Is getting a professional certification in HR worth it?

It was a wonderful learning experience, and greatly expanded my overall knowledge of many facets of human resources operations.

Yes it has been for me. I received a BS in management of human resources, and that was a wonderful all around education. However, during my first job my supervisor suggested that I become active in the local SHRM chapter. After a year, I began a study group for the PHR certification. It was a wonderful learning experience, and greatly expanded my overall knowledge of many facets of human resources operations. I received two promotions at my first human resources assignment and stayed at that company for nine years. I was very active in SHRM and served in many volunteer roles. My next job was as director of human resources in a small organization, but I was responsible for the entire human resources department. I began researching the SPHR certification, and invested in the study kit offered by SHRM. It took me quite a few months, and many hours of preparation, but I took the SPHR test and passed. The SPHR program is a bit more geared to strategic and executive level management. I found that by obtaining this certification I was much more desirable to other organizations and it provided a credible profile among my peers. I was never sorry that I made the investment.