> Orientation is required!
> Requirements to Pass the Class
> Requirements to Take the National PHR/SPHR Exam
> Requirements to Take the National PHR/SPHR Exam
> HR Certification Institute's New Eligibility Requirements
> CURRENT requirements (before 2011)
> Study Tips

Orientation is Required
Our required one-hour orientation (6 to 7 pm, Monday, January 25) gives an overview of the class.Both the orientation and the class are held at the Coastal Georgia Center in Savannah. The class administrator will distribute the syllabus (what reading is due when) and your SHRM Learning System course materials, answer questions, and provide study tips for the class and the PHR/SPHR exam. The class administrator will distribute the syllabus (what reading is due when) and your SHRM Learning System course materials, answer questions, and provide study tips for the class and the PHR/SPHR exam.

In most for-credit college classes, the syllabus is distributed on the first day of class, while the course materials are announced in advance so you can buy them at the campus store. We've improved on that method!

When you attend the mandatory Orientation Session (6 to 7 pm, on Monday, January 25) at the Coastal Georgia Center in Savannah, you will receive the syllabus and your complete set of SHRM Learning System Course materials. You'll open the packet during Orientation, make sure you have your CD-ROM, SPHR Supplement, and all 6 workbook modules, and get your first reading assignment.

Please complete the reading for your first class meeting (Monday, February 1) before the class begins.

Requirements to Pass the Class
To pass this certificate course you must attend at least 70% of the class sessions and pass the final exam with a grade of 70% or higher.

Requirements to Take the National PHR/SPHR Exam
There are no pre-requisites for this 12-week course; anyone may register. If you plan to take the national (Senior) Professional in Human Resources (PHR/SPHR) exam, please note that you must have two or more years of exempt-level HR experience with 50% or more of your work being HR-related. There is a separate category for students without that much experience. For more information, fees, deadlines, and exam details, visit http://www.hrci.org.

HR Certification Institute's New Eligibility Requirements
(excerpted from http://www.hrci.org)

To Take Effect 2011
In keeping with best practices for certification programs, the HR Certification Institute conducted an extensive multi-pronged study of the eligibility requirements of their three core products: Professional in Human Resources (PHR), Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR) and Global Professional in Human Resources (GPHR). Based on feedback from both certified and non-certified HR professionals, business leaders, students and academicians, the requirements will now include a combination of education and experience.

These changes will go into effect in the May-June 2011 testing window.

PHR Eligibility

SPHR Eligibility
GPHR Eligibility
CURRENT requirements (before 2011)
The PHR and SPHR are generalist exams and assess knowledge of the entire domestic HR field. If you have never been an HR generalist or do not plan to become one, please evaluate whether these exams are right for you. The GPHR exam is intended for HR professionals who develop and implement global HR strategies, oversee international assignment management and manage HR operations across borders.

To be eligible to sit for the PHR, SPHR and GPHR exam, candidates must have at least two years of exempt-level (professional) HR work experience. In the Professional Employment Experience section of the application, the candidates position(s) must be an exact match of the exempt-level HR position codes found in Appendix C of the handbook.

Study Tips
Read far enough ahead in the SHRM Learning System so you've seen the material once before the lecture. Take copious notes in class; the fact of writing details down helps you assimilate the data. Join a study group - that works for some better than for others.

Set aside at least 6 hours a week outside of class to study: mark it on your calendar now for every week (in reality, that should be at least 9 hours). Do outside reading when you have the chance, like HR textbooks/SHRM website white papers/etc. Even if you don't do outside reading, go back and review early modules weeks later, to improve your content retention.

Use your CD-ROM ACTIVELY and regularly - quizzes, flashcards, vocabulary, etc. Since the CD-ROM final for the class can only be taken once, plan to take it after you take the inclass paper exam and before you take the PHR exam.

Don't get behind and don't let life/work emergencies distract you from your study schedule. Best of luck!

SPRING 2010 (projected)
Class Schedule & Location

6:00 pm - 9:00 pm
twelve (12) Mondays
February 1- April 26, 2010

(no class on March 15, since GSU is closed)

Coastal Georgia Center
305 Fahm Street, Savannah


Mandatory orientation:
6:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Monday, January 25

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