Top 10 Human Resources Associate Certifications

Certifications are important for a human resources associate in the job market because they demonstrate a level of expertise and knowledge in the field. They provide employers with assurance that the candidate is qualified to handle the responsibilities associated with the role. Certifications also show employers that the associate is committed to their professional development and is up-to-date on best practices. Additionally, having certifications can give HR associates an advantage over other applicants who may not have them, making them more attractive candidates to potential employers.

The purpose of this article is to review some of the top certifications for Human Resources Associates and explain how these certifications can help to advance their career.

What are Human Resources Associate Certifications?

Human Resources Associate Certification is a professional certification that demonstrates an individual’s knowledge and skills in the area of human resources. This certification can be beneficial for those who wish to pursue a career in the field of Human Resources. It can also be beneficial for those already working in the field, as it provides recognition and validation of their knowledge and skill level.

The certification is awarded by the National Association of Human Resource Professionals (NAHRP) after the successful completion of a comprehensive exam. The exam covers topics such as employment law, recruitment and selection, compensation and benefits, training and development, employee relations, labor relations, organizational development, labor economics, safety management and risk management. Upon successful completion of the exam, individuals are awarded a certificate that is valid for three years.

Having a Human Resources Associate Certification can help individuals stand out among other job applicants when applying for positions within HR departments or companies that need expertise in this area. As well as being recognized by employers looking to fill HR positions, having the certification may also provide greater opportunities for promotions within organizations or higher salaries when negotiating with potential employers. Additionally, having this certification may open up new networking opportunities with other HR professionals across different industries or even lead to consulting work or speaking engagements at conferences related to human resources topics.

Pro Tip: When considering a Human Resources Associate Certification, make sure to research the requirements and benefits of each certification program. Look for programs that offer a comprehensive curriculum and provide access to resources such as industry-specific job postings and professional development opportunities. Additionally, consider the cost of the program and ensure that it fits within your budget.

Related: What does a Human Resources Associate do?

Top 10 Human Resources Associate Certifications

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

1. Professional in Human Resources (PHR) Certification

Professional in Human Resources (PHR) certification is a credential offered by the Human Resource Certification Institute (HRCI). It is designed to recognize those who have mastered the technical and operational aspects of human resource management. The PHR certification demonstrates that an individual has achieved a certain level of knowledge and expertise in the field of human resources. It is one of the most widely recognized HR certifications available.

The PHR certification process typically takes several months to complete, depending on how much time an individual is able to devote to studying for the exam. To become certified, individuals must first meet eligibility requirements, which include having at least two years of professional-level experience in HR management or related fields, as well as passing a comprehensive exam.

The cost for taking the PHR exam varies based on location and other factors, but it typically ranges from $300-$400 USD. In addition to the cost of taking the exam, individuals may need to purchase study materials or enroll in a prep course in order to adequately prepare for the test.

Once an individual has passed their PHR exam, they will receive their official certification from HRCI and can begin using their credentials to demonstrate their expertise in HR management.

2. SHRM Certified Professional (SHRM-CP) Certification

The SHRM Certified Professional (SHRM-CP) certification is a professional credential designed to demonstrate mastery of the core competencies of human resource management. It’s offered by the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM), the world’s largest HR membership organization. The SHRM-CP is an internationally recognized credential, which signifies that an individual has mastered the technical and operational aspects of HR practice.

It typically takes between three and six months to prepare for and earn the SHRM-CP certification, depending on how much time you can devote to studying and preparing for the exam. To get certified, you must pass a comprehensive exam that tests your knowledge of human resource management. You must also meet certain educational and/or work experience requirements in order to be eligible for the exam.

The cost of taking the SHRM-CP certification exam varies by country, but generally ranges from $300 to $400 USD. In addition to this fee, you may also need to pay for study materials such as textbooks or online courses, as well as any other costs associated with preparing for the exam.

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

The Society for Human Resource Management Senior Certified Professional (SHRM-SCP) Certification is a professional certification offered by the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM). It is designed to recognize individuals who have achieved a high level of expertise in the field of human resource management. The SHRM-SCP certification is intended to demonstrate an individual’s commitment to the HR profession and their ability to effectively manage people, processes, and resources.

In order to qualify for the SHRM-SCP certification, applicants must meet certain educational and experience requirements. Applicants must have a minimum of a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university, as well as at least three years of professional experience in human resource management. Additionally, applicants must pass an exam administered by SHRM that tests their knowledge and understanding of HR principles and practices.

The exam consists of two parts: a multiple choice section and an essay section. The multiple choice section covers topics such as organizational behavior, labor relations, compensation and benefits, employee development, legal compliance, strategic planning, recruitment and selection, training and development, performance management, total rewards systems, diversity management, global HR management, risk management and safety programs. The essay section requires applicants to write responses to questions related to their job responsibilities as an HR professional.

Once an applicant has met all the qualifications for the SHRM-SCP certification they can apply online through the SHRM website. The cost of applying for the certification is $300 USD plus any applicable taxes or fees that may be required by your jurisdiction. Once your application has been approved you will be scheduled for the exam which typically takes about four hours to complete.

After passing the exam you will receive your SHRM-SCP certification which is valid for three years from date of issuance. In order to maintain your certification you will need to participate in continuing education activities each year that are related to human resource management topics such as employment law or organizational development.

4. Global Professional in Human Resources (GPHR) Certification

Global Professional in Human Resources (GPHR) certification is a professional certification program offered by the Human Resource Certification Institute (HRCI). It is designed to recognize and validate the knowledge, skills, and abilities of human resource professionals with global experience. The GPHR certification is ideal for those who manage HR functions across multiple countries, cultures, and legal systems.

It typically takes between six months and one year to obtain the GPHR certification. To be eligible for the GPHR certification, individuals must have at least three years of professional HR experience in two or more countries, as well as an undergraduate degree from an accredited college or university. Additionally, applicants must pass a comprehensive exam that covers topics such as international labor laws, global workforce management strategies, and cross-cultural communication.

The cost of obtaining the GPHR certification varies depending on the country in which you are located. Generally speaking, it costs around $500-$700 USD to take the exam. Additionally, there may be additional costs associated with taking preparatory courses or other materials needed for study purposes.

Overall, obtaining the GPHR certification is a great way to demonstrate your expertise in global human resources management and can help you stand out among other job candidates when applying for jobs in this field.

5. Associate Professional in Human Resources (aPHR) Certification

The Associate Professional in Human Resources (aPHR) certification is a professional credential offered by the HR Certification Institute (HRCI). It is designed to recognize the knowledge and skills of entry-level human resources professionals. The aPHR certification demonstrates an individual’s commitment to the profession and provides evidence of their competency in core HR functions.

It typically takes about three months to prepare for the aPHR exam, depending on the individual’s level of experience and study habits. To get certified, individuals must first meet eligibility requirements, which include having at least one year of professional experience in human resources or related fields. Once eligible, individuals can register for the exam and pay the associated fee.

The cost of taking the exam varies based on whether an individual is an HRCI member or non-member. For members, it costs $300 USD; for non-members, it costs $400 USD. Additionally, there are study materials available from HRCI that may be purchased separately.

6. WorldatWork Certified Compensation Professional (CCP) Certification

The WorldatWork Certified Compensation Professional (CCP) certification is a professional credential that recognizes expertise in the field of compensation. It is designed for experienced professionals who are responsible for the design, implementation, and management of total rewards programs. The CCP certification requires a comprehensive understanding of the principles and practices of compensation, including job analysis, pay structure design, performance management, incentive plans, and benefits.

To obtain the CCP certification, individuals must have at least five years of experience in compensation or related fields and complete an application process that includes passing a written exam. The exam covers topics such as job analysis, pay structure design, performance management systems, incentive plans and benefits. The exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions and takes approximately three hours to complete.

The cost to take the CCP exam varies depending on your country/region. In the United States it costs $595 USD; in Canada it costs $695 CAD; in Europe it costs €495 EUR; and in Australia it costs $795 AUD.

In addition to passing the exam, applicants must also submit proof of their work experience to WorldatWork before they can receive their certification. After successfully completing all requirements for the CCP certification program, individuals will be awarded a certificate from WorldatWork recognizing them as a Certified Compensation Professional (CCP).

7. WorldatWork Total Rewards Association (TRA) Certification

The WorldatWork Total Rewards Association (TRA) Certification is a professional certification program designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated expertise in total rewards. It is the only professional certification that focuses exclusively on total rewards, including compensation, benefits, work-life effectiveness, recognition and performance management. The TRA Certification is offered by WorldatWork, a non-profit association for professionals in the field of total rewards.

The certification process consists of two parts: an online exam and an application process. The online exam consists of 150 multiple choice questions and takes approximately three hours to complete. The exam covers topics such as total rewards strategy, compensation design and administration, benefits design and administration, work-life effectiveness strategies, recognition programs, performance management systems and global reward considerations. After passing the exam with a score of at least 70%, applicants must submit an application packet that includes a resume demonstrating their relevant experience in total rewards.

The cost of the TRA Certification ranges from $500 - $1,000 depending on whether you are a member or nonmember of WorldatWork. The entire process typically takes 4-6 weeks to complete once all materials have been received by WorldatWork.

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

The International Public Management Association for Human Resources (IPMA-HR) Certified Professional is an internationally recognized certification program that recognizes and validates the knowledge, skills, and abilities of human resources professionals. It is designed to validate a professional's ability to manage the complexities of modern public sector human resource management.

The IPMA-HR Certified Professional credential requires a minimum of three years of experience in public sector human resource management as well as successful completion of a comprehensive exam. The exam covers topics such as labor relations, employee benefits, recruitment and selection, compensation and classification, performance management, and training and development.

To get the IPMA-HR Certified Professional credential, applicants must first submit an application to IPMA-HR along with supporting documentation. Applicants must also complete a pre-certification course or workshop prior to taking the exam. Once all requirements have been met, applicants can take the exam at any approved testing center.

The cost of obtaining the IPMA-HR Certified Professional credential varies depending on whether you are taking the pre-certification course or not. The cost for just taking the exam is $395 for members and $495 for nonmembers. If you choose to take the pre-certification course or workshop, then the cost is $695 for members and $795 for nonmembers.

9. HRCI Recertification Program

The HRCI Recertification Program is designed to help Human Resources professionals stay up-to-date on the latest trends and best practices in the field. It is a three-year cycle of continuing education, professional development and assessment that helps HR professionals maintain their certification.

To qualify for recertification, an individual must have earned 60 Professional Development Credits (PDCs) over a three-year period. PDCs can be earned by attending seminars and workshops, reading books, taking online courses, or attending conferences related to Human Resources topics.

The process of getting recertified takes about 3 months from start to finish. First, you must submit an application with all required documents such as your current resume and transcripts from any HR-related courses you’ve taken since earning your certification. After submitting the application, it will take approximately 8 weeks for HRCI to review it and make a decision on whether or not you are eligible for recertification. If approved, you will receive your new certification within 6 weeks.

The cost of recertification varies depending on the type of certification you hold. For example, the cost of recertifying as a Professional in Human Resources (PHR) is $100 USD while the cost of recertifying as a Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR) is $200 USD.

10. National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) Associate Professional Development Certificate

The National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) Associate Professional Development Certificate is a professional development program designed to help individuals who are interested in pursuing a career in the college and university recruiting industry. The program consists of five courses, each focusing on a different aspect of the college recruitment process. It takes approximately six months to complete all five courses, although some students may finish sooner depending on their individual learning style and pace.

The first course provides an introduction to the college recruiting process, including topics such as employer branding, job postings, and candidate sourcing. The second course focuses on developing effective communication strategies for engaging with candidates throughout the recruitment process. The third course covers interviewing techniques for evaluating potential hires. The fourth course teaches best practices for onboarding new hires and retaining them over time. Finally, the fifth course explores how to effectively manage relationships with college recruiters and other stakeholders in the hiring process.

In order to receive the NACE Associate Professional Development Certificate, students must successfully complete all five courses within six months. Each course costs $125 USD and includes access to online resources such as webinars, case studies, and videos related to college recruitment topics. Upon completion of all five courses, students will receive a certificate from NACE recognizing their achievement.

Do You Really Need a Human Resources Associate Certificate?

A Human Resources Associate Certificate can be a great asset for anyone looking to work in the Human Resources field. It can provide an individual with the necessary knowledge and skills needed to excel in the HR industry.

The certificate can provide a strong foundation of knowledge that is beneficial for all areas of Human Resources. This includes topics such as recruiting, employee relations, performance management and training and development. A certificate holder will also have a better understanding of how to apply laws, regulations and ethical practices when dealing with personnel matters. Furthermore, they will learn methods for developing effective strategies to resolve workplace issues.

Having this type of certification can demonstrate to employers that the individual has a strong commitment to their professional development and has taken initiative to expand their knowledge base. It is also likely that someone who holds this certificate will be more attractive to potential employers as it shows an investment into their career path.

Overall, having a Human Resources Associate Certificate can provide you with the opportunity to stand out from other applicants vying for the same job position. It demonstrates your dedication and commitment to the profession, which could make all the difference when it comes time for employers to make their hiring decisions.

Related: Human Resources Associate Resume Examples

FAQs About Human Resources Associate Certifications

1. What is a Human Resources Associate Certification?

Answer: A Human Resources Associate Certification is a professional certification which demonstrates a mastery of the core principles and practices of human resources management. It is designed to demonstrate knowledge in areas such as recruiting, hiring, performance management, employee relations, training and development, compensation and benefits, and other HR-related topics.

2. What are the benefits of obtaining a Human Resources Associate Certification?

Answer: Benefits of obtaining a Human Resources Associate Certification include increased job opportunities, greater credibility with employers, improved salary potential, and enhanced professional marketability. It also provides recognition for your experience in the field and can be used to demonstrate your commitment to professional development.

3. What types of jobs require or prefer a Human Resources Associate Certification?

Answer: Jobs that require or prefer a Human Resources Associate Certification include HR Manager, Recruiter, Training Specialist, Compensation Analyst, Employee Relations Manager and other HR-related positions.

4. How long does it take to obtain a Human Resources Associate Certification?

Answer: The time it takes to obtain a Human Resources Associate Certification depends on several factors including the type of program you choose and how much time you dedicate to studying for the exam. Generally speaking however it can take anywhere from 6-12 months if you are enrolled in an accredited program or self-study course.

5. What is the cost of obtaining a Human Resources Associate Certification?

Answer: Costs for obtaining a Human Resources Associate Certification vary depending on the type of program or course you choose to pursue but generally range from $500-$1,000 USD depending on what materials are included in the program fee (such as textbooks).