I just read a post from Ben at Upstart HR on HRCI’s upcoming changes for PHR and SPHR certifications.  Since I’ve got a few years’ HR experience and some letters after my name, I feel somewhat qualified to at least comment on certifications in general.

I’ve always thought it strange how some people believe that certifications and/or degrees will somehow make them smarter.  I’ll admit that organized courses and exams are helpful ways to focus on a particular topic.  And, most professionally-run courses are a good way to learn something new and useful.  However, from practical experience, I will state loud and clear that degrees and certifications simply mean you’ve paid the price (in more ways than one) and passed some exams.  Neither educational degrees nor professional certifications mean that you’ll be able to solve problems, prioritize tasks, get things done on time and within budget, or be a better leader.  The letters after your name simply mean you’re in the club.

I know several people who have degrees and certifications that I wouldn’t have working with me for ten minutes.  They can’t solve problems, they can’t think creatively, they don’t return phone calls, they can’t summarize long documents … well, you get the picture.  (And, we may be talking about some of the same people!)  I believe education and professional certifications are important, but not necessarily deserving of an immediate job offer or my respect.

When I landed my Cessna in a nasty crosswind (many years ago) and proudly emerged with my new pilot’s license in hand, my flight instructor was there to meet me.  He congratulated me and said, “Now you can learn to fly without killing somebody.”  Simply put, the license meant that I had passed some exams and proved I knew some basics.  However, it didn’t guarantee that I would exercise good judgment at all times and not panic if the engine suddenly quit at 8,500 feet over the Gulf of Mexico.  The same thing can be said of your scuba diving c-card, your drivers license, and similar badges of courage, sweat, and late-night hours.

Certifications and degrees simply mean you’ve got the tools to do the job.  They don’t mean you’ll know which tool to pull out when a problem issue arises.

Back to changes for HRCI certifications, I’m OK with them.  Just realize that letters after your name mean your supposed to know what to do – it doesn’t mean you will be successful.  You’re part of the club, but it doesn’t mean much more.  The rest has to be earned … the old fashioned way.

What’s been your experience?  Am I way off base here or just being insensitive?