What is Certification?

PHR, SPHR, and GPHR certification shows that the holder has demonstrated mastery of the domestic or international HR body of knowledge.

There are a number of advantages to seeking certification. 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 one's knowledge and to measure it against one's peers. Still others see certification as an aid to career advancement.

The PHR, SPHR, and GPHR designations are a visible reminder to peers and co-workers of the holder's significant professional achievement.

Certification sets those with the credential apart - or above - those without it.

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

How Should I Best Prepare for the Certification Exam?

Each person is different. Only you know what best works for you. 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 the New York City area provide weekly classes to help you prepare for the certification exam. These universities include the following:

Pace University:                                http://www.pace.edu/acenoncredit
New York Institute of Technology: http://www.nyit.edu/management/certificates/hr_management_certificate/
St. Josephs College:                       http://www.sjcny.edu/Academics/SHRM-Program/744/
Manhattanville College:                   http://cms.mville.edu/AcademicsandResearch/GraduateStudies/Seminars/SHRMLearningSystemCourses.aspx
Wagner College:                              http://www.wagner.edu/external/humanresources
The College Of Mount Saint Vincent:                   http://www.mountsaintvincent.edu/SHRM
Stonybrook University:                     http://www.stonybrook.edu/spd/shrm
Baruch College:                               http://www.baruched.com/shop/catalog.aspx?id=3254

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

Congratulations! Your hours of hard work have paid off. Now that you're earned your certification, you don't want to lose 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. Many of HR/NY'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 on certification contact Jack Shein, SPHR at 212-306-0106 or Jennifer Loftus, SPHR at 646-792-2517.

HR/NY is pleased to announce that Recertification Credit Hours (RCH), which are similar to Continuing Educational Units (CEU's), are now being given for attending a variety of our professional development programs. RCH's are important to those members seeking recertification to maintain their PHR ,SPHR and GPHR certifications.

HRCI created a tool as a reference guide, providing simple guidelines for recertification through Continuing Education and Experience. The presentation will provide you with the information and guidelines you will need to re-certify. Most if not all of your questions will be answered. Topics Covered are:

• Documenting Recertification Credit
• PHR,SPHR, and GPHR Body of Knowledge
• Calculating Recertification and Continuing Education Credit
• Recertification Credit Through Continuing Education, Instruction, On-the-job experience, Research/Publishing, Leadership, and Professional Membership
• SPHR and GPRH Specified Hours
• HR Practitioners with Multiple Certifications
• and more...

Click here to view the presentation.

To learn more about SHRM Certification, visit the Human Resources Certification Institute (HRCI) web site at www.hrci.org. Look for the HRCI "Approved for Credit" symbol on the "Events" page next to those events approved to receive recertification credit.

For more information contact Jack Shein, SPHR at 212-306-0106, or via email.