Certifications

HRA WENDY WHISLER CERTIFICATION SCHOLARSHIP

HRA Offers professional grants to members seeking their SHRM-CP or SHRM-SCP certification OR HRCI certification.  This grant awards funds towards SHRM-CP or SHRM-SCP or HRCI certification exam fee OR SHRM's Learning System up to $500.

Eligibility

• Current HRA member (professional or student membership must be active through May 31, 2023)
• Meet eligibility requirements for SHRM Certification
• You must test in the Window #1 (Spring 2023) or Window #2 (Winter 2023-2024).  Exceptions may be considered by the board.

How to Apply

Complete application including: (click to complete)

• Contact information
• Short answer questions about academic/training, volunteer and career experience and your need for the grant
• Current resume (or, if student, academic transcript if applicable)
• One letter of reference (letter may be addressed to the HRA WW Scholarship Review Committee' and should provide insight into your character, academic or career and volunteer accomplishments, work ethic, and values. May be written by work or volunteer colleague, professor, coach, etc., but should not come from a family member)
• Submit application during the open window:  9/15 to 11/1

Please print your application for your records before you submit it (keep a copy). Once submitted it cannot be revised.

Selection Criteria

• 30% work experience/progression (HR involvement and future career plans); current students without significant work experience will be reviewed based on academic background and breadth and quality of HR coursework
• 20% volunteer activity (SHRM experience preferred, but not required)
• 10% resiliency and ability to manage adversity
• 20% reference letter*
• 20% active in Chapter events such as dinner meetings, study group, etc and volunteer activity.

*Applicants must request all recommendation letters to be sent to the Review Committee. We encourage applicants to request recommendation letters early in the application process. Please know, your application is not complete until your letter of recommendation is submitted.

Applications are reviewed and scored by the Review Committee chaired by Professional Development. All decisions are final. Each award is a one-time award, however previous applicants and past recipients are eligible to re-apply. Receiving an award previously is no guarantee of receiving a future award.

Awards will be valued up to $500 and must be applied towards the exam fee and/or learning system.

APPLICATIONS WILL BE AVAILABLE 9/15.

2022 Window 2 Testing | December 1, 2022 - February 15, 2023

The testing windows are the dates during which the exams are administered. The application dates are when candidates can apply for the exam.

Please note: The exam application deadlines close at 11:59 PM, ET.

SHRM-CP/SHRM-SCP EXAM FEES

Professional certifications are available from two organizations:

HRCI -- SPHR (Sr Human Resource Professional), PHR (Human Resource Professional), GPHR (Global Human Resource Professional)

SHRM -- SHRM-SCP and SHRM-CP

Each of these certifications are originally obtained by taking an extensive exam.  Recertification is required every three years by obtaining credits by attending educational courses, publishing articles, providing instruction, national membership, and / or local chapter leadership.   

HRA supports these efforts by receiving pre-approval of dinner meeting or workshop content for credits.

Click on the left menu to learn more about HRCI or SHRM certifications or contact Professional Development Chair Carol Asselta.