SHRM Credentials and Certification

Anyone interested in pursuing a career in HR or any positions that interact with and support the HR function. These roles include but are not limited to:

• New and Junior HR practitioners who need to increase their knowledge base 
• Small business owners or office managers who perform the HR function who want to learn basic HR best practices to avoid costly litigation 
• New or experienced managers interested in learning more about employee management skills 
• Representatives selling or supporting HR systems and services 
• International HR personnel wishing to increase their knowledge of U.S. HR practices 
• Job seekers who are investigating HR as a new career option or want to enhance their resume with HR skills 

• Employment law
• Selecting qualified employees
• Compensation
• Orientation and training
• Performance management

Developed by leading HR experts, HR practitioners, and legal counsel, the SHRM Essentials of Human Resources course covers introductory HR topics in a condensed, easy-to-understand format. The straightforward format ensures that HR concepts can be mastered and applied to real-life situations.

Along with classroom interaction with peers and the instructor, case study exercises threaded throughout the program provide opportunities to practice applying newly acquired HR skills during training prior to using them on the job.

Through the SHRM Essentials of Human Resources course, participants will gain:
 

• Practical expertise that can immediately impact job performance.
• A strong foundation of HR knowledge and competencies to become a better business person.
• An understanding of the latest laws and regulations to help reduce the risk of costly litigation.
• Professional Development Credits (PDCs) or recertification credit hours and a certificate upon completion.

The SHRM Essentials of Human Resources course can help companies increase HR knowledge that is critical to overall business success. This program:
 

• Reduces the company’s risk of potential high-cost litigation.
• Promotes a consistent understanding of the HR function to non-Human Resources.
• Offers professional development for divisional or departmental supervisors to ensure HR compliance.
• Develops a common dictionary of HR terms for the entire organization.
• Enhances the importance of the HR function within the company.

This certificate, with its competency-based design, is able to meet you wherever you are in your learning journey. If you are someone with an advanced degree with years of experience, you could work through the material more quickly. Alternatively, if this content is new to you, you can take extra time to review it.

This certificate is designed to equip you with the tools and techniques necessary to become an effective HR professional and would benefit: 

• Job seekers who are investigating HR as a new career option or want to enhance their resume with HR skills
• New and Junior HR practitioners who need to increase their knowledge base
• Middle and senior-level operational positions such as novice and middle-level people managers who want to learn key principles, policies, and practices of human resources management. The course provides a background to the legal context in which employees are hired, fired, rewarded, and managed.

1. Organization Unit (Organizational Perspective of HR Management)
       a. HRM 301 – Structure of the HR Function
       b. HRM 302 – Organizational Effectiveness
       c. HRM 303 – Employee and Labor Relations
      d. HRM 304 – Workforce Management
      e. HRM 305 – Technology Management

2. People Unit (People Perspective of HR Management)
      a. HRM 306 – Talent Acquisition
      b. HRM 307 – Employee Engagement and Retention
      c. HRM 308 – Learning and Development
     d. HRM 309 – Total Rewards

3. Workplace Unit (Workplace Perspective of HR Management)
     a. HRM 310 – Diversity and Inclusion
     b. HRM 311 – Risk Management
     c. HRM 312 – Ethics, Employment Law and Regulations

This certificate emphasizes practical, hands-on activities that help you understand HRM concepts and utilize them in your workplace. This course centers on human resource management skills used by human resources professionals and business managers in day-to-day operation, while focusing on the different aspects of human resource management and practices, problem solving, and applied critical thinking skills. All content in this certificate is aligned to the SHRM Body of Applied Skills and Knowledge™ (SHRM BASK™), formerly the SHRM Body of Competency and Knowledge® (SHRM BoCK®) which will allow you to start your journey towards SHRM Certification.

All content in this certificate is aligned to the SHRM Body of Applied Skills and Knowledge™ (SHRM BASK™), formerly the SHRM Body of Competency and Knowledge® (SHRM BoCK®), which is used to define the content areas of SHRM’s certification examinations: the SHRM Certified Professional (SHRM-CP®) exam for HR professionals in operational roles and the SHRM Senior Certified Professional (SHRM-SCP®) exam for senior-level HR professionals in strategic roles. 

1. Ensure your employee has the skills and knowledge to meet HR compliance and reduce your risk for costly litigation

2. Show investment in your HR staff to potentially assume a greater leadership role in your organization

3. Utilize as a retention tool to keep top talent in your organization by offering this for professional development through a qualified educator

• Middle and senior-level operational positions such as Generalists, Managers, and Directors should consider preparing for the SHRM Certified Professional (SHRM-CP) Exam.
• Senior and executive-level strategic HR positions such as Senior Managers, Directors, VPs, and CHROs should consider preparing for the SHRM Senior Certified Professional (SHRM-SCP) Exam.

An important step in selecting the right credential for you is determining your exam eligibility. It is important to note that even though you may qualify for a senior-level exam, you may still choose a professional-level exam to ensure a strong foundation before pursuing the senior-level certification credential. Click the "Determine Your Eligibility" button below to learn more about SHRM’s eligibility criteria.

COMPETENCIES

• Leadership
  • Leadership & Navigation
  • Ethical Practice
  • Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
• Interpersonal
  • Relationship Management
  • Communication
  • Global Mindset
• Business
  • Business Acumen
  • Consultation
  • Analytical Aptitude

PEOPLE

• HR Strategy
• Talent Acquisition
• Employee Engagement & Retention
• Learning & Development
• Total Rewards

ORGANIZATION

• Structure of the HR Function
• Organizational Effectiveness & Development
• Workforce Management
• Employee & Labor Relations
• Technology Management

WORKPLACE

• Managing a Global Workforce
• Risk Management
• Corporate Social Responsibility
• U.S. Employment Law & Regulations (U.S. Only)

Our program meets your needs and increases your success on the SHRM-CP and SHRM-SCP exams. Here's how we know.

1. You learn from an experienced HR professional with over 25 years of experience working in a variety of industries, including healthcare, manufacturing, and education.

2. Our course incorporates the SHRM Learning System, historically ranked as the #1 HR certification prep tool.

3. We support your ability to acquire knowledge and understand behavioral competencies to help you prepare for the SHRM certification exam throughout your experience.

4. Our program follows a structured learning experience that is catered to each unique class of participants to help you stay on track.

5. Opportunities to network and learn from your peers enhance your understanding of the material while deepening your connection to the profession across industries.

6. Earn up to 36 PDCs if you choose to take our comprehensive and accelerated option for professional development only. 

Your course is specifically tailored to meet your needs and the needs of adult peers. By completing all assigned readings and activities prior to each class, you are prepared to engage in classroom sessions, including:

• A high-level review of course material
• Interactive discussions and learning activities focused on the practical application of HR competencies and knowledge
• Sample assessment questions
• Study and test taking tips

The 2023 SHRM Learning System delivers the most comprehensive, effective, and up-to-date exam preparation tools available.

• Effective and proven results. Candidates who use the SHRM Learning System consistently beat the average exam pass rate.
• One source for knowledge and application. All the study tools you need to understand, apply and engage with behavioral competencies and HR knowledge.
• Current and relevant content. The SHRM Learning System has been updated to align with the SHRM BASK™, the defined standard for knowledge and competencies required of HR professionals around the world.
• Convenient 24/7 online access. Access your study tools from any mobile device, tablet, or computer

Did you know 92% of HR executives agree that it will be important for HR professionals to be SHRM-certified in the future? *

If that’s not convincing enough, here are a few more reasons to earn your SHRM certification.

SHRM certification is more than a great choice for HR professionals who want to increase their knowledge, advance their skills, and earn recognition from the global HR community.  SHRM certification benefits your entire organization.

1. It demonstrates that your HR professionals have mastered the application of HR technical and behavioral competencies.

2. Certification prepares your HR staff to assume greater leadership roles and contribute to the strategic direction of your organization. 

3. Exam preparation helps HR professionals bring new ideas to your organization that will help drive success.

4. It helps create a common language that optimizes consistency and effectiveness when facing matters related to human resources.

5. Certification exams cover the global SHRM BASK™ ensuring that your staff is skilled for the needs of today's worldwide global economy.

Need 5 more reasons? 
SHRM shares their top five benefits to employers. Watch the video.

*Source: 2020-2021 Certification & Certification Preparation Resource Guide, SHRM

How long is the course?

There are 6 live sessions that meet on a bi-weekly basis from 6-9 pm. 

How do I attend a class?

You have two options. You can attend in person at UW-Parkside's campus or live online via Zoom. 

Is there additional work beyond the six live meeting sessions?

Yes! There will be reading assignments outlined by the instructor before each class so that the live classes can focus on anything that did not make sense or needs further review by the group.

If I miss an online session will I be able to watch a recording?

Yes! Because we allow for online participants via Zoom along with our in-person participants, we record each session and make it available to all participants of the class after each session so you can access the information. 

Is the SHRM exam included in this course?

This course does not include the final exam or exam fee. Practice exams are included.

Do I need to purchase the SHRM Learning System separately?

No. The SHRM Learning System is included in this program.  

What is all included in the SHRM Learning System?

The interactive SHRM Learning System is a personalized roadmap to help you master the SHRM Body of Applied Skills and Knowledge™ (SHRM BASK™) and prepare you for the SHRM certification exams.

• Study According to Your Lifestyle
  • Prefer to read on your phone or tablet? Online ePub files are available to download to your favorite device.
  • Looking for more interaction while studying? Try the enhanced learning modules, an online learning format that includes interactive elements and visuals to help keep you active and engaged as you move through the content
  • Printed books can be purchased if that's your preferred reading experience
  • At home or on-the-go, the SHRM Learning System is portable and convenient, with 24/7 access to all the materials
• Build Your Knowledge and Confidence with Practice Questions
  • More than 2,700 practice questions
  • Pretest, Quizzes, Post-test, and Practice Exam are included
  • Practice Exam is made up of questions that were previously used on actual SHRM certification exams
• Keep on Track with Your Personal Dashboard
  • Track your progress in relation to your exam date
  • Quickly see completed tasks, scores, and recommended next steps
  • Easily navigate to your next area of study
  • Review areas you’ve already completed to retain learning
• Access Important Testing Resources, Right at Your Fingertips
  • SHRM Body of Applied Skills and Knowledge™ (SHRM BASK™), which provides the foundation for both the SHRM-CP and SHRM-SCP exams
  • SHRM Certification Handbook
  • “Ace Your SHRM Certification Exam” Guide
• Easily Navigate Through Three Steps to Success
  • 1-ASSESS: Take the Pretest to evaluate your knowledge gaps
  • 2-STUDY: Study the topics and use the online tools to close your gaps
  • 3-PASS:  Prepare for success on your exam by completing the Post-test and Practice Exam