Human Resources (HR) certifications have become an increasingly popular means for HR professionals to advance their careers by building and showcasing modern knowledge of HR best practices.
Let's take a look at six of the best HR certifications that will help you choose the right HR certification program for you!
Why is obtaining HR certifications important?
The field of human resources is crucial for demonstrating your knowledge to employers. Staying ahead with current and updated knowledge of labor laws and HR best practices can be challenging but necessary to remain relevant in the HR world.
HR certifications can support your long-term professional success. Studies have shown that those who continue their education through HR certification programs enhance their earning potential throughout their careers – by up to 44%. Whether starting a new career or venturing into a new specialization as an HR professional, HR certifications can help you get a good start.
A Payscale study also found that certified HR professionals are 25% more likely to receive a promotion, which bodes well for any upward mobility you may seek. Furthermore, many employers now require HR certifications as a job requirement.
In summary, here are some reasons why obtaining HR certifications is beneficial for you:
Improving knowledge, skills, and expertise
Enhancing job performance with new skills
Demonstrating commitment and up-to-date knowledge to current and future employers
Creating a competitive edge and increasing your value in the job market
Building a future career in HR
The good news is that there are many ways to obtain HR certifications, including easy access to online HR certification programs.
Best HR Certifications
Here is a summary of the top HR certifications to consider:
Academy to Innovate HR (AIHR)
AIHR is known as a fully accredited online HR certification course library that provides field-specific learning and certification. With a focus on future-proofing your HR skill set, AIHR has assembled bundles of educational materials you can complete at your own pace.
Students can enroll in the academy for full experience and obtain multiple specialized certifications. They can also choose to focus on one area of interest at a time. The 13 HR certification programs include:
Organizational Development
HR Manager
Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging
People Analytics
Digital HR
HR Business Partner
HR Metrics and Dashboarding
Learning and Development
Strategic Talent Acquisition
Compensation and Benefits
HR Specialist
Talent Management and Succession Planning
Sourcing and Recruiting
With full access to the academy, you can also get microlearning courses like ChatGPT for HR, providing tools and use cases to boost your efficiency. The courses range from beginner to advanced topics.
Professional in Human Resources (PHR) from the HR Certification Institute (HRCI) The HR Certification Institute is a well-known source of continuing education for HR professionals. The most sought-after certification is the Professional in Human Resources (PHR). With certification levels in the higher and global realms of HR management careers, it is possible to start your journey and obtain advanced certification while gaining on-the-job experience and increasing responsibility levels.
Candidates can obtain an Associate Professional in Human Resources (aPHR) certification and then progress to PHR, Senior PHR, and Global PHR. An online version of this certification is also available. Most students study for six to nine months before taking the exams.
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SHRM Certified Professional (SHRM-CP) and SHRM Senior Certified Professional (SHRM-SCP) The Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) offers a competency-based HR certification program. It is based on the core knowledge of SHRM Body of Competency & Knowledge™ (SHRM BoCK), which supports the professional goals of HR professionals to achieve their best in the HR field. The course and exams focus on leadership success as well as organizational strategy.
It also offers areas of specialization, with SHRM focusing on HR sections, immigration laws, workplace investigations, talent acquisition, inclusive culture, and people analytics. This program suits HR specialists as it covers all aspects of HR work.
Strategic HR Leadership (SHRL) from the Human Capital Institute (HCI) The Human Capital Institute is known for its focus on aligning human capital with business strategy, typically focusing on HR leaders and their business impact.
HCI provides access to the Strategic HR Leadership (SHRL) and several other competency-based HR certification programs. Participants are provided with materials, guides, practice tests, and mentor support via HCI Academy. Students can engage in two-day programs or a virtual series with half-day sessions for up to four weeks. Learners must pass an online test to obtain certification.
Certified Human Resources Professional (CHRP) from HRPA The Human Resources Professionals Association (HRPA) offers exclusive credentials for Certified Human Resources Professionals (CHRP). It also provides two additional advanced qualifications, including Certified Human Resources Leader (CHRL) and Certified Human Resources Executive (CHRE).
Students must complete a series of nine HR-related thematic areas by taking college courses through a network of Canadian colleges and universities that are reviewed for approval, then challenge exams. There is also a Workforce Readiness Program to support those wishing to pursue an HR career.
Talent Management Practitioner Certificate from the Talent Management Institute The Talent Management Practitioner Certificate offered by the Talent Management Institute focuses on those wishing to move into talent management careers, one of the fastest-growing HR fields today, with high earning potential. The program consists of the TMP™ resource kit containing all books and other study materials needed to perform the test, offered online.
The TMI online certificate is designed for those graduating from college or university focusing on HR and talent management. The program requires candidates to meet some educational and practical experience and uses a proprietary tool to validate candidates before approving them for the program.
Certified Professional in Talent Development (CPTD) from the Association for Talent Development (ATD) The Association for Talent Development (ATD) is known for its leading training in professional development areas and also offers a comprehensive certification – Certified Professional in Talent Development (CPLP), covering various topics related to talent development across multiple skill sets and abilities.
The program is accessible in-person, online, or through weekend workshops, or students can self-study using ATD resources. The exam is rigorous, and students are advised to prepare in advance; many report that studying took six to nine months.
How DocSuite HR System Can Help The DocSuite HR system can assist in obtaining HR certifications by providing an easy-to-use interface for managing employee documents and information. It can be used to store resumes, contracts, annual reports, performance evaluations, and any completed certifications or training. It can also create regular HR reports and reviews, making managing these processes more effective and straightforward. Some key features include:
Document storage: Use the DocSuite HR system to store resumes, contracts, certificates, and any other HR-related documents.
Performance evaluation management: The system can track and manage annual employee evaluation processes, including form preparation, feedback collection, and result storage.
Training and development recording: The system allows recording HR certification training completed by employees, including completion dates and results.
Creating reports and statistics: Use the DocSuite HR system to create reports and statistics on performance, employment, and training, facilitating strategic decision-making.
Easy access and sharing: The system provides an easy-to-use interface for accessing and sharing information among HR certification students.
Improving efficiency and effectiveness: By organizing and providing documents and data, the DocSuite HR system helps improve the efficiency and effectiveness of obtaining HR certifications.
Investing in your career doesn't always have to come from your pocket. Continuous learning and certifications are often excellent investments for your company. Some companies may already have a policy for learning and development budgets, so check with your manager about what your company offers.