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Certification - Resources

Certification is a great way to signify that you have educated yourself in such a way that provides the appropriate level of knowledge application. Additionally, it is a fantastic way to either learn new HR principles or brush up on your HR accumen.

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Be prepared for any HR challenge with HR Certification!

In today's changing HR landscape, it's becoming more important than ever that you not only have strong HR knowledge and skills, but are also able to be a strategic business thinker, capable of tackling any situation thrown your way! Become the most qualified and valuable HR professional you can be through choosing to become HR Certified!

As we Elevate HR in 2024 and beyond, our aspiration is to have every member of our Salt Lake SHRM Chapter Certified.

"I PASSED!!! Your test taking tips got me through and were invaluable. I could hear you telling me to think strategically, take action and eliminate the answers that did not show leadership. I would highly recommend your study session to anyone looking to test."

- Felicia Street - SHRM-CP Recipient

Study Group

Salt Lake SHRM offers certification study groups twice a year: Spring and Winter. Our next certification study group begins April 30 and continues once a week for five weeks. It ends just in time for participants to sit for the first round of certification exams. The Salt Lake SHRM Study Group uses the SHRM Learning System as a study and preparation resource.

Study Group Tips

  • Create a smart study plan and stay on track to earn your certification with a structured learning experience
  • Practice test questions to make sure you have a grasp of what is expected
  • Share your experience and discuss best practices with colleagues in a convenient online study group environment

Why Certification?

Human resource certification offers an array of benefits to professionals seeking to advance their careers in the field of HR. Firstly, it enhances credibility and demonstrates a commitment to excellence in the profession. Certification validates an individual’s knowledge and expertise, providing employers with assurance of their capabilities. Moreover, certification opens doors to new opportunities, as many employers prioritize certified HR professionals when hiring or promoting. Additionally, certification equips individuals with up-to-date knowledge and skills, ensuring they remain competitive in a rapidly evolving industry. It also fosters networking opportunities within the HR community, facilitating collaboration and knowledge sharing.

Furthermore, certified professionals often command higher salaries and enjoy greater job security. Overall, human resource certification not only boosts individual career prospects but also contributes to the overall effectiveness and professionalism of the HR profession. Click here for a report comparing certifications, with information on pay, and career advancement.

Instructor-Led Learning

Instructor-led learning is ideal for those who prefer a structured environment over a longer period of time.  These courses usually run for three, six to eleven weeks and some are offered twice a week.  The learning is delivered in an interactive learning environment, led by seasoned instructors with 20+ years of certification preparation experience.  Costs vary depending on the individual instructors.

Salt Lake SHRM is pleased to announce partnerships with Corporate Talent Advisors and Sunstone HR to provide certification preparation courses. Please visit their website to find information regarding classes and schedules. Note, each instructor offers discounts to Salt Lake SHRM members!


Rod Lacey, CEO
(801) 380-7846
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www.sunstonehr.co


Jeanine Wilson, SPHR
(801) 725-8696
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
www.corporatetalentadvisors.com

Need help funding your preparation?

The SHRM Foundation offers professional grants to SHRM members seeking their SHRM-CP or SHRM-SCP certification. This grant awards one SHRM-CP or SHRM-SCP certification exam as well as SHRM's online learning system. Click HERE for more information about the grants and how to apply.

SHRM HR Certification Exam

For all the information on application, testing windows and fees, click here

SHRM Resources

SHRM HR Student Membership Certification Opportunities

HRCI Resources

For information on eligibility and how to apply, click here

Other helpful insights:

  • Take the exam that you are qualified to take. Sure, push yourself, but also don't overextend yourself.
  • Test banks are helpful, but be sure that they are validated questions. Retired questions from the source of your exam provider are great ways to practice.
  • Take practice quizzes to get a feel for the questions that are being asked. Allow the quizzes to reveal to you where your areas of opportunity are.
  • Pay attention to the weight of each section of the exam. You may want to devote more time to those sections that make up a larger percentage of the content/questions.
  • If you're an expert in one area of the exam, it may feel comfortable and easy to keep learning about that topic, but make sure your time and effort go those areas you specifically need.
  • Watch out for words like "Always" and "Never" in the possible answers. Those are very strong words and can be an indicator of a "detractor" (A question that sounds right, but isn't). HR is the land of " it depends" so be careful when selecting an answer that has such a universal term.
  • Don't rely on how the company you worked for approached an HR-related issue. Just because your company did it one way, does NOT mean that it was done the "correct" way (at least for the purposes of this exam).
  • Visualize yourself in the testing area. Visualize your passing score show up on the screen and doing your own 'victory dance' out of the building and in your car.
  • Record yourself reading the vocabulary words and then listen to it during your commute.