While HR certifications are not mandatory for HR roles, they are a great way to stay current with what’s happening in your industry, improve your skills with HRIS software, and prove your expertise to your organization or a potential employer.
Created with human resource professionals in mind, this guide provides the top HR certifications and courses that we believe will help you take the next big step in your HR career. For your ease, we’ve classified the certification courses into the following categories:
- Paid HR certifications to get
- HR certifications and courses for beginners
- Free HR certifications that are actually good, and
- HR certifications that don’t require a degree
Let’s discuss them one by one.
Best Paid HR Certifications and Courses to Get
1. Global Professional in Human Resources (GPHR)
The Global Professional in Human Resources focuses on global HR strategies and policy development. It validates your competencies in handling HR responsibilities in a global marketplace.
Who’s it for: The 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 in human resources 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-SCP)
The SHRM-SCP certification is designed for professionals responsible for developing HR policies and overseeing integrated HR operations. It targets individuals who direct HR enterprises or align HR strategies with organizational goals. This certification signifies advanced expertise in strategic HR management.
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 HR salary and earn you recognition from your fellow professionals.
3. Human Resources Information Program (HRIP)
The HRIP Certification Exam evaluates the knowledge and competencies of HR professionals in the technology field. Passing the exam signifies a strong understanding of HR information management principles.
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/hiring 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 HR 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
Wharton's two-month online certificate program in HR Management and Analytics focuses on the integration of people management and data analytics. 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.
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 people management best practices and insights 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 business partner by providing a holistic understanding of how HR management and data analytics intersect.
Course Taker Review: “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.
Do check our HR analytics certification guide if you’re looking to grow in this area.
5. Certified Staffing Professional (CSP)
The Certified Staffing Professional program offers comprehensive training in federal employment and labor law, essential for staffing professionals. This credential certifies your expertise in navigating federal and state regulations while working with employees and clients.
Who’s it for: The CSP certification is a great credential to have on your HR resume as a staffing professional. It certifies your expertise in managing employees and clients in the context of federal and state laws and regulations.
Institute: American Staffing Association (ASA)
Duration of the Course: 4 to 6 weeks, 1 to 2 hours of weekly study
Cost: $250 for members, $500 for non-members
Why We Love This Course:
- CSP is the premier certification for staffing professionals. The program is unique because no other industry certification deep-dives into the topics relevant to staffing professionals and their clients the way CSP does.
- Only five percent of all staffing professionals in the United States hold a CSP certification through the ASA.
6. Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR)
HR professionals with strategic and policy-making backgrounds are ideal candidates for the SPHR certification, which focuses on planning rather than implementing HR policy. This course is tailored for leaders responsible for setting HR department goals and executing business strategies within the organization.
Who’s it for:
The eligibility criteria for this course are as follows:
- 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: 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 because they have proven ownership of HR department goals, vast knowledge in all areas of HR, and 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 hire employees, build training programs, and retain employees within the organization.
7. Professional in Human Resources (PHR)
The PHR certification program indicates technical and operational expertise in HR management and U.S. laws, focusing on tactical implementation within an organization. It consists of a 2-hour exam with 90 scored and 25 pretest questions, and is valid for three years.
Who’s it for: The PHR certification is for HR professionals who possess theoretical knowledge and practical experience in HR management and want to optimize their HR career path.
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 regard to U.S. laws and regulations.
- Best for professionals who have experience with HR software 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.
8. Strategic HR Leadership (SHRL)
The Human Capital Strategy Credential program equips HR leaders with essential strategic capabilities in just 18 months through three core programs, two strategic accelerators, and a mentorship component.
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 roles, and creating skills development plans for your team.
- You'll also practice giving team feedback and coaching to improve employee experience and performance.
- 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.
9. Human Resources Management Certification
The course, which focuses on fundamental human resources skills, is led by an experienced HR consultant with over five years in the field and a published author on employee experience.
Who’s it for: If you’re an HR Manager, then this is the course for you because it covers all the skills and responsibilities of your role. The topics taught in this course include the key responsibilities of an HR Manager, HR tasks, administrative tasks, and more.
Institute: HR University
Duration of the Course: One week
Cost: $199
Course Taker Review: "This program allows me to finally gain a more holistic understanding of human resources - resulting in more strategic conversations with stakeholders and empowering more informed decision making." - Allie C., HR Manager
"While I started the program with zero experience, I realized learning the fundamental concepts isn't as insurmountable as I initially expected as long as I put in the effort to learn. This program is the one-stop-shop for all HR Manager resources." - Angie O., HR Assistant.
Why We Love This Course:
- The course trains the modern-day HR manager on issues such as sexual harassment, racial and gender discrimination, etc. This empowers HR to raise awareness around these sensitive issues and make a positive difference in the organization’s culture.
- Only one week long and has over 90 lectures and 30+ case studies.
10. Certified Professional in Talent Development (CPTD)
The CPTD is an HR certification for talent development professionals with a minimum of five years of experience. It assesses a professional’s knowledge and application of skills across various talent development areas.
Who’s it for: This certification is for HR professionals in the talent development field. It focuses on the application and decision-making of their skill.
Eligibility for this course requires at least five years of professional work experience in talent development or related fields and 60 hours of professional development in talent development within the last five years.
Institute: The Association for Talent Development (ATD)
Duration of the Course: 80–100 hours of exam prep
Cost: $900 for members and $1250 for non-members
Course Taker Review: “I wanted a certification that was widely recognized in the industry not only for the accreditation but also for the learning experience. The [CPTD] was the only certification that consistently stood out to me as the gold standard in my field.” - Denée D'Andrea, Senior Learning Manager, Four Seasons Hotels & Resorts.
Why We Love This Course:
- CPTD is the premier credential that tests the breadth of skills needed for success in the talent development profession.
- Provides a great growth opportunity for HR professionals, allowing them to demonstrate the ability to add value through talent development strategies and solutions (aka learning management systems—LMS).
- CPTD certified professionals report having a better understanding of the scope of their work, having broadened their skill set, and being more effective in creating and evaluating employee engagement action plans.
Best HR Certifications and Courses for Beginners
1. Associate Professional in Human Resources (APHR)
The aPHR is an HR certification program aimed at new HR professionals and non-HR individuals. The exam consists of 65 scored questions and 25 pretest questions, with a total duration of 1 hour and 45 minutes, and the certification is valid for three years.
Who’s it for:
- The certification is an excellent entry-level course for anyone looking to fast-track their career in HR. It is a knowledge-based credential, and no experience is required for it.
Institute: HRCI
Duration of the Course: 2 hours 15 minutes of exam time
Cost: Total $400 → Exam Fee: $300 + Application Fee: $100
Participant Testimonials: According to a survey by Indeed:
- 78% of job seekers said it helped their career progression
- 45% said it helped them make more money
- 47% it helped them get a job
- 92% said they would recommend the certification to a family member or friend
Why We Love This Course:
- This is the first-ever HR certification designed for two distinct types of individuals - HR professionals who are starting their careers in HR, and non-HR professionals who manage people.
- The course is a good opportunity for young HR professionals who are just starting their careers. It does not have any eligibility criteria, so non-HR professionals who manage teams can also appear for the APHR exam.
2. Administrative Human Resources (HR) for Beginners
This HR course covers the full spectrum of human resources, from administrative compliance to strategic business growth. It offers insights into conducting HR audits, recruiting top talent, and implementing an effective performance management process.
Who’s it for: This is an introductory course for those who are interested in Human Resources. The course explores the roles and duties of HR. It also teaches you how to recruit great talent with job analysis and interview questions.
Institute: Udemy Inc.
Duration of the Course: 1 hour 10 minutes - 11 lectures
Cost: $34.99
Course Taker Review: “Very knowledgeable course for beginners. The slides are very thorough and precise. The speaker explained the concepts very well through examples.” - Abhishek C.
Why We Love This Course:
- This course is an excellent introduction to the roles and duties of an HR professional. It comes with lifetime access and a money-back guarantee, and you can access it on mobile and TV.
- In addition to exploring HR from an administrative and compliance perspective, the course also helps you learn how to recruit great talent, conduct an HR audit, and execute a performance management strategy.
- Participants report having found the course particularly valuable because it addresses real-life scenarios.
3. SHRM CERTIFIED PROFESSIONAL (SHRM-CP)
The SHRM-CP exam is tailored for those in general HR roles or aspiring Human Resource Management professionals, consisting of knowledge-based and scenario-based questions. Half of the items focus on behavioral competency clusters, while the other half address HR knowledge domains.
Who’s it for: This certification is for people looking to pursue a career in HR management or have general HR-related duties.
It does not require an HR title, a degree, or previous HR experience. Basic working knowledge of HR practices and principles is enough to pursue the certification.
Institute: SHRM
Duration of the Course: 60 hours
Cost: 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 their SHRM-SCP certification.
Why We Love This Course:
- Great course for beginners to help sharpen their skills and gain new perspectives.
- No need to hold a current HR position.
- No previous experience required.
- The certification is relevant and accepted all over the world.
- Proves your competency in the areas of HR policy implementation, day-to-day HR function support, and being the HR point of contact for staff and stakeholders.
4. Foundation Certificate in People Practice
This qualification is ideal for newcomers to the HR field or those in support roles, focusing on the impact of external influences, organisational culture, and the essential principles of people practice. It covers people analytics, core professional behaviors, and key topics such as recruitment, talent management, and employee lifecycle to enhance practitioners' skills and confidence.
Who’s it for: This certification is perfect for junior HR professionals and people already working in a support role. It provides a solid foundation in all the areas of HR and helps you develop the essential skills required to progress in your career. No experience or qualifications are needed to enroll in this course.
Institute: Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD)
Duration of the Course: 6 months
Cost: Between £1,750 and £2,500
Why Do We Love This Course:
- Recognised by employers as a global standard of excellence.
- Participants get accredited by CIPD, the only organization globally that can award Chartered status to individual HR and L&D professionals.
- The qualification makes you a CIPD member, connecting you to an influential network of people professionals worldwide.
- In addition to exploring the essentials of people practice, the course will help you learn more about the principles of HR analytics, and core behaviors for people professionals.
- Flexible study plans. Choose from online, in-person, and blended study modes.
5. People Analytics
This course teaches how to leverage people analytics to enhance business value through hands-on experience with people data in Excel. Participants will create interactive HR dashboards in Microsoft Power BI and complete a capstone project to earn their certificate.
Who’s it for: This certification is for HR professionals who would like to identify and align people analytics with the overall business strategy.
Institute: Academy to Innovate HR (AIHR)
Duration of the Course: Online self-paced, study 4 hours/week to finish in 10 weeks
Cost: $975 for one certificate program from AIHR
Course Taker Review: “This is an excellent, robust program with a mix of course content for complete beginners and some pointers for mid-level practitioners who want to know how to get into an advanced level in People Analytics. Highly recommendable.” - Guillermo Alcalá Alamillo (Alumni).
Why Do We Love This Course:
- Features in-depth, real-life examples to teach data analytics.
- Does not require any prior statistics or technical knowledge.
- Provides 12 months of access to the student portal, all lessons, and learning materials.
- Provides a full analytics skill set that would enable you to drive data-driven decision-making throughout HR.
Best Free HR Certifications (No HR Experience Required)
Now, let’s explore some of the best HR certifications and courses available for those with no experience in HR.
1. Preparing to Manage Human Resources
This Coursera course lays the foundation for effectively managing employees by exploring various HRM strategies, the legal context, and employee motivation. You'll gain essential knowledge and skills for future courses on hiring, performance management, and employee rewards.
Who’s it for: This free HR course is for beginner to intermediate level human resources professionals. It takes an in-depth look into some of the most critical aspects of successful HR management, including:
- Talent acquisition
- Talent management
- Employment law
Institute: University of Minnesota
Duration of the Course: 17 hours
Cost: Free
Why Do We Love This Course:
- Offered by the well-renowned University of Minnesota.
- Provides a basis for developing customized approaches to managing employees by illustrating alternative HRM strategies, highlighting the importance of the legal context, and exploring employee motivation.
Course Taker Review:
From course taker Mario L. V.: “This course has an outstanding wealth of information for new people entering the Human Resources arena. I also recommend it to others that want to brush up on knowledge and skills of the HR industry.”
2. Diploma in Human Resources
This course covers the key functions of human resource development, including recruitment, selection, training, performance management, and employee retention. It equips participants with the skills to manage underperformance and implement effective motivational strategies, making it suitable for early-career HR professionals as well as those looking to refine their HR expertise.
Who’s it for: If you’re looking to develop a solid understanding of HR fundamentals, this is the course for you. In 10 hours, you can gain a solid understanding of recruitment, interviewing, communication, training, organizing, management, employee retention, compensation, and benefits.
Institute: Alison
Duration of the Course: 10-15 Hours
Cost: Free
Why Do We Love This Course:
- Self-paced
- Taught by world-renowned experts
- In-depth coverage of the subject matter
- Great value in a short amount of time for those new to HR or professionals looking to brush up on their skills.
Course Taker Review:
From Louis M. “Organised and engaging, offering in-depth HR content with real-world applications. Also a CPD accredited diploma which adds significant credibility. A worthwhile investment, which I highly recommend to anyone aiming to advance in People & Culture.”
3. People and Organizations
This free human resource course covers the historical and current contexts for professionals, highlighting management challenges. It offers interactive exercises to develop negotiation, teamwork, and leadership skills, with optional fieldwork projects for practical application.
Who’s it for: This course is for HR professionals who would like to understand HR theory from a historical perspective and frame today’s challenges in that context. Offered by the world-renowned MIT, it covers essential topics such as negotiations, teamwork, and leadership.
Institute: MIT
Duration of the Course: 37.5 hours
Cost: Free
Why Do We Love This Course:
- Provides an understanding of the human and organizational contexts that HR professionals can expect in the workplace.
- Teaches the skills required to be productive and successful as an HR professional.
- Explores how to put the scientific, technical, and organizational knowledge gained at MIT to use in taking on the issues facing modern-day organizations.
- Part of both the Sloan School’s Minor in Management and the Gordon Engineering Leadership Program.
4. HR Fundamentals
On this five-week course, you’ll explore the role of HR in supporting organizations to meet their business goals and strategic objectives, gaining practical insights that you can apply in your professional journey.
Who’s it for: Designed for new HR professionals, this course may also be of interest to professionals responsible for people operations. This free course talks about:
- The best practices that an HR professional should follow
- The top skills that HR professionals should develop
- A foundational understanding of business and strategic goals
Institute: Future Learn
Duration of the Course: 15 hours
Cost: Free
Why Do We Love This Course:
- Excellent at imparting foundation principles to apply across your HR development.
- Well structured for easy learning.
- Taught by top HR professionals.
- Great for beginners.
- Out of over 60,000 students who have already taken this course, many said that it proved to be super insightful.
Course Taker Review:
From Nkoyo E. “As someone who is looking to start my career in HR it was an insightful kickoff for me , I have a better understanding of some of the process I observed at work and the reasoning behind them.”
5. HR Management Short Course
This free online human resources certification offered by Oxford Home Study College is designed for both newcomers and existing HR professionals, providing foundational knowledge in HR management. The course covers key topics such as candidate recruitment and staff training and development, with no prior experience required.
Who’s it for: This free course is designed for professionals who are interested in gaining a solid understanding of recruitment and employee training.
Institute: Oxford Home Study Center
Duration of the Course: 20 hours
Cost: Free
Why Do We Love This Course:
- Get CPD credit.
- OHSC endorsed.
- Taught by industry experts.
- Effectively teaches the objectives, functions, and scope of HRM.
- Explores what Strategic Human Resources Management involves.
- Great value offered in a free course.
Online Certifications for HR Professionals Without a Degree
1. Associate Professional in Human Resources - International
Who’s it for: The aPHRi certification can be obtained by anyone without a degree or experience because this is a knowledge-based credential. aPHRi is an excellent certification for those outside the United States or working with a diverse workforce.
Institute: HRCI
Duration of the Course: 42 hours
Cost: Exam fee:$300, application fee: $100
Why Do We Love This Course:
- The first-ever HR certification designed for professionals who are just beginning their HR career journey outside of the United States.
- Prepares you to work with people from all around the world
- HRCI certifications are world-renowned
- No work experience required
2. Associate Professional in Talent Development Credential (APTD)
Who’s it for: The APTD certification is for Talent Development professionals with at least three years of experience. The certification mainly focuses on developing the capabilities required by early-career professionals to succeed in their job roles.
Institute: Association for Talent Development
Duration of the Course: 60 hours
Cost: Members: $499, Non-members: $699
Why Do We Love This Course:
- Only three years of work experience required
- 15% of APTD certified professionals are in managerial roles
- Participants report having a better understanding of their scope of work, having increased confidence in implementing training solutions, and think more strategically instead of just getting the job done.
3. Certified Human Resources Professional (CHRP)
Who’s it for: The CHRP certification is ideal for entry-level professionals. It prepares them for roles in administration or small HR functions, such as a Human Resources Assistant, Staffing Coordinator, or Human Resources Coordinator.
Institute: The Human Resources Professionals Association (HRPA)
Duration of the Course: 13 weeks
Cost: $185
Why Do We Love This Course:
- Well-suited to the needs of new HR professionals
- No HR degree required
- Helps in understanding the traditional and strategic way of implementing HR processes in a world dealing with a pandemic.
4. Diversity and Inclusion Certification Program
Who’s it for: This program is for professionals looking to build a diverse and inclusive culture in their organizations. It covers a wide variety of DEI topics, such as:
- Biases in Hiring and Performance Evaluations
- Bullying
- Harassment
- Social Identities
- Types of Diversity
Institute: HR University
Duration of the Course: 1 week, 10 hours
Cost: $199
Why Do We Love This Course:
- Explores how to create an inclusive workplace.
- Aimed at making a real-life impact in workplaces for minorities.
- Teaches the exact responses to handle hard conversations in the workplace.
5. Certified Diversity Executive (CDE)
The CDE credential is designed to help organizations remove impediments to inclusion and develop a healthy acceptance of diversity. The certification is suitable for professionals working in large, multinational organizations.
Institute: Institute for Diversity Certification
Duration of the Course: 2 weeks
Cost: $3000. 20% discount for members, 30% discount for groups of 3 or more.
Why Do We Love This Course:
- Certification is based on the completion of a candidate project, which ensures practical learning.
- The candidate’s work is peer-reviewed.
Choosing the Right HR Certification
Choosing the best HR certification for you depends on your current role, career goals, and the specific skills you want to develop. Human resources is a diverse field with numerous specializations and industry-specific roles, which means there is a wide range of training materials available. For that reason, it's essential to find an HR certification that addresses the specific skills and challenges you wish to focus on.
Additionally, consider the credibility of the HR certificate institutes. Ensuring they are reputable and specialized in the programs you're interested in will help you narrow down your options to only quality education sources.
To assist in your search, here are some well-established associations that offer HR training and certifications.
SHRM
Founded in 1948, SHRM is the most prominent HR association globally. The association has over 285,000 active members who enjoy access to various online resources, promotions on educational programs, and personalized content. In addition, SHRM certifications and courses are recognized globally.
NHRA
NHRA is a volunteer-run organization founded in 1951. It positions itself as an all-encompassing organization for its members, catering to everyone from the intern to the executive level. NHRA focuses on forming strong interpersonal relationships between its members and organizes small-scale meetings, conferences, and seminars to achieve this objective.
AHRD
The Academy of Human Resources Development is a global organization focused on continuing education in HR. It offers its members excellent online resources and networking opportunities through conferences and various events.
ATD
ATD is a renowned training and development association. The organization holds various conferences and events throughout the year and helps HR talent connect with businesses for potential employment opportunities.
IHRIM
IHRIM was founded in 1980 to help members stay up-to-date with the latest HR technology, share and learn about the latest best practices in HR, and acquire professional certifications. In addition, the association also holds an annual conference, helps members with HR job opportunities, and provides access to credible vendors and HR systems.
CFGI – Council for Global Immigration
CFGI is an association mainly focused on employment-based immigration and the laws and policies around the topic. Members benefit from the association’s immense knowledge base on acquiring top talent worldwide.
CUPA-HR – College and University Professional Association for Human Resources
CUPA-HR is an association focused on human resources management in education institutes like colleges and universities. With over 6000 members, the organization focuses on policy issues that may affect human resources and higher education.
APA – American Payroll Association
Founded in 1982, the APA is the top payroll association in the United States. Its 20,000+ members enjoy access to various publications, conferences, seminars, and certification opportunities.
HCI – Human Capital Institute
The Human Capital Institute has over 190,000 members worldwide and is growing fast. The association consistently shares valuable HR knowledge through videos, webcasts, articles, case studies, and blog posts with its members to help them optimize their human capital for maximum benefit.
HR People + Strategy
HR People + Strategy is an exclusive network under SHRM that offers exclusive content, conferences, and knowledge to HR professionals with 10+ years of experience. The network focuses on strategic HR issues and engages members with insights into complex areas of strategic HRM.
HR Certification FAQs
What are HR Certifications?
HR certifications are professional credentials that showcase your expertise in human resource management. To earn a certification, you typically complete a course and pass an exam.
HR certifications are usually valid for three years and can be renewed through retaking the exam or earning recertification credits, which can be obtained by attending conferences, taking online courses, and volunteering.
What are Different Types of HR Certifications?
There are various HR certifications tailored for professionals at different career stages. The most common HR certifications include:
- HRCI Professional in Human Resources (PHR): For HR professionals with operational experience. Eligibility varies by education (four years without a degree, two years with a bachelor's, and one year with a master's). It involves a 90-question exam covering employee relations and talent acquisition, valid for three years.
- SHRM Certified Professional (SHRM-CP): Offered by the Society for Human Resource Management for those in operational HR roles and students. This certification requires no degree or prior HR experience and includes knowledge-based and situational judgment questions.
- Associate Professional in Human Resources (aPHR): Designed for entry-level HR professionals and non-HR managers. It requires no prior HR experience and consists of a 65-question exam on HR fundamentals like compliance and employee relations, valid for three years.
Are HR Certifications Worth It?
As mentioned earlier, HR certifications aren’t necessary to work in HR. You may be someone just starting out and still trying to decide whether you’d like to pursue a career in HR.
But for professionals who have spent a few years in the field and want to take their careers (as well as earning potential) to the next level, HR certifications are vital stepping stones toward promotions and new job opportunities.
Closing Thoughts
Whether you’re an experienced professional or just starting out, we hope this guide has helped you better understand the best HR certification options available and the doors they may open for you.
If you’re looking for other advice and resources for HR professionals of all experience levels, check out the SSR newsletter.
