Denial

by Matthew Stollak on Wednesday, July 8, 2009

With SHRM's shiny new curriculum in place, undergraduate students can demonstrate their mastery of this knowledge base by taking the PHR exam upon graduation. However, the HRCI has recently mandated new changes to the qualifications to take the PHR certification exam. Currently, undergraduate students can take and pass the PHR exam, but they wouldn't be considered certified until they earned 2 years of exempt-level experience in a 5-year period. In 2011, undergraduate students will no longer be eligible to take the PHR exam until they have earned the 2 years of exempt-level of experience.

To that end:

  1. Should undergraduate students be allowed to take the PHR certification exam before entering the workplace?
  2. To what extent should the profession of HR encourage new entrants to possess reasonable command of the body of knowledge prior to entry into the field?
  3. What do you see as a LEGITIMATE replacement for the PHR-certification for undergraduate students?
  4. If another form of exam is given, what should it cover?

One comment

The two professions I have practiced in thus far (Program Management and Federal Contracts Management) have required experience for the 'Professional' level certification. Each also offered an 'Associate' level certification, which required some, but not as much, work experience.

If I trust the school which granted the degree, I don't think a certification obtained soon after graduating adds any value for me.

by David on July 9, 2009 at 4:31 PM. #

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