Professional in Human Resources Certificate Program

• Professional in Human Resources Certificate Program
• Professional in Human Resources Certificate Program - Intensive

“I took the PHR exam yesterday and PASSED!!  This was my fourth attempt and I credit DePaul’s prep course in helping me understand and prepare for this beast of an exam…….THANK YOU!!!!"

—Professional in HR Student, Winter 2017

 

• HR professionals planning to take the PHR® or SPHR® certification exams
• PHR® professionals seeking to "upgrade" their certification to SPHR®
• HR practitioners seeking professional development to advance their careers

 

• Develop the knowledge and skills to improve your on-the-job effectiveness
• Prepare for the PHR®/SPHR® certification exam
• Recognize your areas of strength to build upon
• Identify gaps in your knowledge and experience for further concentrated study
• Increase your marketability

 

Business Management

• Using information about the organization and business environment

Workforce Planning and Talent Acquisition

• Federal laws related to the hiring process
• Identifying, attracting, and employing talent
• Forecasting organizational talent needs
• Developing strategies to attract and engage new talent

Learning and Development

• Implementing and evaluating programs
• Providing internal consultation
• Using data

Total Rewards

• Implementing, promoting, and managing compensation and benefit programs that attract and retain talent
• Complying with federal laws
• Creating effective compensation and benefit strategies
• Attracting, rewarding, and retaining talent that aligns to the organizational strategy and culture

Employee Engagement

• Developing, communicating, and enhancing employee engagement initiatives
• Supporting optimal employee performance management activities throughout the employee lifecycle

Employee and Labor Relations

• Managing, monitoring, and promoting legally compliant programs and policies impacting the employee experience
• HR Information Management
• Optimizing the organization’s access to its human resource data with tools, technology, and systems

Leadership and Strategy

• Leading the HR function through HR strategy
• Contributing to organizational strategy
• Influencing people management practices
• Monitoring risk

Talent Management

• Developing and designing talent management programs and initiatives
• Fostering an engaging a high-performing workforce

HR Information Management, Safety, and Security

• Identify the tools, technology, and systems needed to report on the organizational strategy
• Monitoring employee safety and security

 

 What qualifications do I need to take this program?
It is recommended that participants have experience in the field of human resources to get the most from the program.

Will I need to purchase course materials?
Yes, You will need to purchase the PHR, PHRi and SPHR, SPHRi Human Resources Certification Complete Study Guide: 2024 Exams, 6th Edition
Author: Sandra M. Reed
ISBN: 978-1-394-27649-3
Publication Date: November 2024
The book is subject to change. It's best to wait for an email from the university regarding the course and required books before making any purchases.

Will I be certified when I finish the program?
No, you will need to take the Human Resource Certification Institute’s PHR®/SPHR® examination. For more information, visit the HRCI web site at www.hrci.org.

Is the application fee for the PHR®/SPHR® examination covered in the course fee?
No. The application fee for the PHR®/SPHR® examination is not covered in the course fee. You may obtain information on applying and qualifications for the PHR®/SPHR® examination from the Human Resource Certification Institute at (866) 898-4724 or from their web site at www.hrci.org.

When is the PHR®/SPHR® examination?
HRCI offers the PHR® and SPHR® exams throughout the year. More information on testing can be found at www.hrci.org.

What qualifications are required to take the PHR®/SPHR® exams offered by the Human Resource Certification Institute (HRCI)?
PHR Eligibility

• One year of demonstrated professional HR experience with a Master’s degree or higher
• Two years of demonstrated professional HR experience with a Bachelor’s degree
• Four years of demonstrated professional HR experience with less than a Bachelor’s degree

SPHR Eligibility

• Four year of demonstrated professional HR experience with a Master’s degree or higher
• Five years of demonstrated professional HR experience with a Bachelor’s degree
• Seven years of demonstrated professional HR experience with less than a Bachelor’s degree

For more specific information, contact the Human Resource Certification Institute (HRCI) at (866) 898-4724 or visit its web site at www.hrci.org.

What is the difference between the PHR® and SPHR® exams?
There is a difference in exam fees as well as exam design. The PHR® certification exam is designed for HR professionals with more of a tactical or logistical orientation. The SPHR® certification exam is designed for HR professionals who design and plan, rather than implement, HR policies.
Generally, pass rates across the country tend to be higher on the PHR® exam.

Do I need to take the PHR® exam before the SPHR® exam?
No. You decide which certification level best matches your depth of knowledge and experience and register for that exam category.

Is there a different class for PHR® candidates and SPHR® candidates?
No. The program will cover the PHR® and SPHR® content as determined by HRCI. 

Do I have to take the certification exam at the end of the course?
No. Many course participants take the course solely for personal or professional development. It is a broad overview of the entire field of HR. Some participants are specialists and seek more knowledge about areas they don’t work in on a daily basis; others want an update on legislative issues.

Do I receive college credit for this class?
The Professional in Human Resources Certificate Program is a non-credit program. While college credit is not available, participants can receive continuing education units.

My company requires a grade for tuition reimbursement purposes. Will I get a grade?
Yes. Tests are given upon completion of each module covered in class and a cumulative final exam. These tests are for you to assess your level of learning and to provide opportunities to "practice" test-taking skills before the certification exam. This is a non-credit class, so no university credit is given, but you will receive a grade and CEUs from DePaul CPE and a transcript will be available via the DePaul CPE website 2-3 weeks after the end of class.

Does this program qualify for financial assistance through the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA)?
In order to find out if you qualify for financial assistance, you must first contact Workforce Development. As a certified program under the ILLINOIS workNet initiative, this program has been approved for workforce training grants for those who are eligible. Funding may be available for those receiving unemployment benefits. Please contact Workforce Development for more information.

If I qualify for a WIOA grant, will my voucher cover the cost of the PHR/SPHR certification exam offered through HRCI?
No. The WIOA voucher that is given to DePaul does not cover the cost of the PHR/SPHR certification exam.