a number of advantages to seeking certification. Certification becomes a public recognition of professional achievement; just like a CPA for an accountant.  For many, achieving certification becomes a personal professional goal - a way to test one's knowledge and to measure it against one's peers. Still others see certification as an aid to career advancement.

I see two things that convince me that every HR professional should seriously consider become certified; employers are starting to quote certification in their job postings, a sure sign that they are taking it seriously and, I believe you will need either a Masters or a certification to be competitive in the future.  Certification is certainly more obtainable than a Masters.

To learn more about SHRM Certification, visit the Human Resources Certification Institute (HRCI) web site at www.hrci.org.

There are several ways to prepare for the exam.  Some people enjoy learning with co-workers in study groups during the workweek. Others prefer to study independently using both the SHRM Learning System and other study aids available at booksellers across the country. Still other exam candidates find the support and structure provided by a university-based training program to be the best option for them.

Several universities in this area provide weekly classes to help you prepare for the certification exam. These universities include the following:

Pace University:                      http://www.pace.edu/acenoncredit
Manhattanville College:                   http://cms.mville.edu/AcademicsandResearch/GraduateStudies/Seminars/SHR
The College Of Mount Saint Vincent:                   http://www.mountsaintvincent.edu/SHRM

Once I've Obtained My Certification, How Do I Maintain It?

HRCI requires PHR and SPHR holders to either retake and pass the certification exam every three years, or obtain 60 recertification credits during the three years after passing the exam. You can attend approved meetings, conferences, and events as one way to earn recertification credits. All of WHRMA's professional development programs are eligible for Recertification Credit Hours (RCH). Information on each event will list the number of credit hours you can earn for attending the program. Look for the HRCI "Approved for Credit" symbol on the "Events" page next to those events approved to receive recertification credit.

For more information:  Danielle Martin, Certification Chair, martin.danielle8@gmail.com