I Hate HR

Since we’re insulting SHRM, let me jump in!

Here I am a Human Resource professional with a Master’s degree in HR and almost 2 years of experience in HR. The next step in my professional career would become certified by SHRM as “Professional in Human Resources” (PHR). So why don’t I go out and take that test?

I’m not eligible. That’s right with a master’s degree and two years experience I’m not eligible. SHRM has decided that in order to receive certification an individual needs 2 years of exempt level HR experience. Yes, your ability to be eligible for the certification depends on how you get paid.

But, don’t worry they have a loop hole. If you’re almost done with your degree or have finished it recently, you can take the test at a discounted rate. Except, you have to get your 2 years of exempt experience in the next 5 years. Because we all know that recent college graduates get exempt jobs easily, especially in a field like HR. Oh wait, they don’t. So what if you can get that experience, have the recent degree, and take the test and pass? Well, you’ll lose you’ll owe money since that discounted rate seems to disappear and more importantly you’ll never get title until you have your experience in.

Let’s review this again: Students get a “discounted rate” they have to pay back. They get to take the test early but their results don’t count until they get the normal experience requirement filled. What’s the advantage of taking the test as a student again?

While I’m still in the time frame for taking the test as a student, you might understand now why I chose not to. So now I sit and wait. I’m still at least two years off from being eligible since both my HR jobs have been non-exempt. Meanwhile I attend trainings that would count towards recertification, if I were allowed to be certified in the first place.

But hey SHRM does have options, if you really feel strongly that your pay classification does not reflect your ability to perform HR functions, SHRM will let you and your current/former supervisors fill out paperwork to try and plead your case.

PHR certification – It’s not about what you know or what you’ve done. It’s about how you get paid.