Well, I've decided to do it. I think I'm going to start studying for the SPHR exam and will aim to take it come December/January. For the uninitiated or non-HR folks… it's a certification for senior level HR folks to prove their smarts. It took me 20 minutes to apply, including me spending one minute to scratch my head and wonder why they ask in the application process if I've ever been convicted of a felony and if yes, to explain the circumstances (the answer being no, of course, but I don't understand why they ask it). But I'm locked in. And now that I've written this here on the bloggy, you can help me stay focused and disciplined through my studies.
First, why take it? Well, that's a reasonable question and I can't honestly come up with a good reason why I shouldn't do it. Does it make me more credible to have that SPHR designation? I dunno if I buy that argument. I do know however that it would never hurt me to have it. And besides that whole argument of whether a SPHR matters? I'm simply kind of a competitive gal, and there are certain things I try or do just so I can say that I can or have done it. Sad but true. I'm honestly like that so the SPHR exam and certification may be just another one of those things. Check the box, and say that I've got it… that is, if I pass.
It's been a while since I have taken an exam of any sort. I had an eye exam last year. I took my driver's license test in 2001. I took the PHR exam in about 2002. And my patience has probably been tested many times in the past few years – by technology, by long lines at the grocery store, by ex-boyfriends who wouldn't accept that I am always right, by hurting shins when I wanted to go for a run but it hurt too much… I've been tested a plenty. But I've not taken an exam, a real test, in a while – so this should be interesting. And you'll be there through some of it.
The plan? I'm going to self study. Some great blogging pals have given me some good resources and I'll use them as a starting point. I'll take some practice exams along to way to gauge my readiness. And then I'll cram for the week before I take the test. Same method employed when I took the PHR, same general method for getting through college…
So what say you? Worth it or a waste of my time? Do I even need to do this? Any tips? Please share and hit the comments. And now if you'll excuse me, I'm off to start my reading to prep me for the strategic management section of the exam… beginning with this chapter on the History of HR from an SPHR exam prep book someone passed along to me…
The history of HR as a management function can be traced back to the Industrial Revolution when, for the first time, it became economically and technologically feasible to mass-produce products in large factories employing people. HR or personnel management as it was known then was largely a clerical function maintaining employee records and ensuring that employees were paid…
Zzzzzzzz. Ooops. Fell asleep there for a moment. Wish me luck studying!
Good for you! I postponed forever myself, though I am getting the help of the program given by Rice. Why? Why? Why should we try this now??? Well, many reasons in both sides but the key one is that I’ve noticed a higher level of relevance in the market, then let’s prove with a SPHR (or PHR) on the pocket that we know as much HR as anyone that passes the test (I am very competitive, too!).Also, it has served as a refreshment on the areas I do not get myself involved that often anymore; however, get that coffee and vision for the future as some of the material can be extremely dreadful! Best Success!
I would like to suggest that HR professionals also take a look at the Master Human Capital Strategist designation offered by Human Capital Institute. It isn’t in place of the SHRM certification but a complement to it. It is a two day program that also includes a practicum (work project to demonstrate and apply learnings from the class). For more information, check it out a http://www.hci.org.
Marty Jordan
Sr. Faculty, MHCS
HCI
Good luck with this! I’ll be following your plight along the way as I’ve also been on the fence about taking this exam… I’m thinking it’s just better to have and eliminate any possibilities of not being able to advance… Also, I agree it will be a great refresher on some areas that I dont get a chance to work on in my daily humble service. Full speed ahead, comrade- We’re behind you!!
Good luck! I’m taking the PHR in January and doing a self-study too. What are some of the resources you are using to study?
Good luck! An SPHR is a great idea and can only help you in the future. You should consider the SHRM Learning System as a resource. It’s the only prep program that consistently beats the national pass rate.
http://www.shrm.org/Education/educationalproducts/learning/Pages/default.aspx
Looking forward to hearing about your progress!
wow! you guys are so supportive! this is exactly the kind of accountability/cheerleading i was hoping for!
@marty – thanks! i’m familiar with HCI of course and i’ll take a further look at the certification you mention. i’m afraid though – it’s just not as widely known so i’m a little hesitant…
@mariela + @alicia – thank you, both! agreed re: the refresher. i don’t touch FMLA or ADA anymore. i don’t do LR anymore but the refresher will be good.
@sarah – i’ll forward you some of the resources under separate cover!
@SHRM_PHR_SPHR – thanks for the info re: the SHRM learning system. appreciate it – but it’s a bit on the expensive side!
This isn’t a bad thing to do, but just remember — it’s pretentious to put letters after your name! The only people who do that are people you probably don’t want to spend much time around …
Best of luck to you, Jessica. I’ve been thinking of taking the SPHR myself, so maybe I’ll piggyback on your enthusiasm. I’d be interested to know what resources you are using to prepare.
Hi Jessica,
I have no doubt you’ll pass the test without a problem. My hope is that you’ll pay it forward and help another HR pro who needs study materials, encouragement, or just a sympathetic ear.
I did the PHR last year and prepared by myself with the SHRM module. It is expensive, but the practice questions were what I used to prepare more than anything.
JLee -
Glad you’re taking the test. John Hollon just hates it when I send him the special email signature with all the letters I have. I do it just for him…
Victorio, you should do it as well. And JLee should give you her study materials.
Who wants to do a dead pool whether JLee passes or not? Ha!
KD
I am somewhat disappointed you have decided to take this exam. Here’s why:
Electronically (after all, we’ve never met) you seem like a bright, energetic person who could be a significant player in a F500-ish sized corporation. For the immediate future (5-10 years), I still believe in most companies being a significant (non-executive) player requires holding a position outside of HR. The SPHR, I fear, tracks you too deeply into the HR ranks.
I am also disappointed because your rationale for taking it is basically, “it can’t hurt.” But in your previous post and this post you have made no mention of your alternatives. Are your alternatives that bad that this is the best use of your time and money at this point in your career? I have a hard time believing that this is the best personal investment decision you can make right now. You seem smarter than that.
The second point doubly disappoints me because I have been impressed with your electronic person. I figured you to be the type of person who would actively weigh their options, considering the costs and (expected) benefits of each. And I hoped that you would have chronicled that here for your readers. Then we could have really learned something from these posts. Instead, you ended up with pats on the back being passed around the comments section.
Sorry to be so harsh.
@john – pinky promise… i won’t put the letters after my name… that’s assuming i pass.
@rob – i’ll share the resources via a separate email.
@dave – cost prohibitive! sorry! i’m a cheapie!
@victorio – thank YOU for being so supportive and sharing resources.
@KD – go for a pool – i get a cut of it though.
@chris – well. now i just want to go curl up in a ball and cry. maybe i threw the post up somewhat flippantly and was light in my explanation – but here’s how i feel –
if i were to go to a F500, the reality is that they will likely have an HR team that is 100 to 1000 individuals. i’d be willing to bet safely that more than 50% of that HR team will be your traditional SHRM type. that being said, i’ll need that SPHR for credibility. same goes for when i look at the general HR population that i speak to as an audience on this blog or at conferences. i already come across as a “different” kind of HR person, someone who talks about social media incessantly and challenges the status quo… i like that about me. i have worked towards that – but from a relationship standpoint, i think it’s important for me to maintain a sense of “normalcy” and still demonstrate i get the traditional HR body of knowledge and such.
as for not actively weighing my options – sorry to disappoint you. i’m a fly by the seat of my pants kind of gal and i’m impulsive. and it’s something i am known for but try to work on, kinda. once i make a decision though, even if i haven’t weighed my options heavily, i stick to it and own it until i do need to change course because my decision was wrong. maybe that mode of operation isn’t everyone’s cup of tea but it’s how i operate because i have found myself stuck in analysis paralysis when i do weigh my options too heavily…
appreciate the feedback. i like that you were willing to challenge me on this.
You are a sharp woman with a brain in your head. The SPHR should be a cake walk.
Napoleon prided himself on the abaility to get people to lay down their lives for a ‘scrap of ribbon.’ Any badge like the SPHR is only as good as the men and women who earn it. As the caliber of people in the profession improves, so to will the SPHR designation.
I am an SPHR myself; the cynic in me recognizes the fact that maintaining the badge is a cottage industry for the training houses out there, who are helping me with my CLEs; the rebel in me says I don’t need 4 letters by my name to demonstrate I know what I’m doing/talkin’ ’bout. But the HR professional in me recognizes that the HR profession needs an overhaul, some serious PR, and to stop whining so much.
So good for you in getting your SPHR. And keep doing what you’re doing to bring HR to the next level. And please help our colleagues other there stop WHINING about that seat at the table and start WINNING that seat at the table.
Jessica,
Go on with your bad self and get the cert. Oh my, people are afraid you’ll change your spots with the fancy SPHR after your name? Nonsense. In fact, you’ll just be twice the wizard you are now.
Remember, more bullets in your gun ensure that you stay in the gunfight longer. Knowledge is key. I’m planning to take the PHR, and also get every AIRS cert my cranium can handle. Damn us for loving to learn. Phooey on the naysayers.
Ok, I’ve pimped you enough for now. Until next time…
VIVA la SPHR!
JLee,
I’m completely disgusted as well, I mean from an electronic standpoint – I was shocked to find out you were a real person! How uncool to be a real person in social media – I really have to rethink my entire exsistence at this point as a HR Pro.
Are you sure you’re not electronic, ala Max Headroom!?! Unlike Chris though, I knew all along you weren’t that smart, so I’m not that disappointed
Chris – Having met the “real” JLee in person, I can assure you she is even more impressive than her electronic person.
I’m glad to see you taking the leap. As you stated during the wee humble beginnings of this blog, you’re “bringing sexy back” to HR. http://www.fistfuloftalent.com/2008/05/we-just-arent-s.html You go girl!
I am also thinking of taking the SPHR – and one of my reasons for doing so is because I currently work with a group of probably 75% SHRM loyal HR people in public service. I have aspirations to be a leader within a rather large group and I believe it helps to maintain credibility with that group. I’m planning on sitting in the May/June 2010 window. Please please please share what resources you are using – always good to hear what else is working for someone else. I agree that the SHRM program is somewhat cost prohibitive.
Take it and blow their socks off. I did, it was the hardest test I ever took, and am glad I did.I kinda like the certificate anyway, in a nerdy, geeky sort of way
Congrats on your decision to take the SPHR. I did self study myself for the SPHR. Let me know if you need any suggestions for resources.
Well… I seem to have ruffled a few feathers. So be it. A few of the subsequent commenters appear to have missed what I was trying to say (in part my fault – writing is not my strength).
I would be curious to hear what people have to say about one of the points I was trying to make in my comments(let’s take Jessica out of the equation for now). Here’s the point:
If you’re a potential business star (you know, those “high potentials”), you need to broaden your skill base. Staying in HR (by going after the SPHR) significantly limits your ability to rise *relative to* the alternative (expanding your training to areas outside of HR).
@Tim — duh, I realize she is not Max Headroom.
@ Pete — If you’re referring to my comment, I am not afraid she’ll change her spots. Just the opposite. I want her to change her spots (actually, to be more accurate I’d like to see her add some spots of different colors & shapes).
Congrats on doing it and I especially admire your putting it out there.
Regardless of the individual motivation for doing these things, collectively we need (just one among the many things we need) a common language around the body of knowledge that we can use to speak to one another without having to define every concept and word.
I also believe that those who lead should do so from the front. You are never too smart, too experienced or too credentialed to take a pass if you expect others to demonstrate their knowledge as well as their competency. When I took my test it was the first 4 hour exam I sat for in 25 years. My biggest problem was pacing myself. Finished last(at several levels but passed by he skin of my teeth.
Best to you.