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How Important is an HRCI certification?
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Posted 2 months ago I get very annonyed at some employers as I interview that I am studying for the SPHR. They look at me as if what for? for what is that? or how will that help my business? Sometimes I wonder the weight this certification has? I am studying my hardest and just pray I pass. Should I be more concerned working for a company who can care less of a PHR or SPHR? Just wondering. |
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| Posted 2 months ago I think it depends on the company and the role you are looking to take in an organization and sometimes it depends on the size of the company. If you are looking at a role as an HR Generalist with a smaller org -they may not place as much emphasis on the certification as perhaps a larger org. In Compensation and Recruiting, experience is what is going to matter more. |
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| Posted 2 months ago Nora, It may just indicate that the interviewer(s) are not familiar with the PHR/SPHR certifications. They may have heard of them and may even have existing employees with those certifications but who sadly have not demonstrated the value of those certifications. My suggestion would be should this occur again, briefly sum up what you as a certified PHR/SPHR can bring to the table. On another note, I am considering taking the SPHR exam in Dec 08/Jan 09. I have not registered yet and have not put in the study time yet. Would welcome any suggestions you might have regarding the studying and exam. Good luck and all the best! LiChing Ooi
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| Posted about 1 month ago I found this to be an extremely valid question. I got my certification in May of this year and I have been working in the Human Resources field for the last 4 years. As I go thrugh the rigors of interviewing with different companies, what it seems that they are seeking is an actual degree in Human Resources over anything. Many companies will take a newly graduated college student with no experience as long as they have a Bachelors in Human Resources over someone with a degree in an unrelated field with several years of hands on experience. It sucks for me and has made me strongly consider continuing my education and obtaining an MBA with an HR focus. |
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| Posted about 1 month ago Prior to becoming certified I wondered the same thing. I figured since I had my Masters in HR Management and Org Development I didn't need the certification, then I read this article "What are HR Certifications Worth?" (copy and paste link below into address bar) and it had me second guessing myself about needing (and wanting) to be certified. As far as preparing for the exam, I would say that although I took a prep-course, I believe the self study was the reason I passed. It is a lot to study, but using the SHRM Learning System is all you will need to pass. There are other study materials out there, but you don't need them. When I was taking the course my boss who is an EVP of HR and does not have her Masters and is not certified kept telling me to drop out, she felt it was useless, but she has already made it to the EVP status, so she doesn't need to sell herself...
"What are HR Certifications Worth?" http://www.workforce.com/section/09/feature/25/25/13/index.html
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| Posted about 1 month ago In my company and my past company, HRCI Certification was a requirement and a degree in HR was not. I, as well as many others believe that the certification is one way to really know if someone has the general knowledge of HR. Just about anyone can get a degree, but the certification is more difficult and requires real experience for the most part. It is not a perfect tool, but I require all of my generalists and managers to have this. |
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| Posted about 1 month ago When I hire a generalist or HR Manager, I tend to look at what kind of hands on experience they have and whether they have received their PHR or SPHR before I will look at the degree. The degree is a plus for me, but I prefer the hands on experience, knowledge and and the certification. Although I am retaking the test in the fall, I encourage them to take the test. It is part of their employee development plan and the company backs it. |
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| Posted about 1 month ago The certification is powerful and it is great indicator of hands on experience as well as education. The body of knowledge for the PHR or the SPHR also can be used to be a perfect performance measurement matrix for you when you hire an HR person. If a company is not familiar with the certifications from HRCI and they are HR people, not just line managers, then it DEFINITELY tell you something about that department and, if it were me, I'd reconsider whether or not I wished to work for them. It is a strong indicator that the HR department is not strategically linked with management and that HR is a "second-class" operations in the company, not respected for being able to work with the big dogs and provide a valuable economic added ROI. Todd |