The term ‘recertification’ has two meanings. Usually, the term ‘recertification’ is used to refer to the process by means of which certified members maintain their certification. Another use of the term ‘recertification’ refers to the process by which individuals who have lapsed their membership in HRPA, or who may have lost the use of the designation because of a failure to meet recertification requirements or as a result of disciplinary action, are able to restore their right to use the designation. This is also known as ‘reinstatement.’Recertification is an essential component of HRPA’s certification framework. The objective of the recertification requirement is to ensure that individuals certified by HRPA participate in ongoing professional development activities.
Purpose of Recertification
The purpose of HRPA’s recertification requirement is to ensure that certified members participate in ongoing professional development activities that:
· enhance their abilities as an HR practitioner and strategic business partner,
· contribute to the acquisition of new knowledge,
· build familiarity with contemporary HR issues,
· reinforce essential skills related to HR practice, and
· contribute to the development of new skills that enhance performance as a HR
professional.
Recertification represents a commitment to continuous learning in a profession impacted by economic, social, business and legislative changes. Certified members must recertify by accumulating the required number of recertification points.
Recertification Requirement
Individuals are required to obtain 100 points per three year cycle through professional development activities (in accordance with the HRPA Recertification Log) during the three year period. There is no requirement to obtain a certain number of points each year within the three year period, however certified members are strongly encouraged to design a personal professional development plan that outlines an annual schedule.
Recertification points can be earned through continuing education, leadership activities, instructional activities, completion of significant work projects and/or initiatives, and research or publication.
By accumulating 100 points through a combination of these various activities certified members reinforce their existing skills and build new skills, are exposed to up-to-date information relevant to the HR profession, and remain current with relevant economic, social, business and legislative changes.
Certified members are expected to choose professional development activities that will best compliment their own professional development needs.
Advanced planning is very strongly encouraged and will ensure that recertification is manageable and a professionally enriching experience.
Rationale for Recertification Period
The choice of a three-year certification period reflects HRPA’s commitment to helping certified members remain up-to-date and knowledgeable about the economic, social, business and legislative changes that impact the HR profession. Requiring recertification every three years ensures that certified members keep pace as new information is introduced. Just because the requirement is to document recertification activities every third year does not mean that members should participate in professional development activities every third year—it is expected that professional development would be on-going.
Recertification Log
For the purposes of meeting the recertification requirements through professional development activities, individuals must consult the recertification log.
The log outlines development categories and types of activities that fall within each category. Each activity is allotted recertification points. Certified members do not need to accrue recertification points in all categories.
A broad range of activities qualify towards recertification including the accruing of renewal points for on the job activities. Certified members are encouraged to consider all sections of the log when recertifying. The following is an overview of the main categories. Consult the log for more detailed information;
Category A - Continuing Education - maximum 100 points: Professional development activities may include seminars, workshops, and conferences.
Category B - Leadership - maximum 70 points: Professional development activities may include, mentoring, and volunteering.
Category C - Instruction - maximum 70 points: Professional development activities may include developing or teaching HR courses for credit at a university, college, institute, or workplace. This category will be of particular interest to academics, consultants, and corporate trainers.
Category D - Significant Work Projects/Initiatives - maximum 75 points: Professional development activities include significant first-time human resources management program or project or, secondments and special assignments.
Category E - Research or Publication - maximum 50 points: Professional development activities include conducting research, authoring and publishing of texts or articles.
Three percent of all log submissions are randomly chosen and audited for accuracy and appropriately submitted professional development activities. Logs are due by May 31 in the year an individual is due to recertify.
Making Professional Development Choices
For the purposes of meeting the recertification requirements through professional development activities, individuals must consult the HRPA Recertification Log.
The log outlines development categories and types of activities that fall within each category. Each activity is allotted recertification points. You do not need to accrue recertification points in all categories.
Members are encouraged to consider the following question when selecting their recertification activities: "Does the activity further my abilities as an HR practitioner and strategic business partner?" If the answer is yes then log the activity.
Social activities are not accepted towards recertification unless they contain a very specific professional development component. If this is the case, only the specific time dedicated to professional development may be submitted for consideration.
When will I be required to recertify?