Daily News

WSU to Offer Human Resource Certification Preparation Course

WESTFIELD — The Community Education Department at Westfield State University is offering a Human Resource Certification Preparation Program beginning Thursday, Feb. 26. This course is offered in partnership with the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM).

An intensive, 36-hour course, the Human Resource Certification Preparation Program is designed primarily for those seeking certification as a certified professional (CP) or senior certified professional (SCP). It is also beneficial for those wanting to broaden their knowledge of human resources as part of their continuing professional development. The course relies on the SHRM Learning System, which offers the most up-to-date HR content aligned with the HR Certification Institute body of knowledge.

Program content is updated annually to reflect legislative changes and new HR developments. As a result, SHRM Learning System participants consistently beat the national pass rate on certification exams. The Learning System has helped more than 30,000 HR professionals earn their PHR or SPHR certification. This course will prepare students to take the SHRM Certified Professional and SHRM Senior Certified Professional exams.

The instructor of the program, Karen Smith, is currently vice president of Human Resources at Square One, a nonprofit that provides a range of family-friendly education and support services. She received her bachelor’s degree in human resources and labor relations from Ohio State University and earned a juris doctor from the Western New England University School of Law. She has been SPHR-certified since 2002 and has taught SPHR classes for 10 years. She effectively leverages her extensive background in HR consulting and training to provide a relevant and engaging classroom experience.

The cost of this course is $1,200. The course will meet on Thursday evenings, Feb. 26 through May 14, from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. in Springfield. For more information about this course or to register, contact Community Education at (413) 572-8033 or [email protected].