Top 10 HR Consultant Certifications

Certifications are an important part of a HR consultant's job market. They demonstrate the consultant's expertise in their field and provide proof that they have knowledge and experience in specific areas. This can give employers confidence in the consultant's abilities, which may lead to more job opportunities. Certifications can also help consultants stand out from other candidates and show potential employers that they are serious about their profession. Additionally, certifications can open up networking opportunities, as many professional organizations offer memberships for those with specific certifications.

The purpose of the article is to provide a review of the top certifications for HR Consultants, and to explain how they can help enhance and further an HR Consultant's career.

What are HR Consultant Certifications?

HR Consultant Certification is a professional credential that demonstrates a comprehensive understanding of the principles and practices of Human Resources. It is designed to provide current and aspiring human resources professionals with the knowledge, skills, and tools necessary to effectively manage an organization's HR functions.

The certification program focuses on core areas such as recruitment and selection, employee relations, training and development, compensation and benefits, performance management, labor relations, organizational development, and legal compliance. By earning this credential, individuals are able to demonstrate their expertise in these areas and their commitment to the profession.

Having a HR Consultant Certification can help individuals stand out in the job market and command higher salaries. This certification also provides employers with assurance that they are hiring well-qualified professionals who have the knowledge needed to successfully manage their HR operations. Additionally, it can open up networking opportunities as many organizations partner with certified consultants for projects or initiatives related to human resources management.

Pro Tip: When considering a HR Consultant Certification, research the certifying organization and ensure that it is accredited. This will ensure that the certification you receive is valid and recognized by employers.

Related: What does an HR Consultant do?

Top 10 HR Consultant Certifications

Here’s our list of the best certifications available to HR Consultants today.

1. Professional in Human Resources (PHR) Certification

Professional in Human Resources (PHR) Certification is a professional certification program offered by the Human Resource Certification Institute (HRCI). It is designed to recognize individuals who have achieved a high level of knowledge and expertise in the field of human resources. The PHR certification is intended for those who are responsible for developing and managing human resource policies, programs, and practices.

The PHR certification requires applicants to pass an exam that covers topics such as employment law, compensation and benefits, recruitment and selection, performance management, employee relations, training and development, labor relations, organizational development, risk management, and strategic planning. The exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions and must be completed within three hours.

To become certified as a Professional in Human Resources (PHR), applicants must meet certain eligibility requirements. These include having at least one year of professional experience in the field of human resources or a related field; having a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university; or having earned a master’s degree from an accredited college or university with at least 18 semester hours of coursework in human resources-related topics.

It typically takes between two to four months to complete the PHR certification process. After meeting the eligibility requirements and passing the exam, applicants will receive their official PHR certificate.

The cost of obtaining the PHR certification varies depending on how you prepare for the exam. The HRCI offers several study materials that range from $50-$400 depending on which package you choose. Additionally, there are other third-party providers that offer additional study materials ranging from $50-$500+.

2. Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR) Certification

The Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR) is a professional certification for human resource professionals who have achieved a high level of knowledge and experience in the field. It is issued by the HR Certification Institute (HRCI), which is affiliated with the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM). The SPHR certification demonstrates a mastery of the strategic and policy-making aspects of HR management, as well as an understanding of all functional areas of HR.

In order to be eligible for the SPHR certification, applicants must meet certain criteria, including having at least four years of professional-level HR experience and a bachelor's degree or higher. Additionally, applicants must pass an exam that covers topics such as business strategy and management, workforce planning and employment, total rewards, employee relations and risk management.

The SPHR exam consists of 175 multiple-choice questions that are divided into five sections: Business Strategy & Management; Workforce Planning & Employment; Total Rewards; Employee Relations & Risk Management; and HR Expertise & Technology. The exam takes approximately three hours to complete.

To get the SPHR certification, applicants must first register with HRCI to take the exam. The cost to register for the exam is $395 for SHRM members or $495 for non-members. After registering for the exam, applicants will receive instructions on how to schedule their test date at one of HRCI’s testing centers. Once they have completed their exam successfully, they will receive their official SPHR certificate from HRCI within six weeks.

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

The Society for Human Resource Management Certified Professional (SHRM-CP) certification is a professional credential that demonstrates an individual’s knowledge and competency in the field of human resources. It is designed to recognize professionals who have mastered the core competencies of HR, including strategic management, workforce planning, employee development and relations, compensation and benefits, and risk management.

It typically takes between six months to one year to complete the SHRM-CP certification process. The first step is to register with the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) and pay the appropriate fee. Once registered, individuals will need to complete a series of courses and exams in order to demonstrate their knowledge of HR topics. After completing all required coursework and exams, applicants must then submit a portfolio demonstrating their mastery of HR skills and abilities.

To become certified as a SHRM-CP, applicants must pass both a written exam and an oral examination administered by SHRM. The written exam consists of 150 multiple choice questions covering topics such as legal compliance, organizational behavior, recruitment and selection procedures, compensation practices, employee development strategies, performance management systems, labor relations issues, global operations management strategies and more.

The cost of obtaining the SHRM-CP certification varies depending on whether you are already a member of SHRM or not. For non-members it costs $400 USD plus applicable taxes; for members it costs $300 USD plus applicable taxes.

4. SHRM Senior Certified Professional (SHRM-SCP) Certification

The SHRM Senior Certified Professional (SHRM-SCP) certification is a professional credential that recognizes the expertise of human resource professionals who have achieved a high level of knowledge and experience in the field. The certification is offered by the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM), which is the world’s largest professional association devoted to human resource management.

To become certified, applicants must meet certain eligibility requirements, including having a minimum of three years of HR experience and holding a bachelor’s degree or higher. Applicants must also pass an exam administered by SHRM, which tests their knowledge and understanding of HR topics such as employee relations, compensation and benefits, recruitment and selection, labor law, organizational development, and more.

The exam consists of two parts: a multiple-choice section with 170 questions and an essay section with two essays. It takes approximately four hours to complete the exam. The cost for taking the exam varies depending on whether you are a SHRM member or non-member; it typically ranges from $300 - $400 USD.

Once applicants have successfully passed the exam, they will be awarded the SHRM-SCP certification. This certification is valid for three years before renewal is required; however, recertification can be done through continuing education credits or retaking the exam.

5. International Public Management Association for Human Resources (IPMA-HR) Certified Professional

The International Public Management Association for Human Resources (IPMA-HR) Certified Professional is a certification program that recognizes the professional achievements of human resources professionals in the public sector. It is designed to demonstrate an individual’s knowledge, skills, and abilities in the field of public sector human resources management.

To become certified, individuals must meet certain criteria and pass a comprehensive exam. The criteria include having at least two years of full-time experience in public sector human resources management or related fields, and completing at least 40 hours of continuing education credits within the past three years.

The exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions covering topics such as labor relations, recruitment and selection, compensation and benefits, employee relations, performance management, training and development, organizational development, labor law compliance and ethics. The exam is administered by IPMA-HR approved testing centers throughout the United States.

It typically takes about six months to complete all requirements for certification. To get started on this process you will need to submit an application along with proof of experience and continuing education credits. Once your application has been approved you will be able to register for the exam with an approved testing center.

The cost for the certification varies depending on whether you are a member or non-member of IPMA-HR. For members it costs $395 while non-members will pay $495. This fee includes both the application fee and the cost of taking the exam.

6. Global Remuneration Professional (GRP) Certification

Global Remuneration Professional (GRP) Certification is a professional certification program designed to recognize and validate the knowledge, skills and abilities of those who are involved in the design, implementation, management and communication of global remuneration programs. The GRP Certification program consists of four modules: Global Remuneration Strategy & Planning; Global Compensation Design & Administration; Global Payroll & Tax Compliance; and Global Benefits & Retirement Plans.

The GRP Certification requires a minimum of three years' experience in global remuneration/compensation, payroll or benefits. It takes approximately two to three months to complete the certification process. To obtain the GRP Certification, applicants must successfully pass all four modules with a score of 70% or higher on each module.

The cost for the GRP Certification varies depending on which country you are taking it in. Generally speaking, it costs between $1,500 and $2,000 USD to take all four modules.

7. Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) Level 7 Diploma in Human Resource Management

The Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) Level 7 Diploma in Human Resource Management is a professional qualification designed to equip HR professionals with the knowledge and skills needed to take on senior roles within the field. It is the highest level of CIPD qualification and provides a comprehensive overview of HR management, covering topics such as employment law, strategic HR, reward management, and employee relations.

The diploma typically takes 12-18 months to complete, depending on the provider. To get started, you’ll need to have achieved either a Level 5 Certificate or Diploma in Human Resource Management from CIPD or an equivalent qualification from another awarding body. You will also need at least three years’ experience in a role that involves significant responsibility for people management and development.

The cost of the diploma varies depending on the provider but can range from £2,000 - £3,500. There may also be additional costs for textbooks and other materials. Some providers offer payment plans or discounts if you book early.

Once you have completed your studies and passed all assessments, you will receive your CIPD Level 7 Diploma in Human Resource Management certificate which will demonstrate your expertise in this field. This qualification is highly valued by employers and will help you stand out when applying for senior HR roles.

8. Certified Compensation Professional (CCP) Certification

The Certified Compensation Professional (CCP) Certification is a professional certification program offered by the WorldatWork Society of Certified Professionals. It is designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated a high level of knowledge and skill in the field of compensation management. The CCP credential is recognized as one of the most respected and sought-after certifications in the human resources industry.

To become certified, applicants must meet certain eligibility requirements, including having at least five years of experience in compensation management or related fields, or completing a minimum number of college credits in compensation-related courses. They must also complete an exam that covers topics such as job analysis and design, total rewards strategy, base pay administration, variable pay programs, and executive compensation.

The exam can be taken online or in person at designated testing centers around the world. Applicants must also submit a portfolio demonstrating their knowledge and experience with compensation management. The entire process typically takes four to six months to complete.

The cost for taking the exam is $595 for members of WorldatWork and $795 for non-members. There may be additional costs associated with the portfolio submission process as well as fees for recertification every three years.

9. WorldatWork Total Rewards Certification

WorldatWork Total Rewards Certification is a professional certification program that provides individuals with the knowledge and skills to effectively design, implement, and manage total rewards programs. It is designed for HR professionals, compensation managers, and other business leaders who want to gain expertise in the areas of total rewards strategy, design, implementation, and communication.

The certification requires completion of two courses: Principles of Total Rewards and Advanced Total Rewards. Each course takes about 30 hours to complete. The Principles of Total Rewards course covers topics such as job analysis, compensation philosophy development, base pay structure design, variable pay plan design, benefits plan design, legal compliance considerations, and total rewards communication strategies. The Advanced Total Rewards course covers topics such as performance management systems design, executive compensation plans design, international compensation considerations, retirement plan design considerations, and global mobility strategies.

To get the certification you must pass both courses with a score of 70% or higher on each exam. You can take the courses online or in-person at one of WorldatWork's training centers. The cost for the two courses is $2195 USD plus applicable taxes.

10. American Staffing Association Certified Staffing Professional (CSP)

The American Staffing Association Certified Staffing Professional (CSP) is a professional certification program designed to recognize staffing professionals who demonstrate the knowledge and skills necessary to excel in the staffing industry. The CSP credential is awarded by the American Staffing Association (ASA), the national trade association for staffing companies.

To become certified, an individual must meet certain requirements and pass an exam. The requirements include a minimum of two years of experience in the staffing industry, or a combination of one year of experience and a college degree.

The CSP exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions that cover topics such as recruiting, interviewing, screening, onboarding, compliance, customer service, and more. The exam takes approximately four hours to complete and is offered twice per year at various locations throughout the United States.

The cost for taking the CSP exam is $395 for ASA members and $495 for non-members. Additionally, there are fees associated with maintaining your certification status every three years ($150).

Once you pass the CSP exam, you will be eligible to use the CSP designation on business cards, resumes, websites, and other professional materials. You will also receive ongoing education opportunities through ASA’s webinars and conferences.

Do You Really Need a HR Consultant Certificate?

The short answer is no, you do not need an HR consultant certificate. However, depending on your career goals and the type of HR consulting you are interested in pursuing, it may be beneficial to consider obtaining a certification.

Generally speaking, an HR consultant certificate is not a requirement for most entry-level positions in the field. However, having a certification can help set you apart from other applicants and demonstrate your commitment to the profession. It can also demonstrate that you have specialized knowledge and skills related to HR consulting and will likely improve your chances of being hired or promoted.

In addition, many organizations prefer to hire consultants who have been certified by a professional organization such as the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM). SHRM offers several different certifications that will provide you with the necessary knowledge and skills needed to succeed as an HR consultant. These certifications can also give employers confidence in your abilities as an HR consultant and increase your chances of getting hired or promoted.

Ultimately, whether or not you need an HR consultant certificate depends on your individual career goals and the type of consulting you plan on doing. If you are looking for entry-level positions or want to work in generalist roles then a certification may not be necessary. However, if you are looking to specialize in certain areas of HR consulting then it may be beneficial to obtain a certification from a professional organization like SHRM.

Related: HR Consultant Resume Examples

FAQs About HR Consultant Certifications

Q1. What is a HR Consultant Certification?

A1. HR Consultant Certifications are credentials that demonstrate a professional's knowledge and expertise in human resources management. They typically require successful completion of examinations or courses, and can be obtained from various organizations such as the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM), the Human Resources Certification Institute (HRCI), and the International Association for Human Resource Information Management (IHRIM).

Q2. What are the benefits of obtaining a HR Consultant Certification?

A2. Having a certification in human resources can help to demonstrate one’s expertise in this field, which may lead to higher salaries, more job opportunities, and greater respect from employers and colleagues. It can also provide access to valuable resources such as job boards, industry events, professional development opportunities, and other networking opportunities.

Q3. How long does it take to obtain a HR Consultant Certification?

A3. The amount of time needed to complete the certification process varies depending on the organization offering it and the type of certification being sought after. Generally speaking, it can take anywhere from several months up to two years to complete all requirements for the certification.

Q4. Are there any prerequisites for obtaining a HR Consultant Certification?

A4. Yes, typically applicants must meet certain requirements before they are eligible for certification such as having a certain number of years of experience in human resources management or successfully completing specific courses related to human resource management topics.

Q5. How much does it cost to obtain a HR Consultant Certification?

A5. The cost of obtaining a certification will depend on the organization offering it and the type of certification being sought after but typically ranges from several hundred dollars up to several thousand dollars for more advanced certifications or those offered by well-established organizations such as SHRM or HRCI.