Many have asked me the reasons why I chose to acquire the PHR and SHRM-CP certifications and how these certifications can help one’s HR career. In this article, I’ll share with you what I found valuable after being certified PHR and SHRM-CP.
1. Validate your HR expertise in the job market.
For many HR professionals, gaining an accredited credential such as the PHR or SHRM-CP will validate your expertise in the HR field. While you may have hands-on experience, HR certifications prove that you have the in-depth functional knowledge to be a strategic HR business partner. These rigorous exams test HR professionals in all areas of HR including business management and strategy, talent planning and acquisition, learning and development, total rewards, employees and labor relations. Passing them means that you acquire a high level of HR education and knowledge required for complex HR roles in any organization. These certificates are well-known to many business and HR leaders in various industries. As a matter of fact, you often see that the job description of HR generalist or HR manager nowadays lists HR certifications as a preferred requirement. Having them on your resume or LinkedIn will distinguish yourself in a job search or career advance.
*Credit: OD&M Consulting
2. Enhance your HR foundational and practical knowledge while you prepare for the exam
As mentioned above, these exams will examine your HR foundational and practical expertise in all functional areas of HR. You need to know not only the facts and figures, the HR laws and legislation that are important for the job, but you also need to understand how to apply these concepts in real life scenarios and business environment. I found that it was very beneficial for me to go through the exam preparation and deepen my HR knowledge through reading various materials and taking many difficult practice tests. As I continue teaching and developing my exam preparation materials, I constantly find myself enhancing my HR foundational and practical knowledge. Early on in my preparation of the PHR exam, I found myself lacking key knowledge in some essential HR laws and regulations such as OSHA, FMLA, OFCCP, etc., because my job didn’t expose me to those. However, they are critical to know as I continue progressing in my HR career.
3. Boost your confidence and earn respect from your organization and peers
Finally, I believe that carrying a badge of PHR or SHRM-CP certification will boost your confidence on the job while gaining respect and recognition from your organization leaders and peers. These exams are known for their difficulty in assessing HR in-depth competency and strategic capabilities. Passing the exam will most importantly prove to yourself that you have the discipline and persistence to prepare and pass one of the hardest exams in the HR field. It will certainly boost your confidence in showing up as a knowledgeable HR leader. When I first gained my HR certification, I found myself more confident in consulting my peers and business leaders. Also, SHRM and HRCI are recognized by organizations across industries, geographic borders, and career levels. Hence, business leaders and peers will respect your commitment and motivation in achieving your certification.
Overall, I believe that the HR profession has changed from an HR administrative role to a strategic HR business partner to the organization leaders. Gaining HR certifications demonstrating both professional experience and educational requirements prove your career-long commitment to show up as a dedicated and credible HR leader in the current business landscape.