02/10/16 sw/kb

HAYS, Kan. -- A partnership between Fort Hays State University's Management Development Center and the Society for Human Resource Management will offer a 10-week online course starting Monday, Feb. 22, to help human resource professionals prepare for SHRM's new competency-based certification exams.

The next testing window for the SHRM certification exam begins May 1 for the Certified Professional (SHRM-CP) and the Senior Certified Professional (SHRM-SCP).

"With the help of outstanding certification preparation tools from SHRM, our course will help professionals prepare and stay on track for the SHRM-CP and the SHRM-SCP exams, giving professionals the recognition and flexibility to use their knowledge, skills and competencies anywhere their career takes them," said Sabrina William, MDC director.

SHRM, the world's largest association devoted to human resource management, announced in May 2014 that it was developing a new certification based on the SHRM Competency Model, which identifies eight behavioral competencies and one technical competency -- HR Knowledge or HR Expertise -- that professionals need to advance their careers and improve effectiveness in the workplace.

"The Society for Human Resource Management is delighted at the opportunity to partner with the FHSU MDC and to help HR professionals acquire both the competencies and knowledge essential for success in today's global economy," said J. Robert Carr, senior professional in human resources and SHRM senior vice president for membership, marketing and external affairs.

SHRM focuses on making sure HR professionals seek and attain certification, and the SHRM certification preparation programs are designed to maximize success, both on the exam and in career development.

"SHRM is committed to ensuring that the certifications our certificants receive are recognized as best in class and distinguishes them in the marketplace. We regard the SHRM-CP and SHRM-SCP as the new standard in certification for the HR profession," said Carr.

The MDC is a division of the College of Business and Entrepreneurship. The College of Business and Entrepreneurship also offers an SHRM-endorsed Bachelor of Business Administration in management with a concentration in human resource management and a Master of Professional Studies in human resource management.

For more information on SHRM certifications, visit www.shrmcertification.org. For more information, or to register for MDC's preparation course, contact William at 785-628-4124 or visit www.fhsu.edu/cob/mdc/SHRM-Certification-Course.