Program Overview. About

Transcription

1 Program Overview About The HRA Certification is a certification designed to measure a wide range of HR experience for both professionals working in non-traditional roles that are HR related as well as individuals seeking to advance their careers by obtaining entry-level HR positions. For the past several years, labor market research has established that as more HR professionals advance toward strategic roles within their organization, they need to back-fill with competent professionals. However, research indicates that many HR professionals are finding they lack the appropriate tool for recruiting entry-level HR professionals. The HRA is designed, therefore, to provide opportunity to both groups: for professionals recognizing that certifications are required for 9 out of 10 new hires and promotions, the ability to recognize one s performance engaging the workforce in non-traditional roles is often important to being advanced into higher non-hr management roles. Furthermore, this tool should be considered a preliminary step toward the more advanced PHR and SPHR certifications which measure the performance of a professional having worked in a specific HR role for at least two years. However, entry-level certification requires different standards of performance than exempt-level certification. Exempt-level certification requires very rigid ISO standards which require examination for credentials. Unlike certificates, such certifications are conferred by non-profits and not academic-based providers and accreditation associations. Research suggests that HR professionals expect their entry-level staff to not only understand the performance and experience of business application, but also demonstrate the ability to think and learn at levels of higher-education standards. As such, this certification has been forged as the only certification that provides: 1) Applied business performance standards established by a team of Subject Matter Experts in Human Resources who all hold a graduate degree and SHRM Certification. 2) Applied academic standards based on the highest level (top 15% academic institution ratings by the ASCB) This creates a unique opportunity whereby the participants earning this certification are not only demonstrating their knowledge of Human Resource content in a business sector, but whose examination also included measurements of academic performance standards around this content as well. The outcome is a robust examination that ensures hiring professionals can not only rely on HRA professionals for the core knowledge of a non-exempt HR professional but also meet the graduate level standards of accreditation available only at the top 15% schools of business in the nation. Regardless of position, title, or experience, this is a unique opportunity to advance into a career in Human Resources and demonstrate value-added capabilities through one course and exam. Exam In time, the HRA Certification may be offered year-round. Until then the scheduled 2013 exam options are May -June 2013 and Dec This exam is 100 questions on the subject matter posted on the HRA-Success.org. Furthermore, the exam is limited to 90 minutes. The questions are structured for an open-book exam, but are timed/averaged to ensure the level resembles the ISO standards for HR, Coaching, Project Management, and other professional certifications certification.

2 The exam is based on content ranging from demonstrated knowledge of Human Resources, organizational effectiveness, project management, administrative skills, and leadership. For over two years, situational based questions have been researched and developed to measure capabilities of recognizing theory through applied situations. In addition to performance standards established by the Board of Advisors, the HRA Certification also requires demonstrated completion of learning tools and Academic Standards to be eligible to receive certification This means that the average pass-rate is 50%. To help learners improve their chances of passing; Seattle Research Partners, Inc. has been designated as the provider for HRA Certification courses. HRNovations has been approved as a public-seminar provider for free instruction for individuals registered for the exam but not for class. For details, please see Program Descriptions These courses include: 1) Exam only: Learners may opt to take the exam only: learners may self-study using any material they choose and purchase. Exam costs: $195 non-refundable. The exam is open book based upon the leading fundamentals of the SHRM Essentials and concepts of leadership by Bennis, Covey, Pink, and more. The test also covers basic applied tools for Microsoft office suite, administrative standards, and essential tools of project management. Learners can participate in interactive video and PPT presentations that are customized based on the learners needs; complete an electronic workbook (applied using any reading material of their choosing); and take any practice exams provided in the resource center by the approved program provider. This tool at least a BA in business, and/or a certificate in HR management in addition to an AA degree. 2) Online 6 week program (SHRM Essentials required): the online program carries the reputation and wellresearched process of Seattle Research Partners, Inc. For the past decade, this provider has built a reputation for creating a model process using a 6 week online program. The program draws from the best practices of face-toface, online, and self-learning to create an entirely flexible class that builds on weekly accountability and performance to ensure the highest results. Using this format, the average online university has a completion rate between 24-48%; whereas Seattle Research Partners has held over a 90% participation rate for over three years. This class allows learners to select their own material from the list of recommended books. Learners will have the choice of creating a blended (some face to face and some online) program if they are in the Seattle region and use the SHRM Essentials as required by participants taking their SHRM Essentials program. If you wish to use the blended approach please indicate in the space available when you register for the exam. Your invoice will reflect the cost of tuition as well as the SHRM Essentials required by Seattle Research Partners, Inc. if you indicate this request when registering. 3) Face to Face 6 week program (w/shrm Essentials required material): This 6 week course is modeled after the PEAK Learning Series developed by Seattle Research Partners, Inc. to maximize understanding of project management skills, HR knowledge, and Leadership (PEAK HR Leadership option registration available only through Seattle Research Partners, Inc. for $995 including the SHRM Essentials Seattle Research Partners is an approved provider for SHRM and information about their Essentials program is available at their website. They

3 Group-rates are also and approved provider for the Strategic Learning Alliance and have been approved to promote their SHRM Essentials course toward preparation for this certification. For specific details on this 60 hour program option HRCI approved for recertification credits please visit For learners selecting this premier option, register for the exam only through HRA and then register direct through SRP for the HR Leadership PEAK Learning Series program starting in April, Learners opting for this program are guaranteed to pass if they complete 90% of the program established by SRP). Information on private learning classes (on-site or in-house ) are available for groups of 15 or more learners; for groups of 5 or more sponsorship rates are available for public sessions. Large Corporate groups may receive discounts in excess of 50%. For information please contact our approved program provider Seattle Research Partners by ing and providing the min number of participants promised by your organization and the desired instruction format for your group, in-house, or sponsorship course. Group sessions are provided by HRNovations as the approved provider. All inquires should be made through the HRA-contact link for these options and will be posted (when held for the public) on the HRA-Success.org program page. Groups interested in using the SHRM Essentials program provided by SRP should contact paulrand@seattleresearchpartners.com For information/registration for HRA Certification programs please visit Frequently Asked Questions 1) How do I determine if I am eligible? If you have questions, please visit or call The simple measurement is: do you work in an hourly or salary role in a non-hr department overseeing staff, engaging clients or vendors, or engage in organizational improvement? OR, do you have one year clerical experience, work hourly, hold an academic degree, and desire to advance into entry-level HR work? AND, or, do you manage a small office where there is no clearly defined HR staff and team? Have been rejected for the PHR/SPHR certification and meet the applied requirements listed on the HRA. 2) What is the goal of the HRA Certification? The goal is two-fold: to recognize the min knowledge requirements and applied skills for non-hr supervisors and managers who do not desire advancement into HR but do wish to be advanced based on their applied HR related skills. For example, a supervisor of a finance department engages in HR related work-place activities but would not otherwise be qualified for a PHR. This certification allows them to advance in their career by being recognized for their role engaging human capital in the workplace not just their financial expertise.

4 The HRA is also balanced to measure the applied clerical support for individuals in all fields interested in advancing their careers into an HR specific role such as HR admin, HR assistant, HR generalist (entry-level), HRIS, HR processor or clerical roles. For those who are eligible, the HRA Certification provides an opportunity to advance toward the esteemed 2- year HR specific Professional of HR (PHR) or Senior-professional of HR certifications (SPHR). For those meeting the eligibility for those questions (contact us on the registration page by phone or for questions at on SHRM certification eligibility) after earning the HRA, then you would replace the HRA with either the PHR or SPHR designation. 3) How do people know I have passed this exam? Learners who pass the exam will be allowed to place the designation HRA after their name on all signature blocks. This is conferred by the Board of Directors of the Strategic Learning Alliance which has reviewed the application requirements, the exam requirements, and approved the content provided by the prep programs and the preparation courses. For example, Susie Sample Learner, MBA, HRA 4) What are the benefits of certification over a certificate? According to the Society of SHRM (2010) nine out of ten HR positions required certification to be advanced within an HR department. Further investigation by the Strategic Learning Alliance, the Seattle Jobs Initiative, and Seattle Research Partners suggests that employers want demonstrated applied skills in addition to theoretic (academic) knowledge. Thus, certification not only measures applied technical skill within a professional environment, but also allows those professionals to stand out better that someone completing a certificate. A certificate is valuable for enhancing on-going learning and expertise of the academic theory behind a given subject. However, a certificate does not demonstrate any applied capabilities. Furthermore, many hiring managers and recruiters will screen applications based on applied certification. Therefore, having a certification is deemed to be of considerably more value than having completed a certificate course. 5) Why has this been developed? Due to the demand for entry-level HR positions, many employers are swamped with applications. Unfortunately, the two-year professional requirement of national Human Resource certification results in many employers essentially using the wrong tool to screen for the wrong seat on the team. As a result, research indicates that entry-level HR positions are difficult for employers to fill with individuals holding at least basic HR knowledge and applied professional skills; meanwhile, many entry level candidates with these skills have felt unrecognized as there has not been a meaningful tool to define their applied abilities. The Strategic Learning Alliance and their affiliates have helped over 1300 HR professionals earn certification in the Seattle market alone. Drawing from their vast network they have sought to help HR professionals advancing toward more strategic roles, back-fill by providing an entry-level certification that can measure basic applied HR and support skills. Furthermore, by providing the accreditation for the HRA Certification through a not-for-profit board of directors, the alliance has opted to create a process modeled after the SHRM certification to help further promote the over decade long work by SHRM national to advance the recognition and role of Human Resources as strategic advisors to various businesses and organizations. As such,

5 the HRA provides a stepping stone for those seeking HR specific jobs, but also recognizes professionals in non-hr roles (such as the medical field, finance, accounting, IT, etc.) to demonstrate to their internal HR staff their ability to effectively work with other individuals in an organization regardless of their highly technical area of expertise. 6) How is the program related to SHRM certification? See above. SHRM certification requires specific experience at the salary (exempt) level. For questions contact Seattle Research Partners or the HRA at to determine eligibility and which exam is right for you. 7) What if I want to take the exam at any-time? At this time the HRA exam is held only twice a year. 8) Tell me about the pass-guarantee program? Any learner taking the PEAK Learning Series ( or the HRA online/blended course or face-to-face course using the SHRM Essentials will pass (with 80% more completion of the program). Any learner who does not will re-test at no-additional fee after a coaching analysis of where the leaner failed the exam is conducted in partnership with an approved provider. 9) What happens if my exam application is denied? You may petition within 2 business days if you are denied a chance to sit for the HRA exam due to qualification errors. To complete this process you may be asked for a resume, transcripts, a position description, and a correspondence from a supervisor. Reviews will occur within 48 business hours and all decisions are final. For this reason, the HRA does not require payment until your registration is approved. Any applicant who is audited the registration is approved for by based on registration volume is randomly selected for an audit, that is deemed to have falsified their application or not meet the minimum standards, will be denied eligibility for the exam. Any learner denied due to a random audit will forfeit all monies paid. 10) What is the refund policy for the exam and program options? Please see the site for refund information required by program providers. There are no refunds for the exams. Exams are taken online and therefore are not subjected to in-climate weather or personal conflicts. Participants opting for a delay due to unforeseen personal hardship may waive their exam for up to 6 months before forfeiting all paid monies. Preparation providers may set the refund policies based on their sole discretion. 11) Who bills me? Currently, HRA Certification will have all monies collected by Seattle Research Partners, Inc. SRP has over a decade of trusted relationships with organizations and HR professionals. They are donating all proceeds in 2013 to non-profit outreach programs through the Strategic Learning Alliance. For tax questions, please consult a tax advisor. Applicable 501c3 individual tax deduction notifications will be provided at the appropriate time to all paid participants.

6 Policy Overview Eligibility for the HRA Certification (HRA) is determined by HRA-Success.org, a charity division of the Strategic Learning Alliance (SLA). About The HRA Certification is a certification designed to measure a wide range of HR experience for both professionals working in non-traditional roles that are HR related as well as individuals seeking to advance their careers by obtaining entry-level HR positions. For the past several years, labor market research has established that as more HR professionals advance toward strategic roles within their organization, they need to back-fill with competent professionals. However, our research indicates that many HR professionals are finding they lack the appropriate tool for recruiting entry-level HR professionals. The HRA is designed, therefore, to provide opportunity to both groups: for professionals recognizing that certifications are required for 9 out of 10 new hires and promotions, the ability to recognize one s performance engaging the workforce in non-traditional roles is often important to being advanced into higher non-hr management roles. Furthermore, this tool is a precursor to the more advanced PHR and SPHR certifications which measure the performance of a professional having worked in a specific HR role for at least two years. Exam Currently the HRA Certification mirrors the SHRM process for PHR/SPHR examination. In time, the HRA Certification may be offered year-round. Until then the scheduled 2013 exam options are May -June 2013 and Dec This exam is 100 questions on the subject matter posted on the HRA-Success.org. Furthermore, the exam is limited to 90 minutes. The questions are structured for an open-book exam, but are timed/averaged to ensure the level of difficulty meets the SHRM standard for HR certification. The exam is based on content ranging from demonstrated knowledge of Human Resources, organizational effectiveness, project management, administrative skills, and leadership. For over two years, situational based questions have been researched and developed to measure capabilities of recognizing theory through applied situations. As a result, the level of difficulty mirrors the PHR/SPHR SHRM certification exam. This means that the average pass-rate is 50%. To help learners improve their chances of passing; Seattle Research Partners, Inc. has been designated as the provider for HRA Certification courses. HRNovations has been approved as a public-seminar provider for free instruction for individuals registered for the exam but not for class. For details, please see A) Content The HRA exam focuses on content from a variety of skills in business and administration. These skills have been established through research by a Board of Advisors for the HRA. The skills include (but are not limited to) the ability to think effectively about your professional role and tasks; to demonstrate proactive behavior when assigned tasks; to focus on task completion based on best practices according to accredited collegiate

7 standards of theory; to understand basic project management, people-success skills, and finally to demonstrate a broad understanding of Human Resource Theory established by the Society of Human Resource Management and customized to balance top-accredited college theory standards with performance standards based on applied metrics established by the Board of Advisors. B) Scoring The exam is timed, weighted, and averaged. Learner s records for participation and completion of reading assignments, workbooks, and course material are also used for automatic audits if the learner does not meet the minimum threshold. The mathematical algorithm used to calculate scoring is based upon the statistically established reliability and validity samples conducted by members of the Strategic Learning Alliance, Board of Advisors, and research affiliates. Because of the complexity of calculating scores, individual learners should assume that to complete each question in approximately 45 seconds with a cumulative averaged score of 80% will pass this certification. Learners who fall within a margin of error will have their preparation audits reviewed and scores assigned based on completion of preparation activities. The scores are based upon the following demonstrated application: completion of learning theory to a satisfactory standard; completion of a learning program to satisfactory standard; access and engagement of applied content provided to a satisfactory standard. Each category of satisfactory standard is measured by 80% actual completion. The purpose of the HRA is not to demonstrate a participant s status as a Human Resource Subject Matter Expert. Instead, it is to demonstrate their ability to think, act, and learn using best behavioral standards (soft-skills) that are most demanded by Human Resource Managers (SJI, 2013), that meet the academic integrity to complete a higher (post-baccalaureate) education course, and adequately demonstrate their ability to apply knowledge effectively by seeking out what information they do not know. The scoring Matrix is included as Attachment One. C) Regulations Cheating There are multiple versions of the HRA exam. This ensures that while participants are taking the exam, they are not able to work together to complete the test. Communication logs are kept in the exam area. While communication to locate a specific document, tool, or source is approved, the sharing of answers, questions, and tips is prohibited. These logs are monitored as part of your participation in the exam. Anyone engaged in sending content to another learner will be automatically dismissed from the exam and barred from participating in HRA Certification for one year. Plagiarism HRA Certification participants are barred from downloading, copying, distributing, altering, or otherwise reprinting any information provided within the exam resource center. Learners may be allowed to print and use tools provided to them for the purpose of studying. Redistribution of these tools, articles, or content

8 without express permission will result in revocation of any certification and civil/criminal charges where applicable. Rights and responsibilities You may use all material provided to during the exam to answer a question You may use research skills to find answers using any process or source you feel meets academic and professional integrity (note: all questions are based upon empirical research; therefore, online data from Wikipedia, and other sources are built into answers as indications that a participant has not relied on proven information to answer the question. Know your sources before answering). You may NOT call an SME, friend, associate, or co-learner to ask for answers. You may NOT copy, print, and/or distribute any exam question or preparation question. Audits: all learners who fall within the statistical range of error are automatically audited based on their performance standards in class or in the HRA Team center prior to the exam. You may NOT request a second audit; all failures are notified and explained the reasons for failing to earn certification. You MAY retest within the same exam period for an additional fee (one-time). You MAY retest the following term for an additional fee in the event you do not pass in your schedule exam time-frame. You MAY reschedule your exam for a fee of $125. D) Recertification & Professional Requirements a. HRA Certification means that you must engage in recertification. Recertification requires that you complete 24 hours of approved CEU courses within 18 for months of the end of the exam period (May 2013 must recertify by Jan 1 st 2015). b. Recertification programs approved through PEAK Learning Series or HRNovations programs. For details see c. The HRA can be used in addition to other certifications so long as you keep recertification current, but is intended to be replaced with the PHR/SPHR designation provided by SHRM and HRCI.org. Completion of these course-prep and recertification requirements does ensure that you remain actively HRA certified in the event that you keep both. Therefore, by earning PHR/SPHR certification and completing HRCI approved recertification (60 hours over 3 years), you will not have to complete additional course-work for the HRA program. Instead you will notify the SLA of your current status as a PHR professional through Seattle Research Partners. An approved Recertification Form is provided as attachment TWO in this document.