Top 11 HR Generalist Certifications

Certifications are important for HR Generalists because they demonstrate that the candidate has the knowledge and skills necessary to excel in the role. They also show employers that the individual is committed to their profession, as certifications take time and effort to obtain. Additionally, certifications can help HR Generalists stand out from other candidates who may have similar job experience. With a certification, an HR Generalist can demonstrate that they have an expertise in certain areas of human resources, such as compensation and benefits, recruiting, or employee and labor relations. Finally, having a certification may open up more job opportunities due to higher demand for certified professionals in the industry.

The purpose of this article is to provide an overview of the most beneficial HR Generalist certifications and explain how they can help advance a hr generalist's career.

What are HR Generalist Certifications?

HR Generalist Certification is a professional certification offered by the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM). It is designed to help HR professionals develop and demonstrate their knowledge of the core concepts, principles, and practices of human resource management. The certification provides a comprehensive overview of the key areas within HR, including recruitment and selection, compensation and benefits, training and development, employee relations, performance management, and more. By earning this certification, HR professionals can gain valuable insight into best practices in these areas and demonstrate their commitment to professional excellence. It can also provide a competitive edge when applying for jobs or promotions within an organization. Additionally, it can help HR professionals increase their value by providing them with the skills necessary to be successful in today’s ever-changing workplace.

Pro Tip: When obtaining an HR Generalist Certification, make sure to research the different certifying organizations and requirements for each. This will ensure that you are getting the most comprehensive certification available and that it meets your specific needs.

Related: What does an HR Generalist do?

Top 11 HR Generalist Certifications

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

1. Professional in Human Resources (PHR)

Professional in Human Resources (PHR) is a certification offered by the Human Resource Certification Institute (HRCI). It is designed to recognize individuals who have mastered the strategic and operational aspects of human resource management. The PHR certification is for those with at least one year of experience in a professional-level HR position, and it validates their knowledge and expertise in the field.

To become certified, candidates must demonstrate their knowledge of HR principles, practices, and strategies by passing an exam. The exam consists of 175 multiple-choice questions that cover topics such as staffing, compensation and benefits, employee relations, and risk management. Candidates must also meet certain educational requirements before they can take the exam.

The cost to take the PHR exam varies depending on where you take it. Generally, it costs around $400-$500 to register for the exam and another $100-$200 for study materials or review courses. Depending on how much time you dedicate to studying for the exam, it can take anywhere from two weeks to several months to prepare for it.

Once you pass the exam, you will receive your PHR certification within four weeks. You will then need to renew your certification every three years by earning 60 recertification credits through continuing education activities related to HR topics.

2. Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR)

Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR) is a professional certification 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 SPHR credential demonstrates an individual’s mastery of the strategic and policy-making aspects of HR management.

It typically takes between one and two years to complete the requirements for the SPHR certification. To become certified, individuals must pass an exam that covers topics such as business management, employment law, compensation and benefits, employee relations, and organizational development. Candidates must also have at least four years of experience in a senior-level HR position within the past eight years.

To prepare for the exam, candidates can take HRCI-approved courses or study materials from organizations such as SHRM or ASTD. Additionally, HRCI offers practice tests to help candidates prepare for the SPHR exam.

The cost of obtaining the SPHR certification varies depending on whether you are a member of SHRM or ASTD, but generally it costs around $500-$600 USD to register for the exam and receive your certification once you pass it.

3. SHRM Certified Professional (SHRM-CP)

SHRM Certified Professional (SHRM-CP) is a professional certification offered by the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM). This credential recognizes individuals who demonstrate mastery of the knowledge and competencies required to effectively perform in an HR role.

It typically takes between 6 months and 1 year to complete the SHRM-CP certification process. The process includes studying for and passing a comprehensive exam, completing a minimum of 1 year of professional experience in an HR role, and submitting a valid application form with all required documentation.

To get the SHRM-CP certification, you must first become a member of SHRM. Then, you must register for the exam and pay the associated fee. Once your registration is approved, you can begin studying for the exam using study materials provided by SHRM or from other sources. After passing the exam, you must submit your application form with all required documents including proof of work experience and payment of any applicable fees.

The cost to obtain the SHRM-CP certification varies depending on whether or not you are a member of SHRM. For non-members, it costs $300 to take the exam plus an additional $100 application fee. For members, it costs $200 to take the exam plus an additional $50 application fee.

4. SHRM Senior Certified Professional (SHRM-SCP)

SHRM Senior Certified Professional (SHRM-SCP) is a professional certification offered by the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM). It is designed to recognize HR professionals who have achieved a high level of mastery in the field. The SHRM-SCP credential demonstrates an individual’s knowledge, skill and ability to effectively apply HR practices in organizations.

It typically takes one to two years to complete the requirements for the SHRM-SCP certification. To be eligible, applicants must have at least three years of experience in a human resources role and must pass a comprehensive exam that covers topics such as business management, communication, ethics, global awareness and strategic planning.

To get the SHRM-SCP credential, applicants must first take an online assessment that evaluates their knowledge and skills related to HR competencies. After passing this assessment, they must then register for and take the SHRM Certification Exam. This exam consists of 150 multiple choice questions covering topics such as employee relations, compensation and benefits, labor relations and recruitment/selection. Applicants must score at least 70% on the exam in order to receive their certification.

The cost of obtaining the SHRM-SCP credential varies depending on whether you are a member or nonmember of SHRM. For members, it costs $300 USD; for nonmembers it costs $400 USD.

5. IPMA-HR Certification Program

The IPMA-HR Certification Program is an internationally recognized certification program designed to recognize the professional competency of human resource management professionals. The program is administered by the International Public Management Association for Human Resources (IPMA-HR).

The program consists of two levels: Certified Professional in Human Resources (CPHR) and Senior Certified Professional in Human Resources (SCP). To become certified, applicants must pass a written examination and meet certain education and experience requirements.

The CPHR exam takes approximately three hours to complete and covers topics such as human resources management, labor relations, compensation, employee benefits, organizational development, and legal issues. The SCP exam takes approximately four hours to complete and covers advanced topics such as strategic planning, executive coaching, change management, and performance management.

Applicants must have at least five years of professional HR experience or a master's degree in HR or a related field to be eligible for the CPHR certification. For the SCP certification, applicants must have at least seven years of professional HR experience or a master's degree in HR or a related field plus two additional years of professional HR experience.

The cost for the CPHR exam is $395 USD and the cost for the SCP exam is $495 USD. Both exams are offered twice per year in April/May and October/November.

6. Society for Human Resource Management Global HR Certification

The Society for Human Resource Management Global HR Certification is a professional certification that recognizes an individual’s knowledge and skills in the field of human resources. The certification is designed to demonstrate an individual’s ability to effectively manage and lead global HR initiatives, as well as their commitment to continuous learning and professional development.

It typically takes between 3-6 months to complete the certification process. To get certified, individuals must first pass an exam that covers topics such as global HR management, international labor laws, diversity and inclusion, and more. Once the exam is passed, individuals must submit proof of their education and experience in the field of human resources. Finally, they must submit a portfolio demonstrating their knowledge in the areas covered by the exam.

The cost of obtaining this certification varies depending on whether or not you are a member of SHRM (Society for Human Resource Management). If you are a SHRM member, it costs $300 USD for members and $400 USD for non-members. If you are not a SHRM member, it costs $500 USD.

7. WorldatWork Certified Compensation Professional (CCP)

The WorldatWork Certified Compensation Professional (CCP) is a professional certification that recognizes individuals who demonstrate a comprehensive knowledge of compensation principles, practices, and strategies. It is designed to help organizations make sure their compensation programs are competitive and effective in attracting and retaining talent.

To become a CCP, you must have at least three years of experience in the field of compensation or related areas. You must also pass an exam administered by WorldatWork that tests your knowledge of the concepts and practices associated with total rewards. This exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions and takes approximately three hours to complete.

You can prepare for the exam by taking one or more courses offered by WorldatWork or other providers. These courses cover topics such as job evaluation, market pricing, incentive plans, executive compensation, benefits, and legal compliance.

The cost to take the CCP exam is $595 for members of WorldatWork and $795 for non-members. The cost includes access to online study materials, practice exams, and other resources.

8. WorldatWork Certified Benefits Professional (CBP)

The WorldatWork Certified Benefits Professional (CBP) is a professional certification that demonstrates an individual’s expertise in employee benefits. It is designed to recognize professionals who have achieved a high level of knowledge and proficiency in the field of employee benefits.

To become certified, individuals must pass the CBP exam, which is administered by WorldatWork. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions and covers topics such as benefit plan design, compliance issues, communication strategies, cost containment strategies, and more.

In order to take the CBP exam, candidates must first complete an application process that includes submitting proof of their educational background and professional experience. Once approved, they can register for the exam online or by mail. The fee for the exam is $595 USD.

The CBP exam typically takes about three hours to complete and consists of 150 questions. Candidates are given 2 ½ hours to answer all questions. A passing score on the exam is 70% or higher. Upon successful completion of the exam, candidates will receive their official CBP certification from WorldatWork and will be listed in its database of certified professionals.

9. International Public Management Association for Human Resources Certification

The International Public Management Association for Human Resources (IPMA-HR) is a professional organization dedicated to advancing excellence in public sector human resources management. The IPMA-HR certification program is designed to provide recognition for those individuals who have achieved a high level of knowledge and proficiency in the field of public sector human resources management.

The IPMA-HR certification process consists of three parts: an application, an examination, and a portfolio review. To be eligible for certification, applicants must meet certain educational and experience requirements. Once these requirements are met, applicants must submit an application along with supporting documentation that demonstrates their qualifications. Upon approval of the application, candidates can then take the IPMA-HR certification exam.

The exam covers topics such as labor relations, recruitment and selection, classification and compensation systems, benefits administration, performance management systems, employee relations and dispute resolution processes, safety and health programs, organizational development initiatives, strategic planning processes and more. Candidates must pass the exam with a score of at least 70% in order to be certified.

After passing the examination, candidates must complete a portfolio review process by submitting evidence that demonstrates their mastery of the core competencies identified in the IPMA-HR Certification Program. The portfolio review is conducted by a panel of experts who evaluate each candidate’s knowledge base and skills related to public sector human resources management.

The entire certification process typically takes between six months to one year from start to finish depending on how quickly candidates complete all three steps. The cost for taking the exam is $395 USD; however there may be additional fees associated with submitting applications or portfolios for review as well as any other costs associated with obtaining necessary documents or materials required for certification eligibility or completion of the portfolio review process.

10. National Association of State Workforce Agencies Certification Program

The National Association of State Workforce Agencies (NASWA) Certification Program is a voluntary program designed to recognize the professional achievements of those who work in the public workforce system. The program provides a way for professionals to demonstrate their commitment to excellence and dedication to providing quality services.

The certification process consists of three steps: passing an exam, completing a portfolio review, and completing continuing education requirements. The exam is administered by NASWA and tests knowledge of labor market information, job search techniques, career development strategies, and other related topics. To pass the exam, applicants must score at least 70%.

The portfolio review requires applicants to provide evidence that they have met certain competency standards in their field. This includes providing documentation such as resumes, letters of recommendation, or other relevant materials that demonstrate their knowledge and experience.

Finally, applicants must complete continuing education requirements by attending workshops or taking courses related to their profession. These activities help ensure that certified professionals stay up-to-date on best practices in the field.

It typically takes between 6 months and 1 year to complete all three steps of the certification process. The cost varies depending on the type of certification sought; however, most certifications cost between $500-$1000 USD.

11. American Society for Training and Development Certificate in Human Resource Management

The American Society for Training and Development (ASTD) Certificate in Human Resource Management is a professional certification program that provides individuals with the knowledge, skills, and abilities to effectively manage human resources within an organization. It is designed for those who are already working in the field of HR or who want to pursue a career in this area.

The ASTD Certificate in Human Resource Management consists of three courses: Introduction to Human Resources, Strategic Human Resources Management, and Organizational Development & Change. Each course is approximately 15 hours long and can be completed online or through self-study. The total cost of the program is $1,295 USD.

To obtain the ASTD Certificate in Human Resource Management, you must complete all three courses within one year of enrolling. Upon successful completion of the program, you will receive an official certificate from ASTD that recognizes your accomplishment as well as a digital badge to display on your resume or website.

The ASTD Certificate in Human Resource Management provides a comprehensive overview of HR topics such as recruitment and selection, employee relations, compensation and benefits, performance management, organizational development and change management. It also explores how HR professionals can contribute to organizational success by aligning their strategies with corporate objectives.

Do You Really Need a HR Generalist Certificate?

The answer to this question depends on the individual and their goals. If an individual is looking to pursue a career in human resources, then an HR Generalist Certificate could be beneficial as it will provide them with the knowledge and skills needed to be successful in this role. However, if an individual already has experience working in the field of human resources or is looking to acquire a more specialized HR position, such as Human Resources Manager, then they may not need a certificate.

Having said that, there are some advantages to obtaining an HR Generalist Certificate. For example, employers often view certification as evidence of dedication and professionalism. It also shows that the individual has taken the initiative to further their education and stay up-to-date on current trends in human resources management. Additionally, having a certificate can give individuals a competitive edge when applying for jobs or promotions.

Ultimately, it is up to each individual to decide whether or not they should pursue an HR Generalist Certificate based on their own needs and goals. While having this certificate may open doors for some people, others may find that their experience and existing qualifications are enough for them to achieve success in the field of human resources.

Related: HR Generalist Resume Examples

FAQs About HR Generalist Certifications

1. What is an HR Generalist Certification?

Answer: An HR Generalist Certification is a professional certification that validates the knowledge and skills of individuals in the Human Resources field. It demonstrates a commitment to the profession and enhances career prospects.

2. What are the requirements for becoming certified as an HR Generalist?

Answer: To become certified as an HR Generalist, you must have a bachelor’s degree in Human Resources or a related field, plus at least two years of professional experience in Human Resources or related field. You must also pass an exam administered by one of the approved certification organizations.

3. How long does it take to get certified as an HR Generalist?

Answer: The amount of time it takes to become certified as an HR Generalist depends on several factors, including your current level of education and experience, how quickly you can complete any required coursework or exams, and what type of certification program you choose. Generally, it can take anywhere from six months to two years to become certified as an HR Generalist.

4. What are the benefits of having an HR Generalist Certification?

Answer: Having an HR Generalist Certification offers numerous benefits for both employers and employees alike, including increased job opportunities and higher salaries for those with certifications; improved credibility among peers; access to specialized training courses; increased understanding of industry trends; and validation that you possess the necessary knowledge and skills for success in the Human Resources field.

5. Where can I find more information about becoming certified as an HR Generalist?

Answer: There are numerous resources available online that provide information about becoming certified as an HR Generalist, such as websites dedicated to certifications (e.g., SHRM), online forums dedicated to Human Resources professionals (e.g., Linkedin Groups), professional organizations (e.g., Society for Human Resource Management), online classes/programs (e.g., Coursera), and more!