A reader writes:
I enjoyed your article on certification. I have my SPHR, and quite often, I don’t really think it means anything besides the fact that I could memorize facts and regurgitate same (nasty analogy, sorry).
I can honestly say that most of the issues I face on a daily basis were never covered in the training material. To pass the test, I mentally put myself in HR Utopia. In a perfect world, the ‘next step for this company would be…’ I haven’t truly found that having the certification provides the wow factors in businesses; it does provide wow factor for those of us in the HR field. We are a learned legion of competent professionals. What we have learned to take the test (and continue our certifications), creates increased knowledge for our employers.
The nagging doubt still remains: do our employers really know (care) about the certification? It isn’t a license, it doesn’t carry the same cachet as a CPA, and I myself will gladly defer to a lawyer, even though h/she and I are saying the same thing. I don’t disagree with the process to certify and recertify; that is necessary. Perhaps I’m seeking insight as to what employers really think/know about the certification.
I’ve written my views on certification. What are your thoughts? Please take a second and participate in the reader survey below.
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If you have an opinion not reflected here, drop us your thoughts in the comments. Thanks for participating. I’m looking forward to seeing what you have to say!
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Kathy Clark says
I absolutely agree that certification means little to others than the one who holds it. I have acertification in CMQ/OE which is Certified Manager of Quality and Organizational Excellence. There are a few hundered of us who hold this certification but not too many people (outside the world of quality) even know what it means. I went through the grueling test because of a personal goal and challenge to myself but when I try to explain what it means to others they look at me with their eyes crossed. It gives me a secret advantage when I consult others because of my knowledge base but does little to open doors of opportunity. Having said all that, I am glad I studied, learned and passed the test.
Sharlyn Lauby says
Thanks for the comment Kathy. I’ve always been grateful that my previous employers supported my certification efforts and assisted financially. But the letters have always meant more to me than my employer.