Top 11 Human Resources Analyst Certifications

Certifications are important for a human resources analyst in the job market because they demonstrate a level of expertise and knowledge that employers look for when hiring their staff. Certifications also help to differentiate job candidates from one another, making it easier for employers to identify those who have the necessary skills and experience to be successful in an HR role. Additionally, certifications provide proof of competency, which can help to boost the confidence of employers that a candidate is qualified for the position. Finally, certifications can give an HR analyst greater credibility among peers and colleagues as well as make them more attractive to potential employers.

The purpose of this article is to provide an overview of the best certifications available for Human Resources Analysts and explain how they can benefit a human resources analyst's career.

What are Human Resources Analyst Certifications?

Human Resources Analyst Certification is a professional certification that recognizes individuals who have demonstrated a comprehensive understanding of the human resources field. This certification demonstrates an individual’s commitment to their career, as well as their knowledge and expertise in the area. The certification requires passing an exam which covers topics such as recruitment, employee relations, employee benefits, compensation and labor laws.

Having Human Resources Analyst Certification can help individuals advance their careers by providing them with an industry-recognized credential that demonstrates their proficiency in the field. It can also open up better job opportunities and higher salaries for those who possess it. Additionally, having the certification can give individuals an edge over other job applicants when applying for positions in human resources departments or organizations.

The certification can also be beneficial for employers by helping them identify qualified candidates for human resource positions within their organization. With this certification, employers can feel confident that they are hiring knowledgeable and experienced professionals who can help manage employee relations and provide guidance on matters related to labor laws, compensation and benefits programs.

Pro Tip: To become a certified Human Resources Analyst, you should pursue a certification program that focuses on the core competencies of HR analysis. This includes knowledge of HR-related laws and regulations, best practices in organizational development, and the ability to interpret data and metrics to inform decisions. Additionally, it is important to stay up-to-date on industry trends and changes in technology that may impact the field.

Related: What does a Human Resources Analyst do?

Top 11 Human Resources Analyst Certifications

Here’s our list of the best certifications available to Human Resources Analysts today.

1. Certified Professional in Human Resources (CPHR)

Certified Professional in Human Resources (CPHR) is a professional designation that recognizes individuals who have achieved a certain level of expertise in the field of human resources. It is awarded by the Human Resources Professionals Association (HRPA) and is recognized as a symbol of excellence in HR across Canada.

The CPHR designation requires successful completion of an exam and three years of relevant experience in the HR field. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions, case studies, and essay questions covering topics such as employment law, organizational development, compensation, benefits, recruitment and selection, training and development, performance management, labor relations, and health and safety.

To be eligible for the CPHR designation you must have at least three years of professional HR experience or a combination of education/experience that totals at least five years. You must also be a member in good standing with the HRPA.

The cost to obtain the CPHR designation varies depending on your membership status with the HRPA. For non-members it costs $1,000 CAD plus taxes to write the exam. For members it costs $750 CAD plus taxes to write the exam. In addition to this fee there are additional fees for study materials, practice exams, and other resources that may be required for preparation for the exam.

2. 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 for human resource professionals. It is designed to recognize individuals who have mastered the knowledge and competencies necessary to effectively lead organizations in strategic HR management. This certification is offered through the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM), an international professional association dedicated to advancing the practice of human resources.

To become certified, applicants must meet certain eligibility requirements, including having a minimum of three years of experience in a senior-level HR role and completing at least 60 hours of professional development activities within the past three years. Applicants must also pass a comprehensive exam that covers topics such as business acumen, ethical practices, people management, global and cultural effectiveness, communication and relationship management, leadership and navigation, consultation, critical evaluation, and strategic implementation.

It typically takes 6-12 months to prepare for the SHRM-SCP exam. During this time, applicants should review study materials provided by SHRM and take practice tests to assess their knowledge and identify areas where they need additional preparation.

The cost of taking the SHRM-SCP exam varies depending on whether you are an existing SHRM member or not. For non-members, the cost is $400; for members it’s $300. There may also be additional fees associated with purchasing study materials or enrolling in a prep course.

3. Global Professional in Human Resources (GPHR)

Global Professional in Human Resources (GPHR) is a certification program offered by the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM). It is designed to recognize and validate the knowledge and skills of HR professionals who work in global organizations. The GPHR certification is designed to demonstrate an individual’s ability to lead, manage, and develop human resources on a global scale.

The GPHR exam consists of two parts: a multiple-choice section and an essay section. The multiple-choice section includes questions from topics such as international labor laws, global compensation systems, and cross-cultural management. The essay section requires candidates to write a response to a case study about a particular HR issue in an international setting.

The GPHR exam takes approximately four hours to complete, including both the multiple-choice and essay sections. Candidates must pass both sections in order to receive their certification.

To be eligible for the GPHR certification, candidates must have at least five years of experience working in human resources in an international setting or have completed at least 30 semester hours of study related to international human resource management from an accredited college or university.

The cost of the GPHR exam varies depending on where you take it; however, it typically costs around $500 USD.

4. WorldatWork Total Rewards Certification (WTRC)

The WorldatWork Total Rewards Certification (WTRC) is a professional designation that recognizes individuals who have demonstrated mastery of the principles and practices of total rewards. This certification is designed to help employers ensure their total rewards programs are competitive, cost-effective, and aligned with organizational goals.

To qualify for the WTRC, applicants must have at least three years of professional experience in total rewards or a related field. They must also pass an online examination that covers topics such as compensation design, benefits administration, performance management, employee engagement, and global mobility. The exam consists of 200 multiple-choice questions and takes approximately four hours to complete.

The cost of the WTRC certification is $595 USD for members of WorldatWork and $795 USD for non-members. To register for the exam, applicants must submit an application form along with payment. Once approved, they will receive instructions on how to access the online exam.

Once certified, individuals are required to renew their certification every three years by completing continuing education credits or retaking the exam.

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

The International Public Management Association for Human Resources (IPMA-HR) Certified Professional (IPMA-CP) is a professional certification that recognizes individuals who have achieved a high level of expertise in the field of public sector human resources management. The IPMA-CP certification is designed to demonstrate an individual’s knowledge, skills, and abilities related to the public sector HR profession.

To obtain the IPMA-CP certification, individuals must complete a comprehensive application process that includes passing a written exam. The exam consists of multiple choice questions covering topics such as labor relations, compensation and benefits, employee selection and recruitment, performance management, and organizational development.

The application process typically takes between four to six months to complete. During this time, applicants must submit their official transcripts from an accredited college or university, provide proof of at least three years of experience in the public sector HR field, pass the written exam with a minimum score of 75%, and pay all applicable fees.

The cost for obtaining the IPMA-CP certification varies depending on the applicant’s location and other factors. Generally speaking, applicants can expect to pay between $500-$1,000 USD for all associated expenses including registration fees, examination fees, study materials costs and any other applicable fees.

6. HRCI PHR and SPHR Certifications

The HR Certification Institute (HRCI) offers two certifications for Human Resources professionals: Professional in Human Resources (PHR) and Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR).

The PHR certification is designed for mid-level HR professionals who have a minimum of two years of experience in the field. It is intended to demonstrate mastery of the technical and operational aspects of HR management, including recruitment, selection, training, compensation, benefits, employee relations, and risk management. To obtain the PHR certification, candidates must pass an exam that covers topics such as employment law, compensation practices, employee development and retention strategies. The exam typically takes about 3 hours to complete and costs $395.

The SPHR certification is designed for senior-level HR professionals with a minimum of five years of experience in the field. It is intended to demonstrate mastery of the strategic aspects of HR management, including organizational design and development, performance management systems, workforce planning and analytics. To obtain the SPHR certification, candidates must pass an exam that covers topics such as strategic planning and change management processes; labor relations; talent acquisition; total rewards programs; and global human resources management. The exam typically takes about 4 hours to complete and costs $495.

7. 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 and validate the knowledge, skills, and abilities of human resource professionals. The SHRM-CP credential is aimed at individuals who are new to the HR field or those with limited experience in HR.

To earn the SHRM-CP credential, an individual must pass an exam administered by SHRM. The exam covers topics such as workplace fundamentals, strategic planning, talent acquisition, learning and development, total rewards, employee relations and more. The exam consists of a multiple-choice format with approximately 150 questions that must be completed within three hours.

In order to take the SHRM-CP exam, individuals must meet certain eligibility requirements. These include having a bachelor’s degree or higher from an accredited college or university; one year of professional experience in a human resources role; or completion of an approved HR program from an accredited college or university.

The cost to take the SHRM-CP exam varies depending on whether you are a member of SHRM or not. For members, it costs $300 USD while non-members pay $400 USD. Additionally, there is also a fee for recertification every three years which is $100 USD for members and $150 USD for non-members.

Once you have successfully passed the exam and met all other eligibility requirements, you will receive your official certification from SHRM within 8 weeks after passing your exam date.

8. International Foundation of Employee Benefit Plans Certification Programs

The International Foundation of Employee Benefit Plans (IFEBP) is a non-profit organization that provides education, research and resources to the employee benefits industry. The IFEBP offers several certification programs for those who wish to become experts in the field of employee benefits.

The IFEBP’s certification programs are designed to provide individuals with the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively manage employee benefit plans. The programs cover topics such as plan design, compliance, administration and communication.

The IFEBP offers four different certifications: Certified Employee Benefits Specialist (CEBS), Certified Retirement Counselor (CRC), Certified Retirement Plan Administrator (CRPA) and Certified Health Care Reform Specialist (CHRS). Each certification requires successful completion of an exam or series of exams.

To become certified, individuals must meet certain eligibility requirements and pay a fee for each exam taken. The fee for each exam varies depending on the type of certification sought; however, most exams cost between $200 and $400 per exam.

In order to complete a certification program, individuals must pass all required exams within two years from their initial registration date. It typically takes approximately six months or more to study for each exam; therefore, it can take up to two years or more to complete all four certifications.

Once an individual has successfully completed all required exams they will receive their official certificate from the IFEBP along with recognition as a certified professional in the field of employee benefits management.

9. American Society for Training and Development Certification Programs

The American Society for Training and Development (ASTD) is a professional association dedicated to advancing workplace learning and performance. ASTD offers certification programs that recognize individuals who demonstrate knowledge, skills, and competencies in the field of training and development.

The two main certifications offered by ASTD are the Certified Professional in Learning and Performance (CPLP) and the Associate Professional in Talent Development (APTD). The CPLP certification is designed for experienced professionals who have at least three years of experience in the field. It requires passing a comprehensive exam that covers topics such as instructional design, evaluation, facilitation, and technology-based learning. The APTD certification is designed for entry-level professionals who have less than three years of experience in the field. It requires passing an exam that covers topics such as adult learning principles, training delivery methods, assessment techniques, and project management.

It typically takes about six months to one year to prepare for either certification program. This includes studying for the exams, attending workshops or courses related to training and development, participating in practice exams or simulations, and completing any required assignments or projects.

The cost of each certification program varies depending on factors such as location, time frame chosen for study preparation, type of materials used during preparation (e.g., books or online courses), etc. Generally speaking, it can range from $500-$2,000 USD per program.

To get certified through ASTD’s programs you must first register with ASTD’s Certification Institute website where you will be asked to provide background information including your educational history and work experience related to training and development. Once your registration has been approved you will be able to select which certification program you wish to pursue (CPLP or APTD) as well as pay any applicable fees associated with taking the exam(s). After successfully passing the exam(s), you will receive your official certificate from ASTD’s Certification Institute verifying that you have met all requirements necessary for achieving your desired certification level.

10. National Association of State Workforce Agencies Certification Program

The National Association of State Workforce Agencies (NASWA) Certification Program is a voluntary program that recognizes the professional achievement of individuals working in the field of workforce development. This certification program provides an opportunity for individuals to demonstrate their knowledge and skills in the areas of labor market information, workforce development, and job services.

To become certified, applicants must pass a written exam that covers topics such as labor market analysis, job search techniques, career counseling, and other related subjects. The exam is administered by NASWA or its designated agent. It typically takes about four hours to complete the exam and applicants must achieve a score of 70% or higher in order to be certified.

The cost for the certification program varies depending on the state in which you are taking the exam. Generally speaking, it costs between $50 - $200 to take the exam.

Once an individual has passed the exam they will receive a certificate from NASWA that recognizes their professional achievement in workforce development. The certificate is valid for three years and can be renewed by passing another written exam or completing continuing education credits in relevant topics.

11. Institute for Performance and Learning Certifications

Institute for Performance and Learning Certifications are professional development certifications that recognize the knowledge and experience of those working in the field of learning and performance. The Institute provides four levels of certification: Certified Training and Development Professional (CTDP), Certified Performance Improvement Professional (CPIP), Certified eLearning Designer (CeLD), and Certified Learning Executive (CLE).

The CTDP is designed for professionals who design, develop, implement, evaluate, or manage training programs. The CPIP is designed for professionals who design, develop, implement, evaluate, or manage performance improvement programs. The CeLD is designed for professionals who design digital learning experiences. And the CLE is designed for leaders in the field of learning and performance who have achieved a high level of competency in their area of expertise.

It typically takes between 6 to 12 months to complete each certification program depending on the individual’s experience and level of commitment. To get certified, individuals must meet specific criteria including having a certain amount of work experience in the field as well as completing an exam.

The cost to become certified varies depending on the level you are pursuing but typically ranges from $500-$1,000 USD per certification.

Do You Really Need a Human Resources Analyst Certificate?

The answer to this question depends on your career goals and the type of job you are seeking. If you are looking to become a Human Resources Analyst, then in most cases, a certificate is required. Depending on the type of job you are applying for, some employers may require additional credentials such as a bachelor's degree or even an MBA.

A Human Resources Analyst Certificate can provide you with valuable knowledge and skills that will make you stand out from other applicants. This certificate program usually covers topics such as employee relations, recruitment and selection, training and development, performance management systems, compensation and benefits, labor law compliance, organizational development and change management. Having a certificate demonstrates that you have taken the time to gain knowledge in these areas which could be beneficial for any employer looking for someone with expertise in human resource management.

Having a Human Resources Analyst Certificate could also open doors to more job opportunities within the field of human resources. A certificate may also increase your salary potential if you decide to pursue a career in human resource management. It could also lead to greater advancement opportunities as many employers prefer candidates who possess additional certifications or degrees in this field.

In conclusion, if you want to pursue a career in human resources analysis it is highly recommended that you obtain a Human Resources Analyst Certificate. It will give you the necessary skills and knowledge needed to excel in this field while providing employers with an indication of your commitment and dedication towards professional growth in this area.

Related: Human Resources Analyst Resume Examples

FAQs About Human Resources Analyst Certifications

Q1. What certifications are available for Human Resources Analysts?

A1. The Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) offers the SHRM Certified Professional (SHRM-CP) and SHRM Senior Certified Professional (SHRM-SCP) certifications, as well as the Global Professional in Human Resources (GPHR®) certification through HR Certification Institute (HRCI).

Q2. How do I become certified as a Human Resources Analyst?

A2. To become certified, you must pass an exam that tests your knowledge of human resources management practices and principles. You must also meet certain prerequisites based on your level of experience in the field.

Q3. How long does it take to become certified?

A3. The time to complete the certification process varies depending on the type of certification you are pursuing. Generally, it takes about 3-6 months to prepare for and pass an exam for any of the available certifications.

Q4. What is the cost associated with obtaining a certification?

A4. The cost of obtaining a certification depends on which certification you pursue and whether or not you need to pay for additional materials such as study guides or practice exams. Generally, costs range from $200-$500 USD depending on the type of certification sought after.

Q5 Is certification necessary to work as a Human Resources Analyst?

A5 No, certification is not required to work in the role of a Human Resources Analyst; however, having a professional credential may increase your chances of landing jobs in this field and can help demonstrate your expertise and commitment to professional development in human resources management.