Professional Certification - PHR, SPHR, GPHR
            Letters of Distinction!


 PHR- Professional in Human Resources
 SPHR- Senior Professional in Human Resources
 GPHR- Global Professional in Human Resources

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. 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. Certification sets those with the credentials apart.

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


Who Certifies You?


• The Human Resource Certification Institute (HRCI) is the leading independent, internationally recognized certifying body for the HR profession. HRCI certifications require professionals to demonstrate their expertise in the core principles of HR practice and the application of those principles. HRCI's three core certifications meet
the needs of nearly every HR professional.


~ Certification is a voluntary action by a professional group to establish a system to grant recognition to professionals who have met a stated level of training and work experience.  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 initials (i.e., PHR or SPHR) after their names.


~ Certifications differ from certificate programs because certifications include an experience component. Certificate programs, on the other hand, award certificates once a course of study has been completed and do not require previous work experience. You can find additional information at the HRCI Official website located at www.hrci.org.


The Ideal PHR 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.


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: 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.


• What are the eligibility requirements for certification? You will find them at: http://www.hrci.org/2011_Exam_Eligibility/


When is the Exam available and What is the Cost? HRCI computer-based exams are administered twice a year at test centers throughout the world. Testing centers fill up quickly (particularly at the end of each exam testing period) so apply and schedule your
exam early. If you wait until the exam period starts, you might not even be able to schedule an exam appointment at all. This happens rarely, but if it happens to you, you may withdraw from the exam and apply for a 50 percent refund of your exam fee. Schedules are
available at: http://www.hrci.org/hrcertification.aspx?id=159


How Can You Prepare for the Exam? You can attend a WSHRMA Study Group - 11 week pre-exam overview of the key areas in HR Management. Certified SHRM Professionals deliver weekly Wednesday evening 6-8pm sessions which consist of six modules
corresponding to the six functional areas defined by the HRCI. Additional the group features open, interactive forums and "real-world" case studies to reinforce the key concepts applicable to the workplace. Additionally, HRCI offers a number of resources to
prepare you for the exam located at: http://www.hrci.org/AEP.aspx?id=2147483902.


What Happens Once You are Certified? When you become certified-whether it was last month, last year or three or more years ago-you demonstrated not only your support of the HR profession, but your personal commitment to excellence in the field. Recertification
demonstrates your continued dedication to stay up to date with the rapidly changing HR profession. To retain the PHR, SPHR or GPHR designations, HRCI requires all certified professionals to recertify every three years either by accumulating 60 educational hours
through continuing education, instruction, on-the-job experience, research and publishing, leadership activities, or membership in a national or international professional organization such as the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM), or by retaking the
examination ("recertification by examination"). You should note that WSHRMA Events often times are pre-approved for Recertification Credit; watch the event listings in our newsletters to ensure you do not miss an event!


Interested in additional information regarding Certification, Recertification, or Study Group sessions - please contact Margaret Henning Farber, SPHR, WSHRMA Director of Certification, at
mhfarber@usa.net.