Whether through personal/professional knowledge, internet research or other, please find out about the HRCI (PHR/SPHR) and SHRM-CP and SCP certifications. Once you identify information such as: What do the certifications entail? Who should sit for the exams? Is there a re-certification period? Then please address the following questions: 1. What professional benefit do you see (if at all) to obtaining one or both certifications? 2. If you have one or both certifications, please let the class know. 3. Can you identify specific skills you would like to acquire, develop, or enhance? Are there any actions items you can take now to work on your goals (including taking this course?) 4. Can you identify any gaps between where you see yourself now and where you need/want to be with the skills you identified in #3? 5. Are there any actions you can take now to close the gap? As background information, the SHRM certification is fairly new and the HRCI (PHR/SPHR) certifications have been around for quite some time. Both certifications give HR professionals an extra set of credentials, and showcase their skills in areas such as strategic management, organizational development/training, staffing and selection, compensation and benefits, safety/security, and legal compliance. I have both the SPHR and the SHRM-SCP certifications