PHRMA's Frequently Asked Questions
Question: I am interested in learning more about the professional certification process (i.e. PHR, SPHR or GPHR). Where can I find information about this process?
Answer: PHRMA provides for two methods of learning about professional certification through its website. The first is by selecting the Certification link on the main page. This will provide information about the certification process and who to contact locally to participate in the weekly study groups. In addition, PHRMA provides direct links to the Society for Human Resource Management website on the qualifications for becoming a certified human resources practioner.
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Question: Why do I receive a PHRMA membership renewal at a different time than my SHRM renewal?
Answer: The PHRMA membership year is from October 1 to September 30. However, since each SHRM member may have a different renewal period, it is difficult for PHRMA to match your individual SHRM renewal period. In addition, since PHRMA sends out the renewal notices all at the same time, we are able to minimize our administrative expenses, which ultimately benefits the member.
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Question: What is the process for running an ad in the newsletter?
Answer: There are multiple sizes of ads that can be run in the monthly newsletter at varying prices. Additionally, a set of the chapters mailing labels may be purchased. Contact the PHRMA Office at 503.655.6474 for more information.
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Question: What is the difference between PHRMA, NHRMA, and SHRM?
Answer: Portland Human Resource Management Association ("PHRMA") is the local professional human resource chapter and is affiliated with the Society for Human Resource Management ("SHRM"). SHRM is the national professional association. Northwest Human Resource Management Association ("NHRMA") is also affiliated with SHRM, and is a regional organization that is made of 26 SHRM local chapters (like PHRMA). For more information on these organizations, select the Organization Info link on the PHRMA home page, and you can then link to NHRMA and SHRM's respective sites to learn more about their history.
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Question: What is the SHRM Foundation?
Answer: The SHRM Foundation: is a 501( c)(3) charitable, not-for-profit organization that operates as the research and development arm of the HR profession; advances the profession and enhances the knowledge and competency of HR professionals through its funding of research, publications and educational programs; is governed by a volunteer Board of Directors from the HR profession. It includes academics, practitioners and representatives from the Society for Human Resource Management; is supported by tax deductible contributions from individuals, companies and organizations. The Foundation recognizes all contributors in its Annual Report and in a special insert in HR News, and in other materials; funds major research projects that have a direct and practical impact in advancing the profession. It no longer funds doctoral dissertations; funds practical publications on specific issues (such as Issues on Employee Leave). And supports scholarships, SHRM chapter educational matching grants and other educational initiatives.
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Question: If I am a member of SHRM, what are the benefits to joining PHRMA?
Answer: While SHRM has many member benefits (too numerous to list here), there are many benefits that only a local chapter affiliation can provide. For example, the monthly luncheons, job bank, networking with local practioners, monthly newsletter, professional development programs, etc. For more details on these local member benefits, please be sure to visit PHRMA's membership page (accessible from the home page).
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Question: I am not a member of PHRMA. Can I attend the monthly luncheon programs?
Answer: Yes, anyone can attend the PHRMA monthly luncheon programs. However, the rate is slightly higher for non-members. To register for a monthly program, you can view the News and Views Newsletter for the current month, or view the Calendar of Events to learn more about program topics. If you want to attend, please follow the directions on signing up for the luncheon.
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Question: Why is SHRM membership required as a condition of PHRMA membership?
Answer: When NHRMA affiliated with SHRM the agreement required all NHRMA Chapters to be 100% Chapters, which means all HRMA members will be active members of SHRM.
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Question: What opportunities will I have as a PHRMA member to be involved in chapter activities?
Answer: First, if you are interested in networking monthly meetings are open to all members held at the DoubleTree Hotel, Lloyd Center. There are currently seven active Special Interest Groups which meet at various locations. You can volunteer to be on one of the Committees such as Mentorship, Membership, or Programs. You can volunteer to be a Chair or Co-Chair of a Special Interest Group or a Member of the Board. You can participate in the Study Group conducted each spring and fall in preparation for the HRCI Certification Examination.
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Question: How do I find out about upcoming events for PHRMA, NHRMA or SHRM?
Answer: Each of these associations maintains its own website. To learn about PHRMA activities, select the Calendar of Events on the home page. For NHRMA, visit their website at nhrma.org; for SHRM, visit their website at shrm.org.
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Question: What is the PHRMA Mentorship program?
Answer: The purpose of the Mentorship program is to pair HR professionals (Mentors and Learning Associates) at different stages of their career; to share expertise, thereby enhancing their leadership skills; and to provide a resource for Learning Associates to gain in-depth knowledge and guidance. To learn more, please visit the Mentorship Program link on the home page.
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Question: When I access some links on PHRMA's website, I get a screen full of "jibberish;" what is the problem?
Answer: Chances are, you have accessed a file on the website, and you do not have the necessary software to read the file. This will occur with Adobe Acrobat files (referred to as "pdf" files, an acronym for Portable Document Format). PHRMA uses this file format for documents that are not suitable for web pages. In addition, with the reader, which is free from www.adobe.com, you have more features than if the document were in a regular webpage, such as searching the document, etc.
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Question: I would like to learn how I can advertise on the PHRMA website. Who should I contact?
Answer: PHRMA has a number of low cost advertising