Human Resource Certification Preparation
An HR specialist focuses on the fundamental aspects of human resources, performing specialized tasks essential to the HR function. These professionals are responsible for recruiting, screening, and interviewing job applicants, as well as placing newly hired workers in appropriate positions.
A typical day for an HR specialist includes:
- Updating employee records related to hiring, transfers, promotions, and terminations.
- Explaining policies and procedures to new hires.
- Ensuring the completion of new hire paperwork.
- Addressing work-related complaints.
- Informing applicants about job duties, benefits, work hours, etc.
- Coordinating job postings.
- Reviewing resumes.
- Conducting background and reference checks.
- Additional duties may vary based on the organization's size and the specialist's area of focus.
Career Advancement
HR specialists have significant opportunities for career growth. They can choose to specialize in specific areas such as recruitment and hiring or benefits. Alternatively, they can broaden their skill set and HR experience to progress into roles such as HR generalist, HR manager, or HR director. Additional education, certifications, and on-the-job experience can facilitate this career advancement.
Job Outlook
Human resources professionals are currently in high demand. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment for HR specialists is projected to grow by 8 percent through 2031, which is faster than the average for all occupations. The need for HR professionals will continue to rise as companies navigate increasingly complex employment laws and health coverage requirements. Lightcast reports that the average salary for an HR specialist is $62,296 per year.
Certification
Obtaining certification demonstrates dedication to career advancement. Certified Human Resources Professionals are viewed as motivated and knowledgeable, providing them with a competitive edge in the field. Our program will equip you with the skills needed to secure an entry-level position in human resources and prepare you for the aPHR (Associate Professional in Human Resources), PHR (Professional in Human Resources), or SHRM-CP (Society for Human Resource Management's Certified Professional) certification exams.
SHRM-CP/SHRM-SCP Certification Preparation Course
Fall 2025 – Watertown Class - Hyflex
September 3, 2025 – December 3, 2025
Wednesdays 5:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
No Class: November 26, 2025
Classroom Instruction Method: Hyflex Class
You may choose how to attend the course, in person, through web-conferencing using Zoom. Students may choose any one of these formats on any given class day. Regardless of the way you choose to attend class, students will be expected to complete some work on SHRM learning management system.
Course Contact Hours: 65 hours
Cost: $1,500 (textbooks included)
Registration Opens: March 17, 2025
Registration Closes: August 4, 2025
This SHRM-CP/SHRM-SCP Certification Preparation Course uses the SHRM Learning System, the preferred study resource, to help you learn and apply HR knowledge and competencies to real-life situations, and prepare for SHRM certification. Content will consist of training in Behavioral and Technical Competencies as outlined in the SHRM Learning System. This 65 hour training includes 39 hours of classroom training and 26 hours of online training. Attendance and open class discussion is required. There will be a large amount of practice assigned online. In addition to study time, you will log on to the learning center for pre/post evaluations for each functional area (learnhrm.partnerrc.com) and take all pre and post assessments for each module. There will be a final exam very similar to the certification test question outline.
This course is also appropriate for any individual interested in HR advancement or a professional new to HR with limited experience or formal education in the field. This course is an excellent study basis for the SHRM- CP/SCP exam. Students wishing to sit for the exam are responsible for registering and meeting qualifications for the exam in accordance with SHRM guidelines outlined in the certification handbook.
Funding Opportunities
VA Educational Benefits funding may apply for qualified individuals. In order to receive VA Educational Benefits students must see JCC Veteran Services to complete their VA application and to be certified. Funding amounts vary depending on the student’s approved VA benefit. (MyCAA funding, Traditional Army tuition assistance, and traditional college financial aid does not apply.)
Who is eligible for VA funding?
The VA determines eligibility of all VA Educational Benefits. Servicemembers, Veterans, and their family members MAY qualify. The VA determines if they meet all the requirements. VA Educational Benefits include - Chapter, 30, 31, 33, 33TEB, 35 and 1606.
How do I apply for VA Educational Benefits for the SHRM-CP/SHRM-SCP Certification Preparation Course?
- Contact Workforce Development for registration and questions about the course.
- Contact JCC Veteran Services to use VA Educational Benefits. In order to receive VA Educational Benefits students must see JCC Veteran Services to complete their VA application and to be certified. Funding amounts vary depending on the student’s approved VA benefit.
Traditional Army tuition assistance, GI Bill® funding, MYCAA funding and traditional college financial aid does not apply.
Certification Opportunities
After completing this program, learners will have the option to take the leading national/industry-recognized certification exam essential to employment in this fast-growing field.
Human Resources Professional
Cost: $1,945.00
Online Class
150 course hours
Textbooks included
Exam Voucher not included
9 months
Open enrollment
Self paced
The Human Resources Professional course prepares you for a career and professional certification in human resources (HR). This course explores the foundational aspects of HR, including human resource laws, hiring disciplines, and labor relations. You will learn industry-recognized practices that align with the Human Resource Certification Institute (HRCI) and the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM).
By the time you finish the online human resources certification e-course, you will be equipped to start your career in this growing field. Additionally, this course will prepare you to take the HRCI's Professional Certification in Human Resources (PHR) exam. The PHR certification recognizes that an individual holds the knowledge and experience needed to excel in human resource management.
During this HR training, you will also learn information useful for other certification exams, including SHRM's Certified Professional (SHRM-CP) exam and the HRCI's Associate Professional in Human Resources (aPHR) exam.
Funding Opportunities
MyCAA funding may apply for qualified individuals. MyCAA Education and Training Plans (ETPs) must be submitted at least 4 weeks prior to the training start date to MyCAA for consideration for funding within the training program.
Traditional Army tuition assistance, GI Bill® funding and traditional college financial aid does not apply.
Are you eligible for funding?
Register with funding here.
Program Objectives
After completing this program, learners will be able to:
- Comprehensive knowledge needed to sit for the aPHR, PHR, or SHRM-CP certification exams
- A broad overview of human resources practices
- Skills for handling recruitment, performance appraisals, and training processes
- Strategic decision making for compensation and job evaluation
- Foundational knowledge of U.S. laws and regulations regarding employment practices
- OSHA rules governing employee health and safety
- Strategies for implementing retention initiatives
- Remote work and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) considerations
How you will benefit
- Learn how to contribute to company strategy planning so you can be a more valuable member of the team
- Prepare for aPHR, PHR, or SHRM-CP certification and set yourself apart
- Open the door to new career opportunities and higher salaries after obtaining your aPHR, PHR, or SHRM-CP certification, including jobs such as: HR generalist, Recruiter, HR Representative, HR Assistant, HR Specialist, HR Manager, Compensation and Benefits Manager, and more
Certification Opportunities
After completing this program, learners will have the option to take the leading national/industry-recognized certification exam essential to employment in this fast-growing field.
SHRM-CP/SHRM-SCP Certification
Prerequisites
There are no prerequisites for taking this course, other than basic computer knowledge.
Disclosure: In partnership with Jefferson Community College, this program will be fully delivered by Education To Go (Ed2Go). Ed2Go is headquartered at P.O. Box 760, Temecula, CA 92593. There are no additional costs students are expected to incur as a result of enrolling in the educational program.
VA Educational Benefits funding may apply for qualified individuals. In order to receive VA Educational Benefits students must see JCC Veteran Services to complete their VA application and to be certified. Funding amounts vary depending on the student’s approved VA benefit. (MyCAA funding, Traditional Army tuition assistance, and traditional college financial aid does not apply.)
Who is eligible for VA funding?
The VA determines eligibility of all VA Educational Benefits. Servicemembers, Veterans, and their family members MAY qualify. The VA determines if they meet all the requirements. VA Educational Benefits include - Chapter, 30, 31, 33, 33TEB, 35 and 1606.
How do I apply for VA Educational Benefits for the SHRM-CP/SHRM-SCP Certification Preparation Course?
- Contact Workforce Development for registration and questions about the course.
- Contact JCC Veteran Services to use VA Educational Benefits. In order to receive VA Educational Benefits students must see JCC Veteran Services to complete their VA application and to be certified. Funding amounts vary depending on the student’s approved VA benefit.
Special thanks to The North Country Human Resource Association whose generous support for the training program makes it a success.