Let's Talk Human Resource Management (HRM) Grad Programs!

[Merlin]

Yep! Been in Sacramento for most of the past 20 years. I didn't realize that you were here in the past as well. It's definitely a strange market. As you mentioned, SHRM (and its local SAHRA chapter) are very strong here. Despite that, 90+% of job postings ask for the PHR instead of the SHRM-CP. I think it's largely overworked Recruiters that aren't keeping up with the times. Half the time, even the request for the PHR has the letters jumbled.

It's just weird here. 

I'm wondering, with all of my years of experience, if I should attempt to go straight to taking the SPHR. Of course, I'm concerned about even passing the PHR, but maybe I should keep that in mind.

I'm in the SF Bay area which isn't that far from Sac, and I can confirm that PHR/SPHR is pretty much looked at as the minimum bar for HR professionals here. When you get to the senior management levels, GPHR starts becoming a thing in bigger (particularly multinational) companies.

FYI, my wife's family lives in Sacramento (Rocklin area), so we're pretty familiar with the area. There is a possibility we may eventually move that way at some point. It seems way too hot for me though.