HR certifications have become an increasingly popular approach for HR professionals to progress their careers by developing and demonstrating current knowledge of HR best practices. Let’s have a look at 8 HR certifications and help you select the best HR certification program for you!
Why pursue an HR certification?
More than experience and formal education, Human Resources is a subject where you must demonstrate your knowledge to companies. Maintaining current, up-to-date knowledge of employment regulations and HR best practices can be difficult, but it is critical to remaining relevant in the HR field.
HR certification can help you achieve long-term job success. Studies have also indicated that those who extend their education through certification programs increase their earning potential over the course of their careers by up to 44%. If you’re starting a new career or branching out into a new field as an HR professional, HR certification can help you gain a head start.
To summarize, here are a few reasons why getting certified can benefit you:
- Enhancement of knowledge, skills, and experience levels
- Improved job performance through the usage of new skills Demonstrating commitment and current knowledge to current and potential employers.
- Developing a competitive advantage and enhancing your value in the employment market.
- Creating a profession in human resources that is sustainable for the future.
- The good news is that there are numerous options to obtain HR certification, including the convenience of HR certification programs offered online.
Best HR Certifications in 2024
Here are the best HR certifications to consider.
1). Professional in Human Resources (PHR) by HR certification Institute (HRCI)
The HR Certification Institute is a well-known provider of continuing education for HR professionals. Their most popular certification is the Professional in Human Resources (PHR). With certification levels in the senior and worldwide sectors of Human Resource Management occupations, you may begin your journey and progress to advanced certification as you gain on-the-job experience and more responsibility.
Candidates can start with the associate level certification (aPHR) and then progress to the PHR, Senior PHR, and Global PHR. There is also an internet-only version of this certification, which includes a digital badge and Pearson-proctored examinations. Most students study for six to nine months before taking their examinations. Related Best Online Finance Certification Courses
Who is it for?
It is intended for Human Resources workers at all levels, from entry-level employees to senior and global HR leaders.
Eligibility requirements:
Candidates must meet one of the following criteria: at least one year of HR experience and a Masters’ degree, two years of HR experience and a Bachelor’s degree, or four years of experience in a professional-level HR role. They must attend an HRCI-approved training session and be accepted after applying.
Cost for program:
HRCI works with hundreds of recognized certification preparation providers, including AIHR. Programs and expenses vary greatly per provider, and there is a $100 non-refundable registration fee, with exam fees varying with level. The expense for a PHR exam is $395, while a GPHR exam is $595.
2). Academy To Innovate HR(AIHR)
AIHR is a fully accredited course library of HR certification programs online that provide domain-specific learning and certification. With a focus on future-proofing your HR skill set, AIHR has put together packages of learning materials for you to complete at your own speed. Students can enroll in the Academy for the full experience and earn multiple specialist certifications. They can also choose to focus on one area of interest at a time.
The certificate programs are designed to help you become a T-shaped HR professional by developing fundamental HR competencies such as:
- Data literacy
- Business acumen.
- Digital agility.
- Advocate for people
- Excellence in execution.
Each HR certificate program takes 22 to 36 hours to complete. The lessons are self-paced, and students have up to 12 months from registration to complete each course.
Who is it for?
Human resource professionals of all levels. Courses vary from entry-level to advanced topics.
Eligibility requirements:
No prior HR experience is required.
Cost for program:
Individual HR certification courses cost $1,125, or students can enroll in the Academy for $1,850, which provides 12-month access to all certification programs as well as the benefit of extra time to finish them. Payment in installments is also possible.
3). Strategic HR Leadership (SHRL) by Human Capital Institute
The Human Capital Institute is known for centering the alignment of human capital with business strategy, typically focusing on HR leaders and their impact on the business.
HCI offers access to Strategic HR Leadership (SHRL) and several other competency-based certification programs for HR. Participant materials, guides, practice tests, and mentor support are offered via the HCI Academy. Students can participate in two-day programs or the virtual series with half-day sessions for up to four weeks. Learners must pass the online exam to earn the certification.
Who is it for:
The SHRL certification is a good fit for those new to HR leadership roles and the challenges they face. Their site indicates anyone who leads a team, wants to be a people leader, or needs to improve their team’s performance should participate.
Eligibility requirements:
There are no prerequisites for this training. However, to earn the certificate, students must attend all sessions, participate in group discussions, complete all classwork, submit an evaluation, and pass the final exam.
Cost for program:
The SHRL certificate program online costs $1,195.
4). Certified Human Resources Professional(CHRP)
The Human Resources Professionals Association (HRPA) provides the unique Certified Human Resources Professional (CHRP) designation. They also provide two further advanced credentials: Certified Human Resources Leader (CHRL) and Certified Human Resources Executive (CHRE).
Students must finish a series of nine HR-related college courses through a network of Canadian colleges and institutions, which are examined for approval before sitting for challenge tests. There is also a workforce preparedness program available to help people interested in a career in human resources.
Who is it for:
The CHRP is a good fit for those already pursuing studies in HR or who have earned a degree. The credentials are for HRPA members in good standing only.
Eligibility requirements:
The HRPA has several unique requirements for earning CHRP certification. You must become a member and follow their course and exam schedules.
Cost for Program:
The cost of the program may vary. To be eligible, you must first join HRPA, and the fee of membership varies according on your position, the month you joined, and whether you live in or outside of Canada. Courses and tests have their own fees.
5).SHRM Certified Professional (SHRM-CP) And SHRM Senior Certified Professional (SHRM-SCP)
The Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) provides a competency-based HR certification program. This program is based on the SHRM Body of Competency & Knowledge™ (SHRM BoCK) and aims to help HR professionals achieve their own best in the field. The course and assessments focus on both leadership success and organizational strategy. SHRM also offers specific areas such as the one-person HR department, immigration regulations, workplace investigations, talent acquisition, inclusive culture, and people analytics. California HR professionals can also obtain certification unique to their location. Most students study for six months prior to taking the exam.
Who is it for?
This curriculum is ideal for HR generalists because it covers all facets of HR job.
Eligibility requirements:
Those interested in pursuing SHRM certification must meet a rigorous set of qualifying criteria. Compare these to your previous experience in human resources.
Cost for program:
Exam fees vary depending on the type of certification and candidate status, with student and SHRM member discounts.
6).Human Resources Information Professional(HRIP)
The International Association for Human Resource Information Management (IHRIM) has established a global reputation for HRIT and HRIS specialists. They provide a variety of continuing education alternatives as well as a comprehensive certification program for Human Resources Information Professionals (HRIPs). This certification focuses on HR professionals’ overall competencies and grasp of HR information management. The exam can be taken with live internet proctoring.
Who it is for:
According to IHRIM, this certification is best suited for someone with three to five years of professional experience, a post-secondary degree, other formally recognized HR training, or individuals seeking a better grasp of HRIS or the technology with which they work extensively on a daily basis.
Eligibility Requirements:
There are no requirements for participation.
Cost for program:
IHRIM provides three packages for this certification. The price ranges from $445 for the exam alone to $110 for the entire bundle of learning materials, new member fee, and HRIP certification exam.
7).Certified HR Manager (CHRM) By HR University
HR University is an HR education platform that provides learning programs consisting of on-demand, expert-led video courses and interactive learning methodologies.
HR University enables professionals to expand their expertise and begin a career as an HR professional, or to increase their knowledge of HR issues such as people analytics on their own time. The Certified HR Manager (CHRM) track has 90 modules, including projects, case studies, and tests.
Who is it for:
Anyone looking to start or advance in their HR management profession.
Eligibility Requirements:
There are no requirements for participation.
cost for program:
$199 for a single certification, in this case, CHRM. The whole portfolio with the option of six certificates costs $499. There is a 30-day money-back guarantee.
8). Talent Management Practitioner by the talent management institute
Those who want to pursue professions in talent management are the target audience for the Talent Management Institute’s Talent Management Practitioner certification. a specialist with significant earning potential that is currently one of HR’s fastest-growing fields. The program comprises of an online exam and a TMPTM Resource Box with all the books and other study materials required to pass it.
Who is it for:
For people who are graduating from college or university with an emphasis on human resources and talent management, the TMI online certification is intended.
Eligibility Requirements:
The program has specific standards regarding education and job experience, and before approving an applicant, they validate them using a unique tool.
Cost for program:
$625 total, including taxes.