This Spring 2019, aspiring Human Resource (HR) professionals can take advantage of training for Professional in Human Resources (PHR), Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR) and Global Professional in Human Resources (GPHR) certifications offered by the University College of the Cayman Islands (UCCI) in partnership with the Human Resource Certification Institute (HRCI).

Given that the workforce of the Cayman Islands is comprised of over 110 nationalities, PHR, SPHR or GPHR certifies competency in managing this diverse workforce and positions HRM professionals for career expansion and advancement with their present employers. Moreover, because HRCI’s PHR, SPHR and GPHR are internationally recognised credentials for HRM professionals, earning any of them will increase marketability and career advancement for those seeking opportunities in other territories, countries and regions.

Though part of its MHRM programme, the University College is inviting anyone who is interested in obtaining any of these certifications, to take advantage of working in a cohesive group with a similar goal of professional development. According to Dr Stephanie Fullerton-Cooper, Director of Graduate Studies at UCCI, “Preparing for exams on your own can be very difficult and stressful. It is encouraging to work alongside those who have a similar objective, to be guided by professors who have the content knowledge and pedagogical skills to help you adequately prepare for the certification exams, and also to network with other HR professionals within the Cayman Islands”.

UCCI has partnered with HRCI to offer the exams locally, but only if there are at minimum, 20 persons sitting the exams. This potential to sit the exams locally is something Dr Fullerton-Cooper is particularly excited about, as “in the past, persons interested in doing these certifications have had to travel to the US or Canada to sit the exams. This time around however, they can save airfare and hotel costs and sit the exam in the comfort of home, right here at UCCI.”

Training for PHR and SPHR Certification begins on Saturday, January 12, 2019, and will be held on alternate Saturdays until March 9. GPHR training begins in February. Sessions will take the form of workshops that will prepare human resource management (HRM) professionals to successfully pass the Human Resource Certification Institute’s (HRCI) PHR, SPHR and GPHR certification exams. All participants will receive training in all Functional Areas covered on the PHR, SPHR and GPHR exams. Participants will also receive information and practice in self-study, practice testing, time management and test-taking strategies to increase the probability of passing the certification exams. All training, materials (workbook for each Functional Area, CDs, audio flash cards, practice questions) and exam registration fees will be included in the cost of the programme.

Students will also benefit from online discussions and practice questions using UCCI’s Learning Management System. Workshops will begin at 9 a.m. each Saturday and will continue until 1 p.m. or 4 p.m., depending on the weighting assigned to each Functional Area. It is important to note that successfully completing the training/preparation programme does not result in earning the PHR, SPHR or GPHR credential. Students must successfully pass the certification exams and meet other requirements in order to earn the credentials. The HR Certification Institute requires HR professionals sitting for the certification exam to have a demonstrated combination of work experience and education. To learn more about the HRCI’s requirements and to determine which of the exams is best for you, please visit www.hrci.org.

All those interested in the HR field, or those whose current jobs require them to carry out HR functions, are invited to take advantage of this opportunity. Interested persons are asked to contact Director of Graduate Studies, Dr Stephanie Fullerton-Cooper, at [email protected] for additional information.