Certificates

Certificates offer the possibility to study a concentrated area without the expense or time commitment of seeking an entire degree. If you are ready to advance your career or become an expert in an emerging field, a certificate program can open the door for you to pursue your goals.

Residential Interiors Certificate »
Learn the principles of residential interiors, principles of design, and functional knowledge for evaluating interiors.

Society of Human Resource Management (SHRM) Learning System Certificate

As the human resource profession continues to evolve, HR professionals are taking on broader and more strategic responsibilities within their organizations. With this expanded role, it is critical that professionals stay up-to-date on core human resource principles and disciplines. Demonstrate a high level of expertise in mastering and applying these principles by earning your PHR or SPHR designation. Let us help you prepare for the PHR/SPHR certification exams with the most widely used tool available: The SHRM Learning System. The SHRM Learning System is included in your registration – a $695 value.

Come check us out! We’ve added an extra day of instruction and a free tutoring session to increase your chance of successfully passing the PHR/SPHR certification exams!

Certification provides:

  • Public recognition of professional achievement
  • An aid for career advancement
  • Increased self confidence
  • An opportunity to distinguish yourself among other HR professionals
  • A personal challenge
  • Respect and credibility

You can be confident that you are using the most up-to-date information in the HR profession as you prepare for the Professional in Human Resources (PHR) and Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR) certification exams. We also offer Organizational Performance & Change and Adult Education and Training master's degrees for students wanting to take their career to the next level.

Who Should Attend

  • HR professionals who want a review before taking the PHR or SPHR certification exams.
  • HR professionals with increased responsibilities who want a broad-based refresher.
  • HR professionals returning to the field for an update of current practices.
  • PHR-level professionals seeking to upgrade their certification to a senior level.

The SHRM Learning System at Colorado State University -Denver was a critical component to my preparation for the HRCI SPHR certification exam. I passed the exam with confidence, not in small part to the staff and instructor, who were more than just supportive, encouraging and competent. I can, without reservation, recommend this program to anyone wanting PHR or SPHR certification.

- Scott Biocic, SPHR

Course Modules

Click on each topic to see detailed information covered in each module.

Orientation & Strategic Management - Sept. 4 and 11

Workforce Planning - Sept. 18 and 25

Human Resource Development - Oct. 2 and 9

Total Rewards - Oct. 16 and 23

Employee & Labor Relations - Oct. 30 and Nov. 6

Risk Management - Nov. 13

Review & Final Exam - Nov. 20

Free One-on-One Tutoring Session - Dec. 4

The SHRM Learning System has it all. No matter how you like to study, there is something for you in this system. It contains interactive computer based learning with lots of practice tests and the textbooks provided were laid out in easy-to-understand format. These resources, and the excellent class training, helped me prepare for and pass the PHR exam.

- Betty Green, PHR

Textbooks & Materials

The new 2007 SHRM Learning System includes the following new features and benefits:

  • All content updates are based upon legislative updates, the most recent HR developments as well as feedback from SHRM members and other subject matter experts.
  • More than 1,600 questions allow you to test your knowledge and better prepare for the certification exams.
  • New interactive case study focuses on real-life situations faced by HR professionals. You will apply learned concepts in eight different scenarios and work though questions for each.
  • Two 100-question bonus tests that mimic the HRCI certification exam so you can hone your test-taking skills.
  • Six module specific workbooks that correlate with the HRCI body of knowledge. Each module contains progress check questions, a glossary of terms and an index.
  • SPHR Preparation Book which includes a complete overview of the SPHR exam and practice tests.
  • E-Flashcards to print or download to a pocket PC.
  • Access to online Resource Center offering HR updates, test-taking tips and links to valuable resources.
  • Access to free Webcasts based upon Learning System content.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is this material the best to help prepare for the PHR or SPHR exam?
The SHRM Learning System is the official SHRM study material to use in preparing for the PHR or SPHR examinations. Updated yearly, questions used in class are written in the same format and cover the same body of HR knowledge as the PHR and SPHR exams. The materials include legal and legislative changes, are reviewed by a team of subject matter experts, and go through a legal review process to ensure that they are up-to-date and accurate. However, since participants' educational backgrounds and work experiences differ, they should be encouraged to supplement their exam preparation with other textbooks or materials.

The SHRM Learning System made studying for the exam easy. It has numerous practice tests and quizzes that help test your knowledge and monitor your progress.

– Scott Barnes

How will participants benefit from this program?
Participants will receive excellent preparation for the PHR or SPHR exams and an overview of the HR field. They will interact with other human resource professionals, earn continuing professional education credits, and receive a certificate of completion. Many HR professionals have not received this formal training through their employment or education.

What is required to successfully complete the class and receive the certificate of completion?
To receive our certificate of completion, participants must attend at least eight of the class sessions, take all tests and exams, and have a final course grade of 70% or better. The grade is based on 30% of the quizzes given throughout the course and 70% on the cumulative final test. This grading method will allow participants who have had difficulty with the individual tests to still complete the program by passing the final exam.

Will participants be certified after completing this course? Does the tuition for this course cover the cost of the Human Resource Certificate Institute (HRCI) certification examination?
No. The certification process is completely separate from this course and participants should apply and pay for the certification exams through the HRCI. An excellent way to determine which exam is best for you is to take the HRCI online assessment exam. This exam will help you determine your strengths and weaknesses in each of the functional areas of the exam and allows you to become familiar with the format and difficulty of the exam questions. Contact HRCI at (866) 898-4724, www.hrci.org, or info@hrci.org for more information.

How widespread is PHR/SPHR certification?

  • Nationwide, approximately 200 colleges and universities provide training for the PHR/SPHR certification
  • Over 60,000 people are certified nationally: 65% are PHR and 35% are SPHR

How do I know if I am eligible to sit for the PHR or SPHR certification exams?
The new requirement states that candidates must have two years of HR exempt-level experience to qualify to take either exam; however, it is strongly recommended that candidates attempting the PHR exam have two to four years of HR exempt-level experience and candidates attempting the SPHR examination have six to eight years of HR exempt-level experience. Contact HRCI at (866) 898-4724, www.hrci.org, or info@hrci.org for more information.

How rigorous are the PHR and SPHR certification exams?
The multiple-choice questions in this course are in the same format as the exams. By reviewing the SHRM Learning System modules, participants should be well prepared to successfully pass the HRCI certification examinations; however, success is not guaranteed. Statistically, participants who attend this program at an educational institution and then take the exam have a higher pass rate on the exam than those who used some other study method.

You must apply by October 10, 2008 (early deadline) or November 14, 2008 (late deadline) to take the PHR/SPHR exams. All exams will be administered via computer-based testing centers from December 1, 2008 - January 31, 2009.

How many people have used the SHRM Learning System?
Each year over 15,000 people use the SHRM learning system, either through an educational institution or on their own.

The SHRM Learning System course at CSU is well worth the time and cost. It had a significant impact on increasing my ability to pass the SPHR exam. The class and material are very relevant, and I really benefited from the expert instruction and support. I highly encourage anyone who is considering taking the HRCI exam to enroll at CSU. Another benefit is that I made some wonderful contacts with highly professional HR people in the field.

– Brenda Langley

Certificate at a Glance

Location

Denver Center
410 17th St, Ste. 1400
Denver, CO 80202

Dates and Times

Sept. 4 - Dec. 4, 2008
Thursdays; 6 pm - 9 pm

Total Credits

3.9 CEUs

Tuition

$1,299

Designed For

Working HR professionals seeking to advance their career in Human Resrouces with a PHR/SPHR certification.

What you will earn

A Certificate of Completion will be given when the program has been completed. PHR and SPHR certification is offered through the Human Resource Certificate Institute (HRCI).