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PHR/SPHR Exam Preparation Program

CERTIFICATION OVERVIEW

What Is Certification?

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 thought the use of acronyms (e.g. PHR, SPHR, GPHR) after their names.

Certifications differ from certificate programs because certifications, by definition, include a work experience component. Certification programs, on the other hand, aware certificates once a course of study has been completed and do not require previous work experience.

Why Is Certification Desirable?

Certification sets those with the credential apart, or above, those without it. There are a number of advantages to seeking certification. Certification becomes a public recognition of professional advancement, 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 the use of this process, including its 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 credentials on business correspondence.

For more information on Certification, please visit the HRCI website. You may also contact PBSHRM’s Certification person, Robert Segura, PHR, at 432-557-7242 or by e-mail at Robert.Segura@ Nabors.com.

FAQ’s

What is the cost of the preparation course?

The fee is $795, which includes the SHRM Learning System with CD-Rom. Those who are National SHRM members (who recognize PBSHRM as their home chapter) & local PBSHRM members will receive a $200 discount on the registration fee. Only those who have both memberships qualify for discount. The fee does NOT include any certification exam fees.

When will the classes take place?

There are six modules, which will run from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. on the following days:

Module 1: Strategic Management, Saturday 9/11/10
Module 2: Workforce Planning and Employment, Saturday 9/25/10
Module 3: HR Development, Saturday 10/2/10
Module 4: Compensation and Benefits, Saturday 10/16/10
Module 5: Employee and Labor Relations, Saturday 10/30/10
Module 6 + Final Exam Review: Health, Safety, and Security, Saturday 11/13/10

Where will the classes take place?

The primary location for the classes will be held at the Atmos Energy Community Center, the same location as monthly PBSHRM chapter meetings. Directions can be found on the PBSHRM Website.

Who is teaching the Modules?

Only those persons with PHR, SPHR, and GPHR certifications have been asked to lead the Module classes. These instructors have taken and successfully passed the HRCI exam for their respective certifications.

May I “audit”, or sit in, on a class or two?

Unfortunately, this course isn’t designed for one or two classes to be attended. This course is presented as a whole, and should give attendees a well rounded overview of the HR function.

I am already certified, may I sit in for recertification credits?

The SHRM Learning System has been pre-approved for continuing education credits and may be used for recertification purposes. Upon completion, 40 hours of Continuing Education Credits may be used towards HRCI recertification. The SHRM Learning System also comes with extra materials for SPHR certified individuals.

What if I miss a class or two?

Attendance of the SHRM Learning System is part of the registration fee paid and the class comes with the materials that you purchased. You may choose to attend or not attend, but those to attend all six classes will be credited with Continuing Education hours. This course is treated as one entire program.

What if I have already bought the SHRM Learning System, how much will the class cost?

Contact Robert Segura for details on how PBSHRM will address this situation.

Where can I research more information about the SHRM Learning System and Certification?

www.shrm.org and www.hrci.org are two sites that can give you more information about PHR, SPHR, and GPHR certification.

When is registration due?

Please submit registration and payment for the SHRM Learning System no later than Wednesday, August 18, 2010, so PBSHRM may place the order for books and have all materials in before the first meeting on September 11, 2010. A MINIMUM of 7 students are needed for a class to make.

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