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Course: Professional in Human Resources Certificate Program

The Professional in Human Resources Certificate Program is a rigorous program designed primarily for experienced HR professionals seeking certification as a Professional in Human Resources® (PHR®) or Senior Professional in Human Resources® (SPHR®) from the HR Certification Institute® (HRCI®). For those just beginning a career in human resources, DePaul’s Foundations in Human Resources Certificate Program will introduce you to the functions of an early HR career and prepare you for HRCI’s Associate Professional in Human Resources™ (aPHR™) certification exam.

For over 20 years, DePaul University has helped thousands of Human Resources (HR) professionals successfully prepare for the PHR® and SPHR® certification exam. The program teaches the knowledge required of today’s HR professionals as outlined in HRCI’s 2024 PHR® Exam Content Outline and 2024 SPHR® Content Outline. While DePaul cannot guarantee a passing score on the exam(s), the pass rate of professionals who have taken our program is typically better than the national average.

This strategic course supports career advancement by building confidence in managing HR challenges. The program covers the technical and operational aspects of HR management and helps HR professionals increase their credibility as HR leaders. You will benefit from learning from instructors who are experienced certified practitioners and networking with other HR professionals. After successfully completing the program, you'll receive a certificate from DePaul University as well as up to 3.9 continuing education units (CEUs).

Please note: The March 20 - June 12, 2025 class will be held at the Lincoln Park Campus on Thursday evenings from 6pm to 9pm.

Programs Associated with this Course

Certificate in Professional in HR

Testimonials

“I took the PHR exam yesterday and PASSED!! This was my fourth attempt and I credit DePaul’s prep course in helping me understand and prepare for this beast of an exam…….THANK YOU!!!!"

—Professional in HR Student, Winter 2017

Who Should Attend

HR professionals planning to take the PHR® or SPHR® certification exams
PHR® professionals seeking to "upgrade" their certification to SPHR®
HR practitioners seeking professional development to advance their careers

Benefits

Develop the knowledge and skills to improve your on-the-job effectiveness
Prepare for the PHR®/SPHR® certification exam
Recognize your areas of strength to build upon
Identify gaps in your knowledge and experience for further concentrated study
Increase your marketability

Topics/Syllabus

Business Management

Using information about the organization and business environment

Workforce Planning and Talent Acquisition

Federal laws related to the hiring process
Identifying, attracting, and employing talent
Forecasting organizational talent needs
Developing strategies to attract and engage new talent

Learning and Development

Implementing and evaluating programs
Providing internal consultation
Using data

Total Rewards

Implementing, promoting, and managing compensation and benefit programs that attract and retain talent
Complying with federal laws
Creating effective compensation and benefit strategies
Attracting, rewarding, and retaining talent that aligns to the organizational strategy and culture

Employee Engagement

Developing, communicating, and enhancing employee engagement initiatives
Supporting optimal employee performance management activities throughout the employee lifecycle

Employee and Labor Relations

Managing, monitoring, and promoting legally compliant programs and policies impacting the employee experience
HR Information Management
Optimizing the organization’s access to its human resource data with tools, technology, and systems

Leadership and Strategy

Leading the HR function through HR strategy
Contributing to organizational strategy
Influencing people management practices
Monitoring risk

Talent Management

Developing and designing talent management programs and initiatives
Fostering an engaging a high-performing workforce

HR Information Management, Safety, and Security

Identify the tools, technology, and systems needed to report on the organizational strategy
Monitoring employee safety and security

FAQ

What qualifications do I need to take this program?
It is recommended that participants have experience in the field of human resources to get the most from the program.

Will I need to purchase course materials?
Yes, You will need to purchase the PHR, PHRi and SPHR, SPHRi Human Resources Certification Complete Study Guide: 2024 Exams, 6th Edition
Author: Sandra M. Reed
ISBN: 978-1-394-27649-3
Publication Date: November 2024
The book is subject to change. It's best to wait for an email from the university regarding the course and required books before making any purchases.

Will I be certified when I finish the program?
No, you will need to take the Human Resource Certification Institute’s PHR®/SPHR® examination. For more information, visit the HRCI web site at www.hrci.org.

Is the application fee for the PHR®/SPHR® examination covered in the course fee?
No. The application fee for the PHR®/SPHR® examination is not covered in the course fee. You may obtain information on applying and qualifications for the PHR®/SPHR® examination from the Human Resource Certification Institute at (866) 898-4724 or from their web site at www.hrci.org.

When is the PHR®/SPHR® examination?
HRCI offers the PHR® and SPHR® exams throughout the year. More information on testing can be found at www.hrci.org.

What qualifications are required to take the PHR®/SPHR® exams offered by the Human Resource Certification Institute (HRCI)?
PHR Eligibility

One year of demonstrated professional HR experience with a Master’s degree or higher
Two years of demonstrated professional HR experience with a Bachelor’s degree
Four years of demonstrated professional HR experience with less than a Bachelor’s degree

SPHR Eligibility

Four year of demonstrated professional HR experience with a Master’s degree or higher
Five years of demonstrated professional HR experience with a Bachelor’s degree
Seven years of demonstrated professional HR experience with less than a Bachelor’s degree

For more specific information, contact the Human Resource Certification Institute (HRCI) at (866) 898-4724 or visit its web site at www.hrci.org.

What is the difference between the PHR® and SPHR® exams?
There is a difference in exam fees as well as exam design. The PHR® certification exam is designed for HR professionals with more of a tactical or logistical orientation. The SPHR® certification exam is designed for HR professionals who design and plan, rather than implement, HR policies.
Generally, pass rates across the country tend to be higher on the PHR® exam.

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

Is there a different class for PHR® candidates and SPHR® candidates?
No. The program will cover the PHR® and SPHR® content as determined by HRCI.

Do I have to take the certification exam at the end of the course?
No. Many course participants 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.

Do I receive college credit for this class?
The Professional in Human Resources Certificate Program is a non-credit program. While college credit is not available, participants can receive continuing education units.

My company requires a grade for tuition reimbursement purposes. Will I get a grade?
Yes. Tests are given upon completion of each module covered in class and a cumulative final exam. These tests are for you to assess your 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, but you will receive a grade and CEUs from DePaul CPE and a transcript will be available via the DePaul CPE website 2-3 weeks after the end of class.

Does this program qualify for financial assistance through the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA)?
In order to find out if you qualify for financial assistance, you must first contact Workforce Development. As a certified program under the ILLINOIS workNet initiative, this program has been approved for workforce training grants for those who are eligible. Funding may be available for those receiving unemployment benefits. Please contact Workforce Development for more information.

If I qualify for a WIOA grant, will my voucher cover the cost of the PHR/SPHR certification exam offered through HRCI?
No. The WIOA voucher that is given to DePaul does not cover the cost of the PHR/SPHR certification exam.

For More Information, Contact:

Janie Rollinson

Email: jrollin1@depaul.edu
Phone: +1 312-362-5792

Information Sessions

CPE Human Resources Information Session
May 14, 2025 at 12:00 PM
Sign up for this info session!

Upcoming Class Offerings

Professional in Human Resources Certificate Program

Dates: 04/21/2025 - 07/20/2025
Time: -
Meeting Pattern Not specified
Location: Online
Cost: $1,512.00
Registration Deadline: 04/14/2025 - a $75 late fee will be assessed after this date for late registrations
Final Deadline: 04/21/2025

Program Brochure

Paper Registration

If you wish to register for a class via a paper form, click here.

Student Policies

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Contact Us

For general inquiries, please email us or call 312-362-6300.