There are many HR Training Programs out there, but not all HR training is created equal.   Here are some tips on how best to choose a program:

1.  Consider your objectives in attending a program:

Are you new to HR?  Do you need a comprehensive program, that covers various disciplines of HR to provide a broader overview?  Or, do you need more targeted training, such as learning about anti-harassment and discrimination or how to conduct internal investigations?

2.  Consider your needs regarding recertification credits for HR professional credentials.  If you have the PHR, SPHR, or GPHR certification, you will want to choose a program that will maximize your time.  Make sure you attend a program that is HRCI accredited.

3.  If you are not certified as a PHR, SPHR, or GPHR, but you would like to earn your certification, then consider courses that will help to prepare you for the exam.  And, don’t rely on just SHRM for the prep courses.  If you go to https://www.rpchr.com/about/upcomingevents  you’ll find a list of upcoming HR training for HR Generalists and HR Business Partners that provides a great foundation of knowledge in HR management to prepare for the PHR and SPHR exam.

4.  Consider, geographically, where the HR training will be held.  Sometimes, training programs are held in cities that are close to you–and others that may be offered in locations that are desirable vacation destinations.  Consider attending an HR training in a place, such as Orlando, Florida, and turning it into a mini vacation.  Leverage the company expense account for travel to/from, but then use a bit of vacation time to enjoy a little leisure time!

5.  Consider the cost of the program–and evaluate this carefully.  Be very, very wary of low cost HR programs that are a few hundred dollars.  The old saying, “you get what you pay for” is absolutely true.  Often, there are seminars at the local hotel for just a few hundred bucks.  Problem is, the instructors’ knowledge of the subject will be questionable and a good portion of the time the instructor will be trying to peddle books and audio programs vs. teaching a quality professional development program.

6.  Consider the faculty members who will be teaching the program.  If the faculty member is not certified in HR–ask yourself why…  Someone who is truly an HR educator will have an advanced degree, have professional credentials–and will have had a significant career in the profession.  Find out about the credentials of instructors before you sign up for a program.

7.  Back to cost of HR training:  A good HR training program, for three days, will cost between $1700-$2100 for a three-day, 18 credit hour program.  If you’re choosing a program that is less than $1700, I would caution you to review the instructor’s credentials and inquire about the organization sponsoring the training.

8.  Lastly, consider your return-on-investment when choosing an HR training program.  If attending the program will increase your knowledge, your confidence in your job, help you minimize risk for your organization, and boost your career–what’s that worth to you?  By investing, let’s say $1800, in a training program–but the knowledge you receive helps your organization significantly reduce HR costs, say around $125k for the year, you just generated a huge ROI for the organization!

Until next time…

Natalie.

Natalie Ivey is President & CEO of Results Performance Consulting, Inc., a Boca Raton, FL based consulting firm that specializes in HR training and certification programs, leadership development training, and professional development training programs.  www.rpchr.com