Top 10 Equal Opportunity Specialist Certifications

Certifications are important for an equal opportunity specialist in the job market because they demonstrate a higher level of knowledge and skills in the field. By obtaining certifications, an equal opportunity specialist can show potential employers that they have taken the extra steps to become more knowledgeable and competent in the field. Certification also allows employers to verify that a candidate is adequately qualified and has the proper credentials to perform the job. Certifications provide assurance to employers that an equal opportunity specialist will be able to handle any workplace issues relating to discrimination or harassment. Furthermore, certifications provide a competitive advantage when applying for jobs as they show dedication to learning and advancing one’s career.

The purpose of this article is to review the top certifications for Equal Opportunity Specialists and explain how they can help advance an Equal Opportunity Specialist's career.

What are Equal Opportunity Specialist Certifications?

Equal opportunity specialist certification is an accreditation program designed to help professionals demonstrate their knowledge and skills in the field of equal employment opportunity (EEO) compliance. This certification is offered by a number of organizations, including the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM). By obtaining this certification, individuals can demonstrate their understanding of EEO-related laws, regulations, and policies and prove they are knowledgeable in the area of workplace diversity.

The benefits of equal opportunity specialist certification are numerous. It can provide job seekers with an edge over other candidates when competing for positions related to EEO compliance. Employers may also value certified individuals over non-certified applicants because they know that those who have earned the credentials possess a greater knowledge base in EEO matters. Additionally, certified individuals may be better equipped to handle EEO investigations or disputes within their organizations. Finally, certified specialists may be more likely to stay up-to-date on changes in the law or new regulations that could affect their work environment.

Pro tip: When seeking an equal opportunity specialist certification, make sure to research the available certification programs and find one that is tailored to your specific job role. Additionally, look for a program that offers continuing education credits so you can stay updated on the latest trends in equal opportunity law.

Related: What does an Equal Opportunity Specialist do?

Top 10 Equal Opportunity Specialist Certifications

Here’s our list of the best certifications available to Equal Opportunity Specialists today.

1. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) Certification

The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) Certification is a certification that employers can receive to demonstrate their commitment to equal employment opportunity and diversity. This certification is voluntary and is not required by law.

How long does it take to get it?

The process of obtaining EEOC Certification typically takes between 6-8 weeks, depending on the size and complexity of the organization.

How to get it?

Organizations must submit an application, which includes a detailed description of their equal employment practices, policies, and procedures. The EEOC will then review the application and conduct an on-site audit to ensure that the employer meets all requirements for certification.

How much does it cost?

The cost of obtaining EEOC Certification varies depending on the size of the organization. Generally, organizations with fewer than 50 employees pay $250 while organizations with more than 50 employees pay $500.

2. Certified Professional in Equal Employment Opportunity (CPEEO)

Certified Professional in Equal Employment Opportunity (CPEEO) is a professional certification program offered by the National Association of Equal Opportunity Professionals (NAEOP). The CPEEO certification is designed to recognize individuals who have achieved a high level of knowledge and expertise in the field of equal employment opportunity.

The CPEEO certification requires applicants to complete an online application, pass an examination, and demonstrate their commitment to continuing education in the field. The exam consists of 150 multiple choice questions covering topics such as Title VII, ADA, GINA, EEOC regulations and procedures, affirmative action plans, and other related topics. Applicants must score at least 70% on the exam to be certified.

The application process takes approximately 4-6 weeks to complete. Applicants must submit their completed application with all required documentation and pay the applicable fee before they can take the exam. The fee for the CPEEO certification is $395 for NAEOP members and $495 for non-members.

Once applicants have passed the exam they will receive their official CPEEO certificate within 2-3 weeks. The certificate is valid for three years from the date of issue, at which point applicants must renew their certification every three years by completing additional continuing education courses or passing a new exam.

3. Certified Diversity Professional (CDP)

Certified Diversity Professional (CDP) is a professional certification program that recognizes individuals who have achieved a high level of knowledge and expertise in the field of diversity and inclusion. The CDP credential is offered by the National Diversity Council, which is an organization dedicated to promoting diversity and inclusion in the workplace.

The CDP program requires applicants to complete a rigorous application process that includes a written exam, an oral interview, and a portfolio review. Applicants must also demonstrate their commitment to diversity through their professional experience and/or volunteer work. The entire process takes approximately six months to complete.

To apply for the CDP designation, applicants must submit an application fee of $250, along with two letters of recommendation from current or former employers or colleagues. Once accepted into the program, applicants must pay an additional fee of $1,995 for tuition and materials.

The CDP designation is valid for three years and can be renewed by completing 20 hours of continuing education credits every three years.

4. Professional in Human Resources (PHR) Certification

Professional in Human Resources (PHR) Certification is a professional credential that validates an individual’s knowledge and expertise in the field of human resources. It is offered by the HR Certification Institute, an affiliate of the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM). The PHR certification demonstrates a mastery of the technical and operational aspects of HR management, including recruiting, compensation and benefits, employee relations, health and safety, training and development, and more.

The PHR certification process typically takes between six to twelve months to complete. To become certified as a Professional in Human Resources (PHR), applicants must meet certain eligibility requirements such as having at least two years of experience working in the field of human resources within the past five years. Applicants must also pass an exam administered by the HR Certification Institute.

The cost to take the exam varies depending on whether or not you are a SHRM member. For non-members it costs $395 USD while SHRM members pay $300 USD. Additionally, there are study materials available for purchase from both SHRM and HRCI which can help prepare for the exam.

5. SHRM Certified Professional (SHRM-CP)

SHRM Certified Professional (SHRM-CP) is a professional certification offered by the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM). It is designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated mastery of the knowledge and skills needed to effectively perform in the field of human resources. The SHRM-CP certification indicates that an individual has a comprehensive understanding of HR practices, policies, and processes.

It typically takes between 6-12 months to earn the SHRM-CP certification. The process involves completing an application, passing a written exam, and meeting certain experience requirements. The written exam consists of 150 multiple choice questions covering topics such as HR competencies, legal issues, employee relations, and organizational development.

To get the SHRM-CP certification, individuals must first become members of SHRM and then submit an application to take the exam. Once approved, applicants must pass the exam within a two year period from the date they submitted their application. After passing the exam, applicants must also meet certain experience requirements before being awarded their certification.

The cost for taking the SHRM-CP exam varies depending on whether or not you are a member of SHRM. For non-members it costs $300 USD while members pay $200 USD. Additionally there may be other fees associated with becoming certified such as membership fees or study materials costs.

6. Society for Human Resource Management Senior Certified Professional (SHRM-SCP)

The Society for Human Resource Management Senior Certified Professional (SHRM-SCP) is a professional certification offered by the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM). It is designed to recognize individuals who demonstrate mastery of the knowledge and competencies required to be successful in senior-level human resource roles.

To become certified, applicants must have a minimum of three years of experience in an HR role, have a bachelor’s degree or higher from an accredited institution, and pass the SHRM-SCP exam. The exam covers topics such as global HR management, organizational design and development, employee relations, total rewards, and employment law.

The exam takes about four hours to complete. The cost for taking the exam varies depending on whether you are a SHRM member or non-member. For members, it costs $300; for non-members it costs $400. In addition to the cost of the exam itself, there are also study materials available that can help prepare you for the test. These materials range in price from around $100-$200 depending on which version you purchase.

Once you pass the SHRM-SCP exam, you will become certified as a SHRM Senior Certified Professional (SHRM-SCP). This certification is valid for three years and can be renewed by taking continuing education credits or retaking the exam every three years.

7. National Association of Equal Opportunity Professionals (NAEOP) Certification

The National Association of Equal Opportunity Professionals (NAEOP) Certification is a professional certification program designed to recognize the accomplishments of those working in the field of equal opportunity. It is offered to individuals who have achieved a high level of expertise in equal opportunity law, policy, and practice.

It typically takes about two years to complete the NAEOP certification process. The process involves completing an application form and providing evidence of relevant education, experience, and training related to equal opportunity. Applicants must also pass an exam that covers topics such as civil rights laws, affirmative action plans, and diversity initiatives.

In order to get certified by NAEOP, applicants must first become members of the organization. Membership is free for individuals who are employed by an institution or organization that is a member of NAEOP or who are currently enrolled in an accredited college or university program related to equal opportunity. Non-members may apply for membership at any time during the certification process.

The cost for certification varies depending on whether you are a member or non-member. For members, the cost is $150 for the initial application fee and $100 for the exam fee. For non-members, the cost is $250 for both fees combined.

Overall, becoming certified by NAEOP can be beneficial for those looking to advance their career in equal opportunity law, policy and practice as it provides recognition from peers and employers alike that you have achieved a high level of expertise in this field.

8. International Association of Diversity Professionals (IADP) Certification

The International Association of Diversity Professionals (IADP) Certification is a professional credential that recognizes the knowledge and skills of individuals in the field of diversity, equity, and inclusion. This certification is designed to equip professionals with the tools and resources needed to create an inclusive workplace for all employees.

To become certified, applicants must complete an online application form as well as a written assessment. The assessment consists of multiple-choice questions related to diversity, equity, and inclusion topics such as cultural competency, anti-discrimination policies, and workplace harassment prevention. Applicants must also provide documentation of their education or training in the field of diversity, equity, and inclusion.

The IADP certification process typically takes two to three months to complete. Once all requirements have been met, applicants will receive their certification via email within two weeks.

The cost for IADP Certification is $200 USD for members and $300 USD for non-members.

9. American Society for Training and Development’s Certified Professional in Learning and Performance (CPLP)

The Certified Professional in Learning and Performance (CPLP) is a professional certification offered by the American Society for Training and Development (ASTD). The CPLP is designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated expertise in the field of learning and performance. It is a comprehensive credential that validates an individual’s knowledge, experience, and skills in the areas of instructional design, training delivery, evaluation, performance improvement, and workplace learning.

To obtain the CPLP certification, applicants must complete a series of steps including: passing an exam; submitting proof of professional experience; completing a portfolio project; and attending an ASTD-sponsored workshop. The exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions that cover topics such as adult learning theory, instructional design principles, assessment strategies, technology-based instruction methods, performance improvement techniques, and more.

The cost for obtaining the CPLP certification varies depending on the number of courses taken and other factors. Generally speaking however, it can range from $2,000 - $4,000 USD. The entire process typically takes 6 months or longer to complete depending on how much time an individual dedicates to studying for the exam.

10. Equal Employment Opportunity Manager Certification Program

The Equal Employment Opportunity Manager Certification Program (EEOMCP) is a professional certification program designed to provide individuals with the knowledge and skills needed to effectively manage an organization’s equal employment opportunity (EEO) compliance efforts. The program is administered by the National Association of EEO Managers (NAEEM).

The EEOMCP consists of three courses: Introduction to EEO, Advanced EEO Management, and Special Topics in EEO. Each course is offered online or in-person at various locations across the country. The entire program takes approximately six months to complete, depending on the individual’s availability and learning style.

To get certified, applicants must successfully complete all three courses and pass a comprehensive final exam. The cost of the program varies depending on the location of the courses and whether they are taken online or in-person. Generally speaking, the total cost for completing all three courses ranges from $1,500-$2,000 USD.

Upon successful completion of all requirements, individuals are awarded a certificate as an Equal Employment Opportunity Manager (EEOM). This certification is valid for five years and can be renewed by taking additional continuing education courses offered by NAEEM.

Do You Really Need a Equal Opportunity Specialist Certificate?

The answer to this question depends on the individual and their career goals. Having an Equal Opportunity Specialist Certificate can be beneficial in many ways, but it is not a requirement for all professions.

For those who are interested in working in human resources or government positions that involve equal opportunity employment, having the certificate may give them an edge over other applicants. It demonstrates knowledge of legal requirements and best practices related to discrimination and harassment prevention, as well as shows dedication to the field. Having the certificate may also open up opportunities for promotions or higher-level positions.

On the other hand, some individuals may not find it necessary to pursue a certificate if they already have extensive experience in equal opportunity employment. They could also have a good understanding of applicable laws and regulations without needing to go through a certification program.

Ultimately, it is up to each individual to decide whether obtaining an Equal Opportunity Specialist Certificate is worth the time and money investment. The decision should be based on one's personal career goals and current level of knowledge about equal opportunity employment.

Related: Equal Opportunity Specialist Resume Examples

FAQs About Equal Opportunity Specialist Certifications

Q1. What is an Equal Opportunity Specialist Certification?

A1. An Equal Opportunity Specialist Certification is a professional certification that demonstrates an individual’s knowledge and understanding of equal opportunity laws and regulations, as well as best practices for creating and maintaining a diverse and inclusive workplace.

Q2. How do I become certified?

A2. To become certified, you must complete a training program approved by the National Association of Equal Opportunity Professionals (NAEOP) and pass the certification exam administered by NAEOP.

Q3. What topics are covered in the training program?

A3. The training program covers a range of topics related to equal opportunity, including civil rights law; diversity management; recruitment, hiring, and promotion; affirmative action; complaint resolution; and more.

Q4. How long does it take to become certified?

A4. The length of time to become certified varies depending on the type of training program you choose and how much time you can commit to studying for the exam. Generally speaking, most people can expect to complete their certification within 6-12 months if they dedicate enough time each week to studying for the exam.

Q5. How much does it cost to get certified?

A5. The cost of certification varies depending on the type of training program you choose but typically ranges from $750 - $1500 USD plus any additional fees required by your chosen provider or NAEOP for taking the certification exam.