Human Resource Management
Program Summary
Attracting the most qualified employees and matching them to the jobs for which they are best suited is important for the success of any organization. However, many enterprises are too large to permit close contact between top management and employees. Human resources, training, and labor relations managers and specialists provide this link. In the past, these workers have been associated with performing the administrative function of an organization, such as handling employee benefits questions or recruiting, interviewing, and hiring new personnel in accordance with policies and requirements that have been established in conjunction with top management. Today’s human resources workers juggle these tasks and increasingly consult top executives regarding strategic planning. They have moved from behind-the-scenes staff work to leading the company in suggesting and changing policies. Senior management is recognizing the importance of the human resources department to their financial success.
PGCC in cooperation with the Society for Human Resource Management offers this course which is specifically designed for:
- Entry-level human resource professionals or those seeking a career in human resources;
- Divisional or departmental supervisors who have the responsibility for interviewing and training employees;
- Team leaders with supervisory responsibilities; and
- Organizations that need to provide a broad overview of the human resource function to a group of employees.
Starting with the fundamentals, the first course is a solid, introductory-level course in human resource management. It covers essentials of human resource management including key roles and responsibilities.
In the second, more in depth course, participants study six major HR areas of competency including strategic management; workforce planning and employment; HR development; compensation and benefits; employee and labor relations; and occupational health, safety and security. Key concepts are reinforced through real world case studies, class discussion, and the shared experiences of instructors who have extensive HR experience and who hold the Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR) credential.
Employment Trends
- Entry-level jobs are filled by college graduates who have majored in a wide range of fields.
- For many specialized jobs, previous experience is an asset; for more advanced positions, including those of managers, arbitrators, and mediators, it is essential.
- Keen competition for jobs is expected due to the abundant supply of qualified college graduates and experienced workers.
Program Objectives
- Successful completion of each course earns a Certificate of Completion
- Coursework leading to award of a Continuing Education Certificate
- Skills development and preparation leading to certification exams to become:
1. Professional in Human Resources (PHR) and/or
2. Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR).
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Crs #
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Course Name
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Hrs
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MGT660
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Essentials of Human Resource Management
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18
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MGT661
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Professional Human Resource Management Certificate
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40
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Program total
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58
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Attendance Policy
Participants must attend at least 80 percent of class meetings and complete all course assignments, including any tests by the instructor, with a grade of 70 percent or better to successfully complete the course. This course does not guarantee success in the HRCI exam, however. Participants must attend class and complete all readings and other assignments in order to achieve success.
Exam Eligibility
To be eligible for the (PHR) Professional in Human Resources exam, participants must have two years of HR exempt-level experience as a practitioner, educator, researcher or consultant. HRCI strongly recommends that candidates attempting the (SPHR) Senior Professional in Human Resources exam have 4 - 6 years of HR exempt-level experience. Registration and fees for the exam are not included in the cost of this course. For more information about exam registration and deadlines, call the Human Resource Certification Institute at 703-548-3440, send an email to info@hrci.org, or visit http://www.hrci.org/.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
- Why should I take this course?
While everyone is different and a wide variety of people take this course, the typical participant is a human resource management-level professional seeking a review course in preparation for the national certification exam. And added benefit of taking this course is obtaining a broad overview and a deeper understanding of HR management principles for the purpose of career advancement.
- How will I benefit from this program?
Participants will receive assistance in preparing for the PHR or SPHR exams. This program is an excellent overview of the human resource field. They will interact with other human resource professionals, receive placement assistance from the local SHRM chapter (depending on SHRM chapter involvement), earn continuing professional education credits, and receive a certificate of completion. This cost-effective program offers formal human resource training that many human resource professionals have not received through their employment or education.
- Why is this material the best to help prepare for the PHR or SPHR exam?
The Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) is the world’s largest association devoted to human resource management with more than 190,000 members. A leader in HR education, SHRM has completed the most complete certification preparation system available. Featuring printed materials, software, online tools, and a classroom curriculum, it helps students consistently beat the national exam pass rates.
The SHRM Learning System is the official SHRM study material to use in preparing for the PHR or SPHR examinations. Questions used in class tests and on the CD-ROM are written in the same format and cover the same body of human resource knowledge as the PHR and SPHR exams. These materials are updated at least once a year to reflect changes in the body of knowledge. The materials include legal and legislative changes, are reviewed by a team of subject matter experts, and go through a legal review process. This ensures that they are the most up-to-date and accurate materials available. However, since participants' educational backgrounds and work experiences differ, some may choose to supplement exam preparation with other human resource textbooks or materials.
- What qualifications do the instructors for this course have?
Every instructor in this certification preparation program is SPHR or PHR certified. They hold advanced degrees, and have extensive work experience as a HR professional. Each brings the wisdom of their own practical experience to topical lectures, case study examples, and general classroom discussion.
- What is required to successfully complete the program?
Participants must attend at least 80% of the classes, take all tests and exams, and have an average of 70% or better on the individual tests or 70% or better on the final. This grading method will allow participants who have had difficulty with the individual tests to still complete the program by passing the final exam. Upon successful completion of the program, participants will receive a certificate of completion, 4.0 CEUs, and the possibility to earn undergraduate college credit.
- Can I earn college credit for the SHRM Learning System course?
Possibly. Many educational institutions have developed policies that award credit for learning attained outside of the classroom. This includes learning acquired from work and life experience, independent reading and study, and participation in formal courses sponsored by associations, business and industry, the military, and government. The American Council on Education has established through an intensive review process that the SHRM Learning System course is college-level instruction and has recommended 3 undergraduate credits for the course. Participants should verify if their educational institution accepts this type of credit.
- Will I be certified after completing this course?
No. The certification process is completely separate from this course. For details, please contact the Human Resource Certification Institute at www.hrci.org.
- How many people have used the SHRM Learning System?
Each year over 15,000 people use the SHRM Learning System either through an educational institution or on their own.
- Does the registration fee include the cost of taking the HRCI certification examination?
No. Participants should apply and pay for the certification exams through HRCI. Certification Information Handbooks can be obtained by calling HRCI at 703-535-5770 or 800-283-7476, option 4, or by e-mailing hrci@shrm.org.
- What are the eligibility requirements for taking the certification exam?
Candidates must have two years of HR experience (education may not be substituted for a portion of this experience) to apply for the exam. For specifics on what job experience is acceptable, contact HRCI at 800-283-7476, select option 1, then, enter ext 5770; or visit the website at www.shrm.org/hrci to order or print the Certification Information Handbook.
- What is the difference between the PHR and SPHR certification exams?
The Professional in Human Resources (PHR) exam focuses more on the technical and operational aspects of human resources. The Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR) focuses more on strategic and policy issues.
- How rigorous are the PHR and SPHR certification exams?
The multiple-choice questions in this program are in the same format as those in the exams. By reviewing the SHRM Learning System modules, participants should be well prepared to successfully pass the HRCI certification examinations. However, success is not guaranteed! That’s a student’s individual responsibility. Statistically, participants who attend college/university programs like this one and, then, take the exam have a higher pass rate on the exam than those who used and independent or some other study method.
- When is the next certification test? Who administers the test? Where is the testing site in our area?
The national certification exam is offered several times throughout the year. For more information, please follow the links from SHRM’s website at www.shrm.org.
- Are there continuing education requirements to periodically renew my certification?
Re-certification is required every three years and is achieved by participating in 60 contact hours of updating HR knowledge and/or experience or by successfully re-testing.