Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What qualifications do I need to take this course?
A: It is recommended that participants have experience in the field of human resources to get the most from the course. However, recent college graduates or those newly transferred into a human resource related position will be able to gain a broad understanding of the field through participation in the program.

Q: What prerequisites are required to take the PHR/SPHR exams offered by the Human Resource Certification Institute?
A: You must have two years of exempt-level experience in a human resource related position. Exception: College graduates who have received or who will receive their degree within a 12-month period of the exam date may take the exam. Exempt-level responsibilities are managerial, non-clerical. In some organizations, you may have exempt-level repsonsibilities, but still paid hourly, and you would qualify to take the exams. For more specific information, contact the Human Resource Certification Institute (HRCI) at 703/548-3440 or visit their web site at www.shrm.org/hrci. You may send an email to hrci@shrm.org

Q: Will I be certified at the end of class?
A: No. In order to obtain the PHR or SPHR certification, you must register for and pass the certification exam offered by the Human Resource Certification Institute (see contact information above). Human Resource Management Certificate Program course participants will receive a certificate of completion and continuing education units from the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) for successful completion of the course.

Q: Is the certification included in the course?
A: No, you will need to apply for the certification exams separately. All course participants will receive an application handbook with application and fee information the first night of class. The application handbook will also give more detailed information on all aspects of the exams. You may also download the handbook from the HRCI web site at www.shrm.org/hrci.

Q: Is there a different class for PHR candidates and SPHR candidates?
A: No. The body of knowledge as defined by the HRCI is the same for both exams. The percent of topic categories differs by exam as well as the structure of the question, but the content to be learned is the same for both.

Q: What is the difference between the PHR and SPHR exams?
A: There is a difference in exam fees as well as exam design. The SPHR exam questions require you to apply your knowledge and experience to specific situations. Questions tend to be more strategic and contain case studies/scenarios that will apply to several questions. Candidates who are most successful passing the SPHR exam tend to have six to eight years of generalist experience in the field. The PHR exam tends to contain more straightforward questions that measure depth of knowledge, with some application. Generally, pass rates across the country tend to be higher on the PHR exam.

Q: Do I need to take the PHR exam before the SPHR exam?
A: No. You decide which certification level best matches your depth of knowledge and experience and register for that exam category.

Q: Do you have to take the certification exam at the end of the course?
A: No. Many course participants ( up to 50%) take the course solely for personal or professional development. It is a broad overview of the entire field of HR. Some participants are specialists and seek more knowledge about areas they don’t work in on a daily basis, others want an update on legislative issues. Level of experience of the participants and educational background varies also.

Q: My company requires a grade for tuition reimbursement purposes. Can you help me?
A: Absolutely! Just notify the program coordinator and she will be happy to prepare a letter for your employer at the end of the course providing a composite score of your end-of-module tests. Multiple-choice tests are given upon completion of each topic covered in class. These tests are for you to assess your own level of learning and to provide opportunities to “practice” test taking skills before the certification exam. This is a non-credit class, so no university credit is given, and no grade will ever appear on a transcript. This is done at your specific request for tuition reimbursement only. Individual test scores are confidential and will NOT be shared with an employer.

Q: What is the computer testing disk?
A: The testing disk is a tool provided by SHRM to accompany the Learning System, specifically designed to practice taking multiple choice test questions. The disk contains 500 practice questions representative of those found on the PHR/SPHR exams (250 each). Past participants have stated that this was a very effective tool. Disks may be purchased at a discounted price from NIU if ordered at the time of course registration. Course participants will be able to purchase a disk directly from the SHRM after classes begin.

Q: When will I receive my course materials? Is there an additional fee?
A: Course materials are distributed at the first night of class and include the SHRM Learning System. The material fees are included in your registration fee. Please note that once you have received your Learning System, it is yours to keep and cannot be returned for a refund.

Q: Do I receive college credit for this class?
A: The Human Resource Management Certificate Course is a non-credit course. While college credit is not available, participants can receive 3.5 continuing education units.