Maximizing Your Investment in Earning HR Certification (Part 1 of 3)

It is our role as HR professionals to ensure we are enabling our organizations to find the RIGHT talent, to do the RIGHT things, in the RIGHT way, at the RIGHT time. This equation requires us to become FOREVER adult learners and to always professionally develop in order to keep current in our industry that is always changing.

One way to ensure that you are keeping up to date with the current trends of HR and establishing a baseline of knowledge to keep ahead of curve is by earning HRCI and/or SHRM HR Certification. But so many HR Professionals focus on just passing the test they pass up on the learning experience to maximize the investment of time and money it truly in earning HR Certification.

?? CHECK OUT MY FORBES ARTICLE ON PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT??

Here are the first 2 steps of the Professional Development cycle that I introduce in a Forbes article I penned entitled "Seven Steps To Maximize Commitment To Professional Development" and how it applies to maximizing your investment in earning a HR Certification:

1. Ask Yourself ... Why Are You Doing This? ??

Are you expecting an immediate raise or promotion after earning certification? You may just be disappointing yourself. You must find personal value in earning the letters after your name outside of having just having the letters after your name.

Some goals I typically hear are:

• Gaining a sense of personal satisfaction
• Gaining exposure in all aspects of HR
• Earning a distinct advantage in the job market
• Making a greater contribution in your role
• Expanding your HR bench strength
• Level setting your HR knowledge if you have worked in one role, one company or one industry for a long time.

???Check out a podcast I did with HR Mavericks and my partner Garrett Jestice on the value of HR Certification.

After you find your personal value and purpose of pursuing this, write it down and post it in a area where you will always see it. Keep it in view to stay focused.

"Nothing is official unless it is in writing." - datHRguy

2. Establish Your Baseline And Become Self-Aware.

It can truly daunting if you don't know where to even start. The answer to that is establish your baseline. Some important considerations include:

• Which HR Certifications are you eligible for?

• How much do you know about the exam you are eligible for? Consider taking a practice exam to establish a baseline before beginning the learning journey.
• How do you best learn? Are you self-directed? Do you need structure? Do you prefer online or in person?
• You will make a sacrifice of time. Do you have it? (3 months is the recommended time to prepare.)
• Your knowledge of HR is half the battle. The other half is knowledge of the test itself. When was the last time you took a standardized test? Do you suffer from test anxiety?
• Earning HR Certification is a financial investment. How will it be supported? Will your employer support you or will you need to self-fund?

If you are asking yourself all of these questions, you are not alone! Check out this webinar in which Nicole Pemberton, MHRM, SPHR and I walk through how you can breakthrough these barriers.

??We are experts at helping our clients maximize their value in earning HR Certification. Click the below image to Keep In Touch with HR Certified - ?? Best In America Small Business Award Winner ! We are accepting enrollments into our signature HR Masterclass today! ??

It is with great honor that my first newsletter is about professional development and HR Certification. It is my hope that I increase awareness on the value of well-earned transferable skills and certification in support of our Vision at HR Certified - ?? Best In America Small Business Award Winner in increasing diversity in HR with non-traditional profiles.

??Stay tuned for the next edition of this newsletter as I translate steps 3 and 4 of the "Seven Steps to Maximizing Professional Development" to the journey of earning HR Certification.

??If this article resonated with you, please like, share and comment. I would love to hear your feedback as I begin the next edition. What are your suggestions to those looking to earn #hrcertification?

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