Obtaining a certification in Human Resources has become increasingly essential as the field continues to expand and transform. Whether you’re just starting in HR or already a seasoned leader, acquiring a recognized certification can significantly boost your job opportunities and bolster your professional reputation.
What Are HR Certifications?
HR certifications are credentials awarded to individuals who demonstrate competency, knowledge, and expertise in various aspects of human resource management. These certifications validate an individual’s skills across different HR domains, including talent acquisition, employee relations, HR operations, and compliance with employment laws. They serve as a testament to a person’s commitment to ongoing professional development and readiness to take on strategic-level HR roles. HR certifications are offered by reputable organizations such as the Human Resource Certification Institute (HRCI) and the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM), among others. They cover a wide range of topics, providing specialized knowledge and skills necessary for success in the field of human resources.
The Benefits of an HR Certification
Acquiring a professional certification offers numerous benefits for professionals in the field, solidifying their position as respected experts in HR strategies and practices.
Marketability and Earning Potential
Firstly, an HR certification validates one’s expertise, granting credibility and recognition within the industry, thus enhancing marketability in the job market. This stamp of approval not only opens doors to HR career advancement but also increases earning potential, positioning individuals for lucrative opportunities within the HR department.
Enhanced Knowledge
Furthermore, certification programs delve deep into HR management, providing comprehensive knowledge and skills necessary to navigate complex challenges with confidence, including talent management and business administration.
Networking Opportunities
Certification fosters connections within the HR community, facilitating networking opportunities, mentorship, and ongoing support, often through platforms like LinkedIn. By demonstrating a dedication to continuous learning and professional growth, HR certifications pave the way for success as HR generalists or specialists in the competitive HR landscape.
Selecting the Appropriate Certification
Choosing the right HR certification involves considering various factors tailored to your career trajectory. For those just entering the field or transitioning into HR roles, entry-level certifications can provide a solid foundation. Intermediate certifications are suitable for individuals with some experience in HR, offering a deeper dive into specialized areas. For seasoned HR professionals or those with graduate degrees looking to showcase advanced expertise and leadership skills, pursuing a higher-level certification is recommended. By aligning certification choices with your career goals and experience, you can maximize the benefits and opportunities for growth within the HR field.
Which HR Certification Should I Get?
Determining the initial HR certification to pursue depends on several factors, including your career objectives, professional experience, and desired specialization within the HR domain. Below, you’ll find a breakdown of some of the options available.
HR Certifications for Those with No Experience
HR certifications for those with no experience are tailored to individuals who are just starting out in the field of human resources. These certifications offer a foundational understanding of HR concepts and principles, equipping beginners with the knowledge they need to enter HR roles with confidence. By earning these certifications, newcomers demonstrate their commitment to professional growth and position themselves for advancement to the next level within the HR landscape. One notable example of an entry-level HR certification is the Associate Professional in Human Resources (aPHR).
Intermediate HR Certifications for Those With Limited Experience
Intermediate HR certifications are tailored for individuals with some experience in the field, seeking to deepen their knowledge and expertise. These certifications build upon foundational concepts and delve into specialized areas of HR management.
Some highly regarded intermediary HR certifications are:
- The Professional in Human Resources (PHR) certification
- SHRM Certified Professional (SHRM-CP)
By pursuing these intermediate certifications, professionals with limited experience can enhance their marketability and expand their skill set, paving the way for more advanced career opportunities within the HR domain.
Advanced HR Certifications for Seasoned Professionals
Advanced HR certifications are designed for seasoned professionals with extensive experience in the field, aiming to validate advanced expertise and leadership capabilities. These certifications demonstrate mastery of complex HR concepts and strategies, positioning professionals for senior-level roles and executive positions.
Reputable advanced-level HR certifications include:
- Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR) certification
- SHRM Senior Certified Professional (SHRM-SCP)
By attaining these advanced certifications, seasoned HR professionals can distinguish themselves as industry leaders and contribute to organizational success at a strategic level.
Eligibility and Requirements
HR certification eligibility encompasses a blend of professional experience and educational background, though specifics can vary between certification programs. Typically, candidates must meet a certain threshold of HR-related work experience along with educational requirements.
Reputable HR Certifications
Reputable HR certifications, like those provided by esteemed institutions such as the Human Resource Certification Institute (HRCI) and the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM), are widely respected in the industry. Known for their stringent certification processes, thorough curriculum, and adherence to industry standards, certifications from these organizations signify a commitment to excellence in HR practice. Below are some of the certifications offered by these reputable institutions, although there are other options available within the field.
Certifications Offered by the HR Certification Institute (HRCI)
The HR Certification Institute (HRCI) is a leading organization in the field of human resources, offering globally recognized certifications for HR professionals.
Associate Professional in Human Resources (aPHR):
The aPHR certification is good for entry-level individuals who want to establish a foundation in HR principles.
aPHR Eligibility Requirements
There are no specific eligibility requirements for the aPHR certification.
aPHR Exam Cost
There is an application fee of $100 in addition to the $300 cost of the aPHR certification exam.
Associate Professional in Human Resources – International (aPHRi)
The aPHRi certification is for entry-level individuals based outside of the United States.
aPHRi Eligibility Requirements
No HR experience is required to take this exam.
aPHRi Exam Cost
The cost of the aPHRi certification exam is $300. There is an application fee of $100.
Professional in Human Resources (PHR):
The PHR certification is designed for HR professionals with a few years of experience who want to demonstrate their mastery of HR principles and practices.
PHR Eligibility Requirements
Individuals must meet one of the following conditions in order to be eligible for the PHR:
- At least 1 year of experience in a professional-level HR position and a Master’s degree or higher
- At least 2 years of experience in a professional-level HR position and a Bachelor’s degree
- At least 4 years of experience in a professional-level HR position
PHR Exam Cost
The cost of the PHR certification exam is $395, with an additional application fee of $100.
Professional in Human Resources – California (PHRca):
The PHRca certification is specifically for HR professionals working in California who want to demonstrate their expertise in California employment laws and HR practices.
PHRca Eligibility Requirements
To take the PHRca, individuals must meet one of the following conditions for education and/or experience:
- At least 1 year of experience in a professional-level HR position and a Master’s degree or higher
- At least 2 years of experience in a professional-level HR position and a Bachelor’s degree
- At least 4 years of experience in a professional-level HR position
PHRca Exam Cost
The cost of the PHRca certification exam is $395 plus an application fee of $100.
Professional in Human Resources – International (PHRi)
The PHRi certification is tailored for individuals located outside of the United States, serving as a validation of their professional-level competency, knowledge, and skills.
PHRi Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for the PHRi, individuals must fulfill one of the following conditions regarding education and/or experience:
- At least 1 year of experience in a professional-level HR position plus a master’s degree or global equivalent
- At least 2 years of experience in a professional-level HR position plus a bachelor’s degree or global equivalent
- At least 4 years of experience in a professional-level HR position
PHRi Exam Cost
The cost of the PHRi certification exam is $395 plus an application fee of $100.
Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR):
The SPHR certification is geared towards experienced HR professionals in a leadership role who wish to validate their HR expertise and leadership skills.
SPHR Eligibility Requirements
Individuals must meet one of the following conditions in order to be eligible for the SPHR:
- At least 4 years of experience in a professional-level HR position and a Master’s degree or higher
- At least 5 years of experience in a professional-level HR position and a Bachelor’s degree
- Have at least 7 years of experience in a professional-level HR position
SPHR Exam Cost
The SPHR certification exam costs $495 plus an application fee of $100.
Senior Professional in Human Resources – International (SPHRi)
The SPHRi certification is for HR leaders based outside the United States, acknowledging their proficiency in universally recognized HR principles and practices at the senior level.
SPHRi Eligibility Requirements
To be eligible for the SPHRi, individuals must have documented knowledge of local employment laws and they must meet one of the following conditions for education and/or experience:
- At least 4 years of experience in a professional-level HR position and a master’s degree or global equivalent
- At least 5 years of experience in a professional-level HR position and a bachelor’s degree or global equivalent
- A minimum of 7 years of experience in a professional-level HR position
SPHRi Exam Cost
The SPHRi certification exam costs $495 plus an application fee of $100.
Global Professional in Human Resources (GPHR):
The GPHR certification is geared towards HR professionals working in global or international HR roles who want to demonstrate their expertise in managing global HR functions.
GPHR Eligibility Requirements
Individuals must meet one of the following conditions for education and/or experience to be eligible for the GPHR:
- At least 2 years of experience in a professional-level HR position and a Master’s degree or higher
- At least 3 years of experience in a professional-level HR position and a Bachelor’s degree
- At least 4 years of experience in a professional-level HR position
GPHR Exam Cost
The GPHR certification exam costs $495 with an additional application fee of $100.
Certifications Offered by the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM):
The Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) is a renowned professional association dedicated to advancing the field of human resources management. It provides resources, networking opportunities, educational programs to HR professionals worldwide, and SHRM certifications. SHRM is set apart by its extensive network of members and chapters, offering unparalleled access to industry insights, best practices, and professional development opportunities tailored to the evolving needs of HR practitioners.
SHRM Certified Professional (SHRM-CP):
The SHRM-CP certification is designed for HR professionals with a few years of experience who want to demonstrate their competency in both behavioral and technical HR domains.
Eligibility Requirements
While the complete set of eligibility criteria can be found here, the following summarizes the general requirements for the SHRM-CP credential:
- Individuals must be engaged in HR tasks or seeking to enter the HR field (a foundational understanding of HR is recommended).
- Your current or most recent HR role involves operational responsibilities, such as policy implementation or serving as the primary HR contact.
- Your tasks are typically specialized rather than general in nature.
Cost of the SHRM-CP Certification Exam
SHRM members can pay an Early-Bird Exam Fee of $335 or a Standard Exam Fee of $410, while non-members pay an additional $100. Discounts on exam fees are available for students, corporate entities, and military personnel through SHRM. Find further information on the SHRM website.
SHRM Senior Certified Professional (SHRM-SCP):
The SHRM-SCP certification is intended for experienced HR professionals seeking to validate their advanced HR knowledge and strategic skills.
Eligibility Requirements
Individuals are eligible to apply for the SHRM-SCP certification if they have any of the following:
- At least 3 years of experience in performing strategic-level HR or HR-related tasks
- Held the SHRM-CP credential for at least 3 years and are currently working in or transitioning to strategic-level roles
- Lead HR Operations
Applicants for the SHRM-SCP must demonstrate having devoted at least 1,000 hours per calendar year to strategic-level HR/HR-related work.
Cost of the Certification Exam
SHRM members can pay an Early-Bird Exam Fee of $335 or a Standard Exam Fee of $410, while non-members pay an additional $100. Discounts on exam fees are available for students, corporate entities, and military personnel through SHRM. Find further information on the SHRM website.
Preparing for the Certification Exam
Preparing for an HR certification exam involves studying to ensure success. Start by familiarizing yourself with the exam format, content outline, and any FAQs provided by the appropriate certification body. Utilize study materials such as textbooks, online courses, and practice exams to reinforce your understanding of key HR concepts and strategies. Consider joining study groups or engaging in discussions with peers to gain different perspectives and insights. Additionally, explore proctoring options to determine whether you’ll be taking the exam online or in person, If taking the exam remotely, ensure you meet all technical requirements beforehand.
Taking the Exam
On the day of the exam, arrive early at the designated test center if you’re taking the exam in person, or log in promptly if it’s an online exam. Follow all proctoring instructions carefully and maintain focus throughout the exam duration. Pace yourself appropriately to ensure you have enough time to answer all questions thoroughly. Remember to utilize any exam-taking strategies you’ve learned during your preparation, such as eliminating obviously incorrect answer choices or marking difficult questions for review later. After completing the exam, take a moment to review your answers if time allows, ensuring accuracy before submitting.
Recertification and Professional Development
Once certified, HR professionals must maintain their credentials through recertification. This involves earning a certain number of recertification credits or professional development credits over a specified period, typically three years. These credits can be obtained through continuing education, attending conferences, or participating in relevant HR initiatives.