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Within the world of HR, there are many ways to build your knowledge base. Maintaining your certifications and continuing your professional education will not only serve you well in your day-to-day duties, but also ensure you are on top of changing trends and emerging technologies. One of the main focal points within HR today is in analytics.
Why are people analytics so important?
Using people data to guide business strategies can improve a company’s performance and build a more equitable workplace. Using employee data to drive decision-making has implications for strategies in employee relations, performance management, risk management, talent acquisition, and more. Naturally then, properly utilizing this data holds many benefits for HR teams. We have collected some of the most popular certification courses to help you find the people analytics insight that will serve you best.
The Best HR Analytics Certifications
Why Get an HR and People Analytics Certification?
A certification is an official credential from an accredited learning institute that signals mastery of certain concepts. The best HR certifications are typically widely recognized and hold the most weight of any HRIS training option. Some HR departments even require HRIS certification for key roles, so obtaining one opens you up to more potential job opportunities.
Certifications typically require passing an examination, and many are only valid for certain periods. After that, you can retake the exam or renew your accreditation through continued learning or participation in the field.
People Analytics by Wharton University of Pennsylvania
This online course from Wharton is geared to mid- to senior-level HR personnel. It is also great for small and mid-sized business owners who are looking for more effective people management strategies. As Wharton says on its website, “you can’t manage what you don’t measure,” and this program is geared to just that—equipping you with the tools necessary to effectively measure results. Wharton has some big name companies on its list of participants, from Google and 3M to The Home Depot.
HR Analytics Leader by AIHR Academy
This online, self-paced course is made up of seven modules. The goal for this course is to help analyze the “impact of people-related decisions” to better identify ways to boost business performance. Whether you are trying to boost your knowledge base or completely start a new career, this course will give you the fundamentals to get you started on your journey.
Human Resource Information Professional (HRIP)
If you are an HR professional who is deeply immersed in operations, human resource information system management, and/or analytics, an excellent course of action could be to pursue the Human Resource Information Professional (HRIP) credential.
To earn the HRIP certification, you must purchase and pass an examination. This exam covers four primary areas, as outlined in the course blueprint:
- Technology Strategy & Solutions Assessment
- HR Technology & Business Processes
- Systems Selection, Implementations & Upgrades
- HR Systems Operation
The exam is issued by the International Association for Human Resource Information Management (IHRIM), a leading organization for HR technology professionals around the world. Membership isn’t required to take the exam.
Cost:
- Exam only (current & non-member): $445
- Exam + new individual membership (1 year): $645
- Exam + new individual membership (1 year) + exam review course + study guide + access to course recordings + free practice exam: $1100
Course / Exam Details:
- There are no exam windows, so you can schedule a testing date that meets your availability.
- You may choose between online and in-person proctored exams.
Eligibility Criteria:
- No formal experience or education is required in order to take the exam.
- However, IHRIM recommends a combination of 3-5 years of HR technology/information management experience and a bachelor’s degree.
- They also recommend that, since the exam covers the latest trends and practices in the HR tech field, exam takers have recent work experience.
Duration:
- After purchasing the exam, you can take it anytime in the following 12 months.
Recertification:
- Your HRIP credential will be valid for three years after your certification date.
- To recertify, you will need to either earn 60 Recertification Credit Hours (RCH) as outlined in the recertification guide or retake the examination.
Who is this certification best for?
If you have already begun your career in HR analytics or information technology, and are looking for a concrete way to develop your career, an HRIP certification could be the right choice. This HRIS training credential signals to employers and peers that you have substantial, up-to-date knowledge and proficiency in the latest HR technologies and best practices.
People Analytics for HR (PAHR) Certification
Another option for HR professionals is the People Analytics for HR (PAHR) credential. Unlike the HRIP certification, the PAHR credential is designed for practitioners who want to add HR analytics and technology skills to their toolbelts to become more effective, data-driven leaders.
The certification is offered as a two-day live course. It follows the outline below:
- Connect people analytics to organizational outcomes
- Consult with stakeholders to define organizational issues
- Develop hypotheses about what might be happening
- Assemble metrics and expertise to test hypotheses
- Analyze people and organizational data
- Develop actionable recommendations based on insights
- Communicate the context of findings and recommendations
You can earn your PAHR credential by attending all of the sessions, completing all coursework, and passing the multiple-choice examination with a minimum score of 80%.
This certification is offered by the Human Capital Institute (HCI), a widely recognized organization that provides certification programs, conferences, and other professional development opportunities for HR practitioners.
Cost:
- The two-day course is $1,995
Course / Exam Details:
- The course is in a virtual, synchronous format and takes place over two days.
- There are scheduled course dates roughly twice per month.
- During the course, you can interact with faculty and peers.
- Following the course, you will need to take a multiple-choice exam and pass with a mark of at least 80%.
Eligibility Criteria:
- There are no specific eligibility criteria listed for the PAHR certification.
- However, the program materials do explicitly state that the course is not designed for data and analytics experts.
Recertification:
- Your certification will last for three years following your exam date.
- To renew your certification, you will need to obtain 60 credits over three years.
Who is this certification best for?
This certification is most suited to an HR generalist, business partner, or practitioner who wants to hone their data analytics skills to become more effective within their role. HRIS training included in this course offers a deep dive into how to use and understand data to drive HR business decisions.
People Analytics and Evidence-Based Management by openSAP
OpenSAP’s HR analytics course outlines how to address challenges and form decisions based on scientific fact. In this course, you will learn from an array of industry leaders as you learn to make better decisions in your organization. Feedback from course participants includes praise for the clear structure, great content, and its “balance between theory and practice.”
MS in Human Resource Analytics and Management by American University
American University developed this Master’s level program to give its graduates the tools they need to create employee wellness programs, utilize analytics to improve initiatives, and create better performance metrics for employees. This comprehensive online Master’s degree is comprised of 10 courses, and takes 20 months to complete.
Online People Analytics Courses by myHRfuture.com
The course designers at myHRfuture.com have developed not one but 15 courses that are focused on analytics. Course titles range from An Introduction to People Analytics to How to Have Effective Data Based Conversations. This array of topics will help the HR professional understand data’s role in the “people” side of human resources. All courses are completed at your own pace.
Analytics in Talent Management by Udemy
This online course from Udemy is ideal for HR professionals who want to get a better understanding of how to use analytics in their daily work. Like all Udemy courses, this is an affordable way to gain new insight into a specific topic—in this case, HR analytics—and use it as a springboard to other topics. Learn at your own pace and on a budget.
HR Data Analyst by AIHR Academy
Another course by AIHR Academy, this one focuses on data analysis. It is built for people who are very new to this area. You will learn data basics like extracting and cleaning—and of course analyzing—the information that will unlock keys to improving your organization. You’ll use Excel, Power BI, and Tableau to work through real-world examples while you get hands-on experience calculating ROI for HR-focused tasks.
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People Analytics by Bersin Academy
Many HR professionals know about Bersin Academy, and for good reason. There are a lot of great courses that will broaden your understanding of many HR-focused topics. In this course, you will learn how to better manage people through analytics tools. Key points include the purpose of “people analytics,” steps for problem-solving, data-gathering practices, and how to communicate what you learn. The primary goal for this course is to “help HR practitioners at all level of experience become more fluent in the language of data, more sophisticated users of analytics tools, and more comfortable using data to shape the decisions they make every day.” This course is conducted in a virtual classroom setting over the span of five weeks.
Applied Business Analytics by MIT Management Executive Education
Don’t let the “MIT” part scare you—this is a non-technical program intended to teach a “practical framework that includes data models, decisions, and value, building confidence in using data to improve decision-making.” This is a great course for teaching you how to decide which analytical approach will best fit your needs. When you know which tools to use, you will have better outcomes. The course is divided into six weeks of instruction; it can be a stand-alone course, or part of the more in-depth MIT Sloan Executive Certificate.
Workforce Metrics and Analytics by the University of Minnesota
This course by the University of Minnesota is geared toward HR professionals who are wanting to improve their ability to develop strategy. It is a great option for “those in HR who wish to enhance their financial and business acumen, this course covers both the fundamentals of financial concepts as well as insights into how HR professionals can leverage metrics and analytics to support their own activities” in that quest to improve strategy.
Introduction to People Analytics by MIPT (via Coursera)
We may not normally associate the Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology with human resources certifications, but it would be a mistake to overlook this course. Objectives for this course include learning how “data, technologies, and tools can be used in people management processes to improve organization’s performance.” Participants will learn how to measure ROI, how to identify employee qualities that optimize performance, and the best ways to recruit top talent. You can complete this course at your own pace; it will take approximately 14 hours to complete.
Strategic HR Metrics by AIHR Academy
Another great course from AIHR, Strategic HR Metrics focuses on developing, implementing, and aligning metrics in your organization. By teaching an understanding of metrics, this course will better prepare you to utilize them in your company. It’s a self-paced course that consists of 5 modules. This course is also included in the AIHR Academy’s HR Metrics & Dashboarding Certificate Program.
Executive Program on HR Analytics by GWFM
The Global Workforce Management, or GWFM, has put together a program to teach HR analytics techniques. Students and HR professionals alike can learn useful tools and tips, like how to create SMART goals to better achieve business benchmarks like improved employee performance. The course is divided into 10 modules. Participants must have a Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources from a recognized institution.
Certified Professional (CP) and Senior Certified Professional (SCP) by SHRM
No list of HR certifications would be complete without including what SHRM has to offer. These two certifications are part of the organization’s overall mission to “enhance [HR professionals’] effectiveness on the job, to develop their careers, and to partner strategically with business leaders and stakeholders.” The CP certification is geared to those who are early on in their career. The certification itself is a 4-hour exam. Applicants can opt for a self-study prior to taking the exam or select instructor-led preparation. The SCP certification is geared to senior-level HR professionals; the certification process is the same as with the CP level.
SHRM People Analytics Specialty Credential
The Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) offers certification for HR professionals looking to improve their HR technology skills. Through both asynchronous and live course content, you will learn the basics of people analytics.
After passing a 50-question online exam, you can add your Specialty Credential digital badge to your resume and LinkedIn profiles.
SHRM is an industry leader in HR education, research, and professional development. Membership or SHRM-CP certification isn’t required for this credential.
Cost:
- $1755 for SHRM members, $2030 for non-members
Course / Exam Details:
- Participants will first engage in an eLearning module “Foundational Data Literacy”.
- The instructor-led live seminar, “Taking Data-Driven Action Educational Program” can be taken online or in-person in conjunction with the SHRM Annual Conference.
- Two additional eLearning courses are available to participants: “The Metrics Behind People Analytics” and “Analyzing People Data”.
- Following the completion of these courses, you will take an online examination.
Eligibility Criteria:
- No specific eligibility requirements are present for this certification.
- However, the website states that this program is best suited for early- or mid-career professionals.
Duration:
- Duration is dependent on whether the instructor-led live seminar is taken online or at the SHRM Annual Conference.
Recertification:
- Your SHRM specialty certification does not expire
Who is this course best for?
This program is excellent for HR professionals who are looking to improve their people analytics skills and prefer a blend of live and asynchronous learning. For those with limited time to devote to professional development, the fact that this certification doesn’t expire could make it a great choice.
CHRMP Certification in HR Analytics
Certified Human Resource Management Professional (CHRMP) offers certification in HR Analytics. Individuals or teams looking to upskill and learn more about people analytics can participate in this self-paced training with weekly live sessions and earn a credential after passing a multiple-choice examination.
CHRMP lists the following learning outcomes for this program:
- Apply analytics to solve various business challenges
- Appreciate the significance of data in Human Resources
- Optimize resource utilization using workload analysis
- Use Tableau as a tool to effectively analyze data
- Identify and list the KPIs for various roles according to their responsibilities
- Use dashboards to tell stories that can sell to the business heads
- Read and clean the data from a large database
- Analyze the stages of diagnostic, predictive and prescriptive analytics
Following your certification, you will receive a verified, Blockchain-encrypted digital badge to display on your social media and resume.
CHRMP is a global HR certification organization that offers training and certifications in various HR disciplines.
Cost:
- $745 for individuals, customized pricing for teams
Course / Exam Details:
- This course includes optional weekly live sessions to ask questions and engage with your teacher.
- After completing the course, you will take a 90-minute, 60-question multiple-choice exam either online or at the nearest Mercer Mettle center.
- In addition to the certification, your tuition includes complimentary access to session recordings (for 1 year), additional CHRMP resources (for 3 months), and career resources.
Eligibility Criteria:
- The CHRMP program page does not list specific eligibility requirements.
Duration:
- The course takes place over 12 weeks through a self-paced eLearning experience.
Recertification:
- This credential does not expire
Who is this course best for?
The CHRMP certification draws HR professionals from around the world who want to up their game and become more fluent in people analytics. As a more affordable option, this program appeals to those who are funding their own professional development or those who are earlier in their career.
Certificate Programs
Why Get a Certificate?
An HR Analytics certificate shows you have completed training in this field. Unlike a certification, a certificate does not require you to pass an examination to earn it.
Certificates are typically comprised of multiple courses or modules covering various topics, including HR software training.
Human Resources Analytics (Cornell University)
This certificate program covers many skills needed to become a data-fluent HR professional. Cornell University’s HR Analytics certificate is comprised of four courses that can be taken in any order (though their sequence is recommended). Each course contains instructor-led digital content and is facilitated by a real person who provides feedback on your coursework.
Participants will take the following courses:
- Essentials of HR Analytics
- Strategic Talent Analytics
- Applied Predictive Analytics in HR
- Valuing HR Initiatives
After completing all four courses, you will receive a digital certificate from eCornell.
eCornell is the digital professional learning department of Cornell University. The online platform has a wide range of certificate programs, in HR and otherwise, for professionals at all levels.
Cost:
- $3750, though there are seasonal discounts
Course / Exam Details:
- The certificate is made up of 4 courses, each lasting two weeks. At its fastest, one can complete the certificate in 8 weeks.
- Courses start every two weeks.
Eligibility Criteria:
- None
Recertification:
- The certificate does not expire
Who is this certificate best for?
Practitioners who want a solid background in HR analytics and have funds to spare or work at an organization with a substantial development budget. eCornell is a widely-recognized learning provider in the HR realm.
HR Management and Analytics (University of Pennsylvania, Wharton)
This HRIS training program provides training about best practices and principles of using people analytics and analysis to manage your HR team skillfully. Designed with mid- to senior-level HR professionals in mind, this course marries HR management topics with up-to-date HR technology best practices to advance your skillset.
This online program contains the following course sequence:
- Introduction to People Analytics and Performance Evaluation
- Motivation and Reward
- Tasks, Jobs, and Systems of Work
- Strategic Staffing
- Collaboration Networks
- Talent Management and Analytics
- Managing Your Career as an HR Professional
This course is offered by the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania, a globally-recognized business institution.
Cost:
- $2800, though early bird pricing is available
Course / Exam Details:
- The certificate program is two months long, in which time you will complete seven eLearning modules.
- Following completion of all seven courses, you will receive a digital certificate.
Eligibility Criteria:
- There are no requirements to participate in this program.
- However, the program is designed for mid to senior-level leaders. Over half of the program’s graduates have between 10-20 years of experience, and roughly a quarter have more than 20 years of HR experience.
Recertification:
- This certificate does not expire.
Who is this certificate best for?
This certificate program is ideal for senior-level professionals looking to improve their management and data analysis skills in one swoop.
AIHR People Analytics Certificate
This online program from the Academy to Innovate HR (AIHR) dives deep into the details of people analytics and offers plenty of practice opportunities and case studies. It is an online, self-paced course suitable for HR professionals at any level.
This program covers the following topics over 19 eLearning modules:
- HR Analytics Leader
- Statistics in HR
- HR Data Analyst
- Capstone Project
AIHR is an online training institution that offers a variety of programs for HR professionals. Courses are eligible for SHRM and HCI recertification credit.
Cost:
- $975 for a single certification program. However, AIHR is running a special where interested learners can earn 11 certificates for $1320.
Course Details:
- The certificate can be completed over 12 months.
- To earn the certificate, you must pass each course and complete the capstone project.
Eligibility Criteria:
- There are no requirements to participate in this program.
Who is this certificate best for?
This course is a great option for any HR employee who wants to get a solid foundation in analytics. Unique to this program is a course on statistics, which is a helpful tool to really understand people analytics and be a power player in the boardroom.
Certificate in Human Resources Analytics (Rutgers)
This project-based, online certificate from Rutgers is an excellent way for mid to senior-level HR professionals to increase their value and knowledge through analytical skills. While the learning content is delivered online, the program matches you with an individual learning coach who will meet with you periodically to discuss your learning goals.
This course is offered through the Professional and Executive Education department at the Rutgers School of Business. Rutgers is an accredited public university in Camden, New Jersey.
The program covers the following topics:
- The Business of HR Analytics
- Governance
- Methodology
- Stakeholder Management
- Skills
- Technology
- Data
- Workforce Experiences
- Business Outcomes
- Developing a Culture for HR Analytics
- The Future of HR Analytics
Cost:
- $2300 for the certificate program and access to a personal learning coach.
- This program is approved by the New Jersey Department of Labor for workforce training grants.
- Additionally, funding might be available for New Jersey residents receiving unemployment benefits.
Eligibility Criteria:
- There are no requirements for this program.
- However, the program is designed for mid to senior-level HR professionals as there is a certain degree of foundational HR knowledge that the program requires.
Who is this certificate best for?
Professionals with solid work experience who want to dig into HR analytics would benefit from this program. While the online, self-paced format allows for flexibility, the individual learning coach provides a level of accountability missing from many eLearning programs.
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Alt tag: HR professional acquiring a degree in HR ananlytics
Graduate-Level Certificates and Degrees
Why Get a Graduate Certificate or Degree?
Pursuing professional development at a higher education institution is a significant next step for HR professionals at any level who want a more learning-focused, immersive academic environment.
While this route is likely a more costly option in terms of time and money, particularly master’s degrees, it is worth the input. You will have access to thought leaders and HR academics to steep yourself in learning about HR analytics and technology. In addition, many universities offer some form of financial aid or scholarships.
Graduate Certificates Available for HR Analytics
- American University: Graduate Certificate in Human Resource Analytics (online)
- Portland State University: Human Resource Analytics Graduate Certificate (online)
Graduate Degrees Available for HR Analytics
- Fort Hays State University: Master of Professional Studies, concentration in Human Resource Information Systems (online + in-person)
- Montclair State University: Master of Science in Human Resource Analytics
- New York University: Master of Science in Human Capital Analytics and Technology (online + in-person)
- Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey: Master of Human Resource Management, HR Analytics course track (online + in-person)
Low-Cost and HRIS Free Programs
For the early career HR professional, self-funders, or for those under a tight budget, there are a variety of HRIS course options available to learn more about managing an HRIS and people analytics.
People Analytics Program (Bersin Academy)
This online option is a lower cost and a smaller time investment than other programs.
Practitioners of any experience level will become “fluent in the language of data” and more adept at quantitative information to guide their business decisions. Unique about this program is the cohort style of learning. Though participants will complete online modules, they will be placed in a cohort of 30-50 peers with whom they will discuss course topics.
The program consists of five “Field Manuals” (their version of an online module):
- The Analytics Revolution
- Creative Questions
- Meaningful Data
- Insightful Analysis
- Persuasive Communication
Upon completion of the course, you will receive a digital certificate of completion.
Josh Bersin Academy is a global community and professional development organization that offers cohort-based learning for various HR topics.
Cost:
- $28 per month, or $280 annually for a subscription to all programs
Course Details:
- The program is online and lasts five weeks, with roughly one hour per week of content.
- Enrollment dates are roughly every two months.
- The course contains five modules, each completed weekly.
- Each module ends with a project, discussion, or another capstone element.
Eligibility Criteria:
- None listed
Who is this program best for?
HR practitioners of all experience levels would benefit from this program. The low monetary and time cost keeps the barrier to entry low for those on a budget or busy at work. Additionally, the HRIS course subscription model benefits eager learners who want to complete multiple programs.
People Analytics Guide (Google)
Google offers a free tool for interested HR specialists. The individual “guides” are structured like an eLearning class, but unlike a class, they do not have practice or feedback opportunities.
Google’s research in and use of People Analytics is best-in-class and rapidly improving. They offer case studies, blog posts, and tools to use and review in your learning journey.
Cost:
- Free
Eligibility Criteria:
- None listed
Human Resources Analytics (Coursera)
Coursera offers a short, flexible, 100& virtual option to hone your HR data competencies. This course is provided by the University of California, Irvine.
This course covers the following:
- Identifying effective data sources
- Developing meaningful metrics
- Designing long-term measures
- Applying results in support of organizational strategy and tactics
Coursera has thousands of courses in nearly every imaginable discipline.
Cost:
- Free (audit only) or $49 for the opportunity to earn a digital certificate of completion.
- Financial aid is available.
Course Details:
- The course lasts for four weeks with roughly 1-2 hours of instruction per week.
- Each module has a video lesson, a reading, and a quiz.
Eligibility Criteria
- None listed
Who is this course best for?
Any HR practitioner wishing to improve their people analytics skills on a budget. Due to the course’s self-paced nature, this option fits into any schedule.
Deciding Which Courses are Best for You
Clearly, there are many options for expanding your HR analytics knowledge base. As you decide which options are best for you, keep in mind what you are wanting to get out of the certification. Knowing what your goals are will help narrow down your choices. No matter which courses you choose, you will be taking important steps to advance your HR career.
Now what're you going to do with that new certification? Look for a cutting edge HR role of course! Check out our People Analytics job board for open roles, information, and where to apply.
