Certification

Human Resource Certification

HR certification is a career-long commitment that proves to your peers and your organization that you are driven to be successful in HR management. Earning your HR credentials can

Increase your professional confidence
Set you apart from your peers
Result in greater respect from the organization in which you work

EPSHRM/UTEP PHR/SPHR Certification Prep Class

The next session of the EPSHRM/UTEP Certification Prep Class will begin on Saturday, February 20 and run until Saturday, May 15. For more information, please click on the picture below.

2009 HRCI Certification Goals

Promote the certification exams in your chapter.
Promote recertification in your chapter.
Promote the online assessment exams for the PHR/SPHR.
Assure that your chapter provides certification-focused communication in newsletters and on chapter websites.
Host a certification-related chapter meeting.
Host a recertification-related chapter meeting.
Continue to seek pre-approval for eligible continuing education events.

Certification Overview

From the 2009 HRCI Certification Handbook:

What Is Certification?

HR certification is a career-long commitment that demonstrates to your peers, your employees and your organization that you have mastered the core HR knowledge and principles and that you are dedicated to staying current in your field. Passing the exam is only one part of the certification process. Because the exams are experience-based, applicants must have the required work experience to be eligible to apply for the exams. Once the certificant has passed the exam, the recertification requirements ensure that the HR professional is keeping abreast of changes in the field.

Certifications differ from certificate programs because certifications, by definition, include a work experience component. Certified individuals are usually issued a certificate attesting that they have met the standards of the credentialing organization and are entitled to make the public aware of their credentialed status, usually through the use of acronyms (e.g., PHR, SPHR or GPHR) after their names. Certificate programs, on the other hand, award certificates once a course of study has been completed and do not require previous work experience or recertification.

Why Is Certification Desirable?

Certification sets those with the credential apart from—or above—those without it. There are a number of advantages to seeking certification, including:

Hiring managers consider an applicant’s certification when making hiring decisions.
Organizations believe hiring HR-certified professionals gives them a competitive advantage.
Business leaders find HR-certified professionals more motivated, more knowledgeable of the HR field and stronger performers.
HR professionals report that certified HR professionals create a positive impact on their organizations’ financial performance.

Certification becomes a public recognition of professional achievement—both within and outside of the profession. For many, achieving certification becomes a personal professional goal—a way to test knowledge and to measure it against one’s peers. Others see certification as an aid to career advancement.

Purpose and Use of Certification

PHR, SPHR and GPHR certification shows that the holder has demonstrated mastery of the domestic or international HR body of knowledge and, through recertification, has accepted the challenge to stay informed of new developments in the HR field.

The PHR, SPHR and GPHR exams are completely voluntary. Organizations or individuals incorporating PHR, SPHR or GPHR certification as a condition of employment or advancement do so of their own volition. Individuals should determine for themselves whether attaining HR certification, including meeting the eligibility and recertification requirements, when coupled with any other requirements imposed by individuals or organizations, meets their needs and complies with any applicable laws.

The PHR, SPHR and GPHR designations are a visible reminder to peers and co-workers of the holder’s significant professional achievement. PHR-, SPHR- and GPHR-certified professionals should proudly display their certificates and use the credentials on business correspondence.

How Do the Three Exams Differ?

The HR Certification Institute (HRCI) administers three core certification exams: Professional in Human Resources (PHR®), Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR®) and Global Professional in Human Resources (GPHR®).

The PHR and SPHR exams assess generalist knowledge of the HR field, including strategic management, workforce planning and employment, HR development, total rewards, employee and labor relations, and risk management. Because of the nature of the exams and their common body of knowledge, the PHR and SPHR designations cannot be held concurrently. The SPHR exam supersedes the PHR designation.

The GPHR exam assesses the international HR body of knowledge and is intended for HR professionals with cross-border responsibilities. The GPHR assesses global HR knowledge in the following categories: strategic HR management, global talent acquisition and mobility, global compensation and benefits, organizational effectiveness and talent development, and workforce relations and risk management. You may have simultaneous certification by holding the GPHR and PHR or SPHR.

For more information on Certification, please visit the HRCI website. You may also contact EPSHRM's Certification Director, Linda Torres-Kleinhans, PHR, at (915) 521-7173 or by e-mail at lindatk@elp.rr.com.

Recertification

Why Recertify?

HR professionals know that their field constantly evolves. In order to be a strategic partner in your organization’s success, you must stay abreast of changing laws, best practices and innovative labor strategies, which help to ensure that your organization and its employees are working at peak performance. HR professionals who have proven their mastery of the field by obtaining an HR certification show their continued commitment to the field by recertifying their designation every three years.

For more information about Recertification, please visit the HRCI home page and click the Recertification tab.

Low Cost Recertification Tips

Click the picture below for more information!

Recertification - It's Easier Than You Think!

Becoming certified was a difficult task that required a great deal of study. Now that you are certified, you need to ensure that you keep your certification throught Recertification Process. In general, recertifying is not difficult, but many leave it until the very end of their 3-year certification cycle.

EPSHRM wants to help you keep your certification current by offering the following presentation, "Recertification: It's Easier Than You Think!" Please click on the picture below.