Center for Continuing Studies - Innovative Leadership for Lifelong Learning

Human Resources Certification: PHR-SPHR

Gain a Professional Edge.  Prepare for HR Certification.

Featuring the SHRM Learning System Course:  An intensive 12 week program designed primarily for individuals seeking certification as a Professional in Human Resources (PHR) or Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR)

The curriculum covers the HR Certification Institute Body of Knowledge and includes application exercises that develop specific competencies and decision-making skills. We offer this program in partnership with the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM).

The SHRM Learning System is the #1 PHR/SPHR certification preparation program that consistently helps professionals beat the national pass rate. 

More ways to learn

What's included with the SHRM Learning System?

Frequently Asked Questions

Why Get Certified?   Credentials Mean Credibility

The Society of Human Resource Management (SHRM) is the world’s largest association devoted to human resource management.  An affiliate of SHRM, the HR Certification Institute® develops and delivers credentialing programs, the Professional in Human Resources (PHR®), and the Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR®) to validate mastery in the field of human resource management and to promote organizational effectiveness.

HR certification is a career-long commitment that proves to your peers and your organization that you are driven to be successful in HR management. Earning your HR credentials can

• Increase your professional confidence
• Set you apart from your peers
• Strengthen your department
• Help your organization grow
• Career advancement
• Improved job security
• Result in greater respect from the organization in which you work

Assess.  Study.  Discuss.  Succeed.

As an added advantage, we use the newly updated 2013 SHRM Learning System. It features up-to-date content and advanced tools that streamline study time, accelerate learning and build confidence for passing the PHR or SPHR exam.  

By attending our course, you’ll benefit from:

• An experienced, certified instructor
• The SHRM Learning System, ranked the #1 certification prep tool
• A structured learning experience that keeps you on track
• Opportunities to network and learn from your peers
• Tuition reimbursement and 36 hours of training (CEU's)

This course is offered in partnership with the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM).The course investment includes all course materials but does not cover registration for the PHR or SPHR examinations

2012 Certification Policies and Procedures Handbook (2013 not yet available)

Exam Eligibility Requirements

The HR Certification Institute considers work done at a “professional level” as the equivalent of exempt-level work. For purposes of eligibility for the HR Certification Institute’s exams, professional experience includes supervisory responsibility and/or creative or original work that requires advanced HR knowledge. The years of experience do not need to be current or sequential. But more recent experience is more likely to coincide with the exam’s content.

On the exam application, your position(s) must exactly match the approved position codes.

Five Steps to Certification

1. Take the online assessment exams to determine whether you are a PHR, SPHR or GPHR candidate.
2. Log on to www.hrci.org to register and pay for the chosen certification exam. Schedule your appointment after receiving notification that you are eligible to take the exam.   

   Exam Deadlines and Fees  

3. Decide on your study methods and chart out your course of study.
4. Take the exam.  Locate a test site at www.hrci.org/certification/examapp/test
5. Maintain your certification by earning 60 recertification credits over three years or retaking the exam.

Scheduling an Exam

Ways to Pay:

• Military Spouse Grant (PDF) - MyCAA Funding for Military Spouses
• Tuition Reimbursement - Now is the best time to secure your future through training — and your employer can help. If your company offers tuition reimbursement, you can expand your HR knowledge, skills, and credentials and have your employer pay the bill!
• Dislocated Worker funds
• Check or credit card

Meet the Presenter: Mardi Noyes

Course Testimonial

Program Details:

When:   Most Tuesdays, February 5 - May 7, 2013

Times:   5:30 - 8:30 p.m. (Tuesdays)

Where: SCSU Welcome Center

               355 5th Ave. S., St. Cloud, MN  56301

               NOTE:  Free, convenient, secure indoor parking!

Early Bird Cost: $949 Before 3:00 p.m. on January 22, 2013

Non-Early Bird Cost: $999   After 3:00 p.m. on January 22, 2013

Registration closes:  at 3:00 p.m. on January 29, 2013

Printable Flyer (PDF)

Registration form (PDF)

Online registration

* For Windows 8 users, please be aware there are two versions of Internet Explorer on your device - Metro and Desktop. To use our registration site, you must use the Desktop version of Internet Explorer, and not the Metro version. To start the Desktop version, click on or touch the Desktop tile on the Start screen. Then you will see the Internet Explorer icon in the task bar. This is the Desktop version which should be used for registration. If you are in Internet Explorer and the URL address is at the bottom of the screen, you are in the Metro version, should close it and open the desktop version following the instructions above.

For more information please contact Tammy at Tammy@scsutraining.com.

You may also be interested in our HR Essentials workshop being offered in February 2013.