Professional Human Resources Exam Preparation (PHR/SPHR)

Programs in Our Series

Professional Human Resources Management (PHR/SPHR) Course: 
If you've been planning to earn your Professional in Human Resources (PHR®) or Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR®) designation, the SHRM Courses at the University of Central Florida's Division of Continuing Education are waiting for you! 
You will be taught by expert instructors using the official SHRM Courseware and have the opportunity to network, share experiences and gain an understanding of real-world applications.

UCFs multiple locations and evening and weekend formats allow you to prepare for these certifications examinations on your own schedule. For more information on the certification application or exam, visit the Customer Support tab above or the HR Certification Institute at http://www.hrci.org/.

SHRM Learning System Modules
Course materials correspond to the six functional areas as defined by the Human Resource Certification Institute (HRCI). 
1.  Business Management and Strategy 
2.  Workforce Planning and Employment 
3.  Human Resource Development 
4.  Compensation and Benefits
5.  Employee and Labor Relations 
6.  Risk Management

For complete module descriptions, click here 

What our students are saying… Click here to read experiences and testimonials from participants in UCF’s courses.

The Growing need for PHR and SPHR Certifications 
The PHR and SPHR Certifications distinguish participants from other HR professionals and show their commitment to the ever-expanding field of HR. This HR certification proves to participants' peers and their organization that they are driven to be successful in HR management. 

Earning your HR credentials can: 
-  Increase professional confidence 
-  Set participants apart from their peers 
-  Result in greater respect from the organization in which participants work 

In today's job market participants benefit from acquiring the PHR or SPHR certification as many employers prefer and may even require such credentials. In order to keep up with the demand for professionals seeking this important certification UCF's SHRM Program has more than tripled in the two years, now offering multiple schedules at various locations in the Central Florida area.

UCF's HR Programs: For more information on other HR programs that UCF offers, please see individual program web pages below. 

• Essentials of Human Resource Management: Introductory course offering a comprehensive overview of human resources roles and responsibilities
  
  
• Professional Human Resources Management (PHR/SPHR Preparatory Course): This course is designed to prepare participants for the PHR and SPHR examinations as well as provide the latest information and management tools for successful performance in your profession.  To become PHR or SPHR Certified, participants must also apply and sit for the exam through the HR Certification Institute (www.hrci.org).
  
  
• SPHR Intensive Review Online: This course is ideal for the HR professional seeking accelerated review of SPHR specific topics, this online course covers the focus areas of the SPHR examination in six evening sessions.
  
  
• Global Professional in Human Resources Management: This course is designed for HR professionals working in a global environment to prepare for the GPHR Certification exam and is a great way to strengthen your knowledge of international HR.  To become GPHR Certified, participants must also apply and sit for the exam through the HR Certification Institute (http://www.hrci.org/).
  
  
• Recertification Courses: Recertification of your HR credentials demonstrates your continued dedication to stay up to date with the rapidly changing HR profession.

Customer Support

Course Sessions | Registration | Certification

Course Sessions

• What materials are included in the course?
  Participants enrolled in the Professional Human Resources Management (PHR/SPHR) course are provided with the official 2013 SHRM Learning System.  This includes:
  • The 2013 HRCI Certification Handbook
  • The SPHR Preparation Book
  • Books for each of the six course modules
  • Access to additional online resources including pre- and post-tests, electronic flashcards, glossary of terms, case studies, test taking tips, web casts and more for 18 months!
  • NEW updated content including a bank of new study questions and a new improved learning experience with a shift to online tools for participants.  Participants can now take the SHRM curriculum mobile with learning modules on a smart phone, Nook, Kindle, iPad and more!  Additional resources will also be added including, downloadable web casts, audio flash cards, detailed reports on areas of strength and opportunities for improvement and guided overviews of each module for the highest level of understanding. 
    
  UCF also provides all participants with printed copies of PowerPoint slides, module tests and other resources.

• What happens if I need to miss a session?
  Participants who miss a session are welcome to make up the content by attending another location for that material.  Each location has its own schedule and format and sessions are not always held the same week at other locations.  For full schedules of all locations, please visit the Location/Schedule tab above.  Seats are limited in each session and we require that you provide advanced notice if you are making up a session. 
  
  
• Is a course review available?
  The Fall 2013 semester will conclude with a two hour review session to cover all questions on the Final Exam.  This final exam review will cover all modules presented in the semester and the date will be announced during the semester.
  Additionally, for participants testing for the SPHR exam, UCF offers an Intensive Online SPHR review starting April 29, 2013 for the Spring 2013 semester and November 18, 2013 for the Fall 2013 semester.  This review is $179 for participants enrolled in the PHR/SPHR course or $350 for participants not enrolled in UCF's current semester of PHR/SPHR Preparation. 
  
  
• Is the class taught by one or more instructors?
  UCF Continuing Education is proud to bring the best instructors to the classroom. Each course is taught by a set of instructors who are selected for their expertise in functional areas of Human Resources and hold the PHR or SPHR Certifications. To see biographies on each instructor, please visit the About Us tab above. 
  
  
• Is the course content the same regardless of the format?
  All locations of the Professional Human Resources Management (PHR/SPHR) course are the same number of contact hours in the classroom and cover the same content.  Resources and materials presented are the same although the format and the hours per meeting time may differ.

 Registration

• Are there discounts or payment options?
  Yes, Participants who are UCF Alumni, current SHRM Members or members of EAF are eligible for a $100 discount from the $1,029 registration fee.  Discounts cannot be combined. 
  Payment plans are also offered so that participants can pay for the course in a series of installments leading up to the start of the course.  For payment plan dates and payment amounts, please visit the Payment Plans tab above. 
  To learn more about additional funding options that may be available to you, please click here for ideas from SHRM.
  
  
• Who do I contact to register a group?
  To register a group of participants for any of the locations of the Professional Human Resources Management course, please contact the UCF Continuing Education Customer Relations Center at 407-882-0260 or Sarah Faehnle at sfaehnle@ucf.edu or 407-882-0237.
  
  For information on private or on-site courses, please contact Maria Cherjovsky at MariaC@ucf.edu 407-882-0247.
  
  
• I cannot log in to register.  Who do I contact?
  Please contact the UCF Continuing Education Customer Relations Center at 407-882-0260 or Sarah Faehnle at sfaehnle@ucf.edu or 407-882-0237.
  
  
• How late can I register for the class?
  It is recommended that you complete registration two weeks before the start of the course to ensure that materials are ordered and arrive in time for the first session.  We do allow participants to enter as late as the second week of the course and can make up missed sessions at other locations if available.  Please contact Sarah Faehnle at sfaehnle@ucf.edu or 407-882-0237 for further details.
  
  
• What happens if I sign up for the class but later find out that HRCI did not approve my application to sit for the examination?
  Once the course has started, participants cannot withdraw or have their registration fees refunded.  The SHRM Learning System course is designed to prepare participants for the PHR and SPHR Examinations; however many participants enroll in the course for the valuable HR content that provides professional development for them and their HR department. The courses provide a solid foundation for managing the HR challenges faced in today's demanding work environment, supply a current reference of HR practices, broaden the perspective of functional specialists, and strengthen individual competencies and productivity.
  
  
• I need to cancel my registration or transfer to another class.  What is the policy?
  Cancellation requests must be received in writing 10 working days prior to start of class with a 25% administrative fee withheld and no refunds will be given after that deadline. 
  
  Transfers to another course session or location will be made on a space available basis at the time of the request.  Please contact Sarah Faehnle at sfaehnle@ucf.edu or 407-882-0237 to request a transfer.

Certification

• What are the PHR/SPHR Certifications?
  The HR Certification Institute offers certifications that cover all HR disciplines including national and international focuses. Your scope of work and depth of experience will determine which exam is best for you.  Earning the Professional in Human Resources Management (PHR) or Senior Professional in Human Resources Management (SPHR) credential demonstrates to you and your organization that you commit to a higher standard.  When you become HR certified, you show you know the most current principles and core practices of HR management, become more marketable when you compete for top HR positions and raise your professional confidence among your staff and your peers.
  For the Global Professional in Human Resources Management course, demonstrating international HR knowledge, please visit our GPHR course page.
  
  For detailed information on these certifications please visit the HR Certification Institute at www.hrci.org or watch this short video for detailed information on the value of the certifications.
  
  HR Certification Institute
  1800 Duke Street
  Alexandria, VA 22314
  www.hrci.org
  Toll Free Phone: 1-866-898-4724
  
  
• Should I take the PHR/SPHR?
  Your scope of work and depth of experience will determine which exam is best for you.  Typical candidates for the exams are as follows:
  
  The Professional in Human Resources (PHR®) certification is designed for the HR professional who:
  • focuses on program implementation
  • has tactical/logistical orientation
  • is accountable to another HR professional within the organization
  • typically has two to four years of professional work experience in all HR disciplines, but whose experience lacks the breadth and depth of a more senior-level HR practitioner 
  • has not yet had progressive and increasingly complicated HR work experience
  • has responsibilities that focus on the HR department rather than on the whole organization
    
    
  The Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR®) certification is designed for the HR professional who:
  • designs and plans, rather than implements, HR policy
  • focuses on the "big picture"
  • has ultimate accountability in the HR department
  • typically has six to eight years of progressive and increasingly complicated HR experience
  • has breadth and depth of knowledge in all HR disciplines
  • uses judgment gained with time and knowledge application
  • understands the business beyond the HR function and influences the overall organization
  
  For information on the certification eligibility requirements, please visit the HR Certification Institute's Exam Eligibility Page. 
  
  
• Is the cost of the exam included with course registration?
  The cost of the course does not include the certification examination fee.  The HR Certification Institute requires that each person apply for the certification exam individually and the payment for the application fee and exam are paid at the time of application.  For more detailed exam application information, please visit the HR Certification Institute's application page.
  
  
• How do I register for the exams?
  The application for the certification examinations is completed through the HR Certification Institute.  Participants in the course will also receive the HRCI Certification Handbook with the SHRM Learning System that includes full application information.
  Once you have applied for the exam and have been approved, an Authorization to Test (ATT) letter and number is provided to you to schedule your exam with a Prometric testing center.
  
  
• What are the fees and deadlines to register for the exam?
  For the Fall/Winter 2013 Testing Window from December 1, 2013 - January 31, 2013, applications are accepted July 15 - October 4, 2013.  Late applications are accepted through November 8, 2013 with an additional late fee.  Fees and application deadlines can be found at www.hrci.org. All prices include a $75 nonrefundable application fee. 

• What are UCF's pass rates?
  Each year UCF has excellent pass rates for both the PHR and SPHR examinations.  In Fall 2009 and Spring 2011, the SPHR pass rate was 100%!  In Winter 2011 UCF received pass rates for both the PHR and SPHR of 100%!  UCF's pass rates from are typically 10- 18% higher than the national average.

• Do you offer recertification credits?  How are these calculated?
  The HR Certification Institute no longer allow PHR or SPHR Certified individuals to use the SHRM Learning System course for recertification credits.  The SHRM Learning System can be used to re-certify for the GPHR certification.  For those who are PHR or SPHR certified or seeking recertification credits, they can be earned through UCF's HR Essentials program (12 credits) or through UCF's individual recertification courses.  Visit the HR Certification Institute's Recertification page for more information on recertification guidelines.

Did you not find the answer to your question?  Please email your question here.

Schedules and Locations

• Global Professional in Human Resources Management Location and Schedule
• Essentials of Human Resource Management Location and Schedule
  
  

About Us

Why UCF?

For the past 15 years, UCF has been offering the SHRM® Courses which are designed to provide participants with an overview of key areas in human resource management. SHRM materials correspond to the HR knowledge areas as defined by the Human Resource Certification Institute (HRCI). Besides being a powerful tool to assist participants in preparing for certification exams, the SHRM Courses also provide professional development for participants and their HR Department. The courses provide a solid foundation for managing the HR challenges faced in today's demanding work environment; supply a current reference of HR practices, broaden the perspective of functional specialists, and strengthen individual competencies and productivity.
UCF is proud to bring official SHRM Materials to our certification programs and graduates of the program see excellent passing rates for these examinations.

Learn more about the benefits of HR at UCF

About UCF Professional Human Resources Management Program, Staff and Instructors

As a part of the University of Central Florida’s Division of Continuing Education, our goal is to help you achieve the highest level of learning to assist you with your training, professional advancement and preparation for the certification examinations. You will receive excellent customer service throughout the program as you are provided with thorough information, individualized assistance and prompt follow up throughout the course and examination process.

Sarah Faehnle
Coordinator of Continuing Education
Sarah has been with UCF as a Coordinator of Continuing Education since 2008 providing customer support for the Professional Human Resources Programs and many other Continuing Education courses. She has helped over 500 participants through this program with direct programmatic, customer and instructional support. She is responsible for communication to students on the courses including registration and enrollment, detailed course information, program schedule, session make ups, certification and more. Sarah’s education includes a Bachelors Degree in Event Management from the University of Florida and a Masters Degree from the University of Central Florida.
sfaehnle@ucf.edu
407-882-0237

Maria Cherjovsky
Assistant Division Director
Professional Human Resources Program Director
Maria brings to UCF 17 years of experience developing education programs for higher education as well 8 years delivering instruction of corporate programs and college credit courses. In her current role as Assistant Division Director she is responsible for the development and management of revenue-generating programs. As a seasoned instructional designer and trainer, Maria brings innovation in the customization of corporate programs in addition to her leadership in the areas of partnership development, military programs, grants and Workforce Development. Maria’s portfolio of programs includes Information Technology and Engineering, Fraud Detection and Analysis, Business Management, Real Estate, Antiterrorism, Bilingual programs and distance learning courses among others. Maria’s education includes a Masters Degree in Instructional Systems Design and a Bachelors Degree in Business Administration, both from the University of Central Florida, as well as a degree as Analista Administrativo Contable from the Universidad de Belgrano in Argentina.
mariac@ucf.edu
407-882-0247

See why Toni Knechtges teaches the SHRM Learning System Course.

Meet Our Instructors

UCF Continuing Education is proud to bring the best instructors to the classroom. All instructors are selected for their expertise in functional areas of Human Resources and hold the PHR or SPHR Certifications.

• Melanie Brannigan
• Todd Brodie
• Gina Hall
• Leon LaChance
• Richard Larson
• Tim May
• Steve Parrish
• Doug Peddie
• Brian Reed  
• Aaron Zandy

Click here for full bios on each of our instructors

Custom, Corporate, and Group Training Available

Looking to train a group or organization? "Bringing UCF to You" with convenient on-site training and course customization. UCF Continuing Education can customize HR Courses and a wide variety of other course topics to meet your specific training needs and organizational goals. Our on-site training program will customize and bring the very best and affordable training to your location.

For more information contact Maria Cherjovsky at mariac@ucf.edu or 407-882-0247.

Payment Plans

UCF Continuing Education offers payment plans in which course fees can be paid in installments prior to the start of the course.  Participants must be paid in full to begin the courses.

September courses:
For courses starting in September including East Orlando Wednesday evenings and Lake Mary Tuesday evenings, payments can be made in either two or three installments.  Click on the payment plan below to download the appropriate form.

Three payment installments (Standard Registration Fee): Download here.

Three payment installments (UCF Alumni/SHRM Member Registration Fee): Download here.

Two payment installments (Standard Registration Fee): Download here.

Two payment installments (UCF Alumni/SHRM Member Registration Fee): Download here.

October courses:
For courses starting in October including East Orlando Saturdays, Brevard/ Cocoa and Daytona, payments can be made in either two or three installments.
Click on the payment plan below to download the appropriate form.

Three payment installments (Standard Registration Fee): Download here.

Three payment installments (UCF Alumni/SHRM Member Registration Fee): Download here.

Two payment installments (Standard Registration Fee): Download here.

Two payment installments (UCF Alumni/SHRM Member Registration Fee): Download here.

Participants must also register for their selected session to reserve a course seat.

Please send completed payment plan forms by fax to 407-882-0244. 

For questions regarding payment plans, please contact 407-882-0237 or sfaehnle@ucf.edu.