Dr. David J. Cherrington is a retired university professor and a pioneer in human resources education. He served on the HR Certification Institute (HRCI) Board of Directors, where he fulfilled two key roles: National Director of Codification and Research and National Director of Exam Development.
As Director of Codification and Research, Dr. Cherrington completed a study that defined and expanded the HR body of knowledge—the foundation for today’s PHR and SPHR certification exams. Alongside Laura Middleton, he researched HR laws, practices, policies, and literature and surveyed certified HR professionals to determine the most essential topics in the field.
As Director of Exam Development, Dr. Cherrington led initiatives to improve the HRCI’s test topics and questions. He also met with certified professionals to review these topics and questions, ensuring the quality and accuracy of exam content.
Dr. Cherrington is the author of four textbooks and continues to provide his expertise to the industry through his role as the designer of the HRCP program.
Laura Z. Middleton
Laura Z. Middleton, president of HRCP, L.C., has a master’s degree in organizational behavior and brings a rare combination of academic rigor and real-world insight. She has passed the HR certification exams nine times, a testament to both her expertise and her dedication to staying current with the evolving HR landscape.
Middleton assisted in the original codification study, and her research helped update two of Dr. Cherrington’s textbooks. She continues to develop and enhance the HRCP materials while also serving as an adjunct professor of HR management and leadership courses at Brigham Young University.
HRCP Helps HR Professionals Review and Build Confidence
The HRCP program is specifically designed to help HR professionals at all levels prepare for certification. Even experienced HR professionals often need a refresher before testing. The HR field is dynamic, with laws, practices, and strategies evolving constantly. HRCP resources provide a structured and comprehensive review of the entire HR body of knowledge, ensuring professionals stay up to date.
Many HR professionals are understandably intimidated by the 225-question certification exam. HRCP provides the following to help professionals develop both the knowledge and confidence to succeed in the exam and certification process:
Thorough explanations of key topics
Real-world HR examples
Practice questions that mirror the exam format
A Resource That Goes Beyond the Exam: A Valuable On-the-Job Resource
Beyond test preparation, the HRCP program also serves as a practical reference guide for HR professionals in their day-to-day work. Many users continue to rely on the program as a resource for the following everyday responsibilities:
Solve workplace challenges
Answer compliance questions
Train new HR employees
Stay current with best practices
Design policies
HRCP provides practical, up-to-date information based on real industry research and experience, making it a go-to resource on the job.
Advancing the HR Profession
The HRCP mission is to elevate the standards of professionalism in human resource management by assisting HR managers in learning and applying the HR body of knowledge. HR professionals play a vital role in enhancing work life and promoting organizational success.
Certification reinforces professionalism and is a way for HR professionals to demonstrate their commitment to their organization and the broader HR field, in addition to their own personal advancement. By preparing with HRCP, HR professionals are not just studying to pass an exam; they are embracing a deeper standard of excellence, integrity, and leadership in their profession.
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For HR professionals planning to take the PHR/SPHR, aPHRi, PHRi, or SPHRi certification exams, the HRCP program is the tool they need to prepare with purpose. Designed by seasoned experts and aligned with HRCI standards, HRCP helps HR professionals learn, apply, and lead in the field of human resource management.
