Earning the SHRM California certification is a significant achievement, particularly the SHRM California Law HR Specialty Credential. This certification is essential for HR professionals because California has a wide range of employment laws that require strict compliance with specific wage and hour regulations, leave entitlements, and anti-discrimination policies.
Notably, California’s civil rights laws have expanded to protect against discrimination based on 18 characteristics, including race, gender, and disability. With a labor force participation rate of approximately 62.2%, California demonstrates a strong engagement of working-age individuals in the job market.
This competitive environment underscores the importance for HR professionals to be knowledgeable about local laws to effectively attract and retain talent.
Check Out: How Do I Get SHRM Certified?
SHRM California Law HR Specialty Credential
The SHRM California Law HR Specialty credential focuses on the unique complexities of California’s employment laws, which are among the most intricate in the United States.
The credential equips HR professionals with the critical knowledge needed to develop employment guidelines that comply with California’s labor code.
This includes understanding over 52 updated California laws for 2024, which encompass various aspects such as wage and hour regulations, leave entitlements, and anti-discrimination policies. Given California’s diverse workforce and robust labor market, this credential is essential for HR professionals aiming to navigate the complexities of employment law effectively.
This credential is intended for individuals who practice or conduct business in California and wish to demonstrate their expertise in understanding and applying California’s complex employment laws. Participants include HR professionals, administrators, executive assistants, office managers, and small business owners.
Check Out: SHRM Certified Professional Salary California
How to Earn the SHRM California Employment Law Micro-Credential
To earn the SHRM California Employment Law Micro-Credential, candidates must complete several key components.
Purchase the Learning Package
The first step is to purchase the SHRM California Law HR Specialty Credential learning package, which includes all necessary components for earning the credential.
Complete the Required Courses
The learning package consists of several key components:
- Enrollment in the California HR: Applying CA Law to Employment Practices Program: This program includes a two-day instructor-led seminar that covers essential aspects of California employment law.
- Foundations of CA Employment Law eLearning Course: This foundational course must be completed before attending the in-person seminar. It provides an overview of California’s employment law landscape.
- Five Comprehensive SHRM eLearning Courses: Participants must complete the following courses, each focusing on specific aspects of California employment law:
- CA Wage and Hour Laws
- CA Privacy, Safety, and Security
- CA Mandated Benefits and Workers’ Compensation Insurance
- CA Protected Leaves of Absence
- CA Employee and Employer Relations
Pass the Knowledge Assessment
After completing all required courses, candidates must pass an online California knowledge assessment. This assessment consists of 51 questions designed to evaluate the participant’s understanding of California’s employment laws.
Add Your Credential to Professional Profiles
Upon successfully passing the assessment, candidates can add their specialty credential to their email signature, resume, and social media profiles. This addition serves as proof of their expertise in California HR and enhances their professional credibility.
Find out More: How To Earn SHRM Specialty Credential
Eligibility Requirements for SHRM California Credential
To earn the SHRM California Law HR Specialty Credential, candidates do not need to hold a prior SHRM certification, such as SHRM-CP or SHRM-SCP. This makes the credential accessible to a broader range of HR professionals who wish to enhance their knowledge of California’s complex employment laws.
Upon successful completion of the program, participants will receive 26.5 Professional Development Credits (PDCs). These credits can be applied toward the certification or recertification of SHRM-CP or SHRM-SCP credentials. The PDCs earned will automatically populate in the participant’s SHRM certification profile, streamlining the process for those already certified.
Check Out: SHRM-CP Certification Requirements
SHRM California Law HR Specialty Credential Cost
The cost to enroll in this credential program varies based on membership status with SHRM.
- SHRM Members: The cost for members is approximately $1,755.
- Non-Members: For non-members, the enrollment fee is about $2,030.
These fees cover all necessary components of the program, including course materials, access to eLearning modules, and the knowledge assessment required to earn the credential.
Read More: How Much Is SHRM Membership
SHRM Certification Test Prep
Adequate preparation is essential for the SHRM course due to the exam’s challenging nature. To assist HR professionals in achieving their certification goals, Prepsaret offers an affordable SHRM Certification Prep course.
This comprehensive program is tailored for both the SHRM Certified Professional (SHRM-CP) and the SHRM Senior Certified Professional (SHRM-SCP) exams, providing candidates with the necessary knowledge and skills for career advancement.
Course Offerings
This prep course includes SHRM practice questions that enhance the study experience. Prepsaret’s practice tests are regularly updated to align with the latest exam content, ensuring candidates study relevant material. The practice tests are refreshed within 30 days of any changes to the SHRM-CP exam.
Features of the SHRM Prep Course
- Simulated Test Conditions: The practice tests closely mimic the actual SHRM-CP exam, offering candidates an authentic testing experience with questions of similar difficulty that cover the same competencies and knowledge areas.
- Detailed Answer Explanations: Each practice question is accompanied by a thorough explanation of the correct answer, helping candidates understand the reasoning behind each response and gain insights into the thought process involved.
By utilizing these resources, candidates can effectively prepare for their exams and increase their chances of success.
Try Out: Free SHRM-SCP Questions
Is SHRM California Certification Worth It?
The SHRM California Law HR Specialty Credential is a valuable certification for HR professionals in California. Obtaining this credential provides numerous benefits for those seeking to advance their careers and improve their effectiveness in managing human resources in the state.
Enhanced Knowledge
Participants gain a comprehensive understanding of California’s labor laws, which are among the most intricate in the United States. This knowledge is crucial for HR practitioners, as it enables them to navigate the legal landscape effectively and apply relevant laws to their HR practices.
The key areas of focus include:
- Correctly implement California wage and hour laws and regulations.
- Properly apply California benefits and workers’ compensation laws and regulations.
- Comply with essential regulations affecting employee-employer relations in California.
- Accurately apply California rules concerning leaves of absence when calculating employee leave.
- Interpret and implement California employment regulations related to security, safety, and privacy.
Career Advancement
Holding this specialty credential sets professionals apart in a competitive job market. It showcases their expertise in state-specific employment law, making them more attractive to potential employers and positioning them for career growth and advancement opportunities.
Networking Opportunities
The program encourages engagement with instructors and fellow participants, fostering valuable connections within the HR community. Networking can lead to mentorship opportunities, collaborations, and insights into best practices that can enhance one’s professional journey.
Practical Application
The curriculum includes interactive exercises that allow participants to apply their knowledge directly to real-world scenarios. This hands-on approach ensures that learners can translate theory into practice, enhancing their problem-solving skills and confidence in handling HR-related issues.
Compliance Assurance
By understanding California’s complex legal framework, HR professionals are better equipped to help organizations mitigate risks associated with employment practices. This knowledge not only protects the organization from potential legal issues but also contributes to creating a fair and compliant workplace environment.
Which HR Certification Pays Most?
When evaluating which HR certification pays the most, the Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR) from the HR Certification Institute (HRCI) and the SHRM Senior Certified Professional (SHRM-SCP) are among the top contenders. Both certifications are designed for experienced HR professionals and can significantly impact salary potential.
According to various reports, HR professionals with the SPHR certification typically earn between $68,000 and $212,000 annually, with an average salary of around $95,600 for HR directors. Similarly, those holding the SHRM-SCP certification can expect comparable salary ranges, often reflecting a similar or slightly higher earning potential due to its broader focus on strategic HR issues.
Additionally, certified professionals tend to earn significantly more than their uncertified counterparts. For instance, in cities like Washington D.C., certified HR professionals can see a salary difference of up to $27,400 per year compared to those without certification.
Ultimately, while both certifications provide substantial salary benefits, the choice between them may depend on individual career goals and the specific requirements of potential employers in your area.
Continue Reading: SHRM Certified Professional Salary
FAQs
How Do You Qualify for HR Certification in California?
To qualify for an HR credential in California, applicants must be current state civil service employees with at least three years of experience in a state HR work environment or an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) program.
This experience is typically acquired through roles in a departmental HR unit or EEO office, ensuring candidates are well-versed in relevant practices and regulations.
Is the SHRM Exam Hard?
The SHRM exam is generally considered moderately difficult, requiring significant preparation to pass. Candidates often report needing between 41 to 120 hours of study time.
The exam covers a broad range of HR topics, and many find success by utilizing study materials and practice tests. While some individuals may pass with minimal preparation, most benefit from a structured study plan to enhance their understanding and performance on the exam.
Check Out: SHRM-CP Pass Rate
How Much Does It Cost To Join SHRM?
Joining SHRM costs $264 annually for a professional membership, which is suitable for anyone interested in human resources. There is also a student membership available for $49 per year for those enrolled in HR-related degree programs. Membership provides access to various resources, networking opportunities, and discounts on events and educational offerings.
Find Out More: How Much Does it Cost to Get SHRM Certified?