HR Certification 

Professional Certification in human resource management is done through the Human Resource Certification Institute. The appropriate exam for students is the Professional in Human Resources (PHR)

Body of Knowledge

The PHR exam contains 225 multiple choice questions and consists of the following sections:
Strategic Management 12%
Workforce Planning and Employment 26%
Human Resource Development 15%
Compensation and Benefits 20%
Employee and Labor Relations 21%
Occupational Health, Safety, and Security 6%

Student
PHR Exam Eligibility

Must be within one year of graduation for a bachelor's degree in any major.  After passing the exam, the student must have two years of exempt-level experience in human resource management in the next five years to achieve a PHR.

How to Get Information and Application Materials

Contact the Human Resource Certification Institute
606 North Washington Street
Alexandria, Virginia 22314
703-548-3440
Fax: 703-836-0367
E-Mail:  hrci@shrm.org
http://www.shrm.org/hrci

When and Where are the Closest Exams?

The closest exams are held in Boise, Salt Lake City, and Spokane.  The Boise location is typically at New Horizons on Glenwood.
Exams are December through January and May through June.

Study Helps for the Exams

1. Get a Human Resource Management major at BSU or take some of the classes
2. Take the Certification Institute courses through the BSU Center for Management Development
3. Grab a bunch of HRM textbooks.
4. Grab the Bureau of National Affairs Employment Guide.
5. Buy the Learning System from the Society for Human Resource Management.
6. Form a study group.

Why Take the Exam?

Improves chances of getting a job. For example, Microsoft Corporation requires their HR employees to have certification or be studying for certification.