What is the point of HR certifications?
HR professionals are finding that obtaining HR certifications is a great way to progress in their careers by demonstrating their current understanding of HR best practices. Let’s examine nine HR certifications and assist you in selecting the best HR certification course.
In the world of human resources, it is more important than experience or formal degrees to show employers how informed you are. Maintaining current knowledge of HR best practices and employment rules might be difficult, but it’s essential to being relevant in the HR industry.
Your long-term professional success can be bolstered by HR certification. Research has also indicated that individuals who pursue certification programs to advance their education can increase their earning potential by as much as 44% over the course of their careers. An HR certification can give you a leg up if you’re taking up a new job or branching out into a different HR expertise.
Further, according to a Payscale survey, credentialed HR professionals have a 25% higher chance of getting promoted, which is encouraging for anyone hoping to advance in their career. Also, a lot of companies now make HR certification a condition for employment.
In a nutshell, there are several advantages to becoming certified, some of which are listed below:
- An increase in experience, expertise, and knowledge
- Increased productivity at work using new talents
- Showing dedication and relevant expertise to potential employers
- Gaining a competitive advantage and raising your worth in the labor market
- Developing an HR career that is future-proof
Happily, an HR certification can be obtained in a variety of ways, including conveniently through online programs. We’ve listed HR certifications in this post that are available to HR specialists everywhere.
What are the best HR certifications?
Are you prepared to work toward earning that needed HR certificate? The most essential HR certificates are listed below.
- AIHR – Academy to Innovate HR
Overview of the program: Domain-specific training and certification are offered by AIHR, a fully certified online course library for HR certification programs. AIHR has put up learning material packages that you may go through at your own pace, emphasizing future-proofing your human resources skill set.
Enrolling at the Academy will allow students to gain numerous specialty credentials and experience. They also have the option of concentrating on only one interest at a time.
You can take small courses, like ChatGPT for HR, with full Academy access, which will provide you with instruments to boost your productivity.
All certificate programs use online interactive courses, films, and exercises to prepare students for the demands of a career in human resources. Students also have access to a resource collection that contains practical templates for HR. Instructors include experts in human resources who impart practical knowledge.
By developing your fundamental HR competencies, the certificate courses are designed to assist you in becoming a T-shaped HR professional.
The duration of each HR certificate course ranges from 22 to 36 hours. Students can take as long as 12 months to finish any course after enrolling, with self-paced lessons available.
- Who it’s for: Professionals in human resources with varying levels of expertise. Advanced to entry-level disciplines are covered in the courses.
- Requirements for eligibility: No prior HR experience is required.
- Program cost: $1,125 for individual HR certification courses; $1,850 for Academy enrollment gives students year-long access to all certification courses plus an extension of time to finish them. Installment payments are also accepted.
- HR Certification Institute – Professional in HR
Overview of the program: One well-known outlet for HR professionals looking to further their education is the HR Certification Institute. The Professional in Human Resources (PHR) qualification is the most sought-after among them. As you build more responsibility and on-the-job experience, you can start your road towards earning an advanced certification in Human Resource Management professions, with certification levels available in both senior and global sectors.
In order to progress to the PHR, Senior PHR, and Global PHR certifications, candidates must first pass the associate-level certification exam (aPHR). This certification is likewise available exclusively online, and it comes with a virtual badge and Pearson-proctored examinations. Before taking the exams, the majority of learners study for a period of 6-9 months.
- Who it’s for: HR professionals, ranging from senior and international leaders to those just starting out with little experience.
- Requirements for eligibility: Applicants must fulfill one of the following: have two years of HR experience and a bachelor’s degree, at least one year of experience in HR and a master’s degree, or four years of work in a professional HR role. After applying, they must be accepted and take part in a training program authorized by HRCI.
- Program cost: AIHR is one of hundreds of authorized certification preparation companies that HRCI partners with. Programs and fees differ significantly throughout providers, and there’s a $100 non-refundable registration fee. Exam expenses also vary according to level. A GPHR exam costs $595, whereas a PHR exam is $395.
- SHRM – Certified Professional and Senior Certified Professional
Overview of the program: The HR certification program is competency-based and is provided by the Society for Human Resources Management (SHRM). It is predicated on the fundamental knowledge of the SHRM Body of Competency & KnowledgeTM (SHRM BoCK), which helps HR professionals realize their full potential in the field. Organizational strategy and leadership success are the main topics of the course and assessments.
SHRM concentrates on the single-person HR department, workplace investigations, immigration laws, inclusive culture, talent acquisition, and people analytics, in addition to offering specialty topics. HR professionals in California might also find certifications unique to their area. The majority of students spend six months studying for the test.
- Who it’s for: Since this curriculum covers every facet of HR job, HR generalists would benefit greatly from it.
- Requirements for eligibility: Those who want to pursue the SHRM certification program must meet a rigorous set of standards. Compare them to your prior HR experience.
- Program cost: Exam costs are determined by candidate status and kind of certification; learners and SHRM members receive a discount.
- Human Capital Institute – Strategic HR Leadership
Overview of the program: The Human Capital Institute is renowned for emphasizing the relationship between corporate strategy and human capital, usually concentrating on HR executives and their effects on the company.
Strategic HR Leadership (SHRL) and a number of other skill-based HR certification programs are accessible through HCI. The HCI Academy provides practice exams, tutorials, participant materials, and tutor support. For up to four weeks, students can take part in half-day sessions in the virtual series or two-day programs. To obtain the certification, students need to pass the online test.
- Who it’s for: Those who are unfamiliar with HR leadership responsibilities and the difficulties they encounter would benefit greatly from obtaining the SHRL certification. According to their website, participation is encouraged for anyone who manages a team, aspires to be an interpersonal leader, or needs to raise team morale.
- Requirements for eligibility: There are no qualifications for this program in order to be eligible. But in order to receive the certificate, students need to pass the final test, finish all of the coursework, take part in group discussions, and attend all of the sessions.
- Program cost: The online SHRL certificate program has a $1,195 fee.
- HRPA – Certified Human Resources Professional
Overview of the program: The Certified Human Resources Professional (CHRP) certificate is only available through the Human Resources Professionals Association (HRPA). In addition, they provide two more advanced credentials: the Certified Human Resources Executive (CHRE) and the Certified Human Resources Leader (CHRL).
After studying college-level subjects through an approved association of Canadian colleges and institutions, students must finish a sequence of nine topic areas related to HR and take challenge tests. There is also a curriculum called workforce preparedness for individuals who would like to work in human resources.
- Who it’s for: Those who have obtained a degree or are currently enrolled in HR courses would benefit greatly from the CHRP. Only active members of the HRPA are eligible to use the credentials.
- Requirements for eligibility: The HRPA has specific qualifications in order to become certified as a CHRP. You have to sign up as a member and take part in the scheduled exams and courses.
- Program cost: The program’s cost may differ. You must join HRPA in order to qualify, and the membership fee varies based on your status, when you joined, and whether you live in Canada or abroad. Exams and courses have additional costs.
- Talent Management Institute – Talent Management Practitioner
Overview of the program: Those who aspire to work in talent management might pursue the Talent Management Institute’s Talent Management Practitioner certification. They will be a specialist with significant earning potential. The area is currently one of HR’s fastest-growing fields. The program comprises an online exam and a TMPTM Resource Box with all the books and other study materials required to pass it.
- Who it’s for: Graduates of colleges and universities who prioritize human resources and talent management are eligible to take the TMI online certification.
- Requirements for eligibility: The program has specific standards regarding education and job experience, and before approving an applicant, they verify them using a unique tool.
- Program cost: $625 total, including fees and taxes.
- The Association for Talent Development – Certified Professional in Talent Development
Overview of the program: The Association for Talent Development (ATD), well-known for offering industry-leading training in professional development, also provides a thorough certification called Certified Professional in Talent Development (CPLP). It covers a wide range of subjects connected to developing talent across several skill levels and aptitudes.
Students can access the program through workshops on the weekend, online and in-person classes, or self-study using ATD materials. Students are urged to prepare well in advance for this demanding exam; many have reported studying for 6-9 months.
- Who it’s for: Professionals in talent development and HR who wish to advance their talent development skills are the target audience.
- Requirements for eligibility: Five years of relevant work experience and a thorough understanding of employee talent development practices are eligibility prerequisites.
- Program cost: The non-member CPLP preparation course is $1,895, and a two-day workshop is optional for an additional $495. Discounts are available to ATD members.
- International Association for Human Resource Information Management – Human Resource Information Professional
Overview of the program: For HRIT and HRIS specialists, the International Association for Human Resource Information Management (IHRIM) has established a solid international reputation. They provide a comprehensive Human Resources Information Professional (HRIP) certification program in addition to a number of alternatives for ongoing education. This certification emphasizes HR professionals’ overall competencies and grasp of HR data management. Proctoring can be done live online during the exam.
- Who it’s for: According to IHRIM, professionals who have a minimum of three years of professional experience, a higher education degree, or other officially recognized HR training, or who wish to get a better grasp of HRIS or the technology they use every day, would be the best candidates for this certification.
- Requirements for eligibility: There are none in order to take part.
- Program cost: IHRIM provides this certification in three bundles. ranging from $445 for the exam alone to $110 for the exam, learning materials, and new member fee for the HRIP certification.
- HR University – Certified HR Manager
Overview of the program: HR University is a human resources education platform that provides interactive learning methods, expert-guided video courses, and on-demand learning programs. HR University allows workers to advance their education, launch a career in HR, or learn more in-depth information on HR-related subjects like people analytics at their own pace.
Ninety lessons, including case studies, quizzes, and assignments, comprise the Certified HR Manager (CHRM) track.
- Who it’s for: Anyone looking to go into HR management or advance in the field.
- Requirements for eligibility: There are none in order to take part.
- Program cost: $199 is required for the CHRM certification. The price is $499 for a whole catalog with six certification options. There is a refund policy of thirty days.
How to pay for your HR certification
Using your own money to invest in your profession is only sometimes necessary. Certifications and ongoing education are frequently very beneficial investments for the company you represent. HR classes can often be covered under professional development allowances provided by employers. It’s possible that some businesses already have a budget for learning and development. Ask your management about the services your company provides.
There are a few things you can do to help start the conversation regarding having your workplace support your new certification.
