Top 10 HR Specialist Certifications

Certifications for HR specialists are important in the job market because they demonstrate a level of knowledge and expertise in the field. Certifications show employers that you have an understanding of the laws, regulations, and best practices related to human resources management. They also provide proof of your dedication to professional development and can give you an edge when competing for jobs. Additionally, certifications validate your expertise to potential employers and can help you stand out from other applicants who may not have the same credentials.

The purpose of this article is to provide an overview of some of the most beneficial certifications for HR Specialists, and how they can enhance their career prospects.

What are HR Specialist Certifications?

HR specialist certification is a professional designation that recognizes individuals who have achieved a high level of knowledge in the field of human resources (HR). This certification demonstrates an individual's commitment to the HR profession and provides evidence of their expertise and understanding of HR-related topics, such as labor laws, employee relations, benefits administration, and recruitment.

By obtaining HR specialist certification, individuals demonstrate their mastery of the core competencies required to be successful in the profession. This can help them stand out from other job seekers when applying for positions within the HR field. It can also provide a competitive edge when negotiating salary or seeking promotions. Further, having an HR specialist certification indicates to employers that a candidate is reliable and trustworthy when it comes to managing important people-related issues.

In addition to helping with career advancement opportunities, gaining an HR specialist certification can also help individuals stay abreast of current trends in the field. As technology continues to evolve and laws related to employment change over time, having this credential can help ensure that professionals remain up-to-date on best practices and procedures related to personnel management.

Pro Tip: Before investing in a HR specialist certification, make sure to research the program and ensure that it is accredited and provides the necessary training and qualifications for your desired career. Additionally, inquire about job placement support and other helpful resources that come with the certification.

Related: What does an HR Specialist do?

Top 10 HR Specialist Certifications

Here’s our list of the best certifications available to HR Specialists 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 the knowledge and skills of experienced human resource professionals. The PHR certification measures an individual’s mastery of the technical and operational aspects of HR management, including areas such as recruitment and selection, compensation and benefits, employee relations, and risk management.

It typically takes between 6-12 months to complete the PHR certification process. This includes studying for the exam, taking practice tests, completing any required coursework or other prerequisites, and finally taking the actual exam.

To get PHR certified, individuals must first meet certain eligibility requirements established by HRCI. These include having at least one year of professional experience in a human resources role within the past three years prior to applying for certification. In addition to meeting these criteria, applicants must also pass a comprehensive exam that covers topics such as employment law, organizational behavior, compensation practices, recruitment strategies and more.

The cost of obtaining PHR certification varies depending on whether you are an HRCI member or not. For non-members, it costs $395 USD to take the exam; for members it costs $295 USD. There may be additional fees associated with purchasing study materials or enrolling in courses related to preparing for the exam.

2. Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR) Certification

Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR) Certification is a professional certification for human resources professionals who have extensive knowledge and experience in the field. It is offered by the Human Resource Certification Institute (HRCI). The SPHR certification is designed to demonstrate that an individual has a comprehensive understanding of the strategic, operational, and tactical aspects of human resource management.

The SPHR certification requires applicants to have at least four years of professional-level HR experience, as well as a bachelor's degree or higher. Applicants must also pass an exam that covers topics such as employment law, compensation and benefits, employee relations, organizational development, and risk management.

It typically takes between three to six months to prepare for the exam. Preparation includes studying textbooks and online courses, attending seminars or workshops related to HR topics, and taking practice tests.

The cost of the SPHR certification varies depending on whether you are an HRCI member or not. For non-members, the exam fee is $550; for members it is $400. Additionally, there are fees associated with study materials and preparation courses.

Overall, obtaining your SPHR certification can be a valuable investment in your career as it demonstrates your expertise in human resources management and provides you with recognition from peers across the industry.

3. SHRM Certified Professional (SHRM-CP) Certification

The SHRM Certified Professional (SHRM-CP) certification is a credential offered by the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM). It is designed to recognize individuals who demonstrate a mastery of the knowledge and skills required to effectively perform their HR roles. The SHRM-CP is an internationally recognized and respected certification that demonstrates a commitment to excellence in human resource management and provides employers with assurance of an individual's competency in HR.

It typically takes six months to one year to prepare for the SHRM-CP exam, depending on your background and experience. To earn the certification, you must pass a comprehensive exam that covers topics such as employee relations, organizational development, compensation and benefits, recruitment and selection, training and development, labor relations, legal issues, strategic planning, risk management, and more.

To get started on your journey to becoming SHRM-CP certified you must first become a member of SHRM. You will then need to complete an application form which includes details about your education background and work experience. Once approved by SHRM you can register for the exam.

The cost of taking the SHRM-CP exam varies depending on where you take it. In the US it costs $300 for members of SHRM or $400 for non-members.

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

The SHRM Senior Certified Professional (SHRM-SCP) certification is a professional credential offered by the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM). It is designed to recognize HR professionals who have achieved a high level of knowledge and experience in the field of human resources.

To obtain the SHRM-SCP certification, applicants must meet certain eligibility requirements, including having a minimum of three years of professional HR experience and a bachelor’s degree or higher. Additionally, applicants must pass an exam that covers topics such as strategic management, workforce planning and employment law.

The exam takes approximately four hours to complete and consists of multiple-choice questions. The cost of the exam varies depending on when it is taken; however, it typically ranges from $300-$400 USD.

Once an applicant passes the exam, they will receive their SHRM-SCP certification within six to eight weeks after completion. This certification is valid for three years and can be renewed by taking continuing education courses or retaking the exam.

5. WorldatWork Certified Compensation Professional (CCP) Certification

The WorldatWork Certified Compensation Professional (CCP) certification is a professional credential for individuals in the field of compensation and total rewards. It is designed to demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and abilities required to design, develop, implement, and maintain successful compensation programs. The CCP certification requires comprehensive knowledge of the principles of compensation and total rewards.

It typically takes 6-12 months to complete the program depending on an individual’s prior experience. To get certified, applicants must pass an exam that covers topics such as job analysis and evaluation, pay structure design, incentive plans, executive compensation, international compensation, employee benefits and more.

The cost of the program depends on whether you are a WorldatWork member or not. For members it costs $1125 USD while for non-members it costs $1375 USD. This cost includes access to online learning materials such as study guides and practice exams as well as the exam fee itself.

6. Society for Human Resource Management Global Professional in Human Resources (GPHR) Certification

The Society for Human Resource Management Global Professional in Human Resources (GPHR) Certification is an internationally recognized professional certification that demonstrates a mastery of the knowledge and skills necessary to excel in the field of global human resources. It is designed to recognize professionals who have achieved a high level of competence in the global HR field.

To obtain GPHR certification, individuals must first meet the eligibility requirements set by SHRM. These include having three years of relevant experience in global HR management or international business, as well as passing the GPHR exam. The exam consists of 160 multiple-choice questions and covers topics such as global employment law, global HR strategies, and managing international assignments.

The exam can be taken at any Pearson VUE testing center worldwide and typically takes about four hours to complete. The cost of taking the GPHR exam varies depending on location but generally ranges from $400-$500 USD.

Once an individual has passed the GPHR exam, they will receive their official certification from SHRM within two weeks. The certification must be renewed every three years by completing continuing education credits or retaking the GPHR exam.

7. 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 professional certification program that recognizes the knowledge, skills and abilities of human resources professionals. It is designed to help demonstrate a commitment to the profession and to promote excellence in the field.

To become an IPMA-HR Certified Professional, you must pass an exam that covers topics such as personnel management, labor relations, employee benefits, compensation and performance management. The exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions and takes approximately 3 hours to complete.

To be eligible for the exam, you must have at least two years of full-time professional experience in human resources or a related field. You must also have completed at least 30 semester hours of college coursework in human resources or a related field.

The cost of taking the IPMA-HR Certified Professional Exam varies depending on your location. In the United States, it typically costs $450 USD for non-members and $350 USD for members. In Canada, it typically costs $400 CAD for non-members and $300 CAD for members. Other countries may have different fees associated with taking the exam.

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

The International Foundation of Employee Benefit Plans (IFEBP) Certified Employee Benefits Specialist (CEBS) designation is a professional certification program that recognizes individuals who have demonstrated knowledge and proficiency in the field of employee benefits. The program is designed to provide employers with assurance that their employees are knowledgeable about the complexities of employee benefits, as well as the laws and regulations governing them.

The CEBS program consists of five courses covering topics such as retirement plans, health care programs, legal compliance, and financial management. Each course is offered online or in-person at IFEBP locations throughout the United States and Canada. The program takes approximately 18 months to complete, depending on the individual's schedule and commitment level.

To become a CEBS, candidates must pass all five exams with a minimum score of 70%. Candidates must also maintain their certification by completing continuing education credits every three years.

The cost for the CEBS program varies based on location and delivery method. Online courses typically range from $1,000 to $2,000 per course; in-person courses tend to be more expensive due to travel expenses.

9. American Society for Training and Development (ASTD) Certified Professional in Learning and Performance

The American Society for Training and Development (ASTD) Certified Professional in Learning and Performance (CPLP) is an internationally recognized certification program that provides professionals with the skills to design, develop, implement, and evaluate learning programs. This certification is designed to demonstrate a mastery of the core competencies in training and development.

It takes approximately six months to a year to complete the CPLP program. The program consists of three components: knowledge exam, performance assessment, and application portfolio. The knowledge exam tests your understanding of the core competencies in training and development. The performance assessment requires you to demonstrate your ability to apply these concepts in a real-world setting. Finally, the application portfolio requires you to submit evidence of your experience in training and development.

To get the CPLP certification, you must first register with ASTD and pay an application fee. You will then need to create an account on ASTD’s website where you can access all of the materials necessary for completing the program. Once you have completed all three components of the CPLP program, you will be eligible for certification after passing an oral examination administered by ASTD staff or certified trainers.

The cost for obtaining the CPLP certification varies depending on whether or not you are already a member of ASTD. For non-members, it costs $1,200 USD plus any applicable taxes; for members it costs $900 USD plus any applicable taxes.

10. National Association of State Workforce Agencies (NASWA) Certified Workforce Development Professional

The National Association of State Workforce Agencies (NASWA) Certified Workforce Development Professional (CWDP) is a professional certification program designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated mastery of the knowledge and skills necessary for successful workforce development practice. The CWDP credential is the only national credential that recognizes the specialized knowledge, skills, and abilities required to effectively manage and lead workforce development initiatives.

It typically takes about one year to complete the requirements for this certification. To become certified, applicants must first meet education and experience requirements as outlined by NASWA. After meeting these requirements, applicants must pass an exam administered by NASWA in order to receive their CWDP certification.

The cost of the CWDP certification varies depending on how many exams you take. For example, if you take all five exams at once, it will cost $495; however, if you take them one at a time it will cost $99 per exam. Additionally, there is a one-time application fee of $50 for new applicants.

Overall, obtaining the NASWA Certified Workforce Development Professional credential can be beneficial for those looking to advance their careers in workforce development or demonstrate their expertise in this field.

Do You Really Need a HR Specialist Certificate?

Whether or not one needs an HR Specialist Certificate largely depends on the individual's career goals and the type of work they are looking to do in the field. For those that are just starting out in Human Resources, a certificate can be a great way to get a foot in the door and show potential employers that they have taken the time to invest in their own professional development. For those already working in HR, having a certificate can help demonstrate to employers that they have kept up with current trends and best practices within the industry.

For those who are just beginning their career, obtaining an HR Specialist Certificate is often seen as an important first step before progressing into more advanced roles. The certificate shows potential employers that you have invested in your own professional development, and gives them confidence that you possess the knowledge and skills required for success in Human Resources. Additionally, having a certificate may provide access to higher-level job opportunities or even positions with larger companies since many employers prefer candidates with some type of certification or qualification.

For those already working in Human Resources, obtaining an HR Specialist Certificate can help demonstrate expertise and commitment to their profession. It may also give them access to more advanced job opportunities or even promotions within their current organization. Furthermore, continuing education is often necessary for those looking to stay current on best practices within the industry and ensure they remain competitive when seeking new opportunities.

In conclusion, whether or not one needs an HR Specialist Certificate largely depends on individual career goals and what type of work they hope to pursue within the field of Human Resources. While it may be beneficial for beginners to obtain a certificate as a way of demonstrating knowledge and commitment, it is also important for experienced professionals to stay up-to-date with industry trends through continuing education courses such as this one.

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FAQs About HR Specialist Certifications

1. What is an HR Specialist Certification?

Answer: An HR Specialist Certification is a professional certification that recognizes individuals who have demonstrated a comprehensive understanding of human resource management principles, processes, and practices. It also provides specialized knowledge related to the specific field of HR.

2. How do I become certified as an HR Specialist?

Answer: To become certified as an HR Specialist, you must complete a designated set of courses and pass a comprehensive exam administered by a recognized certifying body such as the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM).

3. What are the benefits of becoming an HR Specialist?

Answer: By becoming an HR Specialist, you can demonstrate to employers that you possess the necessary skills and knowledge to effectively manage and lead their organization’s human resources team. Additionally, obtaining this certification can open up more career opportunities for advancement within the field of human resources.

4. How long does it take to get certified as an HR Specialist?

Answer: The amount of time it takes to become certified will vary depending on your experience and level of dedication. Generally speaking, it should take around 6 months to 1 year in order to complete all necessary coursework and pass the exam required for certification.

5. Is there any ongoing education needed once I am certified as an HR Specialist?

Answer: Yes, many certifying bodies require continuing education credits in order to maintain certification status. This may involve taking additional courses or attending seminars/workshops related to current trends in human resources management or labor law compliance topics.