Hi Everyone,

I am recently retired from the military and have been interviewing for some HR positions. Most of what I did in the military is transferable but as you can imagine there are many laws that do not apply in the military. I have been brushing up on many employment laws and many other areas of HR but it seems the laws are the only area I am weak in.

My point to this message really is to ask about certification. To top off my military HR experience I want to get HR Certified. I have just received a study guide from SHRM and I do have some formal education in HR. How hard is the certification exam (for PHR)? can anyone recommend any study guides, and finally how important is certification? I have been offered a position without certification but regrettably turned it down for something better (which fell through). So I want to get certified but am looking for some guidance before I sign up for an exam.

Any info would be appreciated.

Thanks,

Ronald

Hi Ronald,

I am also thinking of completing this certification course, appreciate if you could share the information / input you may have received / collected.

thanks

Vijaylakshmi

Hi Ronald,

Definitely you have chosen one of the best HR Certifications available. This certification is recognized internationally, and depending on the experience you have, you can go in for PHR/ SPHR/ GPHR.

However, a word of caution: Most of such certifications are a criteria only for SOME multinational companies. So a better option would be do look for the companies that consider these certifications. And apply accordingly.

Bust Luck..

Radhika

Hi Sir,

Note that PHR/SPHR/GPHR are not a one-time certification course, you are supposed to renew your it every year by writing the exams online each time, only then this certification will be valid, that's how it is for all the certification in US, and moreover these certifications are more acknoweldged in US than in India. Try doing a one year diploma in HRM from a recognised college or try the NIIT Imperia which is offering a 1 year Dip in HR program, simultaenoesly you can apply for a labor law course from a distance edu, try to buy one good big HR book and start reading it. Also enroll yourself with a HR group and attend seminars. All these together will shape you to become a good HR personnel provided you are also people oriented. This is just my thought through a lil experince i got. All the best.

regards,

Rajkumar Shanmugam