JEDDAH — The University of Business and Technology (UBT) in Jeddah has announced that it will soon offer international human resource management credentials from HR Certification Institute (HRCI), provider of the world's most recognized HR credentials for professionals in more than 100 countries.

Credentials from Alexandria, Va.-based HRCI include US-based and internationally focused designations that recognize various levels of HR professional excellence in the US and abroad. Providing international HRCI certifications and certification preparation expands the university's continuing and executive education offerings in response to Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 mission to raise the standards of HR performance in the public and private sectors, the university's Continuing Education Center (CEC) said in a statement.

"The HR body of knowledge is essential for driving business results through the establishment of performance management standards, employee training and development, leadership development and the creation of work environments that provide equal opportunities for all workers," said Dr. Amy Schabacker Dufrane, CEO of HRCI. "The UBT CEC alliance will greatly expand the reach of HRCI certifications and HR excellence in Saudi Arabia and the Middle East."

The UBT CEC will initially offer the Associate Professional in Human Resources-International (aPHRi) to its university seniors and MBA students with a major in human resources. The university will also make the Professional in Human Resources-International (PHRi) and Senior Professional in Human Resources-International (SPHRi) available to HR professional candidates and senior professional candidates with strategic HR leadership roles.

"The highly reputable, credible and career-oriented certifications from HRCI will be a significant added value to the HR professionals in line with the country's Vision 2030," said Dr. Amir Dhia, director of UBT CEC. "To address the strategies, challenges and changes of work, human resources, more than ever, is a top priority for organizations and management, whether in Saudi Arabia or elsewhere in the world." — SG