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Certification

    RRHRPA recognized as SHRM Learning System Strategic Partner Champion

    Northern Illinois University can help you become certified.  Meet their Instructors and hear about their amazing certification preparation plan.

    CERTIFIED CHAPTER MEMBERS

    The Rock River Human Resource Professional Association currently has the following certified members (as of 9/12/2021):

    5 members certified as PHR (Professional of Human Resources) HRCI

    3 members certified as SPHR (Senior Professional of Human Resources) HRCI

    8 members certified as SHRM-CP (SHRM - Certified Professional) SHRM

    2 members certified as SHRM-SCP (SHRM - Senior Certified Professional) SHRM

    NOTE: 6 of these member hold dual certifications by both agencies - HRCI and SHRM.

    BECOMING CERTIFIED

    If you are interested in becoming HRCI or SHRM certified, please contact Julie Hoak, RRHRPA Certification Chair at jhoak@sterlingfederal.com or click on the links below: 

                                      HRCI Website                             SHRM Website

    RRHRPA is also a co-sponsor with Northern Illinois University (NIU) and their Continuing Education programs, including SHRM Certification testing preparation and re-certification programs.  Get more information at www.cpe.niu.edu.

    BENEFITS OF CERTIFICATION

    HR Professional

    More than 108,000 HR professionals have earned HR certification. Earning the PHR, SPHR, GPHR, PHR/CA or SPHR/CA through HRCI, or the SHRM-CP or SHRM-SCP through SHRM credential demonstrates to you and your organization that you commit to a higher standard.

    HR Professional who become HR certified:

    • show you know the most current principles and core practices of HR management 
    • become more marketable when you compete for top HR positions
    • raise your professional confidence among your staff and your peers

    Earning your HR certification can give you a competitive edge in today’s economy. Take a look at the HR job postings. More and more job listings say HR certification is “required” or “preferred.”

    When employers hire certified HR professionals, they also hire peace of mind that those staff members

    • have mastered the knowledge they need to manage the organization’s human resources
    • are staying current on changes to HR laws and core practices.

    Employer

    If you’re an employer, when you insist on certification for your professional HR staff, you help to ensure updated HR programs and policies in your organization.

    Smart business leaders know that organizations spend up to 70% of their revenue on human resources. Decisions on workforce planning, labor relations, risk management and employee benefits such as health care and payroll can make or break an organization. So you need the most qualified professionals to make those decisions.

    That is why more and more employers are listing HR certification as “required” or “preferred” on their job postings. They have the peace of mind that their HR professionals have proven mastery of the intricate HR laws and core practices that make an organization successful.

    The HR Certification Institute awards HR certification exams to HR professionals who

    • meet strict professional experience and educational requirements
      pass a challenging exam
    • maintain their credentials through continuing HR education 

    In an HR Certification Institute survey of top business leaders

    • 50% said that recruiters consider a job candidate’s certification status when they decide whom to interview and hire for HR positions
    • 48% said that their company believes that HR-certified professionals give them a competitive edge
    • 50% said that certified HR professionals show better motivation, HR knowledge, and performance than non-certified HR professionals do