Certification FAQs

Have questions about
Signature Certification?

We’re here to help! If you don’t see an answer below, just contact us!

General Training Policies

Are meals provided?

Lunch and an afternoon snack are included each day of training.

What are the attendance requirements for training?

Attendance is mandatory for the entire length of the training. Certification, or record of training completion, may not be granted to anyone leaving early or not attending the full training course.

There are also 8 hours of self-guided pre-work that is a requirement before attending the course.

What if I have to cancel?

There are no refunds provided for trainings.

If you need to reschedule to attend on a different date because of a conflict, contact us by email at support@birkman.com. If rescheduling, you must contact us at least 30 days prior to the start of the course. You may only reschedule your attendance once.

What methods of payment do you accept?

Full payment is due at the time of registration to secure your seat in any training. Online payment can made by credit card in the Birkman Learning System.

Is there a wait list for courses at maximum capacity?

When training classes have reached their maximum number of participants, the session will be designated as “FULL” on the online training calendar. A waitlist will begin. If you would like to be added to a wait list, contact us. Wait lists are first come, first served.

Traveling to the Birkman Houston Office

Where is the Birkman home office located?

Birkman International, Inc.
3040 Post Oak Blvd, Suite 1425
Houston, Texas 77056
USA

What hotel is closest to the Houston training site?

The Birkman preferred lodging provider (within walking distance of our office) is:

Hyatt Place – Houston Galleria Area
5252 West Alabama Street
Houston, TX 77056

Phone: (713) 626-7300

Instructions to book the Birkman rate:

Log on to www.hyattplacehoustongalleria.com
On the right-hand side of the page, enter dates of travel
Click Special Rates
Under Corporate Code enter 101874
Click Check Availability

$154/night for King/Standard. This special Birkman rate includes a hot breakfast each morning.

Please do not make travel arrangements more than 30 days before the start date of your training. Birkman International is not responsible for any travel expense losses associated with cancellation or rescheduling of a training class.

Which airport is closest to the Houston training site?

William P. Hobby Airport (HOU) is 20 miles south of the Birkman corporate office. Travel time is approximately 30-50 minutes and can occasionally be longer depending on delays during high traffic times. Major airlines with direct service to Houston Hobby Airport (HOU) include Aero Mexico, Delta, Southwest Airlines, and Viva Aerobus.

George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) is 28 miles north of the Birkman corporate office. Travel time is approximately 40-60 minutes and can occasionally be longer depending on delays during high traffic times. Airlines with service to Houston Intercontinental Airport (IAH) include American Airlines, Delta, Frontier, United, and all major international airlines.

What is the best method of transportation to the Houston training site?

Rental Car. If you plan to stay and remain near the Birkman office during your training you will not need a rental car. There are a number of restaurants and amenities within walking distance.

Uber. This car service can be accessed via mobile app. It is the most cost efficient method of transportation. Fares average $20-50.

Taxi. Fares average $50-$70 one-way from the major airports.

SuperShuttle. For current rates and online reservations visit www.supershuttle.com

If I am commuting, where can I park?

Our parking garage entrance is located on Hidalgo Street directly across from the Nordstrom store entrance in the Galleria Mall. The easiest path to our parking garage is to drive west down Hidalgo from Post Oak Boulevard. Hidalgo is midway between Richmond Avenue from the south and Westheimer from the north. From the 610 South Loop, take the exit for “Richmond/Hidalgo” and drive straight through the light at Post Oak. Visitor parking for the 3040 building is the first entrance immediately on the left after turning off Hidalgo. Bring your parking ticket up to our office each day for validation.

Accreditations

Signature Certification is accredited with which certifying programs?

Your Birkman Signature Certification experience can be used toward:

What is ICF Continuing Coach Education (CCE)?

The ICF (International Coach Federation) is the worldwide leader in development and credentialing for professional coaches.

ICF has three different levels of Individual Credentials that may be awarded:

Continuing Coach Education (CCE) is considered supplemental and advanced education for those wishing to acquire new learning and/or those who are renewing their ICF Credential.

Birkman Signature Certification is an accredited CCE training program, so anyone who attended Birkman Signature Certification after January 1, 2017 can be awarded CCE units to use toward achieving or renewing their ICF Credential.

ICF divides Coach Continuing Education into two categories based on the learning content: Core Competencies CCE and Resource Development CCE.

Birkman Signature Certification—ICF CCE hours awarded:

Core Competencies: 5 hours
Resource Development: 23 hours

For reference, 40 total CCE hours are required over the course of three years to renew an ICF Credential, with at least 24 hours in Core Competencies.

For the best information regarding ICF Individual Credentialing, visit: https://www.coachfederation.org/credential/?navItemNumber=502

How do I apply for ICF Continuing Coach Education (CCE) hours?

Birkman is an approved Continuing Coach Education (CCE) Provider, and attendees of the Birkman Signature Certification Workshop can qualify to have their learning experience count toward ICF CCE hours.

Birkman Signature Certification—ICF CCE hours awarded:

Core Competencies: 5 hours
Resource Development: 23 hours

If you qualify for ICF Continuing Coach Education (CCE) hours, you may use them in a few ways:

Please click on the links above to see details on ICF Credential criteria and how to submit your application.

Click here for program details about Birkman Signature Certification on the ICF website.

What are SHRM Professional Development Credits (PDCs)?

The Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) is the world’s largest HR professional society, and SHRM Certification is a leading way for HR professionals to distinguish themselves in their field.

SHRM has two different levels of credentials that may be awarded:

Professional Development Credits (PDCs) can be used by SHRM-CPs and SHRM-SCPs to recertify themselves.

Birkman Signature Certification is an accredited SHRM Recertification Provider, so anyone who attended Birkman Signature Certification after August 9, 2017 can be awarded PDCs to use toward renewing their SHRM Credential.

Birkman Signature Certification awards: 28 PDCs

For reference, 60 total PDCs are required over the course of three years to renew a SHRM credential.

For the best information regarding SHRM Certification, visit: https://www.shrm.org/certification/pages/default.aspx

How do I apply for SHRM Professional Development Credits (PDCs)?

Birkman Signature Certification is an accredited SHRM Recertification Provider, and attendees of the Birkman Signature Certification Workshop after August 9, 2017 can qualify to have their learning experience count toward SHRM PDCs.

Birkman Signature Certification earns 28 SHRM PDCs.

If you are a SHRM-CP or SHRM-SCP, you may use PDCs from Birkman Signature Certification toward the recertification of your SHRM credential. Signature Certification is classified as a “Seminar/Workshop” by SHRM.

Please click on the links below to see details on SHRM recertification criteria and how to submit your application. If you have any issues in the process, please contact SHRM directly.

Note: Birkman will provide the Activity ID Number to you after you complete Birkman Signature Certification.

To view Birkman Signature Certification on the SHRM website, visit this link and search for “Birkman” in the Search By Provider field on the right side: https://portal.shrm.org/Education/History/Classes.aspx?selmenid=men2

Private Certifications

What is a private certification?

If your organization wishes to send six or more employees to Signature Certification, you can save money and get trained on your schedule by having Birkman travel to you to provide a private, on-site certification for your team.

How much does private certification cost?

The price for a private Signature Certification course varies depending on your location and team size. We will work with you to make it as affordable as possible.

The cost is calculated based on:

Number of Signature Certification participants ($3,495/attendee)
Travel and accommodations for the Birkman trainer

Your organization saves because instead of paying for the travel of multiple employees, you simply pay for the travel of one trainer instead. Also, you get the benefit of scheduling the course at a convenient time for your employees.

How can I book a private certification?

Contact Birkman and ask about private certifications. A Birkman team member will answer your questions, find dates that works for you and a Birkman trainer, and handle the logistics so that your team can get Birkman-certified in the comfort of your own office!