Do you know how to document your continuing education activities for strategic management recertification credit? Are you wondering what type of activities count towards strategic management credit? For answers to these questions and more, ask your questions now.

Moderator: Welcome to the Virtual Strategic Management Counselor session. You may now submit your questions.

Westborough, MA: Worked with Chairman of the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors and the EVP of the company to develop a compensation philosophy to align compensation philosophy with the strategic goal of the company. Our company is owned by equity investors. The strategic goal is to grow the business in size and profitability in order to sell the company. The company's only assets are its people. In order to increase profitability, we must have manpower with the skills and abilities to staff the projects as we sign new contracts. First time experience working directly with Board of Directors in a strategic initiative for the company. Would this apply to Strategic Management credits?

Virtual Strategic Management Counselor: If this is a first-time work experience for you, then, yes. This would be awarded credit under On the Job. Please estimate the number of hours that you spent on this activity and enter it for credit. Keep in mind that the maximum amount that may be awarded for On the Job is 20 hours.

Twin Falls, Id: Is their an audio portion to this?

Virtual Strategic Management Counselor: There is no audio, but the transcript will be posted on the HR Certification Institute web site next week.

Raleigh, NC: Given the state of the economy and jobless situation, is there any consideration being given to "bailout" support to certified HR Professionals (i.e., extend the current 3-yr window of the recertification cycle)? Extreme environmental circumstances warrant flexibility in every sector. Thank you.

Virtual Strategic Management Counselor: We do not have a provision for the state of the economy. Check out the website to see the ways that recertification may be earned On the Job, via volunteer work and through conducting instruction on HR topics. Please note: we still have the extension policy. Check it out in the RC Handbook: /hrci_files/_items/hrci-mr-tab4-180/docs/hrci_recertification_handbook2008%20--%20new%20logo.pdf

Do you have questions about documenting your Strategic Management activities for SPHR recertification that you have not found the answers to in any of the archives on HRCI's website?

Plan on participating in the next Virtual Strategic Management Counselor session. Click here to view the upcoming schedule.

Moderator: Welcome to the Virtual Strategic Management Counselor session. You may now submit your questions.

Saint Joseph, MI: When I was logged in to the recertification website, I couldn't find where to enter strategic management points.

HRCI: After the description and facilitator field, there is a field for you to designate what kind of credit you would like. Please check it again and if you do not see it, please give us a call.

Clifton Park, NY: For general education credits for recertification, I have submitted several workshops which were conducted by our company's "university courses" taught by a VP of HR. How will I know whether they are accepted? If they are not, will I receive an extension to replace those hours with something that will be accepted?

HRCI: At this time the recertification applications are taking 6-8 weeks for a response. If your application is not approved, you will have ample time to submit additional information. However, the activities must still take place by your due date. If that is past, then you will not have "an extension" to get more activities done.

Tacoma, WA: I do not have program numbers for all of my classes. Can I still submit without the number?

HRCI: Yes.

S. Jordan, UT: What is the approved format for submitting strategic experiences for acceptance for credit?

HRCI: If you are submitting a continuing education activity for Strategic credit, then the content must be tied to the Strategic Managment area of the body of knowledge, there is no "format". The same is true for activities submitted under Instruction and Research and Publishing. Under On the Job, there is no specific format, but it is important that you make the point about your contribution made a business impact to the bottom line of your organization.

Los Angeles, CA: Can I receive 2 credits for my membership in APT (Association for Psychological Type) although they do not have a Los Angeles regional center?

HRCI: If the APT is a national or international association, then you can request 2 hours of credit per year of membership during your cycle.

Los Angeles, CA: How many hours credit can I receive for taking MBTI Step II Results from CPP that ran from 9-4 - there were no credits associated with it?

HRCI: You need to determine the actual amount spent in the classroom subtracting time for meals, breaks, registration.... HRCI generally awards 6 hours per day. If additional documentation is provided indicating a greater time investment, then more hours may be awarded. Please contact HRCI via fax or email to provide a certificate that verifies the hours you are requesting or an agenda that indicates the start and end times for educational sessions attended.

Baton Rouge, LA: I conducted a market analysis of benchmark jobs as well as researched general structure movement trends. Positions identified in the market research were selected based on the availability of the competitive data and the number of employees in each position. This research encompassed approximately 2/3 of all jobs within the company and represented at least ¾ of all employees. Based upon the results of the research, I made a recommendation for an overall adjustment to my company’s pay grade structure as well as reassignment of specific positions to a different grade based upon competitive market data. Once the new ranges were agreed upon, employee salaries were reviewed and market adjustments for individuals falling below new minimums were identified. This information was shared with the F&A department and was included as part of the company overall payroll budget planning for the upcoming fiscal year. In addition to the research, analysis and recommendations made to the ranges, I developed Base Pay Administrative Guidelines, Supervisor Compensation Guidelines, a Merit Increase Guideline chart as well as an overall communication/explanation for supervisors on how to handle increases and market adjustments for the upcoming fiscal year. This was presented to the Senior Management Team for review/approval, was accepted and implemented throughout the company. Will this count as strategic?

HRCI: This would be awarded general recertification hours, but not the specified hours in strategic management. The Strategic Management domain of the PHR/SPHR Body of Knowledge encompasses those HR responsibilities that fall OUTSIDE of the traditional human resources function. Generally, if the subject matter is contained in one of the five other domains of the Body of Knowledge (Workforce Planning & Employment, Human Resource Development, Total Rewards, Employee and Labor Relations and Risk Management), it belongs there and NOT in the Strategic Management Domain. This activity is tied to the HR Test Specifications via Total Rewards. For more information on the Strategic Management requirement, please refer to our webpage: /Recertification/STMGT/

Jackson, MS: Would developing new policies for employee handbook be eligible for strategic management credit? If so, how would you submit time?

HRCI: This activity would not qualify for strategic credit. However, we can award general credit. If this was a first-time work experience that added to your HR body of knowledge, please submit under the "on-the-job" category. It will be necessary to provide a brief description of your new experience, the duration dates and hours spent on the project.

BR, LA: Would participation on my company’s HRIS selection/project team be considered strategic? I attended the HR Technology Conference in 2006 as well as several HRIS user conferences in 2007 to identify and recommend 3-4 HRIS systems for my company to consider. I have developed a scope document as well as assisted with development of an RFP to send out to the vendors, participated in discovery conference calls/meetings with each vendor. Prior to my recertification date, I will have participated in the evaluation of the on-site vendor demos, site visits to the vendor clients as well as well as develop a proposal to our Senior Management team and Board of Directors for approval to move forward with the selection of a HRIS vendor.

HRCI: This would be awarded general recertification hours, but not the specified hours in strategic management. The Strategic Management domain of the PHR/SPHR Body of Knowledge encompasses those HR responsibilities that fall OUTSIDE of the traditional human resources function. Generally, if the subject matter is contained in one of the five other domains of the Body of Knowledge (Workforce Planning & Employment, Human Resource Development, Total Rewards, Employee and Labor Relations and Risk Management), it belongs there and NOT in the Strategic Management Domain. This activity is tied to the HR Test Specifications via Core Knowledge Required by HR Professional. For more information on the Strategic Management requirement, please refer to our webpage: /Recertification/STMGT/

Los Angeles, CA: Can I receive credit in Strategic Management for taking Innovation & business at UCLA from 9-4 which has a little CEU credits?

HRCI: If the title of the course is Innovation and Business, then yes, that content would be appropriate for Strategic Management credit.

PlymouthMI: I was on the management negotiating team for recent UAW labor negotiations; it involved much strategic planning before the negotiations with management and corporate staff. How can I determine if any of the time would count toward strategic credits?

HRCI: Generally, this type of activity would be linked to the "Employee and Labor Relations" area of the Body of Knowledge. We can award general credit. To further discuss your concerns, please contact a Recertification Specialist at (866) 898-4724.

Tacoma, WA: I've developed 3 different trainings for our staff that was part of the organizations Strategic Plan. The development of these trainings took approximately 8 hours each to develop and I spent 35 hours conducting the trainings. Can I claim all of these hours on my Strategic Mgmt credits?

HRCI: You can request credit for developing trainings under Instruction. However, developing trainings for your staff is tied to the HR Body of Knowledge via Human Resource Development. They SHOULD be aligned with the organizations strategic plan, but that does not make your contribution strategic. What you describe is part of conventional HR responsibility with regard to Human Resource Development. Also, remember that HRCI awards recertification credit for a one-time presentation of material.

Los Angeles, CA: What is the difference between SPHR - CA and SPHR? My certificate says SPHR.

HRCI: You have passed the SPHR exam. An SPHR-CA is a SPHR who has passed the California certification exam.

Canton, MS: When programs are approved for PHR and SPHR credit, how do we know if they qualify for Strategic SPHR credit?

HRCI: The vendor is advised to advertise the program using the HRCI pre-approval seal and the language next to the seal should indicate that it is specifically awarded strategic Managment credit. This should also appear on any certificate of completion provided by the vendor along with the program number.

Los Angeles, CA: Can I receive credit for online courses I have taken at my company that are required for HR Professionals, e.g. Managing Within the Law, Affirmative Action Training, and Lean 101?

HRCI: Yes.

Tacoma, WA: I developed a Pay for Performance Appraisal Evaluation form as well as pay matrix, then put our managers through training on how to conduct performance evaluations. Would the time spent developing the appraisal form and pay matrix and the training count towards my Strategic Mgmt credits?

HRCI: This activity would for general recertification credit.

Los Angeles, CA: I am leading my site's HR effort in Lean +. We do not use a balanced score card but a vision support plan that uses extensive metrics that are rolled up from the divisions to the top of the organization. Can I use that instead?

HRCI: I am not sure if this is a question about practice or recertification credit. Please clarify.

San Francisco: This year I noticed I was able to gain credit for attending a legal update. Is that new - applying these credits toward strategic credit?

HRCI: Generally, attending a legal update is awarded General credit, NOT Strategic Management credit.

Denver, CO: Would a graduate program in Education with a specialization in Organizational Performance and Change qualify for strategic credit.

HRCI: We will need the course title(s) and description(s) to determine eligibility for strategic credit.

Denver, CO: I recently lead a redesign plan for one of our training departments that resulted in a revamp of the roles and responsibilities and a redesign of the curriculum that reduced the training time by 6 days and implemented an incentive program for performance during training. Does this fit the strategic criteria and how would you calculate the hours?

HRCI: More information is needed. What is the purpose of this activity? What was the business impact to your organization? The answers to these will begin to show us whether the activity was strategic or not.

Jacksonville, FL: Has any thought been given to allowing an MBA to substitute for strategic? I find myself taking the seminars on material I already know just to fulfill this requirement. Thanks

HRCI: Continuing education in Strategic Management is designed to encourage HR professionals to learn more about "the business" in order to be able to make a greater contribution to organizational success. You may be more challenged to submit an On the Job activity that demonstrates your use of the knowledge you already have.

Phoenix, AZ: when an association request pre-approval of a conference, if it qualifies for strategic credit hours is it possible for HRCI to designate it as such when it provides the approval code?

HRCI: Typically, a conference can include general and/or strategic sessions. Therefore, the organization requesting approval must submit any strategic sessions offered separately for evaluation. As a participant, you may designate any conference sessions attended for strategic credit on your application for evaluation.

Brooklyn, NY: Does either SHRM or HRCI offer free webcasts/podcasts to SHRM members that qualify toward the 15 hour strategic requirement for SPHR certification? Do you have a directory or contact info for other organizations providing that benefit?

HRCI: SHRM offers webcasts free to national members, some of which are pre-approved for Strategic Management credit. For other organizations that offer webcasts, free or otherwise, visit our approved provider listing, found on our website at: /CEPreApprovals/DAP/ PLEASE NOTE: On March 7, a searchable online directory of events appropriate for recertification credit, will be available. Check out the HRCI website under Pre-Approval Programs.

Tacoma, WA: I am a volunteer for Junior Achievement. I am teaching Financial Literacy to High School students at a local High School. There are 5 sessions/ 1 hour each. Can these hours be counted towards any type of credit?

HRCI: Volunteer Instruction programs must be at the collegiate or professional level to be awarded recertification credit.

Bloomington, IN: I participated in a Leaders Program offered to IT senior managers in the Big 10 schools. (I'm the IT HR director.) This program covered many of the topics mentioned in the continuing education samples for strategic management. There were five sessions at different institutions meeting 2 days each. Is there a maximum number hours that can be given for continuing education; that is, does some have to be in the on-the-job category?

HRCI: There is no maximum amount for awarding credit under Continuing Education, strategic or otherwise.

Los Angeles, CA: I just completed the online training for the Strong Interest Inventory. It runs from 20-25 hours. Should I just put in the minimum?

HRCI: HRCI generally awards 6 hours per day. If you are requesting more than that, then be prepared to submit additional documentation indicating a greater time investment.

Jackson, MS: Developing a job-grade structure - general or strategic?

HRCI: This would be awarded general recertification hours, but not the specified hours in strategic management. The Strategic Management domain of the PHR/SPHR Body of Knowledge encompasses those HR responsibilities that fall OUTSIDE of the traditional human resources function. Generally, if the subject matter is contained in one of the five other domains of the Body of Knowledge (Workforce Planning & Employment, Human Resource Development, Total Rewards, Employee and Labor Relations and Risk Management), it belongs there and NOT in the Strategic Management Domain. This activity is tied to the HR Test Specifications via Total Rewards. For more information on the Strategic Management requirement, please refer to our webpage: /Recertification/STMGT/

Los Angeles, CA: I asked the question about Lean. Your website indicates you can receive credit for strategic management activities under the category on-the-job experience for developing a balanced scorecard metrics to measure effectiveness of the HR department. I am leading an effort to develop site HR teams to work on Lean processes. We measure it by using our own internal scorecard that is the standard one used throughout the organization. Could I receive credit for leading that effort?

HRCI: Thank you for re-phrasing your question. If your measurements show the business impact of HR responsibilities, then yes.

Jacksonville, FL: I participated on a multi-departmental work team whose purpose was to evaluate vendors, select, implement, and train employees on a new timekeeping system. Strategic?

HRCI: You would have to describe the strategic impact of the time-keeping system on the organization's operations or bottom line, including your strategic contribution in this process. Please provide sufficient specific details in order to allow our reviewers to make a determination in this case.

Moderator: Please submit your final questions as the session will be ending at 1:00.

Jackson, MS: I worked directly with HR Director (I am HR Manager) on completely revamping company leave plan to convert it to a PTO plan. Would any of my time working on this be strategic?

HRCI: If your HR Director made the decision that your company was going to change the leave plan to PTO, then it would it is within the realm of responsibility of an HR Manager to do that. It would be general credit.

Ballston Lake, NY: My division's HR department spearheaded and implemented a job rotation cross training program for our skilled manufacturing employees. I have submitted this program in detail to our other divisions as a shared best practice. Would this be considered a strategic or general credit project?

HRCI: We would need more information about the business impact of this change in practice in order to know whether it was strategic or not. What was YOUR contribution to the initiative? What was the purpose of doing this? What were the measurable results that showed that doing this propelled the organization forward? What has it done to elevate the value proposition the organization has for its customers?

Denver, CO: I developed and delivered a training course to front line employees to educate them on the mission, goals and objectives, does that qualify as strategic?

HRCI: We would need more information about the business impact of this practice in order to know whether it was strategic or not. You need to articulate the business purpose and impact this had on your organization. Otherwise, it can be described as Human Resource Development, or Employee Relations. It would seem to be a conventional responsibility to communicate the mission and goals of the organization to the employees. For many organizations, this is a routine practice. You would need to explain what makes it strategic for your organization.

New Rochelle, NY: My VP/Finance is involved in a consortium of college and university business officers and one of their focuses is on partnering to reduce costs -including benefit costs. I have been asked to work with the director of the consortium on this effort and this involves working with brokers, consultants and the HR/Finance reps of the other members’ institutions. Would any of this work count toward strategic management credits?

HRCI: Please articulate, how does this make your organization inherently any better? What is the business impact to your organization that is achieved by this? Please refer to our website and the page about Strategic Managment credit. /Recertification/docs/HRCI-MR-TAB4-1326.htm

Pittsburg, Ca: I have attended the MBTI qualifying training and the Edison Electric Institute training for a testing coordinator. I am the point person for the company on administering both these instruments. Both of the trainings were 32 hours. How much of the 64 hours if any would count as strategic?

HRCI: This would be awarded general recertification hours, but not the specified hours in strategic management. The Strategic Management domain of the PHR/SPHR Body of Knowledge encompasses those HR responsibilities that fall OUTSIDE of the traditional human resources function. Generally, if the subject matter is contained in one of the five other domains of the Body of Knowledge (Workforce Planning & Employment, Human Resource Development, Total Rewards, Employee and Labor Relations and Risk Management), it belongs there and NOT in the Strategic Management Domain. This activity is tied to the HR Test Specifications via Workforce Planning and Employment. Specifically it is tied to Knowledge area 15: Use and interpretation of selection tests (for example, psychological/personality, cognitive, motor/physical assessments, performance, assessment center). For more information on the Strategic Management requirement, please refer to our webpage: /Recertification/STMGT/

Denver, CO: Would a graduate class on Power, Politics & Influence qualify as Strategic?

HRCI: Please contact HRCI and submit the course description to a Recertification Specialist for review.

Los Angeles, CA: COMMENT: I found this extremely helpful. Thank you very much for this service.

HRCI: Thank you for your participation. Should you have questions regarding the recertification requirements, please feel free to contact a Recertification Specialist at (866) 898-4724.

Bloomington, IN: I am fascinated by the essay winners for the Strategic Management Best Practices, particularly the first one listed. If I chair a campus task force on Wellness to recommend policies and programs to effect healthier lifestyles (and save healthcare dollars) and partner with city-wide agencies forming a coalition would that be considered strategic management?

HRCI: You must describe the business impact of your activity. The example you cite was strategic not just because of the innovation and involvement from community agencies (this practice may be routine for some organizations), but also because of the (enormous) business impact it had: "Today, we have recouped the $450,000 deficit and now have a 1.7 million dollar balance." This is a very clear statement on how HR has impacted the value of that organization.

Moderator: Thank you for your participation! The transcript will be posted to the website in the next week

Do you have questions about documenting your Strategic Management activities for SPHR recertification? Are you still looking for more Strategic Management information after reviewing the Strategic Management pointers from HRCI's website? While many participate in HRCI's general Virtual Recertification Counselor sessions, we realize the clear need for a Virtual Certification Counselor devoted specifically to Strategic Management. That is the focus of today's session, which begins at 12 noon ET.

Moderator: Welcome to the Virtual Strategic Management Counselor session. You may now submit your questions.

Attleboro, MA: I am an HR Director working in the healthcare field. I am enrolled in a master's program in healthcare administration. I would like to submit a few of my courses for strategic credit: Quality Improvement and Performance Management in Healthcare, Health Services Administration and Leadership in Healthcare. All are 15-week courses. Would these qualify? How do I go about doing this?

HRCI: The Leadership in Healthcare may be appropriate for Strategic credit. When you review the content, check and see if it is a supervisory course, or a c-suite level course. If it is c-suite level, then it would be appropriate for strategic management credit.

Michigan: I attended the 2007 SHRM conference - how do I record this/get credit for this? Many of the workshops were strategic in nature.

HRCI: When you submit your Recertification application, submit each conference session that you attended individually on your online recertification application. That way, you can ask for Strategic credit for the appropriate sessions.

Shelton, CT: I am an SPHR and work at a full service career management firm. We primarily do outplacement and coaching. Recently we have added search to our business. I have evaluated what we offer and got the owners to agree that we needed an applicant tracking system. I researched, selected, designed and implemented one - along with revamping our entire website. Does this qualify as strategic? It is certainly changing the direction of our company. Thank you.

HRCI: It could be strategic because it was your initiative that you got approval from senior management and it was new for your organization. However, we would need to understand the business impact to your organization. Please contact HRCI and request to speak with a recertification specialist so that they can get more specific information from you.

Chicago, IL: Hello, I am new to this format....Is there a web-based presentation? Will we be able to see the questions that other people ask? Thank you, Dawn

HRCI: The transcript for this session will be posted to our website on Friday. You may view previous sessions at www.hrci.org/recertification/vsm/.

Seattle, WA: I understand all the recert can be done with the online application. I would like clarification regarding how and where the strategic management information is supposed to go. I haven't seen a place on the application to write the narrative that I believe is required.

HRCI: You can request that strategic credit be awarded for an activity that is submitted under the following categories: Continuing Education, Instruction, On the Job, and Research and Publishing. When you are in an individual form giving information about a specific activity you need to click the area of the form that indicates whether the activity should be reviewed as General or Specified, Strategic.

Cincinnati, Ohio: What level of detail is needed to describe the fulfillment of recertification requirements?

HRCI: The specific information that is requested on the form is usually enough. If a title is ambiguous, then you need to explain what the nature of the content was. HRCI awards a maximum of 6 hours per day. If you are asking for more than that, be prepared to fax documentation that shows the greater time investment.

: Where can I find out more information about this certification? I see info on the PHR/SPHR/GPHR certs, but not Strategic Management.

HRCI: There is not a specific Strategic Management certification. People who become SPHR certified must complete at least 15 hours (out of the total 60 needed to recertify) of Strategic Management specific activities.

Denver, CO: At the SHRM conference in DC two years ago, sessions were notated as qualifying for strategic credit. I noticed in the brochure for this year's conference there in no such notation on the daily sessions only the pre-conference workshops. Do any of the daily sessions qualify for strategic credits and how will we know if they do?

HRCI: For this year’s conference, the concurrent sessions are categorized by "tracks". Concurrent Sessions listed under the Strategic Management track qualify for strategic management credit.

Chicago, IL: I developed a leadership development program for employees from the college recruiting program that was aligned with our corporate succession planning program. Would that count towards my strategic recert credits? If yes, how do I document/justify it on the on-line application? Thank you.

HRCI: Developing a first-time leadership/succession plan for your organization may be awarded Strategic Management credit. When you submit it online, under Continuing Education, make sure to request specified, strategic credit.

Troy, mi: Leadership classes (profiles in leadership; dynamics of leadership) that I have been attending at a university would be considered for strategic credit?

HRCI: Some leadership classes are appropriate, and some are not. Usually if the content is geared toward a C-Suite perspective, then it is OK. However, "leadership" courses with content regarding delegation, time management, performance reviews are supervisory courses and are not appropriate for credit. Please review the content and determine whether it is a course directed toward senior management or not.

Tukwila, WA: I'm recertifying soon and will be doing so on-line for the first time, plus with the strategic management requirement. I've been on the HRCI site and clicking on the "online recertification application" link seemed to bring me to my profile. Where do I click from there? I am eager to go this and list my info! Thanks!

HRCI: From your profile, please click "Report or Add New Recertification Activities" to access the online recertification application. If you have further questions, please contact HRCI Customer Relations at (866) 898-4724.

Sacramento, CA: We recently went through a RIF and I partnered with the department heads to determine how many would be affected in each area by calculating the cost savings from each employee based on their salary, benefits and if we had reached our ROI based on the job type. I also prepared and presented to the President the breakdown of protected areas such as race, gender, age, etc, to determine if we had a disproportion in any one area. I recommended severance based on job type and years of service and presented the financial report to Accounting. Is this the type of activity that qualifies for Strategic certification hours?

HRCI: The activity you describe would not be awarded Strategic Management credit because it is tied to conventional HR responsibility by WORKFORCE PLANNING AND EMPLOYMENT: Responsibility 8 Develop and implement the organizational exit process for both voluntary and involuntary terminations, including planning for reductions in force (RIF). Knowledge of: 09 Quantitative analyses required to assess past and future staffing effectiveness (for example, cost-benefit analysis, costs per hire, selection ratios, adverse impact). 20 Voluntary and involuntary terminations, downsizing, restructuring, and outplacement strategies and practices.

St. Louis, Missouri: I am looking for reputable training vendors that offer HR courses/seminars that would qualify for recertification credit under the strategic management provision. Do you have any suggestions on locating a vendor/program?

HRCI: Check out our directory of approved provides at: /cepreapprovals/dap/ AND our new directory of approved events at:/dzapps/dbzap.bin/apps/assess/webmembers/tool?webid="HRCISite&pToolCode=TAB5&pCategory1=TAB5_SDAE&pSaveCat1=Yes"

Washington: I have on-the-job experience that I would like to submit for strategic management credit. What type of documentation would be required if my application is chosen for audit? Much of the documentation of the project is proprietary to the company and cannot be shared. Would a manager's authorization of the work be sufficient?

HRCI: There would need to be some kind of corroboration of activities and events if you are audited. A manager's documentation is helpful, but you may need more. Some kind of meeting notes, schedules, or company notification are also helpful.

Bellevue, WA: I've been keeping track of all my credits on the HRCI site (along with a back-up file). Can you confirm that I need to enter them again onto the online application or is there something I've missed to avoid that duplication.

HRCI: Once you add and submit an activity to your online recertification application, this activity is saved to your record. When you have accumulated the 60 hours required, please submit your online application for review.

Minneapolis, MN: My company is having a virtual HR Forum regarding the financial health of the company for HR professionals. The forum is being presented by the company's director of Investor Relations and will provide an overview on the financial performance of the company, referencing the company's public disclosures; explain 2008 Q1 earning results; share perspective on the current environment in the financial services industry; and explain how the company's financial performance impacts the HR professional's role. The forum will last an hour. Is this eligible for strategic HRCI credit?

HRCI: I suggest that you call and speak with a Recertification Specialist. Beyond "providing information" what was the stated purpose of making the seminar an HR Forum?

Downers Grove, IL: Hello, We are having a hard time getting qualified engineers to relocate to our area. We have decided to open a satellite office closer to where the qualified labor is. I have narrowed down the list to 5 cities and am doing research on their workforce skill levels, demographics, building occupancy rates, lease rates, openness of the city to new business ventures, etc. I am essentially doing an environmental scan in 5 cities. However my recert period ends 6/30. We are not likely to have a final decision on where we open our new office until after then. Can I count the time I am spending on this now towards my recert?

HRCI: You also need to call and speak with a Recertification Specialist. We need to understand exactly what stage of the project you are in and what kind of influence you had.

Naperville, IL: Hello, I am a HR Director with an insurance company. I am writing up an on the job activity to submit for recertification credit under the Strategic category. I spent time from June to September working on all of the facets of this activity. I am not sure how much detail to include and how to count the hours that I would submit for recertification.

HRCI: You need to tell us what influence you had on the decisions that were made and what the business impact is to the organization. For the hours, estimate the amount of time you invested in the project as best you can and submit it. However, note that the most HRCI will award for credit under On the Job is 20 hours.

Cincinnati, OH: Would a college credit course in Marketing count towards either strategic or general credit for SPHR certification? Also, how about an online module through the college on Accounting or Finance for Non-Financial Managers? Strategic? Thank You

HRCI: We can award strategic credit for Finance for Non-Financial Managers. Marketing and Accounting courses are not specific to HR. However, we will consider awarding strategic credit if you can explain 1) how the learning experience added to your strategic management skills and 2) how you applied the skills to organizational strategy.

Chicago, IL: Follow up to the leadership development program question...why would I list it under Continuing Education and not experience?

HRCI: You wouldn't! You are right; it needs to go under On the Job. There is also a place for you to request specified, strategic credit under On the Job. My Bad!

Moderator: Please submit your final questions as the session will be ending at 1:00.

Denver, CO: As a member of our executive team, I participated in a value selling class designed for our company's executives and sales team. We identified the features of our product differentiators, assessed our client's business needs and identified solutions. This information will also help us establish the framework for our approach to searching for talent and establishing business priorities. Will this qualify for strategic management credit?

HRCI: You must give the context of this training. In one company this may be business as usual. Because training and development is a conventional HR responsibility, this could be considered General credit. For us to determine whether it was strategic for your organization or not, you must articulate your personal contribution, (was it your idea to implement this training?) and the business impact it had on your organization. (How does this make your organization inherently more valuable than it was before?

California: Will the Coursecast On-Demand seminar from World at Work called Accounting and Finance for the Human Resources Professional work under the Strategic certification?

HRCI: Yes.

Dearborn, MI: I have been asked to attend quarterly meetings with my Senior Leadership team (Sr. VP, VP, and Directors). My attendance is to provide HR perspective in looking at the impact of short and long term strategies, objectives, etc. In addition, I have presented information regarding various programs/offerings from the HR department. Does this qualify and what is needed to verify this?

HRCI: Attending meetings would not be awarded recertification credit. Under on the Job, an experience must be new AND you must be able to articulate how it added to your understanding of the HR Body of Knowledge.

Do you have questions about documenting your Strategic Management activities for SPHR recertification? Are you still looking for more Strategic Management information after reviewing the Strategic Management pointers from the HR Certification Institute's website? That is the focus of today's session, which begins at 12 noon ET.

Moderator: Welcome to the Virtual Strategic Management Counselor session. You may now submit your questions.

Gainesville, FL: I'm completing 2 1/2 day training for Six Sigma green belt certification - I will use this for understanding and developing business metrics, including development of an HR Dashboard. Is the training itself applicable to the Strategic Mgt credits for SPHR recertification?

HR Certification Institute: Yes. Please submit for the hours you spent in the classroom and keep documentation.

St. Louis Missouri: I work in the nursing, long term care industry. During this last certification period I worked very hard to get licensed as a nursing home administrator. I am under the impression that I can use this as my strategic management credits, for SPHR recertification, as I am now functioning in a greater capacity in my organization including long term strategic planning for my campus. Can you please verify that this is true?

HR Certification Institute: No credit would be awarded for the certification itself, but if you took a prep course to prepare for it, at least some of that should be appropriate for Strategic Management credit. Also, consider ways in which you have contributed to the business since taking the course. You may have an experience that would be appropriate for recertification credit under On the Job.

Coldwater, MI: RE: Strategic Management Credit: I chaired a Sr. Mgt. Pandemic Flu simulation in 2007 which was recommended by FBICC and FSSCC. This led into Business Recovery Planning and Disaster Recovery planning. Would this qualify? Also we merged with another institution and I was responsible for due diligence and reconciling benefit and payroll programs. Would this qualify? Thank you.

HR Certification Institute: The participation in the simulation exercise would not be appropriate for Strategic Management credit as it would be tied to the Body of Knowledge via Risk Management. However, the due diligence you performed to prepare for the merger may be submitted for Strategic Management credit under On the Job.

Knoxville, TN: I am on a corporate team to revamp our recruitment portal - choosing a new Applicant Tracking system that will serve as a global HR tool (66,000 employees in 77 countries). Since I am the US representative, would my time spent on the team count toward the strategic credit for SPHR? I am spending way more than 15 hours.

HR Certification Institute: This really depends on what your specific contribution is and the business impact of the project. You may want to contact HR Certification Institute by phone and talk it over with a Recertification Specialist.

Raleigh, NC: This year I participated in a 3-day workshop and passed a test, certifying me to evaluate results of the EQI emotional intelligence assessment tool. Would these hours qualify for Strategic credits? Thanks

HR Certification Institute: The certification itself would not be awarded credit. The 3 day workshop would be awarded General credit. To have it evaluated for Strategic Management credit, you would have to describe a scenario that elevated the value proposition of the organization and employed your EQI skills.

Cincinnati Ohio: If I submit a job activity for strategic management content and it is approved, how are credits determined?

HR Certification Institute: You must provide an estimate of the total hours that you invested in that specific project. Keep in mind that, if you invested 50 hours in a project that is approved, the maximum amount that will be awarded toward your recertification is 20 hours because there is a maximum on that category.

Colorado Springs, CO: My certification is due to expire in January (SPHR) and I still need a lot of credits. I went through a tough pregnancy and now have a son who won't take a bottle. That pretty much ate up 2 years and there is no way to get my credits by January. Do you think my circumstances would allow me the one year extension?

HR Certification Institute: Perhaps. The policy is found on our website at: /recertification/appro/?Application-Processing#BM_HRCI-MR-TAB4-190 we also suggest that you check out some webcasts. SHRM offers FREE webcasts at http://www.shrm.org/webcast/archive.asp, have a large archive and some of them are eligible for Strategic Management credit. They are one hour each. You can use up to 20 hours toward your rectification. Check it out along with SHRM e-learning before you request an extension.

Portland, OR: I have submitted two college level courses for Strategic Management credit. I work in a hospital system, and the courses were designed to assist hospitals and health care systems to market and deliver services to diverse communities of Russian and Latino Cultures. I received notice that these courses were not relevant to the HR body of knowledge. Upon reading the descriptions for Strategic Management Credit, I am confused by this response. Can you give me some direction or further clarification?

HR Certification Institute: You may need to provide an example of how you have applied the knowledge gained by taking the course to your organization to have a business impact.

Findlay, Ohio: I will be a member of the company's negotiating team which will be negotiating a new contract with out local union. Will the hours I spend in negotiation count towards my SPHR recertification?

HR Certification Institute: If it is the first time that you have participated in union negotiations, then you can submit it for general credit under On the Job.

Findlay, Ohio: I recently completed both the OSHA 30 Hour General Industry Compliance Workshop and the OTI Trainer Course in OSHA Standards for General Industry and will be teaching the 10 OSHA class for supervisors in the plant. The purpose of the training will be to improve our safety record in the plant, which affects our "bottom" line. Will these hours spent taking the courses and teaching count as strategic credits?

HR Certification Institute: They would be awarded general credit because they are tied to the Body of Knowledge via Risk Management and are considered within the realm of conventional HR responsibility.

Moderator: Please submit your final questions as the session will be ending at 1:00.

Moderator: The Virtual Strategic Management Counselor session has ended. Thank you for your participation! The transcript will be posted to the website in the next week.

Do you have questions about documenting your Strategic Management activities for SPHR recertification that you have not found the answers to in any of the archives on HRCI's website?

Plan on participating in the next Virtual Strategic Management Counselor session. Click here to view the upcoming schedule.

HRCI: Yes, you can submit this seminar for recertification however, this seminar will be awarded general credit.

Washington, DC: If a program is pre-approved by HRCI for recertification credit, can that decision be reversed through an audit?

HRCI: No.A pre-approved program is reviewed for content, time and criteria. It is assigned a program number that, when entered into your online recertification application, auto-populates the information for the program, including how much credit is awarded.

NY, NY: There are specific Global credits required for the GPHR. However, SHRM offers very few classes, etc. for this. Do they plan to offer more? How likely is it that HRCI accepts courses from outside vendors? For example, I will attend the PricewaterhouseCoopers International HR conference in October, attending many classes on expat assignments, etc.

HRCI: Professionals certified as GPHR must submit at least 30 hours (out of the 60 total)of international credit to recertify every 3 years. A course does not have to be approved by HRCI in order for you to be awarded international credit toward your recertification. If a course has not been pre-approved by HRCI and you think it would be appropriate for international credit, but are not sure, you can call HRCI and speak with a recertification specialist. They can help you determine if the content is appropriate.

Columbus, Ohio: Is it possible to get a copy of what I submitted almost 3 years ago for my last recert? I had some projects that lasted longer than 6 months and spanned over the two recert periods. Last time it was not required for us to specify Strategic or not and I did not want to duplicate. Also, if you pay the recertification processing fee and submit ahead of the due date because you have over 60 credits, do they charge you an additional processing fee if they decide you do not have enough credits upon audit?

HRCI: Unfortunately we don't keep records that long (3 years). No, we do not charge you extra for submitting your recertification application before your recertification date and is not approved. Once you've paid and submitted your activities, we will work with you until the end of the recertification process. There are not additional fees.

Burlington, NJ: When I am finished completing my recert activities and enter the information online, what do I need to mail to HRCI for approval?

HRCI: You may not have to mail anything. If you are submitting online and have at least 60 hours of credit logged in, then you will see a button on the bottom of the table on the Summary page. The button says "Apply for Recertification Online". Click on the button and it will take you to an affirmation and then a payment page. You can pay online via cc.

Hartford, CT: I redesigned our company-wide Performance Improvement process, and incorporated online tools at the same time, yet I was not given strategic credit for this. Is this not considered an activity that helps to formulate HR practices & policies?

HRCI: Performance Improvement is tied to the HR test specifications under Total Rewards therefore it will not be awarded strategic credit. I need more information about the online tools you incorporated to determine if it qualifies for strategic credit or not. Please contact HRCI at 703-548-3440.

Nashville, TN: I am on the State of TN Labor and Workforce Development Board - appointed by the Governor of the State of TN for a three year term which is 2004-2007. We meet quarterly for half days and review and respond to issues/plans from each of the federal Workforce Investment Act areas within the state - the Career Centers. We approve the plans for each area and the millions of dollars that are submitted within theses plans. We provide feedback to the State Commissioner for Labor and Workforce Development and indirectly up to the Governor. In addition, I was asked to be on the Strategic Planning committee for this Board which helps defines the goals and directions for this board. In the current system for defining what would be considered strategic for recertification hours, this would not be considered. I am asking that this be considered as strategic hours for my recertification request. Sincerely, Sally McKay

HRCI: While exceptions are not made as far as awarding credit for an activity that does not meet the criteria, sometimes more specific information from you is helpful. I would suggest you call HRCI and speak directly with a Recertification Specialist.

Hartford, CT: I submitted first time work experience under the strategic category and it was not accepted. It involved partnering with our Corp Public Involvement area to promote volunteerism across the company and to incorporate skill development associated with it into development plans. Why isn't this strategic?

HRCI: Perhaps you did not provide enough information for us to award strategic credit. Is very important that you provide detailed information as to how this activity ties into your company Strategic Goals/Objectives. If you feel you need to talk to a recertification specialist, please contact HRCI at 866-8980-HRCI.

Beavercreek, OH: I recently proposed and implemented a new High Deductible Health Plan and HSA program for my Credit Union. Would the research, training and implementation time be considered as credit for strategic management? And, if so, what type of documentation/format would I need to submit?

HRCI: The activity you describe would be awarded general credit. It is tied to HR via Total Rewards: 05 Develop/select, implement/administer, and evaluate benefit programs that support the organization's strategic goals, objectives, and values (for example, health and welfare, retirement, stock purchase, wellness, employee assistance programs [EAP], time-off).

Los Angeles, California: SPHR Recertification: Credit specific to "strategic" efforts. I want to confirm that IFEBP/Wharton (ISCEBS) financial planning course can be applied to the recertification requirement specific to the strategic effort hours required? Please confirm my understanding. Thank you.

HRCI: In order to evaluate recertification credit towards the strategic management requirement for these courses, you will need to provide the instructional content, including how these courses added to your strategic management skills.

Cleveland, Ohio: If I attended a "How to excel as a strategic HR manager" conference and it applies for so many general credits and so many Strategic credits, can I apply it to both?

HRCI: Hour-per-hour credit for time spent in strategic sessions counts toward both general credit and the strategic requirement. For example, If you attended an hour-long strategic session, then you have gained one hour toward your 15 hour Strategic requirement as well as one hour toward your 60 hour total. Once you have all 15 of your strategic hours, you still need at least 45 hours of HR-specific activities to meet your recert requirement.

Fairfax, VA: Would a course in consulting skill development through an OD & T program work towards strategic management points? The course description includes building client-consultant relationships and applying skills and strategies through consulting theory and practice.

HRCI: It might count towards strategic credit but we would need to see the full course description before making a final decision. You can either email or fax the course description to HRCI and a Recertification Specialist will get back to you with an answer. HRCI Phone: 866-8980-HRCI and fax: 703-535-6474.

Dallas, TX: If I submit credits for strategic management, but you deem them as general, will you change them in my profile, or will I need to do that? If I've got enough credits with another activity to qualify for the strategic management piece, will you accept that and ignore the one that was coded incorrectly, or will I need to make that change? Since this is my first time for recertifying, I'm wondering if I should just go ahead and submit my credits as they are (I've met the minimum, but they might be coded incorrectly) and then see if you need further information.

HRCI: Go ahead and request specific credit for the activities you believe will meet the criteria. If it is not considered appropriate, then the reviewer will put a brief note in your record telling you general credit is awarded, but not strategic and why. You will have plenty of time (2 weeks) to either submit more clarifying info for that activity or to call and discuss that decision with a recert specialist. Or you can submit another activity altogether. If you do not meet the strategic requirement with the courses you submit, the reviewer will look at the other activities to see if they would be appropriate for strategic credit. If they are, then they will make a note that it is considered strategic and will count it toward your requirement.

Los Angeles, California: Follow-up to question about recertification application online. There is a $100 application fee for recertification application submission. Can this be paid online? Please advise. Thank you.

HRCI: Yes, the $100 recertification application can be paid online. Once you've entered all your recertification activities, the online application will guide you through the payment process.

Burlington, NJ: Is there a minimum number of recertification credits required for continuing education?

HRCI: Sixty credit hours must be accumulated during the three-year recertification cycle. Credit hours can be obtained through continuing education, instruction, on-the-job experience, research and publishing, leadership, and professional membership in a national HR professional association. HRCI randomly audits recertification applications, so certificants should retain all supporting documentation for at least six months after successful recertification. Please note: some categories have a maximum on how many hours may be awarded. Check out the application at: /Recertification/RECERTCE/

HRCI: Beginning on page 11 of the 2007 Recertification Guide there is an outline of the Strategic Management section of the HR Body of Knowledge that includes additional explanation and examples of activities. It may be helpful in understanding what courses or activities would be awarded strategic credit.

HRCI: Looking for ideas on how to be more strategic in your HR role? Check the 2007 SHRM Research Quarterly reports: "HR and Business Education: Building Value for Competitive Advantage" and "Organization Development: A Strategic HR Tool".

Tampa, FL: Would a seminar on immigration law (i.e. compliance, enforcement, immigrant work visas, etc) qualify for Strategic Mgmt. credit ?

HRCI: No. The Recertification Guide is found on the HRCI website at: /HRCI_Files/_Items/HRCI-MR-TAB4-180/docs/2007_HRCI_Recertification_Handbook.pdf Beginning on page 14 of the Recertification Guide an outline of the Strategic Management section of the HR Body of Knowledge that includes additional explanation and examples of activities. It may be helpful in understanding what courses or activities would be awarded strategic credit.

Valley Forge, PA: SkillSoft, an approved HRCI provider, list over 200 course eligible for recertification. However, their list does not indicate which courses are eligible for strategic management credit. Is one available?

HRCI: Good question! Unfortunately, there's no such list. If a specific session has been awarded strategic management credit, it would be indicated in the description of the course.

Anaheim, CA: I was given the responsibility of implementing an Affirmative Action Plan for my company. I started the process by working with a third party vendor to research our demographics and begun implementing protocols. Then I move to another company. May I still claim some or all of this work as "strategic" even though I didn't get to see the project to completion as a result of the job change?

HRCI: The answer has two parts.
The first part is: This project does not appear to be strategic. It appears to be a matter of compliance. Also, responsibility for implementation does not describe how you were influential in the company decision making.
The second part is: If you were involved in an activity that was awarded strategic credit, and you were not there to see it through to the end, then we would simply evaluate the contribution that you did make for strategic credit.

Ardmore, PA: My company uses an approved provider listed on the HRCI site for e-learning. Can we use our internal LMS as our record of completing the e-learnings?

HRCI: Yes, you can but you should try your best to enter the approved provider's approval number when submitting your activity.

new York, new York: I submitted as First Time Work Exp -02 Workforce Planning and Employment a few initiatives that I was able to put in place which assisted in stopping staff attrition and "bleeding" to other employers " ...namely tuition assistance ,agency pension contribution and longevity cash award and educational achievement gift award program ...do these initiatives meet the requirements for strategic management ?

HRCI: No, this initiatives do not meet the requirement for strategic management. This activity would count towards general recertification credit. It's tied to the HR test specifications under Workforce Planning and Employment.

Greensboro, NC: Would a seminar on Conducting a Compensation Analysis (from EEAC)qualify under Strategic Management Credit?

HRCI: Good Question! Doing the analysis itself would not be considered strategic. However, if it is the first time that you did a Compensation Analysis, and you then took your findings from the analysis and used them to take action by developing, implementing and evaluating alternatives, and getting buy-in for your recommendations, then that would be considered strategic.

Fort Myers, FL: Would the following presentation qualify for Strategic Management credit? Presentation was made to all supervisors, managers and senior management based on statistics of our County's past, current and projected demographics. Included was a discussion on how this could affect our departments' abilities to provide services to our citizens & customers, and impact our bottom line (County revenues). The presenter also showed how the changing demographics of our area might change the services the County will need to provide to its citizens in the future, and speculated on how those changing populations and their needs could affect not only County operations, but create staffing needs & challenges, compensation strategies and employment policies. I thought this might fit under "change management" training.

HRCI: This is not Change Management. However, it may be awarded strategic credit, depending on what YOU did with the information provided. It sounds like you got a glimpse into the future. What are your ideas on what your company should do to use these changes to make sure your company mission and goals are met?

Anaheim, CA: Affirmative Action project: Thanks for the clarification. So, if I was instrumental in bringing the issue to senior management after having identified potentia