NOTICE
The 2008 Fall Study group is now full.
Applications for the 2009 Spring Study Group will begin
Monday, January 19, 2009
PHR and SPHR Certification
Professional certification shows that you have demonstrated mastery of the HR body of knowledge and have accepted the personal challenge to stay abreast of new developments in the field of Human Resources. Certification provides national recognition of your professional achievement; may assist in your career advancement and is a visual reminder of your professional status through your use of your earned designation on business correspondence, business cards and display of your certificate.
Certification is granted when an HR professional has demonstrated achievement of national standards ranging from technical operational knowledge to comprehension of contemporary management concepts and practices.
The Human Resource Certification Institute (HRCI), which maintains the nationally recognized standards set by individuals working in the profession, offers three levels of professional certification: Professional in Human Resources (PHR) and Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR) and Global Professional in Human Resources (GPHR). These certifications signify a specific mastery of the human resource body of knowledge. Since human resource management is such a dynamic field, constantly changing, HR professionals need to demonstrate currency through re-certification.
The only way to become certified as a PHR, SPHR or GPHR is to successfully pass a comprehensive examination. Both the PHR and SPHR examinations have 225 multiple-choice questions; the GPHR has 165 multiple-choice questions. The emphasis of the SPHR examination is on strategic and policy issues while the emphasis of the PHR examination on the operational / technical aspects of HR. The emphasis of the GPHR examination is on global aspects. To find detailed information about all three exams, visit the HRCI site.
Study Groups for PHR and SPHR The Portland Human Resource Management Association, Inc. (PHRMA) conducts two twelve-week certification Study Groups each year for the PHR and SPHR tests. The spring Study Group starts in February to prepare participants for the May 1st through June 30th examination dates. The fall Study Group begins the end of August in preparation for the December 1st through January 31st examination dates.
2008 Fall Study Group Meetings
All sessions will be held on Tuesday evenings from 6:00-9:00 PM.
Session Dates are: August 23, 2008, September 2, 9, 16, 23, 30, October 7, 14, 21, 28, November 4, 11, 18, 2008.
A drop-in study group will be held every Saturday, at the PSU location, from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM during this period and is open to study group participants only.
2008 Fall Study Group-Mandatory Orientation
Mandatory orientation will be held Saturday, August 23, 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM. Participants (or their proxy) are required to attend in order to hold their seat in class. Session requirements, materials and relevant testing information will be provided at that time.
Materials used in the Study Group are not available for purchase outside of the sessions.
Benefits
The benefits of joining the Study Group include a textbook specific to preparation for the exam, access to the SHRM Learning System's seven modules, pre-examination materials and presentations by experts from our HR community, networking with other HR professionals, forming mini-groups to help prepare for the examination, and overcoming test anxiety.
Location
Portland State University-School of Extended Studies
Market Square Building
1515 SW 5th Avenue
Portland, Oregon 97201
10th floor, Room 1045
Parking
Parking is available in the building when entering from Market Street
There is a Smart Park located on the corner of 4th and Clay
The cost of parking is not included in the registration fee.
Dining
Due to time constraints, brown bag meals and snacks are encouraged.
Financial Aid
Please contact Nancy Kerrigan at 503-283-7405 for financial aid opportunities.
Recertification Credits
If you are seeking HRCI recertification credits, you may want to consider facilitating one of the study groups for 3 credit hours.
You may also be able to register to attend individual sessions which will be announced later on the Calendar of Events page. Individual sessions are $30 each and do not include study materials.
Not sure of whether you should take the PHR or SPHR exam? Click here to view a guide on how to make the right decision
Please direct all questions for additional information, to Nancy Kerrigan, at 503-283-7405