PHRI – just another certification?
The International Association for Human Resource Information Management (IHRIM) has announced a new certification program for HR Information Management Professionals (PHRI). They are offering a practice exam, study guide, and courses to help prepare for the exam. The exam is designed to assess the knowledge and competencies of professionals in the HR technology field. Passing the exam indicates a demonstrated comprehensive understanding and proficiency of the defined body of knowledge in HR information management.
My first reaction is… “ugh, not another certification that will add to the alphabet soup on business cards and electronic signatures.” I also question the motivation for developing this certification. However, after giving it some consideration I think that it gives the HR Technology field the recognition they deserve. We are all aware of the common HR certifications (PHR and SPHR), Project Management certifications (PMP), the IT certifications, etc. but nothing for HR Technology professionals.
I think I love this idea…HRIS professionals fall in the middle of HR and IT. This is a unique skill set, needs vary from organization to organization, and is only going to grow in more demand as organizations leverage HR Technology (for more on HRIS skill sets I recommend reading Versatility – the Key to Success in HRIS).
I am interested in hearing what other HR Technology professionals think about this certification. Are you going to invest the time, effort, and money on getting this certification?
Hooray!
Your “ugh” is perfect.
And/but so is your conclusion.
I am convinced of certain things:
FDI staff is bright, thoughtful, ready
American and international employers must find new ways to:
Attract, reward and retain productive people (FDI)
Educate and facilitate employees
Contain cost
We are blessed with new organizations, tools, certfications et al, ughly
as they may be.