Continuing and Professional Education

Homepage > Course Description

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 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 todays’ HR professionals as outlined in HRCI’s 2018 PHR® Exam Content Outline and 2018 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 for managing HR challenges. 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 3.6 continuing education units (CEUs).

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

The program provides an in-depth study of key areas in human resource management. The course will cover the PHR and SPHR exam content that correspond to the functional areas, responsibilities and associated knowledge defined by the HRCI:

Business Management

Organization information
Business environment
Decision making
Avoiding risk

Leadership and Strategy

Leading the HR function
Developing a HR strategy
Organizational strategy
Influencing people management practices
Monitoring risk

Talent Planning and Acquisition

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

Learning and Development

Contributing to the organization’s learning and development activities
Implementing and evaluating programs
Providing internal consultation, and providing data
Developing training, development, and employee retention strategies
Total Rewards
Implementing, promoting, and managing compensation and benefit programs in compliance with federal laws
Monitoring the effectiveness of compensation and benefit strategies for attracting, rewarding, and retaining talent

Employee and Labor Relations

Managing, monitoring, and/or promoting legally compliant programs and policies that impact the employee experience throughout the employee lifecycle

Employee Relations and Engagement

Developing and/or monitoring strategies impacting employee satisfaction and performance including diversity and inclusion, safety, security, and labor strategies

Total Rewards

Monitor the effectiveness of compensation and benefit strategies
Implement and promote awareness of non-cash rewards
Implement benefit programs
Administer federally compliant compensation and benefit programs

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/SPHR Professional in Human Resources Certification Exam Guide by Christina Nishiyama, Dory Willer, William H. Truesdell, McGraw-Hill Professional Publishing, ISBN-13: 9781260453119. The 2019 version is the one that will be used in class. An older version of the book should not be used. This book is not sold in the DePaul University Bookstore. The program will provide online access to some practice questions, flashcards and other resources.

What course materials are used for this program?
The Professional in HR Certificate Program uses BenchPrep HR Learning System materials.

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 body of knowledge as defined by the HRCI is the same for both exams. The percentage of topic categories differs by exam as does the structure of the questions, but the content to be learned is the same for both.

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. Multiple-choice tests are given upon completion of each module 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, but you will receive a grade and CEUs from DePaul CPE and a transcript will be available via the DePaul CPE web site 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 WIA grant, will my voucher cover the cost of the PHR/SPHR certification exam offered through HRCI?
In 2015, DePaul University CPE students that receive a WIA voucher for the Professional in HR Certificate Program will also be able to obtain a voucher from WIA for the HR Certification Institute PHR/SPHR certification exam fee. Receipt of the voucher does not make a person automatically eligible for the PHR/SPHR certification exam. For information on eligibility, visit their website at www.hrci.org.

For More Information, Contact:

Janie Rollinson

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

Information Sessions

CPE Human Resources Information Session
October 10, 2023 at 12:00 PM
Sign up for this info session!

Upcoming Class Offerings

Professional in Human Resources Certificate Program

Dates: 02/19/2024 - 05/19/2024
Time: -
Meeting Pattern Mon, Tues, Wed, Thurs, Fri, Sat
Location: Online
Cost: $1,375.00
Registration Deadline: 02/12/2024 - a $75 late fee will be assessed after this date for late registrations
Final Deadline: 02/19/2024

Program Brochure

Paper Registration

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

Student Policies

Click here for a list of our student policies.
016094

Contact Us

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