Certification is a voluntary action by a professional group to establish a system to grant recognition to professionals who have met a stated level of training and work experience. Certifications differ from certificate programs because they include an experience component. If you are a knowledge seeker, would like to advance your career through knowledge or you are interested in continual learning and networking opportunities, then obtaining your professional certification is right for you.

For information about the benefits of and eligibility for certification, testing dates and locations, and related information, click here http://www.hrci.org/certification/ov/.

If you have questions about earning your certification, please visit the HRCI website: www.hrci.org or call a representative at 1.866.898.4724 for answers to all your questions.

New Eligibility Requirements
Beginning with the May/June 2011 Testing Window

Philadelphia SHRM FALL 2010 PHR/SPHR Study Group

A study group for Fall 2010 will be held Tuesday evenings from 6:00pm-8:45pm at Loews Philadelphia Hotel from September 14, 2010 through November 30, 2010. The study group is designed to help HR professionals prepare for the December 2010/January 2011 PHR and SPHR certification exams.

The study group is usually comprised of those who have not previously attended a Villanova certification course, but those who have attended a course are welcome also. The participants set the study schedule under the guidance of the group facilitators. The group uses the SHRM Learning System, so participants should purchase it upon registering for the group. The discounted rate is $495. NOTE: SHRM Learning Systems published before 2010 do not contain the information required to prepare for the upcoming exam.

PREREQUISITE: All participants of this study group must register or already be registered to take the certification exam in December 2010/January 2011.

If you have questions about the study group, please contact our Certification Chair and Study Group Facilitator, Sheila Scanlon at phillyshrmstudygroup@gmail.com.

Villanova University – the Leader in SHRM Learning System Certification Courses!

Villanova University, in partnership with Philadelphia SHRM, and in celebration of their recent recognition as the #1 College/University SHRM program in the country, has awarded the chapter a free Fall 2010 SHRM Learning System seat. The Philadelphia SHRM chapter would like to award this to a member in good standing and will be awarded based on chapter criteria.  All members interested in this scholarship are asked to submit a 250 word essay on their role in HR and how the Villanova/SHRM Learning System would benefit them. The membership and certification committees will review the list of entries and award the scholarship by September 6th.

The fall 2010 SHRM Learning System classes begin the week of September 13. Classes are held at KPMG, Towers Watson and Villanova University, as well as other locations in the Delaware Valley. The class is held for 13 weeks and prepares students to take the PHR/SPHR exam in December 2010/January 2011. Villanova University’s pass rate regularly exceeds the national pass rate, classes are led by experienced, SPHR-certified HR professionals and are a great opportunity for professional development and networking. This is the last class offered under the current eligibility rules. The cost is $1,315 for SHRM members and $1,350 for non-SHRM members.

The fall 2010 GPHR Learning System will be held at Hampton Inn & Suites, Chadds Ford, 40 State Farm Drive, Glen Mills PA 19342 on Mondays, 6:00 to 9:00 PM starting September 20, 2010. The class is held for 10 weeks and prepares students to take the GPHR exam in December 2010. The GPHR Learning System is designed with the HR Professional who works for a company who is international in scope or manages HR with international responsibility. The cost is $1,500 for SHRM members and $1,550 for non-SHRM members.

Register for Classes today at www.continuingstudies.villanova.edu.