You probably haven’t had much experience with job interviews, but you’ve probably observed that interviewers always ask about your knowledge, talents, and accomplishments during the interview.
The courses and certifications on the profile are the main elements that capture their attention, and they are compelled to choose the person from a pool of thousands of candidates.
One of the fastest expanding areas of education is certification programs in specific disciplines. There are numerous institutes located throughout the world that offer certifications in a variety of subjects of study, the most common of which being the Information Technology and Human Resources certification programs.
Particularly in the field of human resources, we can effortlessly perceive that it is constantly expanding than ever, and with it, the market requirements for professionals are also changing rapidly as new topics and researches are published every day.
Hence, HR professionals must enhance their knowledge level by participating in some sort of learning program, such as a certification program, to keep up with the latest inclusions in the field.
Professionals like certification programs because they are easier to obtain and may be completed in less time with flexibility.
We’ve provided a list of HR certificates below, but first, let’s talk about why people should choose HR certification in the first place.
What are the Benefits of HR certifications?
Every year, an increasing number of HR professionals pursue certification, and you’ve definitely seen offers for recertification credits tied to HR industry events such as the renowned HR Virtual Summit.
While an HR credential isn’t required to work in human resources, it can be a significant addition to your HR profession, even if you’ve been doing it since the Stone Age. HR certification has numerous educational and professional benefits, especially for rookies.
Even if you have years (or decades) of HR experience, HR certification can benefit you by testing your knowledge, keeping you up to date on the newest best practises, and freshening up your résumé to future-proof your career—not to mention providing plenty of networking possibilities.
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Certification by SHRM:
SHRM Certified Professional (SHRM-CP)
SHRM Senior Certified Professional (SHRM -SCP)
Certification overview:
The Society for Human Resource Management is one of the largest HR organizations that focuses on the professional development of the HR professionals. SHRM basically offers two types of HR certification courses.
Who it’s for:
Individuals who undertake HR duties or students who are officially enrolled and want to authenticate, reaffirm, enhance, and/or expand their HR capabilities are likely candidates for SHRM-CP or SHRM-SCP certification. Individuals must not be employed at the time they apply, and SHRM membership is not required.
Cost of program
SHRM member: $300 USD | Nonmember: $400 USD
SHRM member: $375 USD | Nonmember: $475 USD
Training Duration: – 4 hours in length (including 3 hours and 40 minutes of testing time).
Exam Required:
Candidates for the SHRM-CP certification are not expected to carry an HR title or have prior HR experience; however, a basic working knowledge of HR practices and principles or a degree from an Academically Aligned program is recommended.
The SHRM-CP exam is intended to assess HR competency at the operational level. This level includes policy implementation, day-to-day HR support, and acting as an HR point of contact for staff and stakeholders.
Online, In-Person, or both? – These courses are available in-person as well as online making it even more feasible for the candidates to pursue them.
Certification by HRCI
Overview: – HRCI is offers a suite of eight certifications for each stage of the HR career.
This certification is a life-long commitment that demonstrates commitment and credibility to employers, clients, staff members, and professional peers all over the world. HRCI certification demonstrates your investment in your HR career and gives you a recognized place in the profession.
The Professional in Human Resources (PHR)
The PHR affirms your knowledge of technical and operational aspects of human resource management, including policies and guidelines. The PHR is for the HR professional helping them understand all about program implementation experience, a tactical/logistical orientation, and accountability to another HR professional within the organization. It also sheds some light on responsibilities that focus on the HR department rather than the entire organization.
Cost of program: Exam Fee*: $395 + Application Fee: $100
Exam Required: Computer-based exam at a Pearson VUE testing center or at your home or office using OnVUE. The duration of the assessment will be around 2 hours (plus 30 minutes administration time)
Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR)
The SPHR validates your understanding of the strategic and policy-making aspects of human resource management as practised. The certification is intended for strategic thinkers who are in charge of planning rather than implementing HR policy. SPHR professionals are sought after by organizations for their demonstrated accountability for HR department goals, breadth and depth of knowledge in all HR disciplines, and understanding of business issues beyond the HR function.
Cost of program: Exam Fee*: $495 + Application Fee: $100
Exam Required: Computer-based exam at a Pearson VUE testing center or at your home or office using OnVUE. The duration of the assessment will be around 2 hour 30 minutes (plus 30 minutes administration time)
Associate Professional in Human Resources (aPHR)
HRCI’s Associate Professional in Human Resources® (aPHR®) certification is ideal for accelerating your career growth. The aPHR is the first-ever HR certification designed for two distinct groups of people: human resources professionals just starting out in their HR careers and non-HR professionals who manage people.
Cost of program: Exam Fee*: $300 + Application Fee: $100
Exam Required: Computer-based exam at a Pearson VUE testing center or at your home or office using OnVUE. The duration of the exam will be 1hour 45 minutes (plus 30 minutes administration time).
Global Professional in Human Resources (GPHR)
The GPHR demonstrates your knowledge of multinational HR responsibilities, such as globalization strategies, the development of HR policies, and initiatives that support organizational global growth. If you are an HR leader who works primarily outside of the United States, please consider our aPHRi, PHRi, or SPHRi certifications.
Cost of program: Exam Fee*: $495 + Application Fee: $100
Exam Required:
Computer-based exam at a Pearson VUE testing center or at your home or office using OnVUE. Exam time: 2 hours and 15 minutes (plus 30 minutes administration time)
Online, In-Person, or both? – Online and in-person, both ways are accessible for these courses.
Certifications by AIHR
AIHR is where you can learn the skills you would need to develop your skills and stay relevant in the ever-changing HR landscape. They have members in over 140 countries and provides the most holistic course of study of accredited HR courses.
Who it’s for:
This course is intended for HR professionals who do not have a technical background and have little or no experience HR operations management.
Online, In-Person, or both? – These courses are available online and are self-paced for your convenience.
Training Duration: Study 4 hours/week to finish in 10 weeks
HR Generalist Certification Program
The HR Generalist Certificate program provides you with the knowledge, tools, and templates you require to succeed as a one-person HR department. This online training course assists you in developing and implementing key HR processes, navigating difficult conversations, and adding value to the business. The HR Generalist Certificate Program is the go-to resource for ambitious HR generalists aiming to make an influence, with a combination of bite-sized on-demand video lessons and practical downloadable guides.
Cost of program: Rs. 39,500
Digital HR Certification Program
As a Digital HR Specialist, you will have the knowledge and skills required to drive HR’s digital transformation and ensure that your organization does not fall behind. Begin leveraging technology to improve HR effectiveness and provide employees with the tools they need to be happy and successful at work.
Cost of program: Rs. 39,500
HR Metrics and Reporting
As an HR Reporting Specialist, you’ll have a broad skill set that spans the entire reporting process, from incorporating critical HR metrics to automating reporting in captivating and user-friendly HR dashboards. Mastering powerful reporting skills and getting the metrics right will help you make fact-based HR decisions.
Cost of program: Rs. 39,500
Certifications by Human Capital Institute
Overview: The Human Capital Institute certification program enables the HR professionals and teams with strategic and operational capabilities to successfully volunteer the human capital initiatives. These courses empower your HRs to create an impactful and positive culture for the organizations. Few of the courses are as listed below:
Certifications #1 – Strategic HR Business Partner Certification (sHRBP)
Certifications #2 – People Analytics for HR(PAHR)
Certifications #3 – Change Management for HR(CMHR)
Cost of program: $2975
Training Duration: 4 weeks
Online, In-Person, or both? – These courses are available in-person and virtually allowing you to to get certified as per your convenience.
HR Certifications by Middle Earth HR
Overview: The HR E-Series is a comprehensive series of 18 HR skill workshops that you may do over 6 weeks or finish in 3 weeks to help you master the abilities you need in these difficult times.
Each programme includes 15-30 carefully developed learning bytes with internationally recognised faculty, 6 action learning projects supported by a learning support team and coaches to ensure practical learning.
Cost of program: Ranges from Rs. 12,900+GST to Rs. 17,900+GST
Training Duration: 4-6 weeks
Online, In-Person, or both – They offer a mix of live and recorded sessions with details in their calendar.
Final Thoughts!
Certification in HR can help you become the go-to HR expert while you work on developing other soft skills such as empathy and excellent communication skills to help your company realise its full potential.
An HR certification demands a significant time and financial investment on your behalf, but it could be the push you need to further your career. However, don’t rush into obtaining a certification.
Consider your job path and whether or not certification will help you. Make sure you take the time to choose the correct certification for you, and once you’ve invested your time and money in a certification, make sure you keep it current by earning the required recertification credits.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an HR certification?
A set of credentials provided by HR authorities that demonstrate an individual’s expertise of human resource management and strategy is known as a Human Resources certification.
Why is HR certification important?
A HRM course can assist you in developing a holistic hiring, orientation, analysis, and all other aspects of human resources. Another advantage of studying human resource management is that you’ll acquire exposure to the design, process, and execution of such strategies in a worldwide context.
How long does it take to get HR certification?
Usually, each HR certificate program lasts between 30 and 40 hours. Lessons are self-paced, and students have up to 12 months to complete each course after enrolling.