Top 11 Employee Relations Specialist Certifications

Certifications are important for an employee relations specialist in the job market because they demonstrate a level of expertise and credibility. Certified professionals have proven their knowledge and experience in the field, giving employers assurance that they possess the necessary skills to handle complex workplace issues. Certifications also provide a competitive edge when it comes to job searches, as many employers look for applicants with certain credentials. Additionally, certifications can help an employee relations specialist stay up-to-date on best practices, regulations, and trends in the field.

The purpose of this article is to provide an overview of the most beneficial certifications for Employee Relations Specialists and explain how they can help advance their career.

What are Employee Relations Specialist Certifications?

Employee relations specialist certification is a professional designation that recognizes individuals who demonstrate an understanding of employee relations principles and practices. This certification is offered through the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM), an organization dedicated to helping businesses create effective and productive workplaces. The certification focuses on providing individuals with an in-depth knowledge of the legal and regulatory requirements related to employee relations, as well as the skills necessary to effectively manage those relationships. With this certification, individuals are better equipped to handle challenging workplace issues such as disputes, grievances, discrimination, layoffs, and more.

The certification helps provide job seekers with a competitive edge when applying for positions in human resources or management roles. It also serves as a valuable credential for current professionals looking to advance their careers by demonstrating their expertise in employee relations. Having this certification can also help employers make more informed decisions when it comes to hiring staff, as they can be confident that these employees have been trained in best practices when it comes to managing employee relations. Ultimately, having a certified employee relations specialist on staff can help ensure that businesses are compliant with legislative requirements and better able to create harmonious working environments where employees feel valued and respected.

Pro Tip: When considering employee relations specialist certification, make sure to research the different certifications available and their requirements. Also, check to see if any professional organizations offer continuing education courses or seminars related to the field. This will ensure you have the most up-to-date knowledge and skills necessary for success in your role.

Related: What does an Employee Relations Specialist do?

Top 11 Employee Relations Specialist Certifications

Here’s our list of the best certifications available to Employee Relations Specialists today.

1. Professional in Human Resources (PHR)

Professional in Human Resources (PHR) is a certification offered by the Human Resource Certification Institute (HRCI). The PHR certification is designed to recognize professionals who have the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively manage human resources functions. It is intended for those who are already working in the field of HR or those who are looking to enter the profession.

It typically takes about 3-6 months to prepare for and pass the PHR exam. Preparation includes studying for and taking practice exams, attending seminars, webinars, or other training programs, as well as reading books on HR topics.

In order to obtain the PHR certification, individuals must first complete an application process with HRCI. This includes providing proof of professional experience in HR, submitting references from employers or colleagues, and passing an exam that covers topics such as compensation and benefits administration, recruitment and selection processes, employee relations management, labor laws and regulations, organizational development strategies, and more.

The cost of obtaining the PHR certification varies depending on how you choose to prepare for it. The cost of registering for the exam is $395 USD plus any additional fees associated with study materials or preparation courses you may take.

2. Society for Human Resource Management Certified Professional (SHRM-CP)

The Society for Human Resource Management Certified Professional (SHRM-CP) is a professional certification designed to recognize the knowledge, skills and abilities of human resource professionals. It is the most widely recognized HR credential in the world. The SHRM-CP is offered by the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM), an international professional organization dedicated to advancing the field of human resources.

It typically takes around 6 months to prepare for and pass the SHRM-CP exam. To get certified, you must have at least a bachelor’s degree or equivalent work experience in a related field, such as business administration or human resources management. You must also have at least 1 year of professional experience in a human resources role, or 3 years of professional experience in any role that includes significant HR responsibilities.

To get certified, you will need to register with SHRM and complete their online application process. Once accepted, you will be able to access study materials and take practice exams before taking the actual exam. The cost for certification varies depending on whether you are a SHRM member or not; it can range from $200-$400 USD.

3. Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR)

Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR) is a professional certification offered by the HR Certification Institute (HRCI). It is designed to recognize and validate the knowledge and experience of senior-level human resource professionals. This certification demonstrates a mastery of the strategic and policy-making aspects of HR management, including legal requirements, organizational effectiveness, workforce planning, employee relations, compensation and benefits.

It typically takes about six months to prepare for the SPHR exam. To get certified, you must have at least four years of professional-level HR experience in addition to a master’s degree or higher. You will also need to pass an exam that covers topics such as labor law, compensation and benefits, recruitment and selection, training and development, performance management and organizational development.

The cost for taking the SPHR exam varies depending on your location. In the United States it typically costs around $500-$600 for the exam fee plus any additional study materials or courses you may choose to take.

4. Employee Relations Certification Institute (ERCI)

Employee Relations Certification Institute (ERCI) is an internationally recognized certification program that provides professionals with the knowledge and skills to effectively manage employee relations in their organization. The certification program consists of a comprehensive curriculum that covers topics such as labor law, human resources management, conflict resolution, communication and negotiation. It is designed to equip employees with the necessary tools to create a positive work environment, build effective relationships between management and employees, and ensure compliance with applicable laws and regulations.

The ERCI certification program is offered through online courses or in-person workshops. It typically takes about three months to complete the coursework and pass the required examinations. To get certified, you must have at least two years of professional experience in employee relations or a related field. You must also meet certain educational requirements depending on your level of experience.

The cost of the ERCI certification varies depending on the type of course you take and whether you take it online or in person. The cost for an online course ranges from $500-$1000 USD while an in-person workshop can range from $1500-$3000 USD.

5. National Association of Human Resources Professionals (NAHRP)

The National Association of Human Resources Professionals (NAHRP) is a professional organization dedicated to promoting excellence in the field of human resources management and providing professional development opportunities for its members. The organization was founded in 1976 and has grown to become one of the largest associations of its kind, with more than 20,000 members worldwide.

Membership in NAHRP requires a minimum of two years’ experience in HR or related fields and completion of an approved HR certification program. To become a member, you must fill out an application form, submit your resume and transcripts, provide three references, and pay the required membership fee. The fee varies depending on whether you choose to join as a regular or student member.

Regular membership costs $225 per year while student membership costs $75 per year. In addition to these fees, there may be additional fees for attending conferences or other events hosted by NAHRP.

Once your application is accepted, it typically takes about four weeks for your membership to be processed and activated. Once you are officially a member, you will have access to exclusive benefits such as discounts on conferences and seminars, access to online resources such as webinars and podcasts, networking opportunities with other HR professionals, job postings from employers looking to hire HR professionals, and more.

6. American Staffing Association Certified Employee Relations Specialist (ASA-CERS)

The American Staffing Association Certified Employee Relations Specialist (ASA-CERS) is a professional certification program designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated expertise in the field of employee relations. The ASA-CERS certification is offered by the American Staffing Association, which is the leading trade association for staffing and recruiting firms in the United States.

In order to become certified, applicants must meet certain requirements and pass an exam. To qualify for the exam, applicants must have at least two years of experience in employee relations or a related field. Additionally, applicants must demonstrate knowledge of labor laws, human resources policies and procedures, and conflict resolution strategies.

The ASA-CERS exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions that cover topics such as employment law, human resources management, labor relations, dispute resolution strategies, and ethical considerations. It typically takes three hours to complete the exam.

The cost of taking the ASA-CERS exam varies depending on whether you are an ASA member or not. For non-members, the fee is $450; for members it is $350. The fee includes access to study materials and a practice test prior to taking the actual exam.

Once you have successfully passed the exam, you will receive your official certification from the American Staffing Association along with a certificate suitable for framing.

7. International Public Management Association for Human Resources Certified Employee Relations Manager (IPMA-CERM)

The International Public Management Association for Human Resources Certified Employee Relations Manager (IPMA-CERM) is a professional certification program designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated knowledge and proficiency in the field of employee relations. The certification is offered through the International Public Management Association for Human Resources (IPMA-HR), an organization that provides education, research, and resources to public sector human resource professionals.

The IPMA-CERM certification requires applicants to demonstrate their knowledge and expertise in the areas of employee relations, labor relations, dispute resolution, collective bargaining, arbitration, and other related topics. To be eligible for the certification, applicants must have at least three years of experience in employee relations or labor relations.

In order to obtain the IPMA-CERM certification, applicants must complete a comprehensive exam that covers all aspects of employee relations. The exam consists of 200 multiple choice questions and takes approximately four hours to complete. After passing the exam, applicants must submit an application form along with supporting documents such as transcripts and letters of recommendation from employers or supervisors.

The cost of obtaining the IPMA-CERM certification varies depending on whether you are an IPMA-HR member or nonmember. For members, the cost is $295; for nonmembers it is $395. Additionally, there is a $50 fee for late registration or rescheduling the exam date.

8. International Foundation of Employee Benefit Plans Certified Employee Benefits Specialist (CEBS)

The International Foundation of Employee Benefit Plans Certified Employee Benefits Specialist (CEBS) is a professional designation that recognizes an individual's knowledge and expertise in employee benefits. It is designed to help employers and benefit professionals stay up-to-date on the latest trends and developments in the field.

To obtain the CEBS designation, individuals must complete five courses covering topics such as retirement plans, health care plans, executive compensation, legal compliance, and financial management. The program typically takes two to three years to complete.

In order to become a CEBS designee, individuals must first submit an application and pay a fee of $450. After submitting the application and fee, they must then pass five exams administered by The International Foundation of Employee Benefit Plans (IFEBP). Each exam costs $150. Once all five exams have been passed successfully, individuals will receive their CEBS designation from IFEBP.

The total cost for obtaining the CEBS designation is $1,050 ($450 for the application fee plus $150 for each exam). In addition to this cost, individuals may also incur additional expenses such as travel costs associated with taking the exams or fees associated with review courses or study materials.

9. American Payroll Association Certified Payroll Professional (CPP)

The American Payroll Association Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) is a professional certification program designed to recognize payroll professionals who have demonstrated a high level of knowledge, experience, and expertise in the field of payroll. The CPP credential is widely recognized as the premier designation for payroll professionals.

To become a Certified Payroll Professional (CPP), an individual must pass a comprehensive exam that covers all aspects of payroll administration and management. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions covering topics such as federal and state wage and hour laws, employee benefits, payroll taxes, accounting principles, and other related topics. The exam is administered by the National Association of State Boards of Accountancy (NASBA).

It typically takes about four months to prepare for the CPP exam. Preparation includes studying textbooks on payroll administration and management, attending seminars or workshops on payroll topics, and taking practice exams. It is also recommended that individuals have at least two years of experience working in the field of payroll before attempting the CPP exam.

To register for the CPP exam, individuals must submit an application to NASBA along with a fee of $300 USD. Once approved, individuals will receive an authorization letter with instructions on how to schedule their exam date and location.

The cost to obtain the CPP designation varies depending on how long it takes an individual to pass the exam; however, it typically costs between $500-$700 USD including registration fees and study materials.

10. Global Professional in Human Resources (GPHR)

Global Professional in Human Resources (GPHR) is a certification offered by the Human Resource Certification Institute (HRCI). It is a comprehensive credential for HR professionals who have extensive experience in global human resource management. The GPHR designation is designed to recognize professionals who demonstrate mastery of the principles and practices of global human resource management.

The GPHR certification requires applicants to pass an exam, which covers topics such as global business strategies, international labor relations, global compensation and benefits, and more. The exam consists of 180 multiple-choice questions and takes three hours to complete.

To be eligible for the GPHR certification, applicants must have at least five years of professional HR experience, including two years in a global role. Applicants must also have a bachelor's degree or higher from an accredited college or university or equivalent work experience.

The cost of the GPHR exam is $595 USD for HRCI members and $795 USD for non-members. There are additional fees associated with recertification every three years.

11. WorldatWork Certified Compensation Professional (CCP).

The WorldatWork Certified Compensation Professional (CCP) is a professional certification designed to recognize individuals who have achieved a high level of proficiency in the field of compensation and total rewards. The CCP credential is awarded to those who demonstrate mastery of the core body of knowledge in compensation and total rewards, as well as their ability to apply that knowledge in practice.

To earn the CCP credential, candidates must pass an exam that covers topics such as job analysis and evaluation, base pay administration, incentive plans, executive compensation, international compensation, and total rewards strategies. Candidates must also demonstrate their understanding of the ethical implications of their decisions.

It typically takes between 6-12 months for a candidate to prepare for the CCP exam. Preparation may include self-study or attending classes offered by WorldatWork or other providers.

In order to take the exam, candidates must first become members of WorldatWork and submit an application for certification. After submitting an application and paying applicable fees, candidates will receive instructions on how to register for the exam with Pearson VUE. The cost of taking the CCP exam is $595 USD for WorldatWork members and $795 USD for non-members.

Do You Really Need a Employee Relations Specialist Certificate?

The decision to pursue an Employee Relations Specialist Certificate really depends on your individual goals, needs and circumstances. For some, a certificate may be necessary to advance their career and provide them with the knowledge and skills they need to be successful in their chosen field. For others, a certificate may not be necessary but could still provide valuable insight into employee relations and help them better manage their team or organization. Ultimately, the decision is yours to make and should be based on your own research, experience, and goals.

If you are considering pursuing an Employee Relations Specialist Certificate, it is important to understand what the program entails and how it can benefit you. Many programs will cover topics such as managing employee relationships, resolving conflicts between employees, understanding labor laws and regulations, developing effective policies and procedures for employee relations, creating effective communication strategies for employees, understanding organizational culture and more. By taking these courses you will gain a better understanding of the complexities of managing employee relationships within an organization. This knowledge can help you become a more effective manager or leader as well as give you greater insights into how to create an environment that promotes positive employee relations.

In addition to gaining valuable knowledge through a certificate program, there are also potential career benefits that come with obtaining this type of certification. Having a certificate in Employee Relations can demonstrate to employers that you have taken the time to learn about this specialized field and have gained an understanding of its importance in today’s workplace. It can also show that you are committed to staying up-to-date on best practices in the field which can help set you apart from other job candidates when applying for positions related to human resources or management roles.

Ultimately it is up to you if obtaining an Employee Relations Specialist Certificate is right for you. Consider your goals and current level of experience when making your decision so that you can make the best choice for yourself and your career.

Related: Employee Relations Specialist Resume Examples

FAQs About Employee Relations Specialist Certifications

1. What is an Employee Relations Specialist Certification?

Answer: An Employee Relations Specialist Certification is a professional qualification designed to help individuals develop the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively manage employee relations in organizations. The certification focuses on topics such as communication, conflict resolution, performance management, labor law compliance, and compensation.

2. How do I become certified as an Employee Relations Specialist?

Answer: To become certified as an Employee Relations Specialist, you must complete a relevant educational program or course of study and pass an examination administered by a recognized certifying body.

3. What are the benefits of becoming an Employee Relations Specialist?

Answer: Becoming an Employee Relations Specialist provides individuals with the opportunity to gain specialized knowledge and expertise in the area of employee relations that can be applied in various business settings. This can lead to increased job satisfaction, career advancement opportunities, and higher salaries.

4. How long does it take to become certified as an Employee Relations Specialist?

Answer: The amount of time it takes to become certified as an Employee Relations Specialist depends on the specific certifying body and program requirements; however, most programs can be completed within one year or less.

5. Are there any prerequisites for becoming certified as an Employee Relations Specialist?

Answer: Most certifying bodies require applicants to have some previous experience working in human resources or related fields prior to applying for certification as an Employee Relations Specialist. Additionally, some programs may also require applicants to have completed certain courses prior to being accepted into the program.