As you may be aware, SHRM will be offering new competency based certification in 2015. We would like for you to be informed of both, the HRCI and the SHRM Certifications for HR professionals. This is an ongoing topic and information is likely to change. We have included information about the new SHRM Certification and the HRCI's response to this new certification. Please read on for the latest release from SHRM and HRCI.
SHRM's Latest Update:
The Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) announced June 18, 2014 that its new competency-based certification will be awarded in two levels: SHRM Certified Professional (SHRM-CP) and SHRM Senior Certified Professional (SHRM-SCP).
The SHRM Board of Directors in May approved a plan to create a competency-based certification program for human resource professionals.
"SHRM has always focused on making sure HR practitioners are seeking and attaining certification," said SHRM President and CEO Henry G. (Hank) Jackson. "We are committed to ensuring that the certification our members achieve is recognized as best-in-class and distinguishes them in the marketplace."
Jackson also announced that a governance body, the SHRM Certification Commission, has been established. The commission will comprise certified HR professionals, certification experts, academics specializing in HR and other members from the business community. The commission will serve as an independent technical advisory committee and have delegated authority from the SHRM Board of Directors.
The commission will manage the certification program, including development of the exams, eligibility criteria and recertification requirements.
"We are designing this certification program to meet the highest standards of the industry and are following best practice based on the International Standards Organization standards for certifying bodies," Jackson said.
The new HR certification is the culmination of more than three years of research and is based on the SHRM HR Competency Model, which was validated by more than 30,000 HR professionals around the world. These HR professionals identified the skills needed to grow and succeed in HR careers. Those skills fall under eight behavior competencies and one technical, or functional, competency, which is HR expertise (HR Knowledge).
"I am very pleased by these developments," Jackson said, "and am confident that we are doing what is needed to ensure that SHRM continues to set the highest standards for the HR profession and remains the thought leader for the profession."
SHRM plans to offer the first exam for the new competency-based certification in mid-2015.
Response from HRCI:
You may have seen the recent announcement regarding the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) board approval for a new HR certification.
We wanted to let you know that this announcement will have no impact on any of the HR Certification Institute's (HRCI) portfolio of certifications. We will continue to develop and administer the PHR, SPHR, GPHR, PHR/SPHR-CA, HRBP and HRMP and our other high-quality certification products to meet the needs of the HR profession.
We are the world's most widely recognized independent
certifying body for the HR profession and offer a comprehensive global product
portfolio that counts almost 140,000 HR professionals certified with one or
more of our credentials. HRCI is the world's largest HR certifying body to
offer National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA) accredited
credentials. The exams we develop and administer are competency-based and derived
with input from thousands of practicing HR professionals. Our certifications
are not connected to this new certification or any organization.
HRCI is not and was not involved with the development of this certification. We are confident that the range of certifications offered by HRCI will continue to be regarded as the highest mark of professional distinction among HR practitioners.
Please do not hesitate to contact us (HRCI) at 866-898-4724 with any questions or comments.