10 Years & Counting: What Do HR Certifications Really Say about You?

Okay, so it certainly takes the commitment of time and financial resources - and that is just the beginning of when one prepares to sit for the exam. In my case, I opted for a 3-day learning and Global Professional in Human Resources (#GPHR) preparation session in Toronto, Canada with a then independent HRCI division (#HRCI) of The Society for Human Resource Management (#SHRM). The exam followed in the next testing window about 6 weeks later. Others may select a multiple week long program to learn a body of HR knowledge with a local college or university and then take the PHR, PHRca, SPHR or GPHR exam. HRCI still offers these HR and other experienced-based HR certifications and SHRM offers their own certifications, including: SHRM-CP and SHRM-SCP.

This December, I will have officially held my Global Professional in Human Resources (#GPHR) certification for ten years as one of the first 1,000 GPHR professionals to earn it. Of course, there are many more of us now! In 2015, I also earned the SHRM-SCP certification and, earlier this year, I re-certified both GPHR and SHRM-SCP certifications until 2021. Being certified in global HR is without a doubt one of the greatest achievements in my professional career. I am often asked what it takes to pursue and stay certified. Both organizations require re-certification every three years. This in itself is no small feat and ensures that I keep up-to-date with current human resources knowledge and practices, including global HR. This is possible through participation in a variety of local SHRM chapter monthly meetings in the Washington, D.C. metro area, national SHRM conferences and seminars and other available webinars that offer HRCI and / or SHRM re-certification credits. Most of all, I appreciate the diversity of approved programs and new work-related projects & activities for which one can receive credit.

Being certified signals to the business and HR community that you are investing in and actively working to stay current with your HR knowledge -- and, most importantly that you have a strong commitment and are dedicated to the HR profession. Ten years ago, I spent a lot more time explaining what my GPHR certification meant. Now, amongst my HR and business colleagues, an HR certification is considered a 'must-have' in the HR consulting environment and is often a requirement to pursue many roles in the HR field.

Certification is clearly a choice every HR professional needs to make. It is personal, but it is also professional. HRCI and SHRM make certification accessible no matter where one is in their HR career - be it, new to the HR profession or an experienced HR practioner. This is one HR professional who values her certifications. Becoming certified, staying certified and knowledgeable in HR is challenging and inspiring work for me. Simply put, I love HR! And, to all HR certified professionals around the globe, well done.

Do you need an additional HR resource? I help the C-Suite navigate HR. Hire me if you are looking for a strategic HR perspective, interim executive HR leadership or help with a short or long-term HR project? Let's Connect: linkedin.com/in/christinacahillane