|
New York, NY, April 2000 - Professional Examination Service (PES) is pleased to announce an agreement with the Human Resource Certification Institute (HRCI) to study the feasibility of computer-based testing and of marketing the HRCI's existing credentials internationally. The HRCI currently offers two certification programs: Professional in Human Resources (PHR) and Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR). The first study will seek input from a broad cross-section of stakeholders including PHR and SPHR certificants, HRCI staff, HRCI Board members, test development committee leaders, and membership chapter coordinators, to assess the potential impact of moving the organization's testing programs to computer. In particular, the study will examine the infrastructure and staffing needs required to support more frequent test administrations; the associated effects of a change in test delivery in such areas as revenue streams, recertification cycles, and candidate publications; and effective communication strategies for providing information to key stakeholders about the move to computer-based delivery. The second study will evaluate interest in the PHR and SPHR certification programs in areas outside the United States. PES will draw on the leadership, staff, and contacts of both the Institute for International Human Resources and the Society for Human Resource Management's (SHRM) Global Forum to solicit input from key international groups. Work on both studies is due to be completed by June. The new agreement comes almost a year after PES and HRCI began collaborating on a comprehensive practice analysis to develop and validate a description of the profession of human resource management, including the practice of PHRs and SPHRs. This work forms part of an ongoing program of updates to the description of practice, which HRCI has implemented to maintain the currency of its certification programs. The Human Resource Certification Institute is the credentialing affiliate of the Society for Human Resource Management. HRCI establishes standards for human resource professionals and recognizes individuals who have met HRCI's requirements for mastering the body of knowledge in human resource management. More than 40,000 individuals are currently certified as PHR or SPHR. The Society for Human Resource Management is the leading voice of the human resource profession, representing more than 130,000 members worldwide. SHRM provides its membership with education and information services, conferences and seminars, government and media representation, online services, and publications that equip human resource professionals to become leaders and decision makers within their organizations. Professional Examination Service is a nonprofit organization with more than 50 years' experience developing, implementing, and evaluating licensure and certification programs. PES's mission is to promote the understanding and use of sound credentialing practices by providing services and making contributions to credentialing stakeholders in the areas of assessment practice, educational activities, scientific research, and policy development. For more information about the PES awards program and other public service activities, please contact: Karen Cullen, Senior Manager, Public Service Activities, Professional Examination Service, 475 Riverside Drive, New York, NY 10115-0089, (212) 367-4276, fax: (212) 367-4266; e-mail: mission@proexam.org. |