About CHRA > Certification

HRCI

Testing Dates

  Testing Dates
Winter
PHR/SPHR
Dec. 1, 2011-Jan. 31, 2012
Spring
PHR/SPHR
May 1, 2012-June 30, 2012

CHRA's Spring 2012 Courses:

PHR/SPHR Preparation course:
11 weeks, Tuesday Evenings - February 14, 2012 through April 24, 2012

SPHR Preparation course:
5 weeks, Monday Evenings - March 26, 2012 through April 23, 2012

Click here to download the registration form.

Why prepare for Professional Certification through CHRA?

  • Historically, participants of the CHRA PHR/SPHR certification preparation classes enjoy pass rates notably higher than the national averages
  • For PHR-certified professionals who have used the SHRM Learning System, CHRA offers a 5-week SPHR certification preparation seminar, which is unique in the Baltimore Metropolitan Area
  • Non-member participants in either of the CHRA HRCI certification preparation courses mentioned above will receive a trial membership in CHRA for the remainder of the fiscal year, which ends 5/31/2012

For more information, contact CHRA at 410-752-3318. Questions regarding class format should be sent to Helene Schaefer, SPHR, the instructor, at hschaefer@hresultsinc.com. For additional information about professional certification, contact Jeri Hawthorne SPHR/GPHR at jeri.hawthorne@constellation.com.

 

Chesapeake Human Resources Association
PHR/SPHR Professional Certification Preparation Courses

 
  • What is Professional Certification?

Professional certification is a voluntary action on the part of a professional group to institute a system by which recognition can be granted to candidates who have met some stated level of education and experience. Standards are generally met through examinations demonstrating a mastery of the body of knowledge in the field.

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  • How can I learn more about the Professional Certification preparation courses that CHRA offers?

CHRA's Spring 2012 Courses:

PHR/SPHR Preparation course:
11 weeks, Tuesday Evenings - February 14, 2012 through April 24, 2012

SPHR Preparation course:
5 weeks, Monday Evenings - March 26, 2012 through April 23, 2012

Click here to download the registration form.


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  • Is there a preparation option for the GPHR exam?

We are offering a FREE partner program for our members who are planning to take the GPHR. If you want to partner with an individual or a group of professionals to get together and/or create a small study group to help you prepare for the GPHR, send us an email.

We will keep a master list of members and put individuals in contact with one another to create small study groups or partnerships. The rest is up to you!

If interested, please contact us at: chra@assnhqtrs.com and put "GPHR study partner program" in the subject line. In the mail, please provide your name, location and contact information.

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  • Is there a credentialing body for Human Resources Professionals?

The HR Certification Institute (HRCI) awards three levels of certification: Professional in Human Resources (PHR), Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR), and Global Professional in Human Resources (GPHR). HRCI is the credentialing body for Human Resources professionals and is affiliated with the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM), the world's largest organization dedicated exclusively to the Human Resources profession. The Institute's purpose is to promote the establishment of professional standards and to recognize professionals who meet those standards.

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  • What is covered in the PHR, SPHR and GPHR Professional Certification Exams?


Professional in Human Resources (PHR) – Designed for HR professionals whose primary responsibilities are tactical rather than strategic, who focus on HR program implementation rather than creation, and who function primarily within the HR department rather than organization wide.

Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR) – Designed for HR professionals whose primary responsibilities involve designing and planning HR policies and practices, and whose decisions have an impact both within and outside organization.

Global Professional in Human Resources (GPHR) – Designed for HR professionals with cross-border responsibilities who develop and implement international HR strategies that affect international HR assignments and operations.

For more information regarding the GPHR exam preparation, visit the SHRM web site http://www.shrm.org/Education/seminar/Pages/gphr.aspx. The CHRA LinkedIn page can assist in locating a "study buddy" for GPHR exam preparation.

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  • Why is Human Resources Certification desirable?


Human Resources certification demonstrates a commitment to personal excellence and to the Human Resources profession. The PHR, SPHR and GPHR designations demonstrate that the HR professional has mastered the HR body of knowledge, and through recertification, has accepted the personal challenge to stay informed of new developments in the HR field. HRCI reports that 96% of employers state that a certified job applicant has a greater hiring advantage, 91% of employers state that a certified HR professional is more likely to be considered for promotion, and 81% of employers believe a certified HR professional has greater job security.  Source: HRCI 2010 Value of Certification study.

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  • Who is Eligible and What are the Eligibility Requirements?

Click here to download the eligibility requirements.

These changes went into effect in the May-June 2011 testing window.

PHR Eligibility
SPHR Eligibility
GPHR Eligibility
  • 1 year of demonstrated exempt-level HR experience with a Master’s degree or higher
  • 2 years of demonstrated exempt-level HR experience with a Bachelor’s degree
  • 4 years of demonstrated exempt-level HR experience with less than a Bachelor’s degree
  • 4 years of demonstrated exempt-level HR experience with a Master’s degree or higher
  • 5 years of demonstrated exempt-level HR experience with a Bachelor’s degree
  • 7 years of demonstrated exempt-level HR experience with less than a Bachelor’s degree
  • 2 years of demonstrated global exempt-level HR experience with a Master’s degree or higher
  • 3 years of demonstrated exempt-level HR experience (with 2 of the 3 being global HR experience) with a Bachelor’s degree
  • 4 years of demonstrated exempt-level HR experience (with 2 of the 4 being global HR experience) with less than a Bachelor’s degree

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  • Testimonials regarding the CHRA Professional Certification preparation courses

"The CHRA PHR/SPHR preparation course in combination with the SHRM Learning System tools was critical in passing the PHR exam. The group exercises, quizzes, and tips shared throughout the class allowed me to gain a better understanding of the HR concepts and increased my ability and confidence to pass the exam. Helene Schaefer did an outstanding job as a facilitator. She kept the class engaged and challenged us every week through multiple learning aids. She gave us direction on areas where we needed to focus on. No doubt that her expertise played a critical role during this process. It was not an easy journey but very worthy! I encourage HR professionals seeking certification to utilize different preparation methods including this class. The more exposure to the HR concepts, the greater the chance to be successful."
- Nidia Valenzuela, PHR (Fall 2011)

"Being in the human resources field for over fourteen years, I was encouraged by my Vice President of Human Resources Development to add the SPHR to my credentials. I was determined to pass the exam in the fall of 2010 through self-study; unfortunately, my efforts brought me close but not enough to pass the exam. Through my CHRA membership, I learned of the SPHR Certification Prep Class led by Helene P. Schaefer, SPHR. I am pleased to say that I earned my certification as a Senior Professional Human Resources (SPHR®) in the spring of 2011."  
-Teshia Williams, SPHR

"After spending over 35 years working in human resources for Maryland State Government, I decided it would be the capstone of my career to obtain professional certification. As a CHRA member, I took advantage of the PHR/SPHR Preparation Class sponsored by the organization and taught expertly by Helene P. Schaefer, SPHR. I can say with no hesitation that the money I spent on the preparation course was well worth the expense and I believe it led to my success in passing the exam on my first try, even though almost 50% fail on their first attempt. I wholeheartedly recommend that all HR professionals take this course if they seek certification." 
-Gerald C. Koslof, SPHR

"The prep class was informative, challenging, and was instrumental in passing the PHR exam. I would recommend  it to any person preparing for the exam. I felt that after the readings combined with the lectures, I could better comprehend the overall HR concepts. Also, the instructor is outstanding and she is up-to-date on relevant information, study techniques,  and test taking hints that are invaluable. She cares about her students and wants you to succeed. It was a good experience!"
-John Rafalides, PHR  

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Fun Facts
Total Certified Professionals in Maryland

PHR 1,850
SPHR 1,175
GPHR 17
PHR/GPHR 10
SPHR/GPHR 26

The number of HR professionals in Maryland with an HRCI credential has increased by over 400 in the past 18 months.

PHR or SPHR? Choosing the Appropriate Exam

HRCI has found that appropriate exempt-level HR work experience and educational background contribute significantly to success on the exams.
CHOOSING AN EXAM LEVEL PHR SPHR
Recommended exempt-level (professional) HR experience 2-4 Years 6-8 Years

Profile of a Candidate

An honest assessment of skills, knowledge and responsibilities within the HR function is critical when deciding whether to seek certification as a PHR, SPHR or GPHR. The following profiles of typical PHR, SPHR and GPHR candidates may help you determine which exam is appropriate for you. Due to the nature of the exams and their common body of knowledge, the PHR and SPHR designations cannot be held concurrently. However, you may hold either a PHR or SPHR certification in conjunction with a GPHR designation.

PHR Candidate:
The Professional in Human Resources (PHR) certification is designed for the HR professional who has more of a tactical or logistical orientation. A PHR candidate is one who:

  • Focuses on program implementation.
  • Has tactical/logistical orientation.
  • Has accountability to another HR professional within the organization.
  • Typically has two to four years of professional exempt-level generalist HR work experience, but lacks the breadth and depth of a more senior-level generalist.
  • Has not yet had progressive HR work experience.
  • Holds a job that focuses on HR department responsibilities rather than on the whole organization.
  • Commands respect through gaining knowledge and using policies and guidelines to make decisions.

SPHR Candidate: The Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR) certification is designed for the HR professional who designs and plans rather than implements HR policies. An SPHR candidate is also one who:

  • Designs and plans rather than implements.
  • Focuses on the "big picture."
  • Has ultimate accountability in the HR department.
  • Typically 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.
  • Understands the business beyond the HR function and has influence within overall organization.
  • Commands credibility within organization, community and field by experience.

GPHR Candidate: The Global Professional in Human Resources (GPHR) certification is designed for the HR professional who:

  • Has cross-border HR responsibilities (more than one country).
  • Understands the strategies of globalization versus localization of HR policies and programs.
  • 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.
  • Develops, implements and evaluates programs, processes and tools.
  • Ensures that programs, processes and tools align with competitive practice, the organization's objectives and legal requirements.
  • Oversees the practices that balance employer needs with employee rights and needs.
  • Has core knowledge of the organization's international HR activities.

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720 Light Street, Baltimore, MD 21230
TEL: (410) 752-3318• FAX: (410) 752-8295

EMAIL:
CHRA@assnhqtrs.com

The Chesapeake Human Resources Association is professionally managed by The Joseph E. Shaner Company