Human Resources Certifications - Questionable ?

I know that this post will create a lot of controversy and anger with HR professionals, SHRM, and affiliated chapters but I have thought about this in detail and have to voice my concerns. So bring it on readers. To this end, I will tell you that the benefit certifications are worthwhile because they have an immediate impact on companies bottom line and on-going fixed expenses. 

I personally feel that all the certifications that are out there today, especially the SHRM certs of PHR, SPHR, GPHR, HRMP and HRBP are not worth the effort or that companies feel the impact of them from their hires, nor do I think that companies recruiting for such certifications do either. So why do I feel this way, well let me tell you in bullet points:

• there is no question that experience is the best certification;
• The best people I know in HR don't have or need these certs;
• HR professionals work in a grey area every day and text book information is only a primer for the real world not the answer;
•  these certifications miss real world issues and what to do;
• people hide behind certifications as a passbook to more responsibility and companies are blind to that in my mind;
• I have personally witnessed people with all these certifications who are extreme bozos and could not manage their way out of a paper bag;
• it is another way for organizations like SHRM to generate revenue, and I don't begrudge that but I do at the expense of HR professionals;
• It isn't what is in the certification primers/manuals it is what is in your heart and head on how to manage, deal, investigate, recommend, and counsel people;
• in the words of a great friend and educator, its not book smart it is street smarts that gets you through the day.

So, after many years of thinking about this subject I have finally put it to press and you know how I feel. These certifications do not help, understanding business, how the economy works, international trade, and peoples actions is what drives your bus. 

Unfortunately, over the past ten+ years we as HR professionals have been brainwashed to think that if we have these certifications it would be a ticket to a greater position. My personal opinion is that it was a way to get HR to the table but you know what, your personal skills and knowledge get you there. 

PS: I took the challenge test and passed with a 96 with no books etc.  To pass the SPHR you only need a 70 - come on now, that  is a D isn't it so what does that tell you?