Certification
OVERVIEW
Certification is based on the voluntary action on the part of an occupational or professional group (such as SHRM) to institute a system by which it can grant recognition to those practitioners who have met some stated level of training and experience. Certifications serve to define what an individual needs to know in order to be an acknowledged “expert” in that field.
The Human Resource Certification Institute is the HR credentialing organization founded by the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM). The HR Certification Institute works to define the HR body of knowledge and assesses candidates on their mastery of that body of knowledge. The HR Certification Institute certifies that the individual has met with distinction the high standards of education and experience, and has demonstrated knowledge established by the institute.
There are three levels of certification, the Professional in Human Resources (PHR), the Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR) and the Global Professional in Human Resources (GPHR). As of March 17, 2009, the total number of certified HR professionals was 99,403; with Wisconsin certified professionals totaling 2552.
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Why is certification important?
What does certification involve?
What are the eligibility requirements?
How do I determine my level of certification?
What is the cost?
How does the Pay If You Pass option work?
What does the exam cover?
When and where is the exam held?
How do I prepare for the exam?
What happens on the day of the exam?
What happens after the exam?
How is certification maintained?