THE BENEFITS OF HR CERTIFICATIONS FOR THE MILITARY Presented by: Rebecca Hastings, SPHR-CA HR Content Manager HR Certification Institute No recertification credits are awarded for attending this presentation

Rebecca Hastings, SPHR-CA, joined the HR Certification Institute (HRCI) as HR Content Manager for the PHR and SPHR exams in February 2013 and earned her California certification in May She earned her Professional in Human Resources (PHR) certification in 1993 and her Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR) in Soon after earning her SPHR, she was asked to participate in the HRCI exam development process, an occasional role she held for many years. Rebecca was previously with the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) for 23 years. She was SHRM’s second HR person. She also has a B.S. in business and an M.S. in training and HR. PRESENTER’S BIO

TODAY’S AGENDA  About the HR Certification Institute A Global Certified Community  About HR Certification What is HR Certification? Benefits of HR Certification Value of HR Certification  HR Certification Exams PHR and SPHR Bodies of Knowledge Exam Eligibility Requirements What is Exempt-Level HR Experience Exam Development Process Certification Exam Information Certification Exam Fees Application Steps  Exam Preparation Resources  Recertification  Financial Assistance  Contact Information

ABOUT THE HR CERTIFICATION INSTITUTE MISSION Develop and deliver the highest quality certification programs that validate mastery in the field of human resource management and contribute to the continued improvement of individual and organizational performance. HISTORY 1976Began certifying HR professionals (PHR ® and SPHR ® ) 2004GPHR ® exam launched 2005Online recertification process started 2007California exam introduced 2008Online approved provider directory launched 2010Final year under old exam eligibility requirements 2011New exam eligibility requirements commence 2012Launch of global credentials – HRBP and HRMP

Certificants are growing in numbers A GLOBAL CERTIFIED COMMUNITY 135, countries PHR 70,526 SPHR 50,053 GPHR 1,440 CA 911 HRBP 229 HRMP 344 MULTI 1,377

HR Certification demonstrates to employers and peers that someone has mastered an HR body of knowledge. WHAT IS HR CERTIFICATION? Certification is achieved and maintained by: Meeting work and education requirements Passing an experience based exam Meeting recertification requirements by staying current in the field (60 credits in a three year cycle)

INDIVIDUAL Competitive advantage Mastery of HR knowledge and dedication Recognition from peers and organization Assists in job search and business Network with HR professionals BENEFITS OF HR CERTIFICATION

ON HIRING of employers state that a certified job applicant has a greater hiring advantage than a non-certified job applicant. of employers state that a certified HR professional is more likely to be considered for promotion than a non- certified HR professional. of employers believe that a certified HR professional has greater job security than a non-certified HR professional. VALUE OF HR CERTIFICATION 96% 91% ON PROMOTION ON JOB SECURITY 81%

HR certification exams offered: PHR® - Professional in Human Resources SPHR® - Senior Professional in Human Resources HR CERTIFICATION EXAMS

PHR AND SPHR BODIES OF KNOWLEDGE

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 EXAM ELIGBILITY REQUIREMENTS For the PHR + SPHR Credentials: PHR SPHR

WHAT IS EXEMPT-LEVEL HR EXPERIENCE? The Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) requires employees to be paid a minimum wage and to receive overtime for extra work hours. However, some positions involve a high enough level of discretion and independent judgement to be declared “exempt” from these rules. In order to be eligible to sit for one of the Institute’s exams, individuals must be able to demonstrate that: 1.They have the minimum years of experience required based on their educational level; 2.They spent at least 51% of their time handling HR-related tasks; and 3.Their job requires them to work independently, without close supervision, using their knowledge and experience. Additional information about exempt/non-exempt status and the FLSA can be found at and

STEP 1 Develop current standards in HR knowledge + practices STEP 2 Validates HR knowledge + practices with HR practitioners STEP 3 Develop exam questions STEP 4 Validate exam questions EXAM DEVELOPMENT PROCESS Certified volunteers are critical to every phase of the exam development process. Once you are certified, we welcome your involvement.

EXAMSPHR ® SPHR ® Contents Operational & tactical Strategic/Policy Pass Rates 59–67%52–60% Format 175 multiple-choice questions Duration 3 hours Application Dates (refer to for latest info.) SPRING 2014 Early registration period: January through March Late registration period: March through April WINTER 2014 Early registration period: June through October Late registration period: October through November Exam Periods SPRING May 1–June 30 WINTER December 1–January 31 CERTIFICATION EXAM INFORMATION

PHR ® SPHR ® HR Professional 400 USD525 USD Association Member 350 USD475 USD Note: A 75 USD late fee will be incurred after regular deadline. CERTIFICATION EXAM FEES

STEP 1: Go to STEP 2: Complete application and payment STEP 3: Schedule Exam STEP 4: Take Exam STEP 5: Receive Results APPLICATION STEPS

Bodies of Knowledge Get familiar with the bodies of knowledge ( PHR/SPHR Official Certification Guidebook Purchase from iShop (ishop.hrci.org), SHRM Store and leading book stores. Online Assessment Exams Available for PHR ® and SPHR ® certification exams. Consists of actual retired exam questions. Assess your level of HR knowledge and experience. Test-Your-Knowledge Quizzes 10-question quiz with answers and rationale ( FREE $ $ Social Networks FREE Approach our groups on LinkedIn, Facebook and SHRM Connect to form study groups or study tips. EXAM PREPARATION RESOURCES

Local Professional Chapters Contact your local SHRM, industry (CUPA-HR, etc.), or affinity (NAAAHR, etc.) Chapters. They often form study groups or classes to help members prepare for certification exams. College/University Sponsored Courses Many local college + universities offer semester-long or condensed courses to help prepare for the exam. Visit your local university website or for more information. Certification Preparation Courses SHRM has numerous certification preparation courses or search online for other providers of certification preparation courses. EXAM PREPARATION RESOURCES

RECERTIFICATION 60 recertification credits are required every three years Helps achieve HR knowledge and skills Stays current with the changing HR trends, policies and practices in HR field Recertification categories:  Continuing Education (no max.)  Instruction  On-the-Job Experience  Research/Publishing  HR Leadership Roles  Professional Membership Or retake the exam!

SHRM Foundation Your Employer Local Professional Chapters 80 certification scholarships (worth US$750 each) are available for SHRM members. Many organizations reimburse the HR certification exam fees through employee assistance or professional development programs. Many local SHRM chapters offer their own certification scholarships. Check with the chapter in your area for more details. FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE

C – Check your eligibility E – Evaluate your readiness R – Read the HRCI Certification Handbook T – Try some practice questions I – Identify & fill experience/knowledge gaps F – Face reality I – Identify your challenges E – Enjoy the result D – Demonstrate commitment by recertifying GET CERTIFIED

If you are transitioning out of the military and are interested in the field of human resource management here are some tips to get you started, provided by Rebecca Hastings, SPHR-CA, HR Content Manager at the HR Certification Institute (HRCI) - – the professional certification organization for the HR profession. [The links provided below are offered as a starting point and are not an endorsement by HRCI of any product or service.] Learn more about the HR profession. Sites to explore: Translate your military experience into civilian terminology. Sites to explore: into-resume.html Identify specific gaps in your knowledge and experience by using the PHR/SPHR Body of Knowledge: HELPFUL RESOURCES

Browse HR job listings to learn what qualifications you must have for different types of positions: Build a LinkedIn Profile. Sites to explore: make-on-linkedin/ Be open to alternative employment opportunities such as internships (Google “internships” for top sites). Contact temporary agencies specializing in HR (again, Google will lead you to them) and set up an interview. Most will test your skills and some will provide training. Temporaries get a chance to show employers what they can do on the job. Make a good impression and you might land yourself a job. HELPFUL RESOURCES

Visit the Military web page on HRCI web site at Follow HR Certification Institute on: Twitter.com/HRCertInstitute Facebook Linkedin.com/companies/hr-certification-institute CONTACT INFORMATION