Human Resource Certification Preparation Courses
Certification: Beyond Competence — Commitment

Prepare with the best. Our program has the highest pass rates, is the second largest in the country and offers the best value. PHR, SPHR, and GPHR exam requirements go up in 2011!

Click for:

2010 Fall Course Information
(PHR, SPHR, California, GPHR)

**4-day and 3-day PHR/SPHR prep courses still available for the Fall testing window**

NEW!
2010 Fall 12-Week Web-based Cert Prep Course

2010 Fall 4-Week Web-based California Cert Prep Course

How Can You Gain a Competitive Advantage?
There has never been a better time to sharpen your skills and give yourself a competitive advantage. Certification provides valuable credentials that will set you apart from other HR professionals and open the door to new career opportunities.

Prepare for HR certification with the SHRM Learning System^®
The curriculum, designed by subject-matter experts, covers the 2010 HR Certification Institute body of knowledge and includes application exercises that develop specific competencies and decision-making skills.

By attending the course, you’ll benefit from:

Experienced facilitators
Peer-to-peer interaction
A dynamic classroom environment that helps you stay on track
New knowledge and skills that will improve your workplace effectiveness immediately

Course materials correspond to the six functional areas, responsibilities, and associated knowledge defined by HR Certification Institute:

Strategic Management
Workforce Planning and Employment
Human Resource Development
Total Rewards
Employee and Labor Relations
Risk Management

Features that deliver
The SHRM Learning System® offers a variety of study features that reinforce concepts and help students prepare for the certification exam:

Periodic online updates on significant changes in legislation and HR policies
Comprehensive bank of test questions — more than 1,800 in all
Practice tests formatted to mimic the current HR Certification Institute exam
An interactive case study featuring real-life scenarios to test students' ability to apply concepts learned throughout the course
The SPHR preparation book, designed specifically for SPHR candidates, focuses on the strategic-thinking approach of the SPHR exam
Access to the Online Resource Center, featuring HR updates, Webcasts, test-taking tips, related links, and eFlashcards that can be printed or downloaded to a PDA

Designed to advance your career
The course is designed for managers and staff in general or human resource management positions:

HR professionals planning to take the PHR or SPHR certification exam
PHR professionals seeking to “upgrade” their certification to SPHR
Certified HR professionals needing credits for PHR/SPHR recertification
Experienced managers who are new to the HR field
Other mid-level managers pursuing a career change or promotion

NCHRA's program has the highest pass rates, is the second largest in the country and offers the best value.

Our 2009 pass rates:
PHR — 73% vs. national average of 59%
SPHR — 62% vs. national average of 54%

“I could not have asked for a better instructor or better materials to prepare for the exam. I do not think I would have passed the exam without the course.”

—Holly MacPherson, SPHR, Director of Human Resources, Gordon & Rees LLP

“Not only did I gain credits to use towards recertification, but the modules and classroom instruction were a wonderful way to receive current, relevant information that I’m able to use on the job right away. In addition, the opportunity to network with other HR professionals from a variety of areas was extremely valuable!”

—Patricia Barton, PHR, Human Resources Director, Holy Names University

“The NCHRA Web-based SPHR certification preparation course was terrific. It allowed me to easily manage the competing demands of work, class and life. The first-rate instructor was engaging and responsive. The virtual classroom environment was seamless, interactive and professional.”

—Marthe Dalton, Senior Employee & Labor Relations Specialist, Stanford University Medical Center

NCHRA has been named one of the Top 20 SHRM Learning System® providers 5 years running (2004-2008) by the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM).

Eligibility requirements

PHR:

Minimum 2 years exempt-level experience, 2-4 recommended
Focuses on technical/operational aspects

SPHR:

Minimum 2 years exempt-level experience, 6-8 recommended
Focuses on strategic/policy issues

PHR-CA / SPHR-CA:

PHR-CA and SPHR-CA candidates must hold a current PHR or SPHR before enrolling for the course and applying to take the exam.

GPHR:

Minimum 2 years exempt-level experience that includes: developing and implementing global HR strategies, managing HR operations overseas, managing international assignments

Stricter criteria coming in 2011. If you’re thinking of getting certified, now is the time. View new criteria at www.hrci.org/certification/eligibchg/oview/

We offer a variety of course formats to accommodate your busy schedule. Courses begin in August 2010.

12-Week PHR^®/SPHR^®	Online 12-Week PHR^®/SPHR^®
3-Day PHR^®/SPHR^®	Online 4-Week PHR-CA ^®/SPHR-CA^®
4 Days Condensed PHR^®/SPHR^®	Exam Deadline Dates
PHR-CA^®/SPHR-CA^®	New Criteria for 2011
3-Day GPHR^®	Who Will Benefit
In-house Preparation	Pass Rates
Test Your Knowledge	Eligibility Requirements
Awards	Applying for Recertification Credits
Testimonials

PHR/SPHR Certification Preparation (36 Instructional Hours)
A comprehensive 12-week program that meets once a week

The most in-depth of our course offerings, the 12-week course meets evenings or weekends to accommodate busy work schedules. Weekly practice tests and ample time for peer-to-peer interaction enhance learning and help you stay on track.

Convenient Classes for Professionals with full schedules

12 weeks of preparation courses
Orientations begin the week of August 16, 2010
Sessions held one night a week from 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Saturday morning session is held from 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Courses end the week of November 8, 2010
Please note: Classes do not meet Labor Day Week (except the Saturday class which will take the Saturday before Labor Day off and meet the Saturday after Labor Day)

Click on a location to register:
(Minimum of 8 participants required to hold class. Please register early. Current schedule and locations are subject to change)

12-Week Course Pricing

*$105 late fee reflected in prices below*

General $1145 * / NCHRA Members $995 SHRM Learning System included with registration ($795 if purchased separately).

Register for our 12-week course and add the 3-Day accelerated course review for $340

To assure timely receipt of course materials, and avoid a $105 late fee, please register at least one week prior to start date.

Refund Policy
Partial refunds (full registration less a $50 service charge) are available up to one week before start date if materials are unopened and returned in perfect condition.

For 12-Week Combo, partial refunds (full registration less a $50 service charge) are available up to one week before start date of the 12-week course if materials are unopened and returned in perfect condition.

* General rate includes 1-year NCHRA membership. See what membership has to offer.

Mondays, beginning 8/16
Oakland (CT100302)
Santa Clara (CT100206)
Pleasanton (class held in San Ramon) (CT1001003)
Napa -- CLASS CANCELLED

Tuesdays, beginning 8/17
Gilroy -- CLASS CANCELLED
San Mateo (CT100503)
Santa Clara (CT100207)
Walnut Creek (CT100403) -- CLASS IS FULL
Stockton (CT1001502)

Wednesdays, beginning 8/18
Fairfield -- CLASS CANCELLED
San Francisco (CT100110)
Santa Cruz (CT1001302)

Thursdays, beginning 8/19
Fremont (CT100902)
San Francisco (CT100111)
Novato (CT100802)

Saturdays, beginning 8/21 (morning class 9am-12pm)
San Francisco (CT100112)

NEW! Web-based Cert Prep (36 Instructional Hours)

12-Week Web-Based Pricing

*$105 late fee reflected in prices below*

General $1145 * / NCHRA Members $995
SHRM Learning System included with registration ($795 if purchased separately).

To assure timely receipt of course materials, and avoid a $105 late fee, please register at least one week prior to start date.

Refund Policy
Partial refunds (full registration less a $50 service charge) are available up to one week before start date if materials are unopened and returned in perfect condition.

* General rate includes 1-year NCHRA membership. See what membership has to offer.

12-week Online Course begins August 17

Meets Online Tuesdays and Thursdays from
6:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

Here’s how it works
Imagine getting the same excellent course without the hassle of commuting or parking. This instructor-led, online program provides the opportunity to interact in a real-time format with fellow classmates and instructor. Discuss weekly assignments or ask questions. It’s just like being in a real classroom, but this one is live on the Internet. You will also have multiple opportunities for knowledge-sharing and professional networking.

Schedule:
Tuesdays and Thursdays, 6:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

Start Date:
Tuesday, August 17, 2010

End Date:
Thursday, November 11, 2010

Technical Requirements:

To access the webinar, you have 2 options:

You can join the meeting via a telephone by dialing a toll-based number that we will provide (you will be charged your standard long-distance rate for calling this toll-based number, just as if you made a regular long-distance call). You will be able to hear and speak via the phone.
You can join the meeting via Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP). There are no toll charges when using VoIP. Participants who join the meeting via VoIP will need speakers or headphones to hear the session and a microphone to speak. If you do not use a microphone, you can only ask questions via text chat.

Requirements for VoIP usage:

Fast Internet connection (at least 384 kbps)
Microphone and speakers (USB headset recommended for clear quality)

Computer System Requirements:

For PC-based Attendees:

Required: Windows® 2000, XP, 2003 Server or Vista
Required: Internet Explorer® 6.0 or newer, or Mozilla® Firefox® 2.0 or newer (JavaScript™ and Java™ enabled)
Internet Connection Required: Cable modem, DSL, or better recommended
Recommended: Minimum of Pentium® class 1GHz CPU with 512 MB of RAM (2 GB of RAM for Windows Vista)

For Mac-based Attendees:

Required: Mac OS® X 10.4 (Tiger®) or newer
Required: Safari™ 3.0 or newer, Firefox 2.0 or newer; (JavaScript and Java enabled)
Internet Connection Required: Cable modem, DSL, or better recommended
Required: PowerPC G4/G5 or Intel processor, 512 MB of RAM or better recommended

3-Day PHR/SPHR Review (24 Instructional Hours)
A final review for the PHR and SPHR certification exams

Planning to sit for your PHR/SPHR exam? This thorough, 3-day study session serves as the perfect refresher right before the test. Even those who have taken a preparation course or have practiced HR for years often need a focused study group to brush up before the exam.

3-Day Course Pricing

General $905 * / NCHRA Members $755 SHRM Learning System included with registration ($795 if purchased separately).

To assure timely receipt of course materials, and avoid a $105 late fee, please register at least one week prior to start date.

DATES

December 2, 3 and 4 (CT100113)

***CLASS IS FULL***

Location:
NCHRA Training Center
425 California Street, Suite 500
San Francisco, CA 94104

Schedule
Thursday: 8:00 a.m.- 5:00 p.m. in class, plus evening homework
Friday: 8:00 a.m.- 5:00 p.m. in class, plus evening homework
Saturday: 8:00 a.m.- 5:00 p.m.

December 2, 3 and 4 (CT100404)

Location:
TBA in Walnut Creek

Schedule
Thursday: 8:00 a.m.- 5:00 p.m. in class, plus evening homework
Friday: 8:00 a.m.- 5:00 p.m. in class, plus evening homework
Saturday: 8:00 a.m.- 5:00 p.m.

December 2, 3 and 4 (CT100208)

Location:
The Melita Group
2350 Mission College Blvd. Suite 550
Santa Clara, CA 95054

Schedule
Thursday: 8:00 a.m.- 5:00 p.m. in class, plus evening homework
Friday: 8:00 a.m.- 5:00 p.m. in class, plus evening homework
Saturday: 8:00 a.m.- 5:00 p.m.

December 2, 3 and 4 (CT100504)

Location:
TBA in San Mateo

Schedule
Thursday: 8:00 a.m.- 5:00 p.m. in class, plus evening homework
Friday: 8:00 a.m.- 5:00 p.m. in class, plus evening homework
Saturday: 8:00 a.m.- 5:00 p.m.

Condensed PHR/SPHR Certification Preparation (31 Instructional Hours)
An intensive study course condensed into 4 days

Specifically designed for individuals who crave a fast-paced learning environment, this course covers the entire SHRM Learning System in a shorter timeframe. Prepare for your PHR/SPHR with this concentrated, full-day course complete with practice tests and a certified, experienced facilitator.

Course Pricing

General $980 * / NCHRA Members $830
SHRM Learning System included with registration ($795 if purchased separately).

To assure timely receipt of course materials, and avoid a $105 late fee, please register at least one week prior to start date.

3 different class formats for professionals with full schedules:

Class Meets 4 Days over 5 Weeks
(4 Saturdays)

October 2 - October 30 (CT100216)

Location:
Unity Care Group, Inc.
1400 Parkmoor Ave., Campbell Conference Room
San Jose, CA 95126

Schedule:
Saturday, October 2: 8:00 a.m.- 5:00 p.m.
Saturday, October 9: 8:00 a.m.- 4:30 p.m.
Saturday, October 16: 8:00 a.m.- 5:00 p.m.
Saturday, October 30: 8:00 a.m.- 4:30 p.m.

Class Meets 4 Days over 4 Weeks (Friday/Saturday)

October 15 - November 6 (CT100114)

Location:
NCHRA Training Center
425 California Street, Suite 500
San Francisco, CA 94104

Schedule:
Friday, October 15: 8:00 a.m.- 5:00 p.m.
Saturday, October 23: 8:00 a.m.- 4:30 p.m.
Friday, October 29: 8:00 a.m.- 5:00 p.m.
Saturday, November 6: 8:00 a.m.- 4:30 p.m.

Class Meets 4 Days over 2 Weeks (Please note: This class meets over 2 weekends)

November 12 - November 20, 2010 (CT100115)

Location:
NCHRA Training Center
425 California Street, Suite 500
San Francisco, CA 94104

Schedule:
Friday, November 12: 8:00 a.m.- 5:00 p.m.
Saturday, November 13: 8:00 a.m.- 4:30 p.m.
Friday, November 19: 8:00 a.m.- 5:00 p.m.
Saturday, November 20: 8:00 a.m.- 4:30 p.m.

California Certification (15 Instructional Hours)
Enhance your PHR/SPHR certification with California expertise

California Certification Preparation
California leads the nation with its uniquely complex employment laws. This specialized certification enhances your PHR or SPHR and demonstrates your mastery of California-specific HR knowledge.

California Certification Course Pricing

General $625 * / NCHRA Members $475 SHRM California Learning System included with registration ($295 if purchased separately).

To assure timely receipt of course materials, and avoid a $105 late fee, please register at least one week prior to start date.

Course materials correspond to the four functional areas, responsibilities, and associated California-specific knowledge defined by the Human Resources Certification Institute:

Compensation and Benefits
Employee and Labor Relations
Leaves of Absence and Workers Compensation
Health, Safety, and Security

Eligibility requirements

PHR-CA and SPHR-CA candidates must hold a current PHR or SPHR before enrolling for the course and applying to take the exam.

2-day course format for professionals with full schedules:

2-day program held on Saturday, October 2 and Sunday, October 3 in Vacavillle, CA
2-day program held on Friday, October 29 and Saturday, October 30 in Santa Clara, CA
2-day program held on Saturday, November 13 and Sunday, November 14 in Salinas, CA

Saturday, October 2 and Sunday, October 3, 2010 (CT100703)

Location:
Salutary SportsClubs, Inc
3442 Browns Valley Rd, #400
Vacaville, CA 95688

Time:
8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., both days

Friday, October 29 and Saturday, October 30, 2010 (CT100214)

Location:
The Melita Group
2350 Mission College Blvd. Suite 550
Santa Clara, CA 95054

Time:
8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., both days

Saturday, November 13 and Sunday, November 14, 2010 (CT100212)

Location:
Hayashi & Wayland Accounting & Consulting, LLP
1188 Padre Drive, Ste. 101
Salinas, CA 93901

Time:
8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., both days

NEW! Web-based CA Cert Prep (15 Instructional Hours)

Web-Based Course Pricing

General $625 * / NCHRA Members $475
SHRM California Learning System included with registration ($295 if purchased separately).

To assure timely receipt of course materials, and avoid a $105 late fee, please register at least one week prior to start date.

4-week Online Course begins October 18

Meets Online Mondays and Wednesdays from 6:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

Here’s how it works
Imagine getting the same excellent course without the hassle of commuting or parking. This instructor-led, online program provides the opportunity to interact in a real-time format with fellow classmates and instructor. Discuss weekly assignments or ask questions. It’s just like being in a real classroom, but this one is live on the Internet. You will also have multiple opportunities for knowledge-sharing and professional networking.

Eligibility requirements
PHR-CA and SPHR-CA candidates must hold a current PHR or SPHR before enrolling for the course and applying to take the exam.

Schedule:
Mondays and Wednesdays, 6:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

Start Date:
Monday, October 18, 2010

End Date:
Wednesday, November 10, 2010

Technical Requirements:

To access the webinar, you have 2 options:

You can join the meeting via a telephone by dialing a toll-based number that we will provide (you will be charged your standard long-distance rate for calling this toll-based number, just as if you made a regular long-distance call). You will be able to hear and speak via the phone.
You can join the meeting via Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP). There are no toll charges when using VoIP. Participants who join the meeting via VoIP will need speakers or headphones to hear the session and a microphone to speak. If you do not use a microphone, you can only ask questions via text chat.

Requirements for VoIP usage:

Fast Internet connection (at least 384 kbps)
Microphone and speakers (USB headset recommended for clear quality)

Computer System Requirements:

For PC-based Attendees:

Global Professional Human Resources (GPHR) Certification (24 Instructional Hours)

GPHR Certification Course Pricing

General $1040 * / NCHRA Members $890 SHRM Global Learning System included with registration ($795 if purchased separately).

To assure timely receipt of course materials, and avoid a $105 late fee, please register at least one week prior to start date.

Globalization is the defining political and economic force in the world today. It requires new ways of thinking and responding. For HR Professionals, recognizing and understanding this phenomenon is fast becoming a job requirement. The purpose of GPHR certification is to assess your mastery of the necessary knowledge to be successful in this worldwide marketplace.

The SHRM Global Learning System^® is a powerful tool for HR professionals with international and cross-border responsibilities and a comprehensive test preparation system for the GPHR certification exam. You will review key areas of the global HR body of knowledge, including:

Strategic HR Management
Global Talent Acquisition and Mobility
Global Compensation and Benefits
Organizational Effectiveness and Talent Development
Workforce Relations and Risk Management

Eligibility requirements

Minimum 2 years exempt-level experience that includes:

Developing and implementing global HR strategies
Managing HR operations overseas
International assignment management

3-day course format for professionals with full schedules:

October 21, 22 and 23 (CT100215)

Location:
The Melita Group
2350 Mission College Blvd. Suite 550
Santa Clara, CA 95054

Schedule
Thursday: 8:00 a.m.- 5:00 p.m. in class, plus evening homework
Friday: 8:00 a.m.- 5:00 p.m. in class, plus evening homework
Saturday: 8:00 a.m.- 5:00 p.m.

In-house Preparation

Need to prepare your entire department for certification? Let us bring the course to you. A minimum of 8 attendees preferred. Contact Kenneth Yip, kyip@nchra.org or (415) 395-1943 for price and details.

Certification Prep Course Hosting

Interested in a free PHR/SPHR Certification Preparation Course? We are looking for locations to host our certification preparation courses around the bay area.

If your company is able to host, NCHRA will offer one free registration to you or someone at your company for the class.

As for what we are looking for in a facility, we will need one that has comfortable seating with table space for 15-20 people, restrooms, parking, a copy machine & the preferred AV which would include a flipchart, overhead projector or LCD projector.

Please contact Kenneth Yip at kyip@nchra.org or (415) 395-1943 for more information.

Preparation Resources
To help you study for the exam and assess your readiness to take it, HRCI has developed the following resources: Resources

Read the Certification Handbook
2010 Certification Handbook

New Criteria for 2011
HR Certification Institute’s New Eligibility Requirements — To Take Effect 2011

In keeping with best practices for certification programs, the HR Certification Institute conducted an extensive multi-pronged study of the eligibility requirements of their three core products: Professional in Human Resources (PHR), Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR) and Global Professional in Human Resources (GPHR). Based on feedback from both certified and non-certified HR professionals, business leaders, students and academicians, the requirements will now include a combination of education and experience.

These changes will go into effect in the May-June 2011 testing window.

What are the new eligibility requirements?
PHR Eligibility	SPHR Eligibility	GPHR Eligibility
• 4 years of demonstrated exempt-level HR experience with less than a Bachelor’s degree • 2 years of demonstrated exempt-level HR experience with a Bachelor’s degree • 1 year of demonstrated exempt-level HR experience with a Master’s degree or higher	• 7 years of demonstrated exempt-level HR experience with less than a Bachelor’s degree • 5 years of demonstrated exempt-level HR experience with a Bachelor’s degree • 4 years of demonstrated exempt-level HR experience with a Master’s degree or higher	• 4 years of demonstrated exempt-level HR experience (with 2 of the 4 being global HR experience) with less than a Bachelor’s degree • 3 years of demonstrated exempt-level HR experience (with 2 of the 3 being global HR experience) with a Bachelor’s degree • 2 years of demonstrated global exempt-level HR experience with a Master’s degree or higher

Why are the eligibility requirements changing?

Based on recommendations from over 14,000 HR professionals, certificants, business leaders, students and academicians the HR Certification Institute’s exam eligibility requirements are changing to reflect the needs and requirements of the HR profession.
The new eligibility requirements result in better alignment with the candidate profile that possesses the level of practical experience and HR knowledge to perform successfully on the exam.
The new eligibility requirements were developed in cooperation with HR practitioners, academicians and current certificants including recent student certificants. The eligibility requirements will help candidates be more successful in passing the exam.

How were the requirements developed?

As a part of our standard business practices we evaluate the eligibility requirements to determine if they are in alignment with the needs of the HR industry.
The HR Certification Institute embarked on a multi-pronged study of the current eligibility requirements for our three core products: the PHR, SPHR and GPHR exams.
The study included a task force and focus groups comprised of all our stakeholders (certificants, HR practitioners, senior business leaders, SHRM leaders, students, student advisors and academicians).
Recommendations on changes to our eligibility requirements from these groups were then posed to the HR community through an open-comment period in which all certificants, SHRM members and other HR professionals were invited to provide their views on the proposed changes.
Over 14,000 people responded to the survey.
The respondents were overwhelming in favor of the proposed changes.
The new eligibility requirements result in better alignment with the candidate profile that possesses the level of practical experience and HR knowledge to perform successfully on the exam.
The eligibility requirements will help candidates be more successful in passing the exam.

When will the new eligibility requirements go into effect?

The new eligibility requirements will begin with the spring 2011 testing window (May - June 2011).
The last PHR, SPHR and GPHR exam to be administered under current eligibility requirements will be the winter 2010 (December 2010 - January 2011) testing window.

Who will be most affected by the new eligibility requirements?

Prospective GPHR certificants: Those who were able to sit for the GPHR exam without demonstrated exempt-level experience in global HR will not be able to sit for the exam beginning 2011.
Prospective SPHR certificants: Those that are eligible for SPHR under the current eligibility requirements may only be eligible to take the PHR under the new requirements that go into effect in 2011.
Students: Students will no longer be eligible to take the exams without the required work experience. Students will be able to take the exam once they have graduated and achieved the required number of years of demonstrated work experience that is required for the certification they wish to achieve and the degree they hold.
Current certificants who wish to recertify by exam: One can recertify by examination in 2011 or after but must qualify to sit for the exam under the new eligibility requirements even if they were eligible to sit for the exam under current eligibility requirements.

Click here to view current eligibility requirements

These courses are not substitutes for the exam. Please contact the HR Certification Institute to schedule your exam, 866-898-4724, www.hrci.org, or info@hrci.org.

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