21 thg 3, 2023
HR certifications are a great way to stay up-to-date with what’s happening in your industry and prove your expertise to your organization or a potential employer. The best HR certification for you would depend on several factors such as your experience level, industry, budget, time constraints, etc.
HR certifications are a great way to stay up-to-date with what’s happening in your industry and prove your expertise to your organization or a potential employer. The best HR certification for you would depend on several factors such as your experience level, industry, budget, time constraints, etc.
Here’s a list of HR certifications that we believe will help you take the next big step in your career. For your ease, we’ve classified the certification courses into the following categories:
Paid & professional certifications
Entry-level certification courses
Free certifications
Certifications without a degree
Let’s discuss them one by one.
1. Global Professional in Human Resources (GPHR)
Who’s it for: The Global Professional in Human Resources (GPHR) certification is designed for HR professionals who work in the global space.
The course is for HR professionals with
at least two years of experience in a professional-level HR position and a Master’s degree or higher
at least three years of experience in a professional-level HR position and a Bachelor’s degree
at least four years of experience in a professional-level HR position.
Institute: Human Resources Certification Institute (HRCI)
Duration of the Course: 10 hours
Cost: $595 → Exam Fee: $495 + Application Fee: $100.
Participant Testimonials: According to a survey by Indeed,
65% of job seekers said it helped their career progression
78% said it helped them make more money
70% said it helped them get a job
87% said they would recommend the certification to a family member or friend
Why We Love This Course:
The certification is valid worldwide and can work as a sole qualification for HR professionals.
Demonstrates your expertise in multinational HR responsibilities.
Doesn’t only cover regular topics like strategic HR management and organizational development, but also explores more niche concepts such as global talent acquisition, mobility, compensation, and benefits.
2. SHRM Senior Certified Professional (SHRM-CP/ SHRM-SCP)
Who’s it for: The SHRM-SCP is an advanced certification intended for executive-level and senior HR roles.
The exam is designed to assess the competency level in HR work at the strategic level. Applicants with at least 1000 hours/year of HR-related work at the strategic level can apply for the SCP certification.
The eligibility for the SHRM-SCP requires at least one of the following combinations of education and experience:
An HR-related bachelor’s degree (in progress) and six years in an HR role
A non-HR related bachelor’s degree (in progress) and seven years in an HR role
An HR-related bachelor’s degree (completed) and four years in an HR role
A non-HR-related bachelor’s degree (completed) and five years in an HR role
An HR-related graduate degree and three years in an HR role
A non-HR-related graduate degree and four years in an HR role
Institute: Society for Human Resources Management (SHRM)
Duration of the Course:120-160 hours
Cost: The self-study version of the SHRM Learning System costs $725 for military and SHRM members and $950 for non-military and non-members.
The SHRM-SCP exam has two fee structures.
Early-Bird Exam Fee:
SHRM member: $300 USD | Non-member: $400 USD
Standard Exam Fee:
SHRM member: $375 USD | Non-member: $475 USD
The SHRM Foundation also offers professional grants to SHRM members seeking to complete their SHRM-SCP certification.
Why We Love This Course:
Focuses on strategic matters such as aligning HR strategies with organizational goals, managing people who implement HR operations, and policy-making based on performance metrics analysis.
A great way to keep yourself and your business up to date with the latest in HR best-practices.
Can open doors to a higher salary and earn you recognition from your fellow professionals.
3. Human Resources Information Program (HRIP)
Who’s it for: The HRIP exam evaluates the competency and knowledge of HR professionals working in the information management field.
Institute: The International Association of Human Resources Information Management (IHRIM)
Duration of the Course: 6 hours
IHRIM offers live HRIP review courses for exam preparation.
After passing the exam, your HRIP credential will be active for three years. You need a total of 60 recertification credit hours during the 3-year period starting from the date the certification is granted to maintain your qualification.
Cost: The cost of the certification differs based on membership.
Members: $445 →$75 Application Fee and $370 Testing Fee
Non-Members: $555 →$75 Application Fee and $480 Testing Fee
Non-Members with Membership Fee: $790 → $75 Application Fee, $480 Testing Fee, and 12 months IHRIM membership (you save $60 off the regular new member rate)
Why We Love This Course:
It is not a commonly pursued certification by HR Generalists. Therefore, being HRIP certified will give you an edge over other HR generalists/managers.
You can take the HRIP exam via Live Online Proctoring (LOP). This allows you to complete the exam at a time that suits you best. The HRIP certification also covers all the latest trends and best practices.
Offers great value with cost-effective application and test fees.
4. HR Management and Analytics: Unlock the Value of Human Capital
This program includes strategic HR topics like HR management and data analytics.
Who’s it for: This course can be taken by mid to senior-level human resources professionals.
Institute: Wharton Aresty Institute of Executive Education
Duration of the Course: 2 months, 4-6 hours/week. The course comes with both live and recorded video lectures as well as individual assignments and feedback.
Cost: The total cost is $2,800. They offer a few different payment options.
Payment in installments
$280 off the course price if you refer a colleague
$20 discount if you enroll a team.
Participant Testimonials: “Most modules helped me gain knowledge and confidence in building a new organizational design.” — Sumiko Evans, Office Manager, Prestige Validation Services LLC, United States.
“Case studies and assignments forced us to apply the concepts learned, think logically, and reason with ourselves.” — Achuthan Kutty Prabhakaran, Consultant, United Arab Emirates.
Why We Love This Course:
Course material is easily accessible via PC, tablet, or phone. Great for busy professionals.
Explores practical applications with case studies at a flexible pace.
Includes numerous insights on people management with interactive video sessions.
Explains HR issues with practical, data-driven actions that students can apply in real-life scenarios.
Will help you become a more strategic HR partner by providing a holistic understanding of how HR management and data analytics intersect.
Do check our HR analytics certification guide if you’re looking to grow in this area.
5. Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR)
This course is designed for planning rather than implementing HR policy.
Who’s it for:
The eligibility criteria for this course is,
At least four years of experience in a professional-level HR position with a Master’s degree or higher
At least five years of experience in a professional-level HR position with a Bachelor’s degree
At least seven years of experience in a professional-level HR position.
Institute: Human Resources Certification Institute (HRCI)
Duration of the Course: 18 hours
Cost: Total $595 → Exam Fee: $495 + Application Fee: $100
Why We Love This Course:
SPHR certified professionals are much sought after by organizations for their proven ownership of HR department goals, for their vast knowledge in all areas of HR, and for having an in-depth understanding of business issues beyond the HR domain.
Demonstrates mastery of the strategic and policy-making aspects of HR management as practiced in the U.S.
Helps HR professionals develop strategies to attract and engage new talent, build training programs, and retain employees within the organization.
6. Professional in Human Resources (PHR)
Who’s it for: The PHR certification is for HR professionals who possess theoretical knowledge and practical experience in HR management and want to advance their careers.
The course is for HR professionals with
At least one year of experience in a professional-level HR position with a Master’s degree or higher
At least two years of experience in a professional-level HR position with a Bachelor’s degree
At least four years of experience in a professional-level HR position.
Institute: Human Resource Certification Institute (HRCI)
Duration of the Course: 60 hours
Cost: $495 → Exam Fee: $395 + Application Fee: $100
Why We Love This Course:
Demonstrates your mastery of the technical and operational aspects of HR, especially with regards to U.S. laws and regulations.
Best for HR professionals who have experience with program implementation, have a tactical/logistical orientation, report to another HR professional, and have responsibilities that focus solely on the HR department.
Teaches HR professionals how to use information about the organization to influence decision-making and minimize risk.
7. Strategic HR Leadership (SHRL)
Who’s it for: The Strategic Human Resource Leadership certification is a good fit for professionals who are new to HR leadership roles and want to prepare themselves for the upcoming challenges.
Institute: Human Capital Institute (HCI)
Duration of the Course: Two-day program or a virtual series with half-day sessions delivered over four weeks
Cost: $1995 for both virtual and in-person sessions.
Why We Love This Course:
To earn the SHRL certification, you'll do real work in class, including linking your team's work to business strategy, analyzing your team's design and mapping rolls, and creating learning plans for your team.
You'll also practice giving feedback and coaching to your team to improve their performance and engagement.
The course has both virtual and in-person sessions. It teaches participants to improve their leadership skills and their team's performance. Those who attend this training also earn 12 HCI, 12 HRCI, 12 SHRM, and 12 ATD recertification credits.